Seahawks Defeat Rams 31‑27 to Earn Super Bowl 60 Spot
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NFC Championship Game Outcome and Score Seattle clinched its fourth Super Bowl appearance by beating the Los Angeles Rams 31‑27 on January 26, 2026, securing the NFC title and a berth in Super Bowl 60 scheduled for February 8 at 3:30 p.m. [1] The victory came after a tightly contested second half in which Seattle held a slim lead despite the Rams’ late surge. The win also affirmed Seattle’s position as the NFC’s No. 1 seed after a 14‑win regular season. [1]
Sam Darnold’s Performance Despite Injury Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns while playing through an oblique injury [1]. His resurgence built on a breakout 2025 season that helped Seattle secure the top seed. Darnold’s eight‑year, five‑team journey, including a playoff debut loss with the Vikings, highlighted his turnaround this year. [1]
Defensive Highlights and Devon Witherspoon’s Impact Cornerback Devon Witherspoon forced a critical turnover on a fourth‑and‑four at Seattle’s six‑yard line and later tackled receiver Puka Nacua in‑bounds to run out the clock [1]. The defense delivered multiple game‑saving stops in the final quarter, preserving the lead as the Rams narrowed the gap repeatedly. Coaches and teammates credited Witherspoon’s energy as a decisive factor in the win. [1]
Historical Context and Upcoming Super Bowl Matchup Seattle’s franchise holds one championship from the 2013 season and two recent Super Bowl losses, most recently a 28‑24 defeat to New England in Super Bowl 49 [1]. The Seahawks will seek redemption against the Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on February 8. The matchup revives a familiar opponent, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown. [1]
Timeline
2013 season – Seattle wins its first Super Bowl (Super Bowl 48) over Denver, establishing the franchise as a championship contender [1].
Feb 2015 (Super Bowl 49) – The Seahawks lose 28‑24 to New England, marking their most recent Super Bowl defeat before the upcoming 2026 game [1].
2024 season – Quarterback Sam Darnold guides the Minnesota Vikings to a 14‑3 record and earns a Pro Bowl selection, his breakout year before joining Seattle [2].
2025 playoffs – Darnold suffers his first playoff loss, a defeat with the Vikings against the Rams, highlighting a career setback he later overcomes [1].
2025 season – Kicker Jason Myers breaks the NFL single‑season scoring record with 171 points, surpassing David Akers’ 166‑point mark from 2011 [2].
2025 season – Seattle’s defense records a 26‑game streak without allowing a 100‑yard rusher, underscoring its dominance against the run [2].
2025 season – The Seahawks rank tied for seventh in the league with 47 sacks, reflecting a strong pass‑rush led by players like Leonard Williams [2].
2025 offseason – Left tackle Charles Cross signs a contract extension and is expected to return for the playoffs after a hamstring injury [2].
Nov 16, 2025 – After a loss to the Rams, Darnold’s production dips to eight touchdowns and eight interceptions over his final eight games, though Seattle still wins seven of those contests [2].
Late 2025 regular season – Darnold finishes with career‑best 67.7 % completion, 25 TD passes and 20 turnovers (14 INTs, six fumbles), cementing his role as Seattle’s offensive leader [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Teammates express confidence: right tackle Abe Lucas says Darnold “deserves Pro Bowl‑level recognition and must stay dialed in,” while wide receiver Jake Bobo adds the team will “find ways to win regardless of the stats” and trusts Darnold in clutch moments [2].
Jan 26, 2026 – Seattle defeats the Los Angeles Rams 31‑27 in the NFC Championship, with Darnold throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns despite playing through an oblique injury [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Cornerback Devon Witherspoon forces a turnover on a fourth‑and‑four at Seattle’s six‑yard line and later tackles receiver Puka Nacua in‑bounds to run out the clock, sealing the victory [1].
Jan 26, 2026 – Coaches and teammates praise Darnold’s leadership and Witherspoon’s “Dark Side” defensive energy, citing their pivotal roles in the championship win [1].
Feb 8, 2026 – The Seahawks will seek redemption in Super Bowl 60, facing the New England Patriots at 3:30 p.m., their first title game since the 2013 championship [1].
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External resources (1 links)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Akers (cited 1 times)