Seahawks Survive Wild Overtime Shootout Against Rams 38-37

What an exhilarating contest! The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams delivered an unforgettable performance in Week 16, with the Seahawks triumphing in a nail-biting overtime victory, concluding 38-37. Both teams entered this NFC West showdown with remarkable records—Seattle at 11-3 and the Rams also at 11-3—which made this matchup essential for playoff standings.

First Quarter: Trading Early Blows

The Seahawks were the first to score when Zach Charbonnet executed a 4-yard touchdown run, culminating a remarkable drive that featured Kenneth Walker's dynamic 46-yard reception and run. The Rams swiftly retaliated with a methodical offensive drive; however, they had to settle for a 23-yard field goal from kicker Mevis, as a penalty nullified what would have been a touchdown pass. Toward the end of the quarter, Puka Nacua demonstrated his recent dominance by catching a stunning 54-yard throw from Matthew Stafford, placing the Rams in an advantageous position. After the opening quarter, Seattle led 7-3.

Second Quarter: Rams Take Control

Los Angeles found the end zone early in the second quarter when Terrance Ferguson nabbed a 3-yard touchdown pass from Stafford, marking the rookie tight end's second scoring reception of the season. The Rams' balanced offensive strategy was functioning seamlessly, with Blake Corum and Kyren Williams making significant contributions on the ground, while Stafford effectively dissected Seattle's defensive formations through the air. A critical turnover late in the half shifted momentum once again—Cooper Kupp fumbled after a reception, and the Rams recovered the ball at their own goal line, thwarting a potential scoring opportunity for Seattle. The Rams went into halftime with a 10-7 advantage.

Third Quarter: Explosive Plays Everywhere

The third quarter was dominated by remarkable plays! Kenneth Walker burst through the defense for an astonishing 55-yard touchdown run, showcasing his incredible speed as he navigated to the end zone without any defenders in sight. Seattle reclaimed the lead at 14-10, but their celebration was fleeting. The Rams countered with explosive plays of their own, including a 48-yard connection to receiver Smith, followed by a powerful 1-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum after a pivotal interception by Wallace. This quarter was marked by numerous shifts in momentum, capped off by Puka Nacua's impressive 58-yard reception, positioning the Rams deep within Seattle’s territory. Los Angeles headed into the final frame with a 17-14 lead.

Fourth Quarter & Overtime: Pure Drama

The fourth quarter was utterly thrilling! Puka Nacua caught a 1-yard touchdown pass, extending the Rams' lead, but Seattle's Rashid Shaheed countered with an electrifying 58-yard punt return touchdown. The teams exchanged scores and successful two-point conversions in a frenzied finish, resulting in the game being tied at 30-30 by the end of regulation.

In overtime, both offenses continued their impressive aerial strategies. Stafford connected with Nacua once more for a breathtaking 41-yard touchdown bomb—marking their third connection of over 40 yards in this contest! Nevertheless, Sam Darnold was not finished; he spearheaded the Seahawks on a masterful drive that culminated with Jaxon Smith-Njigba catching a 4-yard touchdown pass. The successful two-point conversion ultimately sealed the dramatic 38-37 victory for Seattle.

Star Performances

Puka Nacua was truly unstoppable throughout the game, securing 12 receptions for an impressive 225 yards and 2 touchdowns, further emphasizing his extraordinary late-season performance. Matthew Stafford threw for an outstanding 457 yards and 3 touchdowns, illustrating that he can still deliver impressive plays at the age of 37. For Seattle, Kenneth Walker showcased his versatility with a total of 100 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards, and a touchdown.

Looking Ahead

This hard-fought victory elevates Seattle’s record to 12-3, thereby solidifying their position as the top seed in the NFC and extending their winning streak to five games. The Rams, now at 11-4, still maintain a solid playoff position as the #5 seed. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to triumph in shootouts against formidable opponents, paving the way for exhilarating playoff pursuits in the future.