Seahawks Advance to Super Bowl with Thrilling 31-27 Victory over Rams
SEATTLE (AP) — In a nail-biting NFC championship game, the Seattle Seahawks secured their spot in the Super Bowl with a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Led by quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw for three touchdowns, and the team’s “Dark Side” defense, which made a crucial fourth-down stop, the Seahawks are headed to their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history.
The Seahawks, under the guidance of second-year coach Mike Macdonald, have shown remarkable resilience and determination this season. Darnold, an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team, has been instrumental in the team’s success, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. The Seahawks’ last Super Bowl appearance was 11 years ago, when they lost to the New England Patriots, their upcoming opponent in the championship game.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, left, runs against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Roger McCreary (25) during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Crucial Plays and Turning Points
The game saw several pivotal moments, including a critical fourth-down stop by the Seahawks’ defense. With the Rams facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay opted to go for it, but Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon. This play marked a significant turning point in the game, as the Rams did not regain possession until there were only 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.
Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams’ errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter, ultimately cost them the game. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown, securing a 24-13 lead for the Seahawks.
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a first down on fourth down as DeMarcus Lawrence #0 of the Seattle Seahawks attempts to make a stop during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Player Performances and Reactions
Darnold, who played through an oblique injury, completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving — the second-most in a playoff game in franchise history — and a touchdown on 10 catches. “It’s amazing,” Darnold said. “To be able to do it with these guys in this locker room, though, with this coaching staff, that’s why it means the world to me.”
Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s leading receiver in the regular season, demonstrated his determination and passion for the game. “I told my team, I’m going to do whatever it takes. Whatever y’all ask of me, I’m gonna get it done, whatever that might be,” he said. “And that’s what you saw today. You just saw grit, determination, you saw passion out there and you saw a group, a collective, going out there and getting the job done.”
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