The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are set to clash this Sunday at the regular-season finale, with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance for both teams. The Rams, who have clinched the NFC West title, are employing some strategic changes, opting to start backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to give veteran Matthew Stafford the chance to rest before the postseason. Meanwhile, the Seahawks, with their playoff hopes dashed, are focused on finishing the season strong under first-year coach Mike Macdonald.
Macdonald has made it clear: the Seahawks will not scale back their efforts. He emphasized, "Right now is not the time to diagnose all… let's make the best of this opportunity"—a sentiment reflecting the team's intent to play for pride and finish with ten wins. This season has been challenging for the Seahawks, who finished with records of 9-8 over the past two seasons. Securing the 10th win would symbolize progress for the team.
For the Rams, their season has swung remarkably after starting 1-4. They've turned their fate around, winning nine of their last eleven games. Stafford recently remarked on their performance, stating, "We didn’t do whole lot great, to be honest with you. Didn't run it great. Didn't throw it great. But found a way to get a win." Despite not scoring more than 21 points during their five-game winning streak, the Rams’ defense has been formidable, holding opponents to fewer than ten points during their last three outings, marking the franchise’s best defensive performance since 1975.
The Seahawks, led by quarterback Geno Smith, are aiming for personal milestones alongside team goals. Smith can earn three separate $2 million escalators if he reaches ten wins, accumulates 4,282 passing yards, and maintains his impressive completion percentage above 69.75%. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba needs just five catches to surpass Tyler Lockett's franchise record for receptions, and defensive lineman Leonard Williams is one sack shy of becoming the first Seahawk to post double-digit sacks since Frank Clark's 2018 season.
On the injury front, the Rams are facing several challenges. Stafford is considered doubtful to play alongside his top offensive weapons, receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams, both also recovering from injuries. Their absence could significantly impact the Rams' offensive strategies against the Seahawks. The Rams will still have Garoppolo under center, who is aiming to keep the team winning as they look to secure the NFC playoffs as either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.
Conversely, Seattle will also contend with injuries, as they are without offensive tackle Abraham Lucas and cornerback Josh Jobe. Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is questionable for the game, which could affect the Seahawks' defensive game plan as they look to keep the Rams' offense at bay.
Both teams will be motivated on Sunday—while the Seahawks strive for consistency and character building heading toward the playoffs, the Rams will work to solidify their postseason positioning. With Garoppolo starting and high-profile names potentially resting, the match-up promises to be strategically interesting, with layers of individual player goals woven throughout the game’s outcome.
Regardless of standings, expect an exciting clash as two teams aim to end their seasons on their terms, with the Seahawks hunting for their 10th win and the Rams working to fine-tune their strategy as they prepare for the playoffs.