The Rams vs Seahawks rivalry is one of the most competitive matchups in the NFC West, and the 2026 NFL season gives fans another reason to pay attention. Los Angeles and Seattle are scheduled to meet twice during the regular season, including a Christmas Day showdown at Lumen Field.
The first meeting is set for Friday, December 25, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX, with the Rams traveling to Seattle. The teams are also scheduled to meet again in Week 18 at SoFi Stadium, although the date and kickoff time remain to be determined.
This guide covers the Rams vs Seahawks schedule, recent results, head-to-head history, key players, offensive and defensive matchups, game-day information and the biggest factors that could decide the rivalry in 2026.
Rams vs Seahawks 2026 Schedule
The NFL has scheduled two regular-season meetings between Los Angeles and Seattle in 2026.
| Game | Date | Location | Time | TV |
| Rams at Seahawks | December 25, 2026 | Lumen Field, Seattle | 8:15 p.m. ET | FOX |
| Seahawks at Rams | Week 18 | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | TBD | TBD |
The Christmas matchup is particularly notable because it is one of the NFL’s featured Week 16 games. The league has highlighted Rams-Seahawks as a marquee prime-time matchup following two dramatic meetings between the teams in the previous season.
The Week 18 game has not yet received a date or kickoff time. That is normal because the NFL uses flexible scheduling late in the season to determine important Week 18 matchups and times.
Rams vs Seahawks: What Happened in the Last Meeting?
The most recent regular-season meeting was an instant classic.
Seattle defeated Los Angeles 38-37 in overtime in Week 16 of the 2025 season. The Rams led for stretches of the game, but the Seahawks eventually forced overtime and won by one point.
The result was important beyond the final score. Both teams entered the game among the NFC’s strongest contenders, and Seattle’s victory helped the Seahawks secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The game also demonstrated how little margin for error exists between these teams. Los Angeles scored 37 points and still lost, while Seattle needed overtime to escape with the victory.
That history gives the 2026 meetings additional significance. The Christmas game will be the next chapter in a rivalry that has recently produced high-scoring, high-pressure football.
Rams vs Seahawks Head-to-Head History
The Rams and Seahawks have shared the NFC West for years, creating a rivalry built around divisional games, playoff positioning and repeated battles between talented rosters.
Recent meetings have often been competitive, and the 2025 season produced two especially important games between the teams. Seattle won the regular-season matchup 38-37 in overtime before later defeating Los Angeles 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game. The NFL’s 2026 schedule announcement specifically noted the significance of those two games.
That postseason meeting also means the 2026 season carries a natural revenge angle for Los Angeles. Seattle reached the Super Bowl after beating the Rams, while the Rams finished their season one game short of another Super Bowl appearance.
For fans searching for a Rams vs Seahawks blog today, the most useful information is therefore not just the latest score. The broader context matters: these teams have recently played in games with division, seeding and championship implications.
Rams vs Seahawks Team Comparison
The two teams enter 2026 with established stars but different storylines.
| Category | Los Angeles Rams | Seattle Seahawks |
| Conference | NFC | NFC |
| Division | NFC West | NFC West |
| Head Coach | Sean McVay | Mike Macdonald |
| Quarterback | Matthew Stafford | Sam Darnold |
| Top receiver | Puka Nacua | Jaxon Smith-Njigba |
| Key running back | Kyren Williams | Seahawks RB group |
| 2025 regular-season meeting | Lost 38-37 OT | Won 38-37 OT |
| 2026 Week 16 | At Seattle | vs. Rams |
| 2026 Week 18 | vs. Seattle | At Rams |
Sean McVay remains the Rams’ head coach entering 2026, while Mike Macdonald continues to lead Seattle.
At quarterback, Los Angeles returns Matthew Stafford, who announced he would play in 2026 after winning the 2025 NFL MVP award. Stafford led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes last season.
Seattle returns Sam Darnold, who threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during the Seahawks’ 2025 regular season.
