Seahawks Defeat Rams 31‑27, Secure Super Bowl 60 Spot Against Patriots
Updated (2 articles)
Seahawks Edge Rams to Earn Super Bowl 60 Berth The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31‑27 in the NFC Championship on Jan 26, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, clinching their fourth Super Bowl appearance and first in 11 years. The win sets up a showdown with the New England Patriots, who captured the AFC title by defeating the Denver Broncos 10‑7. Super Bowl 60 will be played Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in Santa Clara, California [1][2].
Quarterback Sam Darnold Throws Three TDs While Injured Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns despite an oblique strain reported earlier in the playoffs. He opened with a 51‑yard completion and later hit Cooper Kupp for a 13‑yard TD and Puka Nacua for a 34‑yard score, committing no turnovers. Coaches and analysts highlighted his poise and impact throughout the game [1][2].
Jaxon Smith‑Njigba Sets Franchise Playoff Receiving Record Wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba hauled in 10 catches for 153 yards, the second‑most receiving yards in a single Seahawks playoff game, and added a touchdown. His production complemented scores to Jake Bobo, Nacua, and Kupp, helping Seattle maintain a 31‑27 lead through the final quarter. Both outlets cited his yardage as a pivotal factor in Seattle’s offensive rhythm [1][2].
Rams’ Mistakes and Defensive Plays Preserve Seattle Lead Defensive back Devon Witherspoon broke up a fourth‑down pass in the end zone on a Rams drive, preserving Seattle’s advantage late in the contest. The Rams also suffered a muffed punt by Xavier Smith and a taunting penalty on cornerback Riq Woolen, granting Seattle extra possessions that led to scoring drives. These miscues, combined with the Seahawks’ offensive surge, swung momentum decisively in Seattle’s favor [1][2].
Sources
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1.
King5: Seahawks clinch NFC title, set Super Bowl 60 showdown with Patriots: Provides a detailed recap emphasizing Darnold’s injury‑ridden performance, Smith‑Njigba’s franchise‑record yardage, scoring bursts from Nacua and Kupp, Patriots’ AFC win, and notes the “beast quake” from the prior 49ers game .
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AP: Seahawks Secure Super Bowl Spot with 31‑27 Victory Over Rams: Focuses on Darnold’s three TDs, Witherspoon’s critical defensive stop, Smith‑Njigba’s yardage, Rams’ miscues, and includes coach commentary, but omits Patriots details and the “beast quake” context .
Timeline
Jan 19, 2026 – Seattle crushes the San Francisco 49ers 41‑6 at Lumen Field, generating a seismic “beast quake” that underscores the Seahawks’ dominant playoff momentum heading into the NFC championship. [2]
Jan 25, 2026 – New England defeats Denver 10‑7 in the AFC Championship, clinching a spot in Super Bowl 60 and setting up a showdown with Seattle. [2]
Jan 26, 2026 – Sam Darnold, playing through an oblique strain, completes 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, steering Seattle to a 31‑27 win over the Rams and securing the NFC title at Levi’s Stadium. [1][2]
Jan 26, 2026 – Devon Witherspoon breaks up a critical fourth‑down pass in the end zone, preserving Seattle’s lead and highlighting the defense’s clutch performance. [1]
Jan 26, 2026 – Jaxon Smith‑Njigba posts 153 receiving yards on 10 catches—the second‑most in Seahawks playoff history—and adds a touchdown to the victory. [1][2]
Jan 26, 2026 – Rams miscues, including Xavier Smith’s muffed punt and Riq Woolen’s taunting penalty, grant Seattle extra possessions that lead to a 34‑yard touchdown by Puka Nacua. [1]
Jan 26, 2026 – Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald praises Darnold’s impact, while Rams coach Sean McVay calls Matthew Stafford “the MVP of the league,” reflecting contrasting post‑game assessments. [1]
Feb 8, 2026 – Super Bowl 60 is slated for 3:30 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, pitting the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. [2]
External resources (3 links)
- https://x.com/NFL/status/2015590807206875573 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/NFL/status/2015612455158976655 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/2015606662904918099 (cited 1 times)