Score: Seahawks 38, Rams 37
Seahawks Takeaway: The NFC West Runs Through Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks got revenge from an earlier loss in the season against the rival Rams. Though Thursday’s contest was much different in multiple regards.
Yes, Mike Macdonald’s crew found way to win. However, the Seahawks did so in overtime after trailing by 16 points with less than nine minutes left to play. Seattle’s vaunted defense also surrendered 581 yards, while Los Angeles held a 14-plus-minute time-of-possession advantage.
Everything indicated that Seattle should have lost. Instead, the Seahawks answered the bell and came out victorious in overtime thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold getting on track during the second half, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba showing up when it mattered and the defense stiffening up late in the fourth quarter despite surrendering far too many yards.
As a result, Seattle now sits atop the NFC West. The Seahawks own a one-game lead over the Rams and currently claim a better conference record as well.
Winner: Wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Superstars make plays even when the opposing team, everyone in the stadium and those watching on television know they’re getting the ball. In the case of Smith-Njigba, he provided an excellent second-half showing, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime, after not catching a pass during the first two frames.
The NFL’s leading receiver quickly went from a no-show to demanding the football.
Smith-Njigba may not have kept pace with Puka Nacua, who produced a whopping 225 receiving yards, but the former target provided 96 yards during the second half and extra time, even though no other wide receiver on the roster managed more than three catches.
When the Seahawks had to have a score, Smith-Njigba’s four-yard touchdown reception became the game’s deciding play.
Rams Takeaway: No Longer the NFC’s Best
The Rams had been considered the NFC’s top squad throughout the majority of the 2025 campaign. Los Angeles even staked its claim as the best the NFL had to offer this season. Neither is true any longer.
In fact, the Rams find themselves in a precarious position, even with an 11-4 record. With a win this weekend, the San Francisco 49ers will own the same record, while featuring a superior conference record.
Los Angeles could easily find itself out of the NFC’s No. 1 spot, thus owners of a bye to open the postseason, to third place within the division.
Loser: Head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Prior to Thursday’s overtime loss, the Rams held a 323-1 all-time record when winning by 15 or more points during the fourth quarter, according to the Amazon Prime telecast. The Seahawks had never won a game when facing that setup. Well, they do now.
When a team experiences a historic collapse, the onus falls on the coaching staff, specifically the head coach, for not getting the job done. After Sam Darnold’s second interception, Los Angeles’ previously potent offense strung together two consecutive three-and-outs.
The Rams had the game won. Instead, they gave the contest away and now face a far more difficult road to win a championship.
