The Rams vs Seahawks matchup has developed into one of the more interesting rivalries in the NFC West. These two teams have played plenty of close games over the years, and the rivalry has become even more compelling in recent seasons because of the stakes attached to their meetings.
Los Angeles and Seattle bring different identities to the field, but both teams have shown that they can make life difficult for the other. Whether it is a regular-season division game or a playoff meeting, Rams vs Seahawks often comes down to a handful of important plays rather than one team dominating from start to finish.
The rivalry also has plenty of recent history behind it. The teams played three times during the 2025 season, including the NFC Championship Game in January 2026. Seattle won that conference championship 31-27 at Lumen Field, adding another memorable chapter to the matchup.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Rams vs Seahawks So Interesting?
- Rams vs Seahawks Rivalry History
- Recent Rams vs Seahawks Meetings
- Rams vs Seahawks 2026 Schedule
- Key Players to Watch
- Offensive Comparison
- Defensive Comparison
- Rams vs Seahawks: Pros and Cons
- Rams vs Seahawks Comparison Table
- What Could Decide the Next Game?
- Why This NFC West Rivalry Matters
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Makes Rams vs Seahawks So Interesting?
The biggest reason the Rams vs Seahawks matchup attracts attention is simple: these games are rarely predictable. Both organizations have spent years building competitive teams, and divisional familiarity means neither side has much mystery about the other. Coaches and players understand the tendencies they are facing, which can make even small tactical decisions extremely important.
Another interesting element is the contrast between the two teams. The Rams have traditionally leaned heavily on offensive creativity under head coach Sean McVay, while Seattle has built a reputation around physical football and defensive discipline, particularly under its current coaching structure. Those approaches can create fascinating battles throughout the game.
There is also the NFC West factor. Division games carry extra importance because the teams meet regularly and the result can affect the standings, tiebreakers, playoff positioning, and overall momentum. When Rams vs Seahawks appears on the schedule, it is usually more than just another game.
Rams vs Seahawks Rivalry History
The history between these franchises goes back decades. According to Pro Football Reference’s all-time matchup records, the Seahawks hold a narrow 30-28 advantage in the overall series, including regular-season and postseason games. In the regular season, Seattle leads 26-29, while the Rams have a 2-1 postseason advantage.
The numbers show just how competitive the rivalry has been. There have been periods when one team controlled the matchup, but the overall series has remained relatively close. The teams have also experienced changes in location and identity over the decades, with the Rams previously playing in Cleveland and St. Louis before returning to Los Angeles.
That long history gives modern meetings additional context. Older fans remember completely different versions of these franchises, while newer fans have become familiar with the Sean McVay-era Rams and the evolving Seahawks organization. Despite all those changes, the matchup continues to produce meaningful games.
Recent Rams vs Seahawks Meetings
The recent history is particularly important when discussing the current rivalry. During the 2025 season, the Rams and Seahawks met three times, creating an unusual three-game series that included two regular-season games and the NFC Championship Game.
The Rams won the first of those regular-season meetings 21-19 on November 16, 2025. Seattle then answered with a dramatic 38-37 overtime victory on December 18. The Seahawks eventually hosted the NFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026, where they defeated Los Angeles 31-27.
NFL coverage described the three-game 2025 series as exceptionally close, with the combined margin across the three games being only seven points. That is a good illustration of how little separates these teams when they meet at their best.
Rams vs Seahawks 2026 Schedule
The 2026 schedule gives fans another important Rams vs Seahawks meeting. Los Angeles is scheduled to travel to Seattle in Week 16 on Friday, December 25, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and the game set to air on FOX. The matchup will take place at Lumen Field.
There is also a Week 18 meeting scheduled between the Seahawks and Rams in Los Angeles, although the exact date and kickoff time are listed as TBD. That means the two NFC West rivals are scheduled to meet twice during the 2026 regular season.
The first scheduled meeting should be particularly interesting because it comes late in the season. By Week 16, playoff positioning and division standings can make every possession more meaningful. A December game in Seattle also presents its own environmental and home-field considerations.
Key Players to Watch
Matthew Stafford remains one of the central names associated with the Rams offense. The veteran quarterback brings extensive experience to divisional games and has repeatedly been involved in high-pressure matchups. Through the first three games of the 2026 regular season, NFL’s matchup page listed Stafford with 872 passing yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions.
For Seattle, the passing game features quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba had 405 receiving yards, 27 receptions, and six touchdowns through three games of the 2026 regular season according to NFL’s matchup statistics. Those numbers make him an obvious player for the Rams defense to account for.
