Rams vs. Seahawks: NFC West Showdown Could Be Decided by Who’s Healthiest on Thursday Night
We’ve got a heavyweight rematch on tap for Week 16, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Los Angeles Rams are heading north to face the Seattle Seahawks in what could end up deciding both the NFC West crown and the No. 1 seed in the conference. But as kickoff draws closer, both teams are dealing with some serious injury concerns - and that could tilt the balance in a game that already promises playoff-level intensity.
Let’s start with Seattle, where the biggest red flag is waving at left tackle. Charles Cross, the anchor of the Seahawks’ offensive line, has now missed two straight days with a hamstring injury.
The team only held walkthroughs due to the short week, so the “did not participate” designation is an estimate - but it’s still not what you want to see this late in the week. Hamstrings are tricky, and for a lineman who relies on quick lateral movement and leverage, any tightness or strain can be a major problem.
The good news for Seattle? Everyone else on the roster was listed as a full participant. But make no mistake - if Cross can’t go, that’s a major blow for a Seahawks offense that’s already been sputtering.
Seattle hasn’t been able to get much going on the ground lately, and that’s put more pressure on Sam Darnold and the passing game. Without a consistent run threat, defenses are sitting back, and the results have been mixed at best.
Now they’re facing a Rams defense that’s been dialed in over the past few weeks - a group that’s flying to the ball and creating chaos up front. If Cross is out, Darnold could be under siege all night.
But the Rams aren’t coming in at full strength either. Star wideout Davante Adams has also missed the first two practices of the week with his own hamstring issue - one that’s been nagging him for the better part of a month. He aggravated it again on Sunday, and with a short turnaround, his availability for Thursday is very much in doubt.
That’s a massive potential loss for L.A. Adams remains one of the league’s best route-runners and a go-to option in big moments. Without him, the Rams will have to lean more heavily on their supporting cast - and against a Seahawks secondary that’s been opportunistic all season, that’s a tall task.
On the defensive side, Rams rookie Braden Fiske also missed Tuesday’s practice with an ankle injury. Fiske has been a disruptive force on the defensive line, and his absence would hurt the Rams’ ability to pressure Darnold and contain Seattle’s run game - assuming the Seahawks can get anything going on the ground.
So here we are: two division rivals, both battling for a playoff bye, both dealing with injuries to key players, and both knowing that Thursday night could define their season.
The winner gets control of the division and a clear path to the top seed. The loser?
They’re likely packing their bags for a road trip in the Wild Card round. In December, that’s a massive difference.
It’s going to come down to execution, adjustments - and maybe most importantly, who can stay upright long enough to make a play when it matters most.