Live developing story as Seattle defeats the Rams in a dramatic title game
🔴 FINAL: Seahawks 31, Rams 27
Sam Darnold delivered the biggest performance of his Seahawks career Sunday night, leading Seattle to a dramatic 31–27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game and sending the franchise to Super Bowl LX.
Playing through a lingering oblique injury, Darnold stayed poised under heavy pressure, made key throws in every quarter, and engineered multiple scoring drives that ultimately proved too much for the Rams to overcome.
📰 TOP DEVELOPING HEADLINES
Darnold Starts Despite Injury, Delivers Under Pressure
Seattle confirmed before kickoff that Sam Darnold would start despite being limited in practice all week. The quarterback showed no hesitation, pushing the ball downfield early and taking control of the offense from the opening drive.
Seahawks Strike First, Take Halftime Lead
Darnold connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a crucial red-zone touchdown that gave Seattle a 17–13 halftime advantage in a tightly contested first half.
Third Quarter Surge Creates Separation
The Seahawks opened the second half with an aggressive passing attack. Darnold capped a long drive with a touchdown strike to extend the lead, then followed with another scoring series that put Seattle ahead by two possessions.
Rams Rally in the Fourth
Los Angeles mounted a late comeback, trimming the deficit to four points and forcing Seattle’s defense into a tense final stand.
Darnold Closes It Out
With the game on the line, Darnold delivered critical completions to burn clock, flip field position, and allow Seattle to seal the victory.
⏱ GAME FLOW SNAPSHOT
1st Quarter:
Seattle opens with balanced offense; Darnold establishes rhythm with short and intermediate throws.
2nd Quarter:
Touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba gives Seahawks momentum. Defense holds Rams to field goals.
Halftime:
Seahawks lead 17–13.
3rd Quarter:
Darnold throws for another score and engineers a second long drive, stretching the lead.
4th Quarter:
Rams cut the margin to 31–27. Seahawks defense forces a late stop. Darnold kneels out the clock.
📊 DARNOLD’S IMPACT
• Commanded the pocket despite injury
• Protected the football in high-pressure moments
• Converted key third downs
• Threw multiple touchdown passes
• Led four scoring drives
• Earned NFC Championship Game MVP consideration
🏆 WHAT IT MEANS
With the win, the Seattle Seahawks are NFC Champions and will advance to Super Bowl LX, where Sam Darnold will make the first Super Bowl start of his career.
Once considered a reclamation project earlier in his career, Darnold has now guided a franchise to the sport’s biggest stage, completing one of the season’s most compelling comeback stories.
📅 COMING NEXT
• Super Bowl matchup announcement
• Darnold’s postgame press conference
• Injury update and practice outlook
• Super Bowl betting lines and projections
• Legacy impact analysis
This story is developing. Updates will continue.