NFL Game Recap: Seahawks vs Rams – Sam Darnold Leads Seattle to Thrilling NFC Championship Victory

• Sam Darnold delivers a career-defining performance to send Seattle to the Super Bowl
• A dramatic fourth-down defensive stand seals a 31–27 win over the Rams
• Seattle advances to its first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years

Seahawks Punch Super Bowl Ticket in NFC Championship Classic

The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the Super Bowl after a heart-stopping 31–27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, a matchup that delivered elite quarterback play, momentum swings, and late-game drama. Playing in front of a raucous Seattle crowd, quarterback Sam Darnold authored one of the most remarkable postseason performances in franchise history, throwing for three touchdowns and 346 yards while leading Seattle past a resilient Rams squad led by Matthew Stafford. The win sends the Seahawks to their fourth Super Bowl appearance and their first since the 2014 season, where they will face the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Championship Overview
NFC Title Game Instant Classic

Final score: Seahawks 31, Rams 27
Venue: Seattle
Stakes: Super Bowl berth
Game decided on final defensive stand

Sam Darnold’s Redemption Season Reaches Its Peak

Once labeled a draft bust and passed over by multiple franchises, Sam Darnold’s journey reached a defining moment in his first season with Seattle. Despite playing through an oblique injury, the veteran quarterback was poised and efficient, completing 25 of 36 passes with zero turnovers. His connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba proved unstoppable, as the receiver hauled in 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown, the second-highest playoff receiving total in Seahawks history. Head coach Mike Macdonald credited Darnold’s leadership and toughness, emphasizing how the quarterback silenced doubters on the biggest stage.

Darnold’s Performance
A Statement Game

346 passing yards, 3 TDs
No interceptions or fumbles
First Super Bowl appearance
Played through injury

Rams Fight Back Behind Stafford’s Big Arm

Matthew Stafford delivered a vintage performance, throwing for 374 yards and three touchdowns while repeatedly challenging Seattle’s secondary. Puka Nacua emerged as a constant threat, including a spectacular 34-yard touchdown that narrowed the deficit late in the third quarter. However, costly mistakes haunted Los Angeles, including a muffed punt that directly led to a Seahawks touchdown. Despite moving the ball effectively, the Rams were unable to capitalize on their final red-zone opportunity, a moment that ultimately defined the outcome.

Rams Offensive Effort
Big Plays, Missed Chances

Stafford: 374 yards, 3 TDs
Nacua: key red-zone touchdown
Muffed punt led to Seahawks score
Late drive stalled at the goal line

Defense Delivers the Defining Moment

With the Rams threatening to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, Seattle’s defense rose to the occasion. On fourth-and-4 from the Seattle 6-yard line, cornerback Devon Witherspoon broke up Stafford’s pass in the end zone, preserving the Seahawks’ slim lead. The “Dark Side” defense, as Seattle calls it, held firm under pressure and prevented the Rams from getting the ball back with enough time to mount another drive.

Game-Changing Defense
One Play That Changed Everything

Fourth-down stop in red zone
Devon Witherspoon breakup
Rams denied potential go-ahead TD
Defense seals victory

Momentum Swings and Key Turning Points

Seattle struck early with a deep 51-yard completion from Darnold to Rashid Shaheed, setting the tone for an aggressive offensive approach. After trailing briefly, the Seahawks reclaimed control just before halftime with a rapid scoring drive that took only 34 seconds. Discipline nearly cost Seattle later, as a taunting penalty extended a Rams drive that ended in a touchdown, but the Seahawks responded by staying aggressive on offense and draining the clock when it mattered most.

Turning Points
How the Game Shifted

Early deep strike set tempo
Late second-quarter TD before halftime
Costly penalty extended Rams drive
Clock management sealed win

Injuries and Uncertain Futures

Both teams endured key injuries during the game. The Rams lost wide receiver Jordan Whittington and defensive lineman Kobie Turner, while the Seahawks saw linebacker Drake Thomas and fullback Brady Russell exit with injuries. Beyond the immediate concerns, questions loom about Stafford’s future, as the 37-year-old quarterback faces uncertainty despite an MVP-caliber season. For Seattle, optimism reigns as the franchise seeks its second Lombardi Trophy, recalling the glory days of the “Legion of Boom.”

Health and Outlook
What Comes Next

Multiple injuries on both sides
Stafford’s future unclear
Seahawks chasing second title
Super Bowl matchup ahead

Conclusion: A Defining Night for a Franchise and a Quarterback

This NFC Championship Game will be remembered as a turning point in Seahawks history and a personal triumph for Sam Darnold. From early adversity in his career to leading Seattle to the Super Bowl, Darnold’s story reflects resilience, belief, and opportunity meeting preparation. For the Rams, the loss stings, but their fight and elite quarterback play reaffirm their place among the NFL’s best. As Seattle prepares for the Super Bowl stage once again, this victory stands as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the thin margins that define championship football.

Key Points Summary

Sam Darnold leads Seahawks to a 31–27 NFC Championship win
Seattle advances to its first Super Bowl in 11 years
Devon Witherspoon’s fourth-down stop seals the victory
Rams fall short despite strong performances from Stafford and Nacua

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who won the NFC Championship Game between the Rams and Seahawks?
The Seattle Seahawks won 31–27 to advance to the Super Bowl.

How did Sam Darnold perform in the game?
Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.

What was the key play of the game?
Devon Witherspoon’s fourth-down pass breakup in the end zone late in the fourth quarter.

Who will the Seahawks play in the Super Bowl?
Seattle will face the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium.

Sources

CBS Sports – Detailed recap of the NFC Championship Game
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20260125_LAR@SEA/

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