Seahawks complete stunning comeback in instant-classic NFC West showdown

photo from nfl.com

By Walker Johnson

Dec 19, 2025, 12:27AM

SEATTLE — In a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic contests of the 2025 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 38–37 in overtime Thursday night at a raucous Lumen Field. The victory not only delivered a crushing blow to a division rival, but also vaulted Seattle into firm control of the NFC West and further solidified its standing as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

For much of the night, it appeared the Rams were in complete command. Matthew Stafford orchestrated an explosive offensive performance with 457 yards passing with three touchdowns. Stafford, sliced through Seattle’s secondary with precision and tempo. Los Angeles built a commanding 30–14 lead early in the fourth quarter, leaning on Stafford’s arm and the dynamic playmaking of Puka Nacua, who consistently won matchups and extended drives with contested catches having 225 yards receiving and two scores. The Rams’ offense was nearly unstoppable, piling up yardage at will and forcing Seattle into uncomfortable defensive looks.

But the momentum shifted dramatically midway through the fourth quarter, sparked by a special teams play that ignited the stadium. Rashid Shaheed broke loose for a 58-yard punt return touchdown, instantly cutting into the deficit and breathing life into a Seahawks team that had been searching for a spark. From that moment on, the energy inside Lumen Field swung decisively in Seattle’s favor.

Quarterback Sam Darnold, who endured a rocky start marked by turnovers and stalled drives, responded with poise and resilience. He led a series of urgent scoring possessions, attacking the middle of the field and spreading the ball to multiple receivers. Seattle’s offense found rhythm just as Los Angeles began to show cracks defensively.

The Seahawks continued to chip away, converting key fourth downs and executing in high-pressure situations. A pivotal sequence late in regulation featured two successful two-point conversions, including a chaotic play in which a pass was ruled a backward throw, allowing Zach Charbonnet to recover the loose ball in the end zone to tie the game. What once looked like a comfortable Rams victory had suddenly turned into a dead-even contest.

Overtime only added to the drama. Los Angeles struck first, with Stafford once again finding Nacua in the end zone to regain the lead and place immense pressure back on Seattle. Undeterred, the Seahawks answered with a composed and determined drive of their own. Darnold delivered a clutch touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, setting the stage for a defining coaching decision.

Rather than settling for a potential tie, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald opted to go for the win. On the decisive two-point conversion, Darnold calmly found Eric Saubert in the flat, sealing the 38–37 walk-off victory and sending the crowd into a frenzy. The aggressive call underscored Seattle’s confidence and belief in its offense at the most critical moment of the season.

The comeback effort was supported by a strong performance from Kenneth Walker III, who eclipsed the 100-yard mark and delivered a momentum-shifting 55-yard touchdown run earlier in the game. Seattle’s ability to remain patient, resilient, and opportunistic ultimately proved decisive.

413’s Bottomline

For the Rams, the loss was a heartbreaking collapse after controlling much of the contest. Stafford finished with eye-popping numbers, and Nacua delivered one of the best performances by a receiver this season, but late defensive lapses and special teams breakdowns allowed Seattle to climb back into the game. The defeat drops Los Angeles to 11–4, tightening the race for playoff seeding and dealing a major blow to their divisional hopes.

Seattle, now 12–3, emerges from the night with momentum, confidence, and control of its postseason destiny. The Seahawks not only secured a pivotal divisional win, but also sent a clear message to the rest of the NFC being the number one overall seed as for now. This team can win under the brightest lights, no matter the odds.