They split the season series, and now it's all on the line in the NFC Championship for these bitter division rivals.
The L.A. Rams are arriving in Seattle with a "road warrior" mentality that should make the Seahawks nervous according to NFL insider Peter Schrager. Despite the Seahawks' reputation for a "stingy" defense under Mike Macdonald, Schrager's latest ESPN First Take appearance highlights a Rams squad that is "on a mission."
Their first meeting was in Week 11, where Los Angeles' defense choked out Seattle in a 21-19 grinder. Fast forward to Week 16’s offensive classic where Matthew Stafford exploded, throwing for 457-yards and three touchdowns against that celebrated Seahawks "D".
More: Sam Darnold can make history: The 2018 draft class and USC milestones within reach
Puka Nacua was also unstoppable with a ridiculous 225-yard, two score performance. The 581-total yards was the most any offense had put up in a single game in 2025.
Though Seattle escaped with a 38-37 overtime win, the blueprint was laid out- the Rams know how to move the ball at will against the No. 1 seed.
"They are a team on a mission, and they are not scared of the Seattle Seahawks," Schrager noted, pointing to the Rams' fearlessness on the road. "They (L.A.) Beat them once, and in their heads, should have beat them twice."
The Seahawks have been adopting a more conservative attack with Sam Darnold the last quarter of this season. This is to try and avoid Darnold's increasing tendency for turning the ball over when pressured. If the Rams can contain Seattle's run-heavy game plan, get a lead, and force Darnold to take risks, they could be returning to the Super Bowl.
More NFL News
- Myles Garrett makes more NFL history; Browns star sets record 6-year run
- Bills fire Sean McDermott: 3 reasons Browns must hire him as next HC
- Sean McDermott vs. Jim Schwartz: Pros, cons, and best fit for Browns HC
- Who's going to the Super Bowl? ESPN NFL insider predicts wild match-up