Seahawks Stun Rams with Wild Comeback, Take Control of NFC West
If you’re looking for a game that defines the chaos and beauty of December football, Thursday night’s showdown between the Seahawks and Rams delivered in full. Seattle pulled off one of the season’s most dramatic comebacks, flipping what looked like a sure loss into a statement win-and in doing so, they took a commanding step toward the NFC West crown and the conference’s top playoff seed.
Let’s set the stage: The Rams were rolling. Matthew Stafford had just hit Puka Nacua with a no-look touchdown pass-yes, you read that right, a no-look touchdown-that pushed L.A.’s lead to 30-14 with 13:34 left in the fourth quarter. Stafford was dealing, Nacua was unstoppable, and when Sam Darnold threw his second interception of the night deep in Rams territory, it felt like the lights were about to go out on Seattle’s division title hopes.
But the Seahawks weren’t done. Not even close.
Seattle’s defense, which has been quietly elite down the stretch, came up huge when it mattered most. After Darnold’s pick, the Seahawks forced a quick three-and-out.
That’s when Rashid Shaheed-acquired just last month in a trade with New Orleans-turned the game on its head. He fielded the ensuing punt and took it 58 yards to the house.
Just like that, Seattle was back in it. They nailed the two-point conversion, and suddenly it was 30-22.
The defense showed up again, forcing another Rams punt. Shaheed wasn’t done making plays, either.
He ripped off a 31-yard gain on an end-around, setting up another Seahawks touchdown drive. Then came one of the strangest-and most clutch-two-point conversions you’ll ever see.
Seattle dialed up a wide receiver screen, but Darnold’s pass ricocheted off a Rams defender’s helmet and rolled into the end zone. Running back Zach Charbonnet calmly scooped it up and walked in.
After a lengthy review, officials ruled it was a backward pass, making it a live ball. Conversion good.
Game tied.
That sent us to overtime, and the fireworks didn’t stop there. The Rams struck first with a field goal, but Seattle answered with a touchdown-and then finished it off with one final two-point conversion to seal the win.
This wasn’t just a comeback. It was a power shift.
Both teams came into the night tied at 11-3, but now, with just two games left, the Seahawks hold their playoff fate in their own hands. Wins at Carolina and San Francisco would lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed, giving them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It’s a huge edge in a conference that’s starting to feel like a two-team race.
That’s not to say the Rams are out of it. Far from it.
Stafford was sensational-457 yards, three touchdowns-and continues to build a strong case for MVP. And Nacua?
He’s on an absolute tear. His 12-catch, 225-yard, two-touchdown performance on Thursday made him just the third player in the past 30 years to post three straight games with at least 150 receiving yards.
The other two? CeeDee Lamb in 2023 and Josh Gordon back in 2013.
That’s elite company.
But for all of L.A.’s offensive firepower, special teams continue to be a sore spot. Shaheed’s return touchdown was the obvious dagger, but kicker Harrison Mevis also missed a 48-yard field goal late in the fourth that could’ve shifted the momentum back toward the Rams. That unit has been shaky all season, and it cost them in a game where every point mattered.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks have the inside track, but the 49ers are still lurking. If San Francisco (10-4) wins out-at the Colts, home against the Bears, then the finale against Seattle-they could still snag the top seed. That Week 18 clash could decide it all.
Bottom line: this game had everything-five lead changes, high-level quarterback play, explosive special teams, and one of the most bizarre two-point conversions you’ll ever see. If we’re lucky, these two teams will meet again in January, with even more on the line.
And if Thursday night was any indication, buckle up.