In a compelling NFC Championship Game filled with narrative drama and late-game intensity, the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 on January 25, 2026, at Lumen Field to advance to Super Bowl LX. The victory marked Seattle’s first Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season and featured a poignant storyline: former Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp scoring a touchdown against his old team to help seal the Seahawks’ win.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a standout performance, completing passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns with minimal mistakes. Darnold, who has experienced a career resurgence in Seattle, spread the ball effectively to his weapons, including Kupp, who caught four passes for 36 yards and the critical 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended Seattle’s lead to 31-20 at that point.

The game opened with Seattle establishing early momentum. Running back Kenneth Walker III scored the game’s first touchdown on a powerful run, tying him with Marshawn Lynch for the most playoff rushing touchdowns in a single season for the franchise. Darnold connected with rookie sensation Jaxon Smith-Njigba (often referred to as JSN) for another score, showcasing the Seahawks’ balanced attack that overwhelmed the Rams’ defense at times.

Los Angeles, under head coach Sean McVay, responded with resilience. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, while the Rams’ offense accumulated 435 total yards and only punted twice. Wide receiver Puka Nacua and others kept drives alive, but turnovers and missed opportunities in the red zone proved costly. The Rams mounted comebacks throughout, including a late push that brought them within striking distance, but Seattle’s defense—nicknamed the “Dark Side”—made a pivotal fourth-down stop to preserve the lead.

The emotional highlight came when Darnold found Kupp open in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown strike on third-and-3 in the red zone. Kupp, who spent his early career earning a Super Bowl MVP with the Rams before joining Seattle, celebrated modestly but the moment carried significant weight as a “revenge” factor in the rivalry. The score gave Seattle a double-digit advantage in the third quarter, though the Rams fought back valiantly.

Late in the game, Los Angeles narrowed the gap through determined drives, getting inside Seattle territory multiple times. A taunting penalty on the Seahawks nearly opened the door for a Rams comeback, but Seattle’s defense stiffened. After the Seahawks ran clock following their final possession, the Rams’ last-ditch effort fell short as time expired, with Stafford’s passes to Nacua advancing the ball but not enough to overcome the deficit.

Post-game, reactions reflected the contest’s competitiveness. Darnold praised his team’s composure: “We knew it would be a battle against a great Rams squad. Our guys stepped up when it counted.” Kupp, addressing the unique dynamic of facing his former club, kept comments focused on team success rather than personal angles. Stafford, despite the loss, highlighted the Rams’ effort: “We left it all out there. Credit to Seattle—they earned this one.”

Statistically, the game was a showcase of offensive firepower. Seattle edged out in efficiency, particularly in the red zone, while the Rams’ yardage advantage did not translate to points due to key stops by Seattle’s secondary and front seven. Penalties were relatively contained, allowing the talent to dictate outcomes.

This result sets up an intriguing Super Bowl LX matchup on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots, who advanced from the AFC side. For the Rams, the season ends after a strong campaign that included playoff upsets earlier in the bracket. Questions will now turn to offseason priorities, including Stafford’s future and roster tweaks to remain contenders in the NFC West.

The Seahawks-Rams rivalry continues to deliver high drama, and this chapter—highlighted by Kupp’s pivotal contribution against his former team—adds another layer to one of the league’s most compelling storylines. As Seattle prepares for the Super Bowl, the focus shifts to their quest for a championship under Darnold’s leadership.

Tags: NFL, NFC Championship, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Cooper Kupp, Sam Darnold, Super Bowl LX, Revenge Game, Football Playoffs, Sports News, Matthew Stafford, Kenneth Walker III, Jaxon Smith-Njigba