The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in one of the most critical moments of their 2025 campaign as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in a Week 16 divisional showdown with massive playoff implications. With both teams sporting an identical 11-3 record and jockeying for position in the NFC West, this game represents a true litmus test for the Seahawks' Super Bowl aspirations. Sam Darnold has led an impressive resurgence in Seattle, and the home crowd at Lumen Field will play a pivotal role in what promises to be an electric prime-time clash.
The Seahawks have quietly assembled one of the league's most balanced rosters, combining elite defensive playmaking with an increasingly confident offensive attack. Seattle sits second in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing just 17.4 points per game, while simultaneously ranking fifth in total yards gained. This Thursday night matchup will showcase the full scope of Seattle's championship potential against a Rams team still dealing with key injuries to their offensive roster.
Sam Darnold Will Exceed 300 Passing Yards and Engineer Multiple Fourth-Quarter Drives
Sam Darnold has transformed himself from a journeyman backup into one of the league's most efficient and clutch quarterbacks in 2025. The Seahawks signal-caller has demonstrated a remarkable ability to perform under pressure and deliver in moments when it matters most. Against the Rams' formidable defense, Darnold will need to establish rhythm early and protect the football at all costs. However, expect the veteran quarterback to rise to the occasion and exceed the 300-passing-yard barrier while orchestrating several critical scoring drives in the final frame.
Darnold's success will hinge on his decision-making against a Rams secondary that has been susceptible to explosive plays in recent weeks. The Seahawks' receiving corps, led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba and his reliable consistency, will provide ample opportunities for the quarterback to attack downfield. Look for Darnold to lean on play-action and quick game principles to generate rhythm, ultimately putting together a performance that demonstrates why Seattle believes it can win a championship. His fourth-quarter execution will be the difference-maker in what figures to be a closely contested affair.
The Seahawks' Defense Will Force Three Turnovers and Keep Matt Stafford Under 250 Passing Yards
Seattle's defense has established itself as one of the premier units in the entire league, ranking second in scoring defense while simultaneously registering 22 total takeaways on the season. The Seahawks' defensive front has become increasingly disruptive, and against a Rams offense still dealing with personnel concerns, they will showcase their complete dominance. Expect the Seattle defense to force multiple turnovers while systematically limiting Stafford's ability to operate comfortably in the pocket.
The Seahawks' secondary, featuring elite coverage skills, will challenge the Rams' receiving options while generating meaningful pressure up front. Stafford, though a veteran signal-caller, has been prone to forcing throws when faced with sustained pressure and limited options. Seattle's defensive game plan will be specifically designed to exploit these tendencies while keeping Los Angeles' lethal running back out of rhythm. Three turnovers represents an aggressive but achievable target given the Seahawks' proven ability to capitalize on mistakes.
Kenneth Walker III Will Rush for Over 100 Yards and Punch In a Touchdown Score
Kenneth Walker III has firmly established himself as the Seahawks' workhorse running back, providing consistent production and explosive playmaking ability. Against a Rams defense that allows 126.4 rushing yards per game, Walker will find ample opportunities to impose his will on the line of scrimmage throughout the contest. The Seahawks will lean heavily on their running game to control the clock and establish dominance in the trenches.
Kenneth Walker III (RB23) v. TEN: I don’t want to get too hyped, but KW3 the endzone has me excited. Titans are bottom-5 v. RBs and are a great matchup for KW3 to make it back-to-back games with a score. 100 tot yds | 1 TD or more is in reach. pic.twitter.com/NTK1khdNzy
— Joshua Cho (@jbchoknows) November 21, 2025
Walker's ability to find daylight and break tackles will be on full display Thursday night as Seattle attempts to shorten the game and protect its defense. Expect the talented running back to accumulate over 100 rushing yards while also scoring at least one touchdown from close range. The Seahawks' offensive philosophy revolves around establishing a punishing ground attack, and Walker will be the primary beneficiary of this approach. His performance will ultimately validate Seattle's balanced offensive attack and underscore why they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
