Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams: Wild card game preview

Seahawks face the Rams for the second straight week

The Seattle Seahawks started off the decade right by making the playoffs which is their third straight trip to the postseason. Even though they just faced the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16, they are set to face them again based on seeding.

This article will cover the matchup history between the Seahawks and Rams, each team’s playoff history, what occurred last matchup, what to watch for, what needs to happen for a Seattle victory and a prediction.

Matchup history

The Seahawks and Rams have faced each other a total of 46 times including once in the playoffs with Seattle having the edge with a record of 25-21. The playoff matchup occurred in the 2004 season where the Rams won 27-20.

Playoff history

The Seahawks have been to the playoffs in 18 seasons with a combined even record of 17-17. They have one Super Bowl win which came in the 2013 season. In the wild card round, the Seahawks are 9-5.

The Rams first playoff appearance was back in 1945 where they won the championship (not to be confused with the Super Bowl). The Rams have been to the championship five times prior to 1966 and won two of them.

They’ve played a total of 47 playoff games with a 21-26 record and have made four Super Bowl appearances emerging victorious just once in 1999. In the wild card round, they are 3-6.

Last matchup

The Seahawks and Rams last faced off two weeks ago which was a crucial game for both teams. The winner of that game would have more than likely have taken the division in which the Seahawks won 20-9.

Russell Wilson completed 20 of 32 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown as well.

David Moore made a big play as he caught one pass all game but for 45 yards.

Jordyn Brooks led the Seahawks defense in tackles with eight (seven solo) while Jarran Reed got two sacks.

Jason Myers accounted for eight of the Seahawks 20 points in which he got a field goal of 49 yards.

The Seahawks relied on Michael Dickson five times in which he averaged 48.6 yards a punt. Four of his punts were within the opposing 20.

As a team, the Seahawks got 15 first downs, were 8/17 on third down and got five penalties for 31 yards.

Jared Goff completed 55.8% of his passes for 234 yards and an interception.

Darrell Henderson averaged 5.2 yards a carry on 12 tries.

Cooper Kupp got 66 reception yards while Josh Reynolds got 65.

Troy Reeder got 11 tackles (six solo) while the Rams combined for five sacks, two of them coming from Leonard Floyd.

Matt Gay accounted for all the Rams points as he was a perfect 3/3 on field goals with his longest one being 51 yards.

Johnny Hekker punted the ball four times for an average of 42.3 yards a punt.

The Rams got 20 first downs, were 9/19 on third down, 0/2 on fourth down and got five penalties for 45 yards.

What to watch for

Can the Seahawks offensive line prevent the Rams defensive line from getting by them? Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are arguably the best defensive end duo in the league who have combined for 18.5 sacks this season.

Can D.K. Metcalf be effective against the Rams? In two games against the Rams this season, Metcalf has caught eight passes for 87 yards. While he was used more in their second matchup, the first time the Seahawks faced the Rams he was close to nonexistent.

Keys to the game/What the Seahawks need to do to win

Wilson will need to be at his best. In both games combined against the Rams this season, he has completed 60.9% of passes with a touchdown and two interceptions. Wilson will need to be much better this time if the Seahawks want to advance to the next round.

The offensive line also needs to protect Wilson to the best of their abilities. Getting sacked five times in a game like last time can’t happen.

Prediction

This game is going to be a close one and it will be a nail-biter both for the Seahawks players and fans. The Rams are quite a balanced team and when Goff is on, they are as good as they were when they went to the Super Bowl in 2018.

Although, the Seahawks are quite as good as the Rams are and their defense, especially the secondary, has improved over the last few games. If Wilson can complete at least 65-68% of his passes and the defense carries over their momentum, the Seahawks can move onto the next round.

Final score: Seahawks 27 Rams 24