The running games will matter as well. Kyren Williams had 214 rushing yards through three games for Los Angeles, while Seattle’s J. Price had 119 rushing yards during the same span. Establishing the run can help both teams control the clock and reduce pressure on their quarterbacks.
Offensive Comparison
The Rams entered the 2026 season showing significant offensive production in terms of total yardage. Through three games, NFL listed Los Angeles at 417.7 yards per game, ranking first in the league at that point. However, the Rams were averaging 20.3 points per game, which ranked 20th.
That combination tells an interesting story. A team can move the ball effectively without always turning those drives into touchdowns. Red-zone execution, turnovers, penalties, and third-down performance can all determine whether strong yardage totals become points on the scoreboard.
Seattle’s offense had produced 367.7 yards per game through three games, ranking 10th, while averaging 25 points per game, ranked 13th. Those figures show that the Seahawks had been somewhat more efficient at converting their offensive production into points during the early portion of the season.
Defensive Comparison
Defense is another major part of the Rams vs Seahawks equation. Through three games in 2026, Seattle had recorded seven defensive sacks compared with three for Los Angeles. Seattle also had four interceptions, while Los Angeles had three.
Turnover differential is particularly important because it can completely change the flow of a divisional game. NFL’s 2026 matchup data listed Seattle at even turnover differential and Los Angeles at -3 through three games. Those numbers are early-season figures and can change quickly, but they provide useful context when examining the teams at this point in the season.
The defensive battle will likely come down to pressure, coverage, and third-down execution. If one defense can consistently create long-yardage situations, it can make life much harder for the opposing offense. At the same time, giving a quarterback too much time can be dangerous when the opposing passing attack has proven playmakers.
Rams vs Seahawks: Pros and Cons
Rams Pros
One clear advantage for Los Angeles is offensive yardage production. Through Week 3 of the 2026 season, the Rams were averaging 417.7 total yards per game, the highest figure shown on the NFL matchup page at that point. That suggests the offense has the ability to sustain drives and create opportunities.
The Rams also have a highly experienced quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Experience can be valuable in a divisional matchup where defenses often disguise coverages and change looks after the snap. Stafford’s familiarity with high-pressure situations adds another layer to the matchup.
Los Angeles also has an established coaching identity under Sean McVay. His offensive system has been one of the defining features of the Rams during his tenure, giving the team a recognizable approach built around formations, motion, play-action concepts, and quarterback decision-making.
Rams Cons
The biggest concern visible in the early 2026 numbers is the difference between yardage and scoring. Producing more than 400 yards per game while averaging only 20.3 points means the Rams have had opportunities that have not always translated into maximum points.
Turnovers are another issue worth watching. The Rams were listed at -3 in turnover differential after three games. Giving away possessions against Seattle can be particularly costly because divisional games can come down to a single possession late in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles also had only three defensive sacks through the opening three games. If the pass rush does not consistently affect the opposing quarterback, the secondary can be forced to cover for longer periods.
Seahawks Pros
Seattle’s early-season defensive numbers provide some positive indicators. The Seahawks had seven sacks and four interceptions through three games, while also holding an even turnover differential. Those numbers point toward a defense capable of creating disruptive plays.
The Seahawks also have an explosive receiving threat in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His 405 receiving yards and six touchdowns through three games show how quickly he can become a focal point of an opposing defense.
Home-field conditions can also become relevant when Seattle hosts Los Angeles. Lumen Field has long been known for a passionate home crowd, and the 2026 Week 16 matchup is scheduled to take place there on Christmas Day.
Seahawks Cons
Seattle’s total offensive yardage through three games was lower than Los Angeles’s, with the Seahawks averaging 367.7 yards per game. While that number still ranked 10th, sustaining drives against a Rams defense capable of creating turnovers could become an important challenge.
The Seahawks will also need to avoid allowing the Rams to dictate the tempo. Los Angeles has demonstrated an ability to accumulate yardage, so Seattle’s defense could spend significant stretches on the field if it cannot get off the field on third down.
Finally, the rivalry’s recent history demonstrates how narrow the margin can be. Seattle won two of the three 2025 meetings, but each of the three games was decided by a small margin. That means Seattle cannot assume past success will automatically translate into another victory.
Rams vs Seahawks Comparison Table
| Category | Los Angeles Rams | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Division | NFC West | NFC West |
| 2026 record entering Week 4 | 1-2 | 2-1 |
| 2026 points per game | 20.3 | 25.0 |
| 2026 yards per game | 417.7 | 367.7 |
| 2026 defensive sacks | 3 | 7 |
| 2026 interceptions | 3 | 4 |
| Turnover differential | -3 | 0 |
| 2026 Week 16 matchup | At Seattle | Home vs. Rams |
| Stadium for Week 16 | Lumen Field | Lumen Field |
| Head coach | Sean McVay | Mike Macdonald |
The 2026 statistics in this table reflect the NFL’s matchup information after three regular-season games, so they are a snapshot rather than full-season results.
