In a heart-stopping showdown on Thursday night, the Seattle Seahawks pulled off the first overtime 2-point conversion in NFL history to beat the Los Angeles Rams 38-37, snapping a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit and grabbing a one-game lead in the NFC West.
Game Summary
The Seahawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 22-6, but a surge that included a 58-yard punt return by Rashid Shaheed and a 26-yard touchdown to AJ Barner tied the game at 30-30. Darnold’s two-point conversion to Eric Saubert secured the tie, setting the stage for an overtime showdown.
Overtime Drama
The Rams earned the ball first in OT, but Matthew Stafford’s 41-yard pass to Puka Nacua made it 37-30. Nacua finished the night with 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns, and the Rams’ offense racked up 581 yards without a turnover. The Seahawks answered with a 2-point conversion to Cooper Kupp, sealing a 38-37 victory and the first ever win on an overtime 2-point conversion.
Key Players
“It was something we talked about throughout the season and particularly for this game because of the playoff situation,” Macdonald said. “You know, you play for the tie and lock up a playoff seat, but I just felt great about our play and I trusted our guys.”
Darnold finished 270 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions, one thrown to 297-pound defensive end Kobie Turner. He had previously thrown four interceptions in a 21-19 loss to the Rams on Nov. 16.
Smith-Njigba extended his season yardage to 1,637 and set a Seahawks franchise record with his 101st catch, while Nacua moved to 114 receptions for the season.
“Puka is a great player,” Macdonald said of Nacua. “He made some great contested catches that you have to chalk up to him being a great player.”
Playoff Implications
Seattle (12-3) clinched a playoff spot and moved into position for the top seed in the NFC, while LA (11-4) faces a road playoff opener if it can’t overtake the Seahawks. Darnold remarked, “We’re a very resilient, relentless group,” highlighting the team’s comeback spirit.
Injuries
The Rams were without Davante Adams, who aggravated a hamstring injury in a previous game and left the team unable to finish drives in the red zone. Kevin Dotson, an offensive lineman, suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return.
The Seahawks lost three secondary players in the fourth quarter: safety Coby Bryant (knee), safety Nick Emmanwori (concussion evaluation), and cornerback Riq Woolen (knee).
Key Takeaways
- Seahawks win on historic overtime 2-point conversion, 38-37 over Rams.
- Darnold’s clutch plays and 270 passing yards lift Seattle to NFC West lead.
- Rams offense tallied 581 yards, but turnovers and injuries hindered the comeback.
The game will be remembered for its dramatic finish, the resilience of the Seahawks, and the record-breaking 2-point conversion that secured their playoff berth.
Future Games
Rams will travel to Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 29, while the Seahawks head to Carolina on Sunday, Dec. 28.
