Seahawks Clinch Playoff Spot with Overtime Win Over Rams

Overview: Seattle staged a dramatic comeback to beat the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime, clinching a playoff berth and ending a two-year gap. The victory also reshaped the NFC West standings as Seattle surged to the top of the group.

Game flow and key turning points

The Rams led 13-7 at halftime, before Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III burst for a 55-yard touchdown, pulling the Seahawks closer. A sequence swinging momentum followed when Rams cornerback Josh Wallace intercepted Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown; on the very next play, Blake Corum finished a one-yard drive to push L.A. ahead again.

Early in the fourth quarter, Matthew Stafford connected with receiver Puka Nacua for a touchdown to make it 30-14 in favor of the Rams. Seattle teenager Rashid Shaheed then produced a 58-yard punt return for a touchdown, keeping the game within reach and reigniting the home crowd’s energy.

Darnold later found AJ Barner in the end zone, and Seattle added the two-point conversion to force overtime. In the extra period, Darnold’s second touchdown pass—this one to star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba—proved decisive, followed by the two-point conversion to seal the win.

Standings and impact

The victory lifts Seattle to a 12-3 record, surpassing the Rams (11-4) in the conference standings and reclaiming the division lead. Los Angeles, having earned a postseason berth earlier in the day, sees their seed drop to fifth after this result.

Notable performances

Sam Darnold rebounded from two early interceptions to throw two touchdown passes, including the overtime winner to Smith-Njigba. Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished with 96 receiving yards, while his season total sits at an NFL-leading 1,541 yards. Puka Nacua added a second touchdown for the Rams and sits second in receiving yards with 1,367 on the season after a career-best 225 yards on Thursday.

Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt return TD provided a crucial spark for Seattle, highlighting the team’s explosive plays on special teams.

Expert commentary

Expert note: Analysts say Seattle’s depth and late-game poise were the difference, with the defense tightening and the offense delivering when it mattered most. The win showcases the Seahawks’ ability to win in tight situations and control their postseason fate.

Summary

Seattle’s comeback victory on Sunday capped a dramatic afternoon, delivering a playoff berth and a top spot in the conference standings. The Seahawks leaned on clutch plays from their receiving corps and a timely overtime touchdown to secure the win. With a 12-3 record, Seattle solidifies its position heading into the final stretch of the season, while Los Angeles faces an uphill path in the seedings.

Key insight: Seattle’s resilience and depth in the clutch moments turned a late deficit into a decisive overtime victory, earning a playoff spot.

Source: BBC Sport

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