What Could Decide the Next Game?
Turnovers could be one of the biggest factors. The recent history between these teams shows that neither side needs a huge statistical advantage to win. One interception, fumble, blocked kick, or fourth-down stop can change the entire game.
Red-zone efficiency will also deserve attention. The Rams have already demonstrated that they can move the football, but turning drives into touchdowns rather than field goals or punts can make a major difference. Seattle’s defense, meanwhile, will look to create pressure before Los Angeles can consistently establish its rhythm.
The final factor could be situational football. Third downs, two-minute drives, fourth-down decisions, field position, and late-game clock management often become magnified in divisional matchups. Given how close recent Rams vs Seahawks games have been, those small details could matter as much as overall yardage.
Why This NFC West Rivalry Matters
NFC West games carry additional importance because teams are competing directly for division positioning. A win against a divisional opponent can simultaneously improve one team’s record and damage a direct rival’s record.
The Rams and Seahawks have also recently shown that their rivalry can extend beyond the regular season. Their 2025 meetings included two regular-season games and an NFC Championship Game, with Seattle ultimately winning the conference title game 31-27.
That recent postseason meeting adds another layer to the 2026 schedule. Players and coaches from both organizations have firsthand experience of how closely matched these teams can be. The rivalry is no longer simply about historical records; recent competitive games have created their own modern storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rams vs Seahawks rivalry?
The Rams vs Seahawks rivalry is an NFC West matchup between Los Angeles and Seattle. The teams have played each other for decades, and the overall series is closely contested. Pro Football Reference lists Seattle with a 30-28 advantage in the all-time series, including postseason games.
Who leads the Rams vs Seahawks all-time series?
Seattle currently leads the overall series 30-28, according to Pro Football Reference. The regular-season record is also close, with Seattle holding a 29-26 advantage. In postseason meetings, the Rams have a 2-1 record against Seattle.
When do the Rams play the Seahawks in 2026?
The Rams are scheduled to visit Seattle in Week 16 on Friday, December 25, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game is scheduled to be played at Lumen Field and broadcast on FOX. The teams are also scheduled to meet in Week 18 in Los Angeles, although the date and kickoff time remain TBD.
Where will Rams vs Seahawks Week 16 be played?
The Week 16 matchup is scheduled for Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles is the visiting team for that game.
Who won the most recent Rams vs Seahawks playoff game?
Seattle defeated Los Angeles 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game on January 25, 2026, at Lumen Field. The Seahawks advanced after the four-quarter game ended with Seattle ahead by four points.
How many times did the Rams and Seahawks play in 2025?
The teams played three times during the 2025 season: twice during the regular season and once in the NFC Championship Game. The three games were decided by a combined seven points.
Who are the key players in Rams vs Seahawks?
For Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams are important offensive pieces, while Seattle has major receiving production from Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Through three games of the 2026 season, Stafford had 872 passing yards and six touchdowns, Williams had 214 rushing yards, and Smith-Njigba had 405 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Is Rams vs Seahawks an NFC West game?
Yes. Both Los Angeles and Seattle are members of the NFC West, along with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. Their divisional status means their meetings can have direct implications for the NFC West standings.
Final Thoughts
The Rams vs Seahawks matchup has all the ingredients of a modern NFL rivalry: divisional stakes, experienced coaching, talented quarterbacks and skill players, passionate fan bases, and a recent history filled with close finishes.
The 2025 season demonstrated just how competitive this matchup can become. Los Angeles and Seattle played three times, with the games separated by only seven points in total. Seattle eventually won the NFC Championship Game 31-27, but the narrow margins throughout the series showed that neither team was far from the other.
The 2026 schedule provides another opportunity for the rivalry to continue. With a Week 16 meeting scheduled in Seattle and another matchup scheduled for Week 18 in Los Angeles, Rams and Seahawks fans have two more divisional games to watch.
For fans following the rivalry, the most useful things to watch will be quarterback play, turnovers, pass rush, red-zone efficiency, and third-down performance. Those areas can turn a closely matched game in either direction, especially when the two teams already know each other’s systems so well.
Ultimately, that familiarity is what makes Rams vs Seahawks so entertaining. There is rarely much room for error, and a game that looks comfortable for one side can change in only a few possessions. That combination of history, rivalry, and competitive football is why this remains one of the NFC West matchups worth keeping an eye on.
