Seahawks beat Rams to reach Super Bowl; Sam Darnold throws 3 TDs as Seattle sets up matchup with Patriots

Seattle survives late drama to punch its Super Bowl ticket

The Seattle Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl after a tense 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship game. Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered one of the biggest performances of his career, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns to send Seattle to the league’s showcase game for the first time in more than a decade. The victory sets up a Super Bowl 60 matchup against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026.

Darnold’s path to this moment has been unusual for a former top draft pick: he has bounced between teams and faced repeated questions about whether he could be the long-term answer at quarterback. On Sunday, he looked in full command, consistently finding targets downfield and responding when the Rams kept answering with their own scoring drives.

Big numbers from Darnold and Smith-Njigba

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a major difference-maker, racking up 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks’ offense leaned on explosive gains and timely completions, while the Rams’ defense struggled to generate enough disruption to flip momentum for good. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford also posted huge passing totals, but the Rams were hurt by mistakes and missed opportunities in key moments.

A red-zone stop seals it

The decisive swing came late, when Seattle’s defense produced a critical fourth-down stop in the red zone with under five minutes left. That stand gave the Seahawks the breathing room they needed to protect the lead and close out the game. With the win, Seattle earns another chance at a Lombardi Trophy and a meeting with New England on the sport’s biggest stage.

Now the focus shifts to Super Bowl preparation: managing injuries, building a plan for the Patriots, and determining whether Seattle’s balanced formula—efficient quarterback play and a timely defense—can finish the job one more time.

• Seahawks defeat Rams 31-27 in the NFC title game.
• Sam Darnold throws for 346 yards and three TDs.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 10 catches, 153 yards, 1 TD.
• Seattle faces New England in Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara.