In what could be one of the most entertaining games of the 2025 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks staged a surprising comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime, with quarterback Sam Darnold leading the effort and receiving high accolades from teammates and fans alike. 

Thursday night’s NFC West game at Lumen Field had everything a football fan could want: momentum swings, clutch plays, spectacular conversions, and a finish that will be talked about for weeks. Darnold’s performance was a textbook in resilience, as he led the Seahawks back from a seemingly insurmountable 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to win in dramatic manner.

A Rocky Start, But Poise Down the Stretch

The game didn’t begin in Seattle’s favor. Darnold, who had struggled against the Rams this season with multiple interceptions in previous matchups, threw two interceptions early and Seattle found themselves trailing 30–14 deep into the fourth quarter. 

Yet in typical Seahawks fashion, the storm didn’t break the team — it sparked them. A critical 58-yard punt return for a touchdown by Rashid Shaheed sparked the comeback, shifting the energy and igniting the crowd. 

From there, Seattle executed on both sides of the ball, forcing stops and chipping away at the Rams’ lead. Darnold began to settle in, finding rhythm with his receivers and engineering key drives that brought the Seahawks right back into the game. 

The Rally That Changed Everything

Down the stretch, Seattle didn’t just kick for a tie; they made bold decisions that paid off. During the comeback, the Seahawks completed three two-point conversions, which is an extremely rare occurrence in the NFL. One of these was particularly unusual: a deflected ball intended for running back Zach Charbonnet was initially ruled incomplete, but replays revealed it was a backward pass, allowing Charbonnet to scoop it up in the end zone for two points and pull Seattle within striking distance. 

With the momentum in their favor, Seattle forced overtime. Both sides traded blows in the extra period, but Darnold’s poise shone brightest. He connected with outstanding receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a vital 4-yard touchdown, giving them a chance to win it.

A Fitting Finish

Rather than settling for a tie, Seattle went for the victory, and Darnold delivered. On the game-winning two-point convert, he hit tight end Eric Saubert in the end zone, securing a 38-37 victory and sending the 12s into elation. 

Darnold finished with 270 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, but his clutch performance when it counted most defined the night.

Team Effort and Playoff Implications

This triumph was not all about Darnold. Kenneth Walker III had a standout performance on the ground, gaining over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Smith-Njigba proved to be a focal point in the passing game with a big night. 

The win also had far-reaching repercussions for the NFC. With the win, the Seahawks advanced to 12-3 and took over first place in the NFC West, knocking the Rams down a spot and solidifying their position for postseason home field advantage.

A Performance to Remember

In the locker room after the game, teammates defined Darnold succinctly: “Sam’s a baller.” That statement aptly describes his performance: flawed at times, yet fearless when the stakes were high. 

For the Seahawks, this comeback was more than just a victory; it was a message. With grit, guts, and unshakable belief, Seattle reminded the league that they are contenders in 2025. And with Sam Darnold at the wheel, no comeback is beyond of reach.