I realize that most of the world assumed the Chicago Bears were somehow destined to beat the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round and travel to Seattle with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The Bears were the better team on Sunday, and if their coach weren’t so disdainful of short field goals, they probably would have walked out of Soldier Field with a win.
But I’ve seen destiny come up short far too often to be a big believer. The Bears may have been better on Sunday, but the Rams were the better, more reliable team during the season, and I figured if there was indeed any destiny playing out, it was that LA and Seattle were destined to meet a third time to determine the NFC championship.
These were the two best teams in the NFC throughout the season. They may well have been the two best in the entire NFL, though it now appears that New England will have something to say about that in a few weeks. But first, we get a fascinating third matchup between two long-time rivals.
What does history tell us about the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams’ game on Sunday?
OK, the simple answer to the above question, as you probably know, is “not much.” There may be some interesting trends to consider, but both these teams are very different from the two that played just one month ago. Past performance -- so the saying goes -- does not guarantee future results.
The two games Mike Macdonald’s team played against the Rams in 2025 were extraordinary mirror images of each other. In each game, one team dominated, but the other team somehow won.
In November, the Seahawks were clearly the better team, but Sam Darnold’s four interceptions proved too much to overcome. A month later, it was the Rams' turn to control the game. However, Seattle pulled out the win because … to be honest, I still don’t know how the Seahawks won that game.
But they did, and that’s all that matters.
Do you think these teams are evenly matched? In the two games played this year, the combined score was 58-57 in favor of the Rams. LA gained 830 total yards in the two games. Seattle gained 829. Seattle held the ball for one minute longer. The Rams ran one more play.
Clearly, there is not much dividing these two squads.
The one area where the Rams clearly dominated was in quarterback-related stats. Sam Darnold threw six interceptions and was sacked four times. Matthew Stafford? Zero picks. Zero sacks.
That may seem like bad news for Seattle. I see it differently. Seattle is playing its best football right now. They have obliterated a quality 49ers’ team twice in three weeks. They have some important players nursing minor injuries, but are mostly healthy.
The Rams are scuffling. Though they will never say it, Stafford has not thrown the ball with his typical brilliance since appearing to damage a finger on his throwing hand last week.
If the Seahawks can play the Rams dead even despite that huge discrepancy in sacks and interceptions, they should do very well if they can even out those numbers. Even if they don’t, there is no reason to panic if Darnold throws a pick early on. Seattle has proven it can overcome a couple of bad plays.
Maybe we can find something in the historical record to help predict what may happen on Sunday. Seattle has a lead in head-to-head matchups, but like everything else in this series, the margin is razor thin … 29-28.
The only troubling stat, if you believe in such omens, comes in the playoff history. Seattle has played the Rams twice in the postseason – both times in the wild card round. The Rams won both matchups.
The first time was so long ago, the Rams were in St Louis. It was the 2003 season. Seattle was hosting and had a late lead, but somehow Marc Bulger hit Cameron Cleeland for the winning touchdown with a few minutes left. You remember Cameron Cleeland, right? Sure you do.
Then, in January 2022, Seattle was hosting again. (I’m getting bad karma there. Good thing I don’t believe in it.) This time, the Rams got out in front fast and never really looked back. They harassed Russell Wilson all game long, sacking him five times and picking him off once. They also got a fumble from kick returner D. J. Reed on the way to a 30-20 win.
But I feel good about this week. I think it will be a dogfight, but Seattle is playing better right now, and they should be able to control the line of scrimmage.
Besides, if you want a sign, consider this:
- Do you know who the Rams’ leading receiver was when they beat Seattle five years ago? Cooper Kupp.
- Do you know who their leading runner was? He was unstoppable on the day, running for 131 yards and a touchdown. It was Cam Akers.
Both are now members of the Seahawks. If you can’t beat ‘em….
You know the saying. Of course, sayings don’t win football games. Better teams usually do. The Seahawks are a better team at this point in history, and they should begin writing a new chapter on Sunday.