Seahawks Advance to Super Bowl with Thrilling 31-27 Victory over Rams
The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in franchise history after a nail-biting 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold, the Seahawks (16-3) will face the New England Patriots in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Darnold, an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team, threw for three touchdowns and 346 yards, completing 25 of 36 passes with no turnovers. His performance was instrumental in the Seahawks’ victory, which was marked by a critical fourth-down stop by the team’s “Dark Side” defense. With the Rams facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it, but Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon.
Key Plays and Turning Points
The game was filled with exciting moments, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown, giving the Seahawks a crucial lead. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also had a standout performance, with 153 yards receiving and a touchdown on 10 catches. Stafford, meanwhile, threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were ultimately undone by critical errors.
According to NFL.com, the Seahawks’ victory marked their first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years. The team will look to capitalize on their momentum as they head into the championship game. As noted by ESPN, Darnold’s performance was a significant factor in the Seahawks’ win, and he will be a key player to watch in the upcoming Super Bowl.
Post-Game Analysis and Reactions
In the aftermath of the game, coach Mike Macdonald praised his team’s resilience and determination. “I’m incredibly proud of our players and coaching staff for their hard work and dedication,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be headed to the Super Bowl and can’t wait to take on the Patriots.” Darnold also expressed his excitement, saying, “This is an incredible feeling, and I’m honored to be a part of this team. We’re going to enjoy this win tonight, but we know we have a lot of work ahead of us as we prepare for the Super Bowl.”
For more information on the Seahawks’ road to the Super Bowl, visit the Seattle Seahawks official website. Fans can also follow the team on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes insights.
