Seahawks Rally From 16‑Point Deficit to Stun Rams in Overtime Thriller, Clinch Playoff Spot

In a dramatic Thursday night showdown, the Seattle Seahawks outscored the Los Angeles Rams 38‑37 after a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit. The game went into overtime, where Sam Darnold connected with rookie Jaxon Smith‑Njigba for a touchdown and then found wide‑open Eric Saubert for the decisive 2‑point conversion, giving the Seahawks a one‑game edge in the NFC West.

The Comeback Begins

Seattle trailed 30‑14 when Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown. Darnold immediately answered with a 2‑point conversion to Cooper Kupp, narrowing the gap to 30‑22. A three‑and‑out by the Rams left the ball in Seattle’s hands, and Darnold launched a 26‑yard pass to tight end AJ Barner for a touchdown, bringing the score to 30‑28. The Rams then attempted a quirky 2‑point play that tied the game at 30‑all. The ball was deflected from Darnold’s pass intended for Zach Charbonnet, initially ruled incomplete, but replay review revealed it was a backward pass. Charbonnet, who had picked up the loose ball in the end zone, was credited with the two points.

Overtime Surge

The Rams received the ball first in overtime. Matthew Stafford found Puka Nacua, who slipped untouched into the end zone for a 41‑yard touchdown, making the score 37‑30. Seattle responded with a 12‑yard pass to Jaxon Smith‑Njigba for a touchdown, followed by a 2‑point conversion to Eric Saubert that sealed the win. Darnold’s final throw in the game was a 2‑point conversion that gave Seattle a 38‑37 victory.

Statistical Highlights

• Sam Darnold finished with 270 yards passing and two touchdowns, but was intercepted twice, once by 297‑pound defensive end Kobie Turner. He had thrown four interceptions in a 21‑19 loss to the Rams on Nov. 16.
• Jaxon Smith‑Njigba recorded eight catches for 96 yards, the only offensive contribution that put Seattle ahead.
• Puka Nacua finished with 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford completed 457 yards passing, the third‑most of his career, and had three scores. The Rams’ offense totaled 581 yards without a turnover.
• Seattle’s defense forced the Rams to punt four times and miss a field goal on their final five possessions of regulation.

Injuries

• Rams: Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return.
• Seahawks: Three secondary players exited in the fourth quarter—safety Coby Bryant (knee), safety Nick Emmanwori (concussion evaluation), and cornerback Riq Woolen (knee).

Post‑Game Implications

Seattle’s 12‑3 record clinched a playoff berth and positioned the team for the top seed in the NFC. Los Angeles, now 11‑4, will need to overtake Seattle in the final two weeks of the season to avoid a road playoff opener.

Upcoming Games

• Rams will travel to Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 29.
• Seahawks will visit Carolina on Sunday, Dec. 28.

Key Takeaways

• Seattle rallied from a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to win 38‑37 in overtime.
• Darnold’s 2‑point conversions were critical, including a quirky play that tied the game.
• Rams’ offense produced 581 yards, yet turnovers and defensive stops sealed the game for Seattle.

The game showcased the Seahawks’ resilience and the Rams’ inability to close out the fourth quarter. With a playoff spot secured, Seattle will look to build momentum heading into the postseason while the Rams scramble to improve in the remaining regular‑season games.