The Seattle Seahawks secured their spot in the Super Bowl with a hard-fought 31–27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game on January 25, 2026. This matchup, held at a sun-drenched but chilly Lumen Field, showcased a high-octane offensive duel between two NFC West rivals who have dominated the professional football landscape throughout the 2025-2026 season.

For fans and analysts looking for the definitive breakdown of player statistics, this game provided elite numbers across the board. Seattle’s quarterback Sam Darnold continued his career resurgence, while the Rams’ veteran Matthew Stafford proved he remains one of the most prolific passers in the league despite the narrow defeat.

Quick Summary of Top Performers (January 25, 2026)

Before diving into the granular position-by-position data, here are the standout statistical leaders from the NFC Championship:

  • Seattle Seahawks:
    • QB Sam Darnold: 346 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 127.8 passer rating.
    • WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 10 receptions, 153 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
    • RB Kenneth Walker III: 19 carries, 62 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
  • Los Angeles Rams:
    • QB Matthew Stafford: 374 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 127.6 passer rating.
    • WR Puka Nacua: 9 receptions, 165 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
    • RB Kyren Williams: 10 carries, 39 rushing yards, 1 receiving touchdown.

Detailed Passing Statistics: A Duel of Precision

The quarterback play in this match was near-perfect. Both Sam Darnold and Matthew Stafford finished with nearly identical passer ratings, reflecting a game where neither side surrendered a turnover through the air.

Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)

Sam Darnold’s performance was a masterclass in efficiency. Operating under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald's balanced system, Darnold completed 25 of 36 attempts (69.4%).

His ability to distribute the ball under pressure was evident. Despite being sacked three times for a loss of 25 yards, he maintained a steady hand during Seattle’s scoring drives. His primary targets were found in the intermediate to deep zones, where he exploited the Rams' zone coverage. Darnold’s 14-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the second quarter was a turning point, capping a 6-play, 74-yard drive in just 34 seconds.

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)

Matthew Stafford, the seasoned veteran, actually outgained Darnold in total yardage, throwing for 374 yards on 22-of-35 passing. Stafford’s connection with his primary receivers remained elite. He averaged 10.7 yards per attempt, significantly higher than his season average, indicating a strategy that leaned heavily on explosive plays.

Stafford’s longest pass of the day—a 35-yard strike—demonstrated his continued arm strength. However, the Rams struggled with third-down efficiency, converting only 1 of 8 attempts, which ultimately forced them into the late-game 4th-and-4 situation that Seattle’s defense stopped to clinch the win.

Receiving Stats: The Battle of the Wideout Superstars

The receiving statistics from this game highlight two of the best young talents in the league alongside established veterans. The yardage totals were astronomical, with both teams having a receiver go well over the 100-yard mark.

Seattle Seahawks Receiving Corps

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) was the undisputed star for Seattle. Targeted 12 times, he caught 10 balls for 153 yards. His ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) was the difference-maker, particularly on a 17-yard reception in the second half that kept a scoring drive alive.

Player Receptions Yards Long TDs Targets
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 10 153 15.3 (Avg) 1 12
Kenneth Walker III 4 49 15 0 4
Cooper Kupp 4 36 13 1 6
AJ Barner 2 13 7 0 3
Rashid Shaheed 1 51 51 0 3
Jake Bobo 1 17 17 1 2

Note the inclusion of Cooper Kupp in the Seahawks’ stats. After moving to Seattle, the veteran presence has provided Darnold with a reliable "safety valve." Kupp’s 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter was a classic example of his route-running precision.

Los Angeles Rams Receiving Corps

Puka Nacua was nearly unstoppable for the Rams. He recorded 165 yards on just 9 catches, averaging a staggering 18.3 yards per reception. Nacua’s 34-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter briefly brought the Rams within four points, putting the pressure back on Seattle’s secondary.

Player Receptions Yards Long TDs Targets
Puka Nacua 9 165 34 1 14
Davante Adams 4 89 22.3 (Avg) 1 6
Colby Parkinson 3 62 20.7 (Avg) 0 4
Blake Corum 3 24 8.0 (Avg) 0 3
Kyren Williams 2 22 11.0 (Avg) 1 2
Tyler Higbee 1 12 12 0 1

The Rams' acquisition of Davante Adams provided Stafford with another elite target, as evidenced by his 89 yards and a crucial touchdown. The depth of the Rams' receiving group was statistically superior, yet they fell just short in total points.

Rushing Performance: Ground Grinds and Goal-Line Stands

While the passing game stole the headlines, the rushing stats reveal a story of attrition and tactical defense.

Seattle’s Ground Attack

Kenneth Walker III carried the heavy load for Seattle with 19 attempts. While his 3.3 yards-per-carry average seems modest, his impact was felt in the red zone. Walker’s 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter opened the scoring for the Seahawks. Sam Darnold also contributed with his legs, scrambling for 14 yards on 3 carries to convert key first downs.

The Rams’ Committee Approach

The Rams utilized a more varied rushing attack. Rookie Blake Corum was highly efficient, gaining 55 yards on just 9 carries (6.1 average). Kyren Williams added 39 yards on 10 carries. Interestingly, the Rams' rushing total of 114 yards surpassed Seattle’s 75, showing that Los Angeles was more successful on a per-play basis on the ground. However, they were unable to convert this yardage into the rushing touchdowns needed to offset Seattle’s aerial efficiency.

