Seahawks and Rams Clash for NFC West Supremacy at SoFi Stadium
The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are set to face off in a pivotal NFC West showdown at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2024. Both teams enter the game with impressive records of 7-2, riding four-game winning streaks. The outcome will determine the outright leader of the division, and depending on the results of the game between the 6-3 Detroit Lions and 7-2 Philadelphia Eagles, one of these teams could emerge with the best record in the conference.
Both clubs have been strong competitors this season. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are riding high on a streak of ten consecutive road victories. Meanwhile, the Rams, led by coach Sean McVay, are the defending NFC West champions, having secured the division title last year with a 10-7 record, aided by a tiebreaker based on strength of victory.
A key narrative for this match is the performance of quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford. Darnold, now with the Seahawks, looks to redeem himself against the Rams after suffering two losses to them last season when he was with the Minnesota Vikings, including a playoff defeat. Stafford, on the other hand, has been exceptional lately, throwing 20 touchdown passes without an interception across his last six games.
Rivalry and Recent History
The Seahawks and Rams have a rich rivalry that has intensified since the league realigned in 2022. Since McVay took the helm in Los Angeles in 2017, Seattle holds a 6-11 record against them, including a playoff loss in 2020. Last season, the Rams edged out the Seahawks 26-20 in an overtime thriller during Week 9. However, Seattle claimed victory in their subsequent meeting, winning 30-25 at SoFi Stadium in Week 18 against a Rams team missing Stafford.
Both teams must focus on protecting their quarterbacks and avoiding costly turnovers. As of Week 11, the Seahawks rank second in the league for turnovers committed, with 16, trailing only the Miami Dolphins. Darnold has accounted for ten of those turnovers, including three in a recent win over the Arizona Cardinals. In contrast, Stafford has played well against the Seahawks, winning all five of his encounters against them since joining the Rams, with six touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Defensive Strategies and Key Players
Defensive performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup. The Seahawks’ run game averages 114.3 yards per game but has struggled at times, being held under 100 yards on four occasions this season. In their last game, they took advantage of the Cardinals’ defense, rushing for 198 yards. The Rams, on the other hand, boast a solid defense ranked ninth against the run, allowing 96.9 yards per game.
Notably, the Rams’ linebacker Byron Young has emerged as a key player this season, leading the team with a career-high nine sacks. He is tied for the team lead in quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Alongside Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Rams’ defense presents a formidable challenge for the Seahawks.
As the teams prepare for this critical clash, fans can expect an exciting battle between two well-matched rivals. With division supremacy on the line, both the Seahawks and Rams will be eager to showcase their strengths and secure a vital victory.
