Seahawks Stun Rams With Overtime Comeback 38-37 Victory/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Seattle Seahawks overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime, clinching a playoff spot. Sam Darnold’s clutch throws and a bold two-point conversion sealed the historic win. Seattle now leads the NFC West with a 12-3 record.
Seahawks Comeback Win + Quick Looks
- Seahawks win 38-37 in OT after trailing by 16
- First NFL team to win via overtime 2-point conversion
- Sam Darnold connects with Eric Saubert for game-winner
- Seattle clinches playoff berth, takes NFC West lead
- Rams’ Puka Nacua has 12 catches, 225 yards, 2 TDs
- Darnold redeems himself after 4-INT loss to Rams in Nov.
- Unique Charbonnet touchdown on backward pass changes game momentum
- Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt return sparks late comeback
- Rams drop to 11-4, now fighting for Wild Card seeding
- Smith-Njigba sets Seahawks’ single-season reception record (104)
Seahawks Stun Rams With Overtime Comeback Victory
Deep Look
SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks pulled off one of the most dramatic victories of the 2025 NFL season on Thursday night, erasing a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime at Lumen Field.
It was a game full of twists, explosive plays, and bold decisions. After scoring a touchdown in overtime, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald opted against a game-tying extra point. Instead, he gave quarterback Sam Darnold the green light to go for the win.
Darnold delivered.
He found tight end Eric Saubert wide open for a successful two-point conversion — a gutsy call that made Seattle the first team in NFL history to win a game with a two-point conversion in overtime.
“It was something we had talked about,” said Macdonald. “Given the playoff situation, I wanted to trust our guys. And they delivered.”
Seattle’s win gave them a crucial one-game lead in the NFC West, improved their record to 12-3, and clinched a playoff berth with two games remaining. For the Rams (11-4), the loss puts them on the road in the postseason unless they can regain the division lead.
How It Unfolded
Los Angeles appeared in control for much of the night. Matthew Stafford threw for a season-high 457 yards and three touchdowns, including a 41-yard strike to Puka Nacua in overtime. Nacua had a career game with 12 receptions for 225 yards and two scores, moving into the NFL lead with 114 receptions on the season.
Still, the Rams’ offense, which racked up 581 total yards and avoided turnovers, couldn’t close the door.
The Seahawks clawed their way back in the fourth quarter thanks to several momentum-shifting plays. First came Rashid Shaheed’s electric 58-yard punt return touchdown, cutting into the Rams’ lead. Darnold then connected with Cooper Kupp on a two-point conversion to make it a one-score game.
Seattle forced a quick three-and-out, and Darnold followed with a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner.
Then came one of the most unusual plays of the game. On the two-point attempt, Darnold’s pass to Zach Charbonnet was deflected and ruled incomplete. But upon replay, officials determined the pass was backward. Charbonnet had already picked it up and walked into the end zone. Two points. Tie game. Overtime.
“I’m just glad Charbs picked it up,” Darnold said. “It changed everything.”
Darnold’s Redemption
Darnold’s performance was a far cry from his four-interception outing against the Rams back on Nov. 16. He finished this game with 270 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks — including one to defensive end Kobie Turner — but delivered in the moments that mattered most.
“His resilience, his steadiness, that’s what we need in big games,” said wideout Cooper Kupp. “He bounced back, and he led us.”
Darnold’s ability to respond under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter and overtime, earned praise across the board.
Smith-Njigba, Nacua Make History
Rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his standout season, increasing his receiving total to 1,637 yards and setting a Seahawks franchise single-season record with 104 receptions. He entered the game leading the NFL in receiving yards.
Puka Nacua, his Rams counterpart, wasn’t far behind. He now leads the NFL in receptions with 114 and has emerged as one of the league’s top breakout stars.
“Puka is a tremendous player,” Macdonald said. “You just have to tip your hat to some of the catches he made tonight.”
Rams Miss Adams, Settle For Field Goals
Los Angeles played without star wide receiver Davante Adams, who aggravated a hamstring injury in the previous week. His absence was felt in the red zone, where the Rams settled for three field goals in situations where Adams may have been a difference-maker.
Additionally, offensive lineman Kevin Dotson left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.
Injuries Update
- Rams: OL Kevin Dotson (ankle, out)
- Seahawks: S Coby Bryant (knee), S Nick Emmanwori (concussion evaluation), CB Riq Woolen (knee) — all exited in the fourth quarter
What’s Next
- Rams: Travel to face the Falcons on Monday, Dec. 29
- Seahawks: Head to Carolina for a matchup on Sunday, Dec. 28
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