Seahawks beat Rams 31-27 in NFC title game, sending Sam Darnold to his first Super Bowl start

Seattle survives a late push to win the NFC

The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in a dramatic NFC Championship game. Seattle’s offense produced explosive moments through the air, and its defense delivered the defining sequence late, stopping a Rams drive in the red zone to preserve the lead.

Quarterback Sam Darnold, in his first season with Seattle, threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns. His performance put him in position to make the first Super Bowl start of his career, capping a postseason run that has changed the narrative around his journeyman path through the league.

Big games from pass-catchers, but mistakes loom large

Seattle wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a focal point, producing 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. For the Rams, Matthew Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but Los Angeles was hurt by critical errors, including a muffed punt and penalties that stalled momentum.

The game swung on high-leverage downs and field position, with both teams finding chunk plays but only Seattle consistently turning them into points in the moments that mattered most.

Next stop: the Super Bowl

With the NFC title secured, the Seahawks will now prepare for the Super Bowl, where they are set to face the New England Patriots. Seattle’s path forward will be shaped by health updates and whether its offense can maintain its efficiency against a championship-caliber opponent.

For the Rams, the offseason begins with difficult questions after a close loss, including how to reduce the mistakes that proved decisive and what comes next for key veterans.