Seahawks Clinch Playoff Spot With OT Win Over Rams in Week 16
Seattle roared back from a big fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, sealing a spot in the NFL playoffs and reclaiming the division lead.
The Seattle Seahawks staged a dramatic comeback to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime, sealing a playoff berth for the season. They erased a 30-14 deficit in the fourth quarter to prevail 38-37 in Seattle.
The Rams had already secured a postseason spot, while Seattle booked their return to the playoffs after a two-year absence. The Seahawks moved to 12-3 at the top of the division, with the Rams dropping to fifth at 11-4.
Week 16 showdown: key moments
Seattle's offense woke late as Kenneth Walker III sprinted 55 yards for a touchdown to close the gap. A sequence in which Rams cornerback Josh Wallace intercepted Sam Darnold and returned it 56 yards, followed by Blake Corum scoring from one yard, extended Los Angeles' lead before Seattle rallied.
Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for a fourth-quarter touchdown to push the lead to 30-14, but Rashid Shaheed's 58-yard punt return sparked Seattle's comeback. Darnold answered with a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, and the Seahawks tied the game with a two-point conversion to force overtime.
In the extra period, Darnold found Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a go-ahead touchdown, then added the two-point conversion to seal the victory. Smith-Njigba finished with 96 receiving yards on the night.
The 23-year-old Smith-Njigba now leads the NFL with 1,541 receiving yards this season, while Nacua sits second at 1,367 after recording a career-high 225 yards on Thursday.
Expert view
Expert comment: Seattle demonstrated resilience down the stretch, turning a tough game into a crucial playoff clincher. The win showcased their balance on offense and a stingy defense when it mattered most.
Summary
Seattle's stunning fourth-quarter surge forced overtime and delivered a dramatic win to secure a playoff berth. The Seahawks rose to the top of the division, while the Rams faced a setback in the seedings. Smith-Njigba's standout receiving yardage capped a standout night for Seattle's offense.
Key takeaway: Seattle's late scoring burst and overtime heroics underscored their playoff poise. Source
Final takeaway: In the closing moments, Seattle proved it can win when it matters most, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
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