Seahawks Rally Past Rams in Wild Comeback to Take NFC West Driver’s Seat
It’s not often a regular-season game feels like a playoff preview, but Thursday night in Los Angeles delivered just that - and then some. What started as a Rams showcase turned into one of the most dramatic comebacks of the year, with the Seahawks storming back from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to steal a 38-36 overtime win and take control of the NFC West.
Let’s break it down.
Rams in Control… Until They Weren’t
For the first three quarters, it looked like the Rams were ready to make a statement. Matthew Stafford was dealing - and not just in the usual way.
He hit Puka Nacua with a no-look touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter that stretched the Rams’ lead to 30-14. At that point, the game felt like it was slipping out of Seattle’s hands.
And when Sam Darnold threw his second interception of the night deep in Rams territory on the very next drive, it looked like the door had slammed shut.
But the Seahawks weren’t done. Not even close.
Seattle’s Defense Flips the Script
Credit Seattle’s defense for igniting the comeback. After Darnold’s pick, the Seahawks forced a quick three-and-out, giving their offense another shot. That’s when Rashid Shaheed - acquired just last month in a trade with New Orleans - made his presence felt in a massive way.
Shaheed fielded the Rams’ punt and took it 58 yards to the house, sparking life into the Seahawks’ sideline. A successful two-point conversion cut the lead to 30-22, and suddenly, it was game on.
The defense stepped up again on the next Rams possession, forcing another three-and-out. Then Shaheed, not done making plays, ripped off a 31-yard gain on an end-around that set up another Seattle touchdown. The Seahawks lined up for another two-point conversion, and that’s when things got weird.
One of the Wildest Two-Point Conversions You’ll Ever See
Seattle tried to run a wide receiver screen, but Darnold’s pass deflected off a Rams defender’s helmet and tumbled backward into the end zone. Running back Zach Charbonnet calmly scooped it up and walked in. After a lengthy review, officials ruled it a backward pass and a legal recovery - good for two points and a 30-30 tie.
From there, we headed to overtime.
Trading Blows in OT
The Rams struck first in the extra period, but the Seahawks answered right back. And when it came time for the final two-point conversion - the one that would decide it all - Seattle delivered again, sealing the win and pushing their record to 12-3.
Now, with two games left (at Carolina and at San Francisco), the Seahawks control their own destiny. Win out, and they’ll lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed and the all-important first-round bye.
What It Means for the NFC Picture
This wasn’t just a game - it was a potential turning point in the NFC playoff race.
The Rams came in tied with Seattle at 11-3, and while the loss stings, they’re still very much in the mix. Stafford was brilliant once again, throwing for 457 yards and three touchdowns. He remains firmly in the MVP conversation.
And Puka Nacua? The rookie wideout is on an absolute tear.
He posted 12 catches for 225 yards and two scores Thursday night, becoming just the third player in the past 30 years to notch three straight games with at least 150 receiving yards. The other two?
CeeDee Lamb in 2023 and Josh Gordon in 2013. That’s elite company.
But if there’s a concern for Los Angeles, it’s special teams. Shaheed’s punt return TD was a backbreaker, and kicker Harrison Mevis missed a 48-yarder that could’ve put the Rams ahead late in regulation. Mevis was brought in last month after Joshua Karty struggled with consistency, but the issues haven’t gone away.
Don’t Count the Niners Out
The Seahawks’ win also has major implications for San Francisco. Sitting at 10-4, the 49ers still have a path to the top seed if they win out - Monday night at Indianapolis, then home games against the Bears and Seahawks. That Week 18 clash with Seattle could end up deciding everything.
A Game of the Year Candidate
Five lead changes. A 16-point fourth-quarter comeback.
A walk-off two-point conversion in OT. This one had everything - drama, stakes, and superstar performances.
If we’re lucky, we’ll get a third installment of Seahawks-Rams in January. Based on what we saw Thursday night, it would be must-watch football.
Around the Sports World: Five Things That Caught the Eye
- Jalen Brunson’s game-winner - The Knicks guard hit a cold-blooded step-back three to beat the buzzer and earn a rare double “Bang!”
from Mike Breen. 2.
Brandon Miller’s poster dunk - The Hornets rookie threw down a vicious slam that had the bench on its feet. 3.
Cooper Flagg’s clutch moment - The high school phenom hit a big-time bucket late in the Mavericks’ win over the Pistons and added a highlight-reel dunk earlier. 4.
Victor Wembanyama’s four-minute flurry - The Spurs rookie put together three jaw-dropping plays in under four minutes, showing off his absurd versatility. 5.
Connor McDavid’s shorthanded magic - The Oilers star reminded everyone why he’s the best in the world with a dazzling shorty against the Bruins.
The playoff picture is tightening, and the NFC just got a whole lot more interesting. Buckle up - the next few weeks are going to be wild.