Defensive Statistics: The Game-Deciding Metrics

The final score was preserved not by an offensive play, but by the Seattle Seahawks' defense. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, the Rams faced a 4th-and-4 at the Seattle 6-yard line.

Key Defensive Plays and Stats

  • Seattle Seahawks Defense:
    • Leading Tackler: Tyrice Knight and Ernest Jones IV were active in the middle, but it was the secondary’s ability to limit Davante Adams and Puka Nacua in the red zone that mattered most.
    • Sacks: The Seahawks recorded 1 sack on Stafford, a 9-yard loss that disrupted a late-game drive.
    • Interceptions: 0 (Stafford played a clean game).
    • Fourth Down Stop: The most important "stat" of the game. On 4th-and-4, the Seahawks' secondary locked down all passing lanes, forcing an incomplete pass and a turnover on downs.
  • Los Angeles Rams Defense:
    • Leading Tackler: The Rams' linebacking corps, led by Omar Speights and Ernest Jones (who played against his former team), kept the Seahawks’ rushing game in check.
    • Sacks: The Rams got to Darnold 3 times, with Jared Verse and Byron Murphy II creating significant pressure. Verse’s presence was a constant statistical factor, recording 2 quarterback hits.

Special Teams and Field Position

In a four-point game, special teams are often the unsung heroes.

  • Jason Myers (SEA): Perfect on the day, converting 1 field goal (27 yards) and 4 extra points. His reliability ensured Seattle never left points on the board.
  • Hunter Mevis (LAR): The Rams' kicker was also precise, hitting field goals from 44 and 50 yards.
  • Michael Dickson (SEA): A statistical standout in punting, Dickson averaged 45.2 yards on 5 punts, with all 5 landing inside the 20-yard line. This forced the Rams to start their drives with long fields, a major factor in their third-down struggles.

Historical Perspective: The 2025 Regular Season Matchups

To understand the 2026 NFC Championship stats, one must look at the two regular-season battles between these teams in 2025. The statistical trends from these games predicted the high-scoring nature of the playoff clash.

December 18, 2025 (Week 16): Seahawks 38, Rams 37 (OT)

This game was a statistical anomaly that saw Seattle overcome a 30–14 fourth-quarter deficit.

  • Sam Darnold: 22-of-34 for 270 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 interceptions.
  • Puka Nacua: 12 catches for 225 yards and 2 TDs.
  • Kenneth Walker III: 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. The "experience" of this game showed Seattle they could score in bunches, a mindset they brought into the NFC Championship.

November 16, 2025 (Week 11): Rams 21, Seahawks 19

A much lower-scoring affair that focused on defensive metrics.

  • Kyren Williams (LAR): 12 rushes for 91 yards and a touchdown.
  • Kamren Kinchens (LAR): 2 interceptions.
  • Jason Myers (SEA): Missed a 61-yard field goal as time expired. Statistically, this game proved that when the Rams can generate turnovers and control the clock with Williams, they win. The Seahawks learned from this, ensuring zero turnovers in their January rematch.

Why These Stats Matter for the Super Bowl

The player stats from the Seahawks vs. Rams match highlight a team in Seattle that has mastered the "bend but don't break" defensive philosophy while finding an elite rhythm in the passing game. Sam Darnold’s 127.8 passer rating is not a fluke; it is the result of a season-long progression that saw him minimize mistakes and maximize the talent of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

For the Rams, the stats reflect a team that is arguably the most dangerous "off-schedule" offense in the NFL. Matthew Stafford’s 374 yards show that Los Angeles can move the ball against any elite defense, even if they struggled to finish drives in this specific championship game.

Summary of Team Statistics (NFC Championship)

Metric Los Angeles Rams Seattle Seahawks
Total First Downs 26 24
Total Net Yards 479 396
Net Rushing Yards 114 75
Net Passing Yards 365 321
Third Down Efficiency 1-8 (12.5%) 7-13 (53.8%)
Fourth Down Efficiency 1-2 (50.0%) 0-0
Time of Possession 31:37 28:23
Penalties - Yards 3 - 25 2 - 15

The most telling statistic is the Third Down Efficiency. Seattle’s 53.8% conversion rate allowed them to sustain long drives and keep the dangerous Stafford-Nacua duo off the field for longer stretches, despite the Rams having more total net yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Seahawks vs. Rams NFC Championship game?

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31–27 on January 25, 2026.

Who was the leading receiver in the Seahawks vs. Rams 2026 playoff game?

Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams led all receivers with 165 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the Seahawks with 153 yards.

How did Sam Darnold perform against the Rams in the playoffs?

Sam Darnold had a nearly perfect game statistically, throwing for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns with zero turnovers and a 127.8 passer rating.

What is the head-to-head record for the 2025-2026 season between these teams?

Including the playoffs, the Seahawks won the series 2–1. The Rams won the first meeting in November (21-19), while the Seahawks won the December meeting in overtime (38-37) and the NFC Championship (31-27).

Who made the game-saving play for the Seahawks?

The entire Seattle defense was credited with the game-ending stop on 4th-and-4 at their own 6-yard line, though the pressure from the defensive line and tight coverage by the secondary were the primary factors.

How many passing yards did Matthew Stafford have in the NFC Championship?

Matthew Stafford finished the game with 374 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.