The AFC side of the Super Bowl equation is locked in - the Patriots are heading to Super Bowl LX. Over in the NFC, there’s still a half of football left to decide who’s joining them. But if the first 30 minutes of the NFC Championship are any indication, we’re in for a wild finish.
The Seahawks head into halftime with a 17-13 lead over the Rams in a back-and-forth battle that’s already delivered momentum swings, explosive plays, and standout performances.
Seattle Strikes Late
After trailing for the first time all game with under two minutes to go in the half, Seattle didn’t blink. The Rams had just capped a 12-play, 87-yard drive with a 9-yard catch-and-run from Kyren Williams to take a 13-10 lead. But the Seahawks got the ball back with 54 seconds left - and needed only 34 of them to flip the script.
Sam Darnold hit Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 42-yard strike to get deep into Rams territory, and two plays later, the rookie wideout finished the job with a 14-yard touchdown grab. That capped an impressive first half for Smith-Njigba, who’s been a problem for the Rams’ secondary. He’s already racked up seven catches for 115 yards, including a highlight-reel one-hander that reminded everyone why he was a first-round pick.
Rams Hang Tough
The Rams didn’t start fast - their opening drive was a three-and-out - but they found their rhythm quickly after that. They scored on three straight possessions, moving the ball efficiently against a Seattle defense that’s been tough all postseason.
Their first two scoring drives stalled inside the Seattle 35, but Harrison Mevis came through with field goals from 44 and 27 yards. Then came the Williams touchdown, a well-executed screen that capped a drive where Matthew Stafford looked in control, spreading the ball around and keeping the Seahawks off balance.
Stafford finished the half 8-of-15 for 125 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Puka Nacua on a 44-yard bomb - part of Nacua’s four-catch, 75-yard first half - and leaned on his running backs to keep the chains moving. Williams had 31 yards on seven carries, while rookie Blake Corum added 40 yards on his seven touches, showing some burst and vision between the tackles.
Seattle’s Offensive Balance
Seattle’s offense came out firing. On just their third play from scrimmage, Darnold found Rashid Shaheed deep for a 51-yard gain, beating Rams corner Darious Williams in one-on-one coverage. That set up Kenneth Walker III’s 2-yard touchdown run - his fourth score of the postseason - and gave the Seahawks an early 7-0 lead.
Darnold has looked sharp, completing 12 of 18 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He’s been in rhythm and made quick decisions, taking what the defense gives him while also uncorking a few deep shots to keep the Rams honest. Walker has chipped in with 37 yards on nine carries and added 24 more through the air on two receptions.
Jason Myers added a 27-yard field goal on Seattle’s second drive after the offense stalled inside the 10.
Halftime Numbers and What’s Next
The Seahawks hold a slight edge in total yardage, 239 to 204, and have scored on three of their five possessions. But the Rams have shown they can move the ball - and they’ll need to keep that up, especially with Seattle getting the ball to start the second half.
This one’s far from over. Both teams have playmakers on offense, and both quarterbacks are dealing. If the second half mirrors the first, we could be looking at a shootout to decide who meets the Patriots in Las Vegas.
Buckle up - 30 minutes to go, and everything’s on the line.