The Los Angeles Rams will host the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium on January 5, 2025, for their regular-season finale, leaving fans excited about the clash between these NFC West rivals. The Rams have amassed a winning streak of five games and are coming off of a tight victory over the Arizona Cardinals, finishing 13-9. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will enter this matchup after defeating the Chicago Bears 6-3, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams as they gear up for one last game before the playoffs.
The kickoff for this much-anticipated game is set for 1:25 p.m. local time (4:25 p.m. EST / 9:25 p.m. GMT), where die-hard fans will gather to watch two teams driven by different motivations. The Rams have already clinched the NFC West title and are now vying for either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed entering the postseason.
With the Rams secured with playoff prospects, head coach Sean McVay announced plans to rest several key players, including quarterback Matthew Stafford and receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. This decision indicates McVay's focus on keeping his starters healthy for the playoffs instead of risking injuries on the final game of the season. “We have had some situations ... especially on the offensive line. Guys are banged up, but they’d be able to go if it was a normal game so we’re going to err on the side of caution with those guys,” McVay said.
For the Rams, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will take the helm, marking his first start for Los Angeles following previous stints with other teams. Interestingly, the last time any Rams quarterback had significant pressure during such circumstances, they managed promising outcomes, with the example of Baker Mayfield turning his last-minute start against the Seahawks last year, nearly leading the team to victory. The same anticipation surrounds Garoppolo's debut start as he aims to solidify his role within the team for future seasons.
The Rams' strategy entering this game revolves around depth and ensuring their younger, less experienced players perform under pressure, particularly as they look to maintain their momentum for the playoffs. With the absence of key skilled players, expectations will now shift to backup talents like Tyler Johnson, who has garnered attention as someone who has shown potential this season. Johnson shared, “I’ve been able to have some good reps with [Garoppolo] ... and I just want to go out there and make plays.”
Meanwhile, Seattle will approach this game with the desire to finish the season on a high note even though they have no playoff fate hanging on the line. The Seahawks sit with both motivation and pride as they attempt to secure their tenth win of the season. Coach Mike Macdonald indicated he wants his team to go out with strong performances, displaying their growth throughout the campaign. They remain focused and are determined to fight, highlighting the significance of finishing strong.
Quarterback Geno Smith, who is approaching personal milestones and has shown prowess throughout the season, leads the Seahawks. After their previous game, where they faced tough scenarios fighting to maintain their position, Smith aims to showcase his ability on this significant stage, seeking personal accolades and readiness for possible contract incentives. He remarked about the situation, “It’s about finishing strong and showing what we can do as we look to grow next year.”
The stakes are relatively lower for Seattle compared to Los Angeles, making this game feel more like a chance for young and eager rookies to shine, contingent on how both teams strategize their match-ups during the game. Yet, the coaching teams on both sides have expressed the importance of never underestimailing opponents and remaining prepared for any surprises during this concluding matchup of the regular season.
Fans can expect explosive plays throughout the game with both teams showcasing different talents and featuring younger athletes stepping up. A primary question influencing the flow of the game will be whether Rams’ depth can step up against the Seahawks’ determined drive. Notably, Joshua Karty’s most recent kicking performance turned heads — he will likely be pivotal for field goals as the Rams march to find their offensive rhythm against Seattle's defense, which has exhibited resilience particularly down the stretch of this season.
This game presents the potential for considerable drama and suspense. Expect both sides to show up and put on a show as they vie for pride and playoff positioning — making this matchup more than merely the last game of the regular season but rather signaling preparation and optimism for the future.
Fans can catch all the action live on DAZN and FOX as the Seattle Seahawks face off against the Los Angeles Rams. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this NFC battle set to be both competitive and suspenseful as the NFL regular season concludes.