Seahawks Pull Off Historic Comeback, Overtake Rams for NFC’s Top Seed in OT Thriller
In a game that had just about everything-big plays, wild bounces, and a dash of chaos-the Seattle Seahawks pulled off the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history, rallying from 16 points down to stun the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime. With the win, Seattle didn’t just notch a dramatic victory-they took over the NFC’s No. 1 seed with two games left in the regular season.
Let’s set the stage: both teams entered the matchup tied atop the NFC at 11-3. The stakes?
Massive. The winner would control its own destiny for the conference’s top playoff spot and the all-important first-round bye that comes with it.
The loser? A steep drop to the No. 5 seed and a guaranteed road trip to open the postseason.
In other words, this one had playoff implications written all over it-and it delivered.
A Comeback for the Ages
Down 30-14 in the fourth quarter, Seattle needed a spark. They got one in the form of Rashid Shaheed, who took a punt 58 yards to the house. That return didn’t just cut into the deficit-it flipped the energy in the building and gave the Seahawks life.
From there, Sam Darnold took over. Yes, that Sam Darnold.
Darnold hit Cooper Kupp for a 2-point conversion to make it 30-22. Less than two minutes later, Darnold found tight end AJ Barner for a 26-yard touchdown, and things got even weirder from there.
The ensuing 2-point try looked like it had failed-until it didn’t. Darnold’s pass deflected off Rams linebacker Jared Verse’s helmet, bounced into the end zone, and was scooped up by running back Zach Charbonnet.
Officials initially ruled it incomplete, but after review, it was determined the ball had been thrown backward-a lateral-making it live. Charbonnet’s heads-up play tied the game at 30-30 with just over six minutes left.
Overtime Drama
The Rams struck first in overtime, with Matthew Stafford hitting Puka Nacua for a 41-yard touchdown. Nacua was sensational all night, finishing with 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford, for his part, was sharp-29-of-49 for 457 yards, three touchdowns, no picks.
But Seattle wasn’t done.
Darnold answered again, this time connecting with rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a 4-yard touchdown with just over three minutes left in the extra period. Rather than play for a second OT possession, Seattle went for the win-and got it. Darnold found tight end Eric Saubert for the game-winning 2-point conversion, sealing a 38-37 victory and sending Lumen Field into a frenzy.
The Numbers Behind the Chaos
Darnold finished with 270 yards on 22-of-34 passing, tossing two touchdowns and two interceptions. Not perfect, but when it mattered most, he delivered.
Running back Kenneth Walker was a force, racking up 100 yards on just 11 carries, including a 55-yard touchdown sprint. He also added 64 receiving yards on three catches, giving Seattle a much-needed dual-threat presence.
And while the Rams lost, Stafford and Nacua put on an offensive clinic. Stafford’s 457 passing yards were among the highest of his career, and Nacua continues to prove he’s not just a rookie standout-he’s a legitimate WR1.
Alabama Pipeline Well Represented
The game also featured a notable contingent of players with ties to Alabama high schools and colleges. Among the standouts:
- Josh Jobe (Alabama) started at corner for Seattle, making five tackles and breaking up two passes.
- Derick Hall (Auburn) added three tackles for the Seahawks from his linebacker spot.
- Jarran Reed (Alabama) chipped in three tackles at nose tackle.
- Darious Williams (UAB) made three tackles for the Rams in the secondary.
Several others were either inactive, on injured reserve, or part of the practice squad, including Jarquez Hunter, Roger McCreary, Velus Jones, and Robbie Ouzts.
What’s Next
The playoff picture is now tilting in Seattle’s favor. At 12-3, they hold the NFC’s top seed with two games to go. They’ll head to Charlotte next to face the Panthers on Dec. 28, followed by a potentially massive Week 18 showdown against the 49ers.
The Rams, now sitting at the No. 5 seed, will try to rebound on the road against the Falcons on Dec. 29 before closing the regular season against the Cardinals.
But for now, this one belongs to Seattle-a team that proved it can take a punch, get off the mat, and finish with a flourish. If you weren’t taking the Seahawks seriously before, it might be time to start.