The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl after surviving a dramatic 31–27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship, a game defined by late-game defense and a career performance from quarterback Sam Darnold.
In a tense, back-and-forth battle between NFC West rivals, Seattle relied on a crucial fourth-down stop in the final minutes and a composed offensive performance to seal the victory. The win sends the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, where they will face the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX.
The Rams had a chance to take the lead late after closing the gap from an 11-point deficit, but Seattle’s defense delivered when it mattered most. On fourth-and-4 with under five minutes remaining, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford targeted tight end Terrance Ferguson in the end zone. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon broke up the pass, preserving Seattle’s 31–27 lead and effectively swinging the game.
Following the defensive stand, the Seahawks drained nearly all the remaining clock, leaving the Rams with little time and no timeouts for a final comeback attempt.
Former Ram Cooper Kupp played a pivotal role in closing out the game. On a critical third-and-8, Kupp made a contested catch near the sideline, stretching to reach the line to gain and securing a crucial first down. The play survived a brief debate but was upheld, allowing Seattle to continue burning clock. Kupp also made his mark earlier, catching a third-quarter touchdown to extend Seattle’s lead.
The night ultimately belonged to Sam Darnold, who delivered the most impressive performance of his career under the brightest spotlight. Long questioned for his play in big moments, Darnold answered decisively, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover.
Seattle struck first with a Kenneth Walker III rushing touchdown, but the Rams responded to take a 13–10 lead late in the second quarter. Darnold then engineered a rapid 74-yard drive in just 36 seconds, finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown to give the Seahawks a 17–13 halftime advantage.
The Seahawks continued to build momentum in the second half. After a muffed Rams punt, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a short touchdown. He later found Kupp in the end zone to push Seattle’s lead to 31–20 midway through the third quarter.
Smith-Njigba was outstanding alongside Darnold, hauling in 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. His performance capped a breakout season in which he led the NFL in receiving yards.
Despite the Seahawks’ strong play, the Rams refused to fade. A costly taunting penalty on Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen extended a Rams drive late in the third quarter, allowing Los Angeles to capitalize with a deep touchdown pass from Stafford to Puka Nacua. The Rams finished the game with 479 total yards of offense, testing Seattle’s top-ranked scoring defense throughout the night.
In the end, however, Seattle’s defense delivered the final word. The fourth-down stop and a disciplined closing drive ensured the Seahawks avoided disaster and completed the season sweep when it mattered most.
Now, Seattle turns its focus to the Super Bowl, where it will face the Patriots with a championship on the line — and with renewed belief behind a quarterback who delivered when it mattered most.
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