Rams Offense vs Seahawks Defense
One of the most fascinating parts of this matchup is Los Angeles’ passing game against Seattle’s defense.
Stafford enters 2026 with plenty of experience and confidence after an MVP campaign. The Rams also have an impressive receiving group featuring Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, giving Stafford multiple options in the passing game. The current Rams roster lists both receivers alongside running back Kyren Williams.
The key question is whether Seattle can create enough pressure without sacrificing coverage.
If the Seahawks give Stafford time, the Rams can attack intermediate and deep areas of the field. If Seattle consistently disrupts the pocket, Los Angeles could have difficulty sustaining long drives.
Puka Nacua Against the Seahawks
The Puka Nacua against Seahawks matchup deserves particular attention.
Nacua is capable of creating separation, winning contested catches and gaining yards after the catch. Seattle will need disciplined coverage to prevent short completions from turning into explosive plays.
This matchup could become especially important on third downs and in the red zone.
Seahawks Offense vs Rams Defense
Seattle has its own major offensive weapons.
Sam Darnold returns after leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in his first season with the organization. His 2025 season included 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdown passes.
The biggest receiving name is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who emerged as one of the league’s elite receivers in 2025. Seattle rewarded him with a multi-year contract extension in March 2026 after a record-setting season.
That makes Smith-Njigba one of the most important players in any Seahawks vs Rams matchup.
The Rams’ defense will need to prevent Seattle’s passing game from controlling the tempo. Pressure on Darnold and tight coverage on Smith-Njigba could force Seattle to rely more heavily on its running game.
Key Rams vs Seahawks Player Matchups
Matthew Stafford vs Seattle’s Secondary
Stafford’s experience makes him difficult to fool, but Seattle’s secondary can make the matchup challenging if it creates tight windows.
The Rams’ offensive line will also matter. Stafford is most dangerous when he can operate from a clean pocket and work through multiple receiving options.
Sam Darnold vs the Rams Pass Rush
Darnold’s efficiency will be tested against a Rams defense capable of creating pressure.
The key is not simply how many sacks Los Angeles records. Pressure that forces hurried throws can also create interceptions and stalled drives.
Puka Nacua vs Seahawks Coverage
Nacua’s ability to win underneath and turn receptions into big gains makes him a constant threat.
Seattle cannot afford to focus exclusively on him, however, because doing so could create opportunities for other Rams receivers.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Rams Secondary
Smith-Njigba is perhaps Seattle’s most important receiving matchup.
After signing his extension, he enters 2026 as a centerpiece of the Seahawks’ offense.
If Los Angeles can limit his production without committing excessive defensive resources, it could significantly change the game.
How the Rams Can Beat the Seahawks
1. Protect Matthew Stafford
The Rams need to give Stafford enough time to attack Seattle’s secondary. Constant pressure would limit the effectiveness of Los Angeles’ passing attack.
2. Create Explosive Plays
The Rams have enough receiving talent to stretch the field. Big plays can prevent Seattle from controlling the game with long defensive possessions.
3. Establish Kyren Williams
A reliable rushing attack would make the Rams less predictable and help keep Seattle’s pass rush from dictating the game.
4. Limit Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Rams don’t necessarily need to eliminate Smith-Njigba, but preventing explosive plays and easy third-down conversions should be a priority.
5. Win the Turnover Battle
The 2025 meeting showed how thin the margin can be. One interception, fumble or special-teams mistake could determine another close Rams-Seahawks game.
How the Seahawks Can Beat the Rams
1. Pressure Stafford
Seattle should look for ways to make Stafford uncomfortable without leaving its secondary exposed.
2. Force Long Drives
Allowing short completions is less dangerous than giving up explosive touchdowns. Seattle can make Los Angeles execute consistently over several plays.
3. Get Smith-Njigba Involved Early
Establishing Smith-Njigba early could force the Rams to adjust their coverage and open opportunities for other Seattle weapons.
