Seahawks Edge Rams in Instant Classic, Take Command of NFC West - But Lose Derick Hall to Suspension
Thursday Night Football delivered a thriller, and the Seattle Seahawks came out on top in a game that will be remembered long after the 2025 season wraps. In a back-and-forth battle with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle pulled off a dramatic win that not only electrified fans but also reshaped the NFC playoff picture.
With the victory, the Seahawks now sit alone atop the NFC West and hold the No. 1 seed in the conference. That’s a massive development with just two regular-season games remaining. Home-field advantage is suddenly within reach, and if Seattle can close out strong, the road to the Super Bowl could run through Lumen Field.
But the celebration comes with a caveat.
Linebacker Derick Hall won’t be suiting up for Seattle’s next game. The NFL handed down a suspension following an unsportsmanlike conduct incident against the Rams. It’s a tough blow for a defense that’s been gaining momentum, especially with playoff positioning on the line.
Hall’s absence will be felt. He’s been a tone-setter on the edge, bringing physicality and energy to a front seven that’s been quietly improving as the season has progressed. Losing that kind of presence, even for one game, is no small thing-particularly with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers up next.
Seattle does get a bit of a breather with the mini-bye that comes after a Thursday night game, and that extra rest could be key as they prep for the final stretch. The Panthers are up in Week 17, and then it’s a heavyweight showdown with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18-a game that could have major implications for seeding, and possibly the division crown if things tighten up.
As for Hall, his next opportunity to return will come in that Week 18 clash. And given what’s at stake, that could be a critical reentry point.
For now, the Seahawks are flying high, controlling their own destiny with two games to go. But they’ll need to navigate the next step without one of their defensive anchors.