Seahawks Surge into Playoff Picture with OT Thriller, Rashid Shaheed Emerging as X-Factor
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just win a game last Thursday night - they made a statement. Down 16 points in the fourth quarter against a division rival that’s had their number in recent matchups, Seattle stormed back to shock the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, 38-37. It was the kind of win that doesn’t just shift standings - it shifts narratives.
This was more than just the biggest victory of the Mike Macdonald era. It was a defining moment in a season that’s starting to feel very familiar to Seahawks fans - the kind of season that, historically, ends with a trip to the Super Bowl. And if you look at the pattern of previous Seattle teams that made it to the big game, 2025 is starting to check a lot of the same boxes.
A Comeback for the Ages
Let’s talk about the comeback itself. Down double digits in the fourth quarter, against a Rams team that’s known how to frustrate them in recent years, the Seahawks found another gear.
It wasn’t always clean, and it wasn’t always pretty, but it was relentless. That kind of resilience - especially against a well-coached team like Sean McVay’s Rams - speaks volumes.
The Rams have often been a thorn in Seattle’s side, and for good reason. McVay has consistently found ways to exploit mismatches and throw off Seattle’s rhythm.
But this time, the Seahawks flipped the script. They didn’t just survive - they responded.
And they did it with big plays, clutch execution, and a belief that’s been building all season.
Rashid Shaheed: The Spark Plug Seattle Needed
One of the biggest difference-makers in this late-season surge? Rashid Shaheed.
After a slow start to his Seahawks tenure, Shaheed has come alive at exactly the right time. His speed, field vision, and ability to stretch defenses have added a new dimension to Seattle’s offense.
He’s not just a complementary piece - he’s become a focal point. And in a game where every possession mattered, Shaheed showed up in a big way.
This is exactly what the Seahawks were hoping for when they made the move to acquire him at the trade deadline. It wasn’t just about adding talent - it was about adding the right kind of talent. And now, with a 12-3 record and the NFC’s top seed in their sights, it’s clear that Shaheed’s presence has helped elevate this team from good to potentially great.
Defensive Questions Still Linger
Of course, no game - even one as thrilling as this - is without its concerns. Seattle’s defense gave up 37 points and struggled to contain the Rams for large stretches of the game. That’s not the kind of performance you want to see heading into January, especially when the margins get razor-thin.
There are still questions about the pass rush, about the secondary’s consistency, and about how this unit will hold up against the NFC’s elite offenses. But the good news?
They’ve got time. And more importantly, they’ve got momentum.
Roster Moves and Depth Flexibility
Seattle also made some roster tweaks this week, signing safety D’Anthony Bell from the practice squad and bringing back cornerback Tyler Hall. Hall, who’s bounced around the league over the past few seasons, returns to provide depth in a secondary that’s been tested by injuries and inconsistency. These aren’t headline-grabbing moves, but they’re the kind of depth plays that can matter when the postseason grind begins.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on the No. 1 Seed
With only one game left on the Week 16 slate, the Seahawks have already clinched a playoff berth. But they’re not done - not even close. The No. 1 seed in the NFC is still very much in play, and Seattle controls its own destiny heading into Week 17.
That top seed means a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs - both of which could be massive for a team that thrives in front of its home crowd.
Around the NFC West
Elsewhere in the division, the Arizona Cardinals continue to evaluate their future, with head coach Jonathan Gannon’s job status drawing attention. The Cardinals couldn’t close out tight games this season, but there’s a growing belief they may stick with Gannon to build continuity.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to be one of the top names in the upcoming head coaching cycle. He’s not actively chasing a job, but opportunities are coming - and they’ll be tough to pass up.
Final Word
The Seahawks are peaking at the right time. They’ve got a quarterback playing with confidence, a dynamic new weapon in Rashid Shaheed, and a roster that’s showing it can win in multiple ways - even when things get chaotic. And while questions remain on the defensive side of the ball, this team has the look - and the feel - of a legitimate contender.
If history is any indication, seasons like this don’t come around often. And when they do, Seattle usually finds itself playing deep into January - and maybe even February.