4. Protect Darnold
The Seahawks need clean pass protection. If Darnold has time to read the field, Seattle’s offense becomes much harder to defend.
5. Take Advantage of Home Field
The Christmas Day game will take place at Lumen Field. Seattle’s home environment can create communication problems for an opposing offense, particularly in critical third-down situations.
Why Rams vs Seahawks Matters in the NFC West
Divisional games carry extra value because the winner gains ground not only in the standings but also within the division.
That makes Rams-Seahawks games important even before playoff scenarios become clear.
The rivalry also has a recent postseason history. Seattle’s 31-27 NFC Championship victory over Los Angeles in January 2026 prevented the Rams from reaching the Super Bowl, making every subsequent meeting more meaningful for both fan bases.
The 2026 schedule effectively creates another chapter in that storyline.
Rams vs Seahawks Prediction
A definitive 2026 prediction is difficult in August because the regular season has not yet begun. Injuries, roster development and team form will change the picture considerably before December.
Still, the matchup appears likely to be competitive.
Los Angeles has an elite veteran quarterback in Stafford, an established offensive system under McVay and a talented receiving group. Seattle has the advantage of continuity after winning the Super Bowl and returns Darnold and Smith-Njigba as major offensive pieces.
The Christmas Day game could ultimately come down to three things: quarterback efficiency, explosive plays and turnovers.
The team that avoids mistakes while winning those areas will have the clearest path to victory.
Rams vs Seahawks Game-Day Information
For the first 2026 meeting, the essential details are already confirmed:
- Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
- Date: Friday, December 25, 2026
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lumen Field
- Network: FOX
The Seahawks’ official schedule confirms the Christmas Day matchup at Lumen Field, while the second meeting at SoFi Stadium remains listed as Week 18 with the date and time to be announced.
As game day approaches, fans should check official NFL and team sources for injury updates, final kickoff information and broadcast details.
Rams vs Seahawks FAQs
When do the Rams play the Seahawks in 2026?
The Rams and Seahawks are scheduled to meet twice. Their first meeting is Friday, December 25, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET in Seattle. They will meet again in Week 18 in Los Angeles, with the date and time still TBD.
What channel is Rams vs Seahawks on?
The Christmas Day 2026 game between the Rams and Seahawks is scheduled to air on FOX.
Who won the last Rams vs Seahawks game?
Seattle won the most recent regular-season meeting, defeating Los Angeles 38-37 in overtime in Week 16 of the 2025 season.
Who is the Rams quarterback in 2026?
Matthew Stafford remains the Rams’ quarterback entering the 2026 season. He returned after winning the 2025 NFL MVP award and signed a contract extension with Los Angeles in May 2026.
Who is the Seahawks quarterback in 2026?
Sam Darnold is Seattle’s quarterback entering the 2026 season. He led the Seahawks during their Super Bowl-winning 2025 campaign and remains on the team’s 2026 roster.
Who are the key players in Rams vs Seahawks?
Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are among the key Rams players to watch. For Seattle, Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are especially important. The matchup between each team’s passing game and opposing secondary could have a major influence on the result.
Why is Rams vs Seahawks such an important rivalry?
Both teams play in the NFC West, so their meetings directly affect divisional positioning. Recent games have also carried major playoff consequences, including Seattle’s 38-37 overtime win in the 2025 regular season and its 31-27 NFC Championship victory over Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The Rams vs Seahawks matchup has almost everything NFL fans want: divisional rivalry, elite quarterbacks, explosive receivers, strong coaching and meaningful recent history.
The 2026 season adds another layer with two scheduled meetings, beginning with a Christmas Day game at Lumen Field. Seattle enters the season as the defending Super Bowl champion, while Los Angeles will look to turn its recent near-misses against the Seahawks into a different result.
For fans following the Rams vs Seahawks blog today, the best approach is to watch the matchup through the key areas that consistently decide these games: quarterback play, pressure, explosive passes, turnovers and third-down efficiency.
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