(Photo: Fox Sports)
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks
Rams (11-3):
That game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions went exactly as I expected. It was a shootout—a high-scoring affair that often works in their favor—but trying to match a team score-for-score won’t always work out. I had picked them to win the NFC West before the season started, but I didn’t expect them to be this sharp or for Matthew Stafford to put together the best season of his career at 37 years old. There isn’t a weakness in this offense, which starts with Sean McVay, who I believe is the best offensive play-caller in the league. He’ll throw just about anything at a defense. Need them to run the ball? They can do that too. And we obviously know what they’re capable of in the passing game, with an offensive line that consistently gives Stafford a clean pocket. Often, after a game, I see Stafford’s jersey—it’s spotless. At this moment, I still feel the Los Angeles Rams are the most complete team in the NFL. They play consistently on both sides of the football, have veteran leadership, and boast explosive young stars on both sides—Puka Nacua and Jared Verse. They’re well-coached and play with urgency. The NFC has been a juggernaut this year with the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears performing strongly, and while the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t been quite at their usual level, they’re still in the conversation as defending Super Bowl champions. To get anywhere in the NFC, this is the competition you must overcome. I can honestly say this is the best I’ve seen the NFC as a whole in quite some time, especially since the AFC has often been labeled the stronger conference. Tonight, the Rams kick off Week 16 in a huge divisional showdown in Seattle.
Seahawks (11-3):
It won’t always be pretty; sometimes, it’ll be downright ugly. But when you can win in this business, you celebrate it. The storylines from their Sunday game against the Indianapolis Colts were something else. Philip Rivers came out of retirement and put the Colts in position to win, but they fell short. After the Russell Wilson era ended, I had no idea which direction this team would take. Geno Smith had a solid season, Pete Carroll stepped down as head coach, and the team hired Mike Macdonald as their new head coach. Yes, there are bigger names in the NFC, but the Seattle Seahawks have quietly been one of the best teams in the conference. Their mindset is simple: “Ignore us? Fine. We’ll continue to fly under the radar and win.” Offensively, they returned to running the football, something they had struggled with in recent seasons. The stats may not always be eye-popping, but Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet form a two-headed backfield tandem that executes well together. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been phenomenal this year—he was a player I was high on during his Ohio State days. What stands out most is their defense, which is their best unit since the Legion of Boom days. They rush the passer effectively, have depth and versatility (so injuries don’t derail them), and play with physicality that carries across the team. Tonight, they welcome the Rams for a primetime showdown.
Rams X-Factor: Colby Parkinson
Injuries have hampered the Rams, especially at wide receiver, but Colby Parkinson has stepped up to help keep production going in the passing game. He’s been a reliable target over the middle and in the red zone. I expect the Seahawks to focus on other weapons like Puka Nacua, giving Colby the chance to exploit mismatches across the field. At 6’7”, he towers over defenders, and Stafford places the ball precisely where only Colby can make the play. With Davante Adams likely out, Parkinson will see even more targets.
Seahawks X-Factor: Nick Emmanwori
I’ve watched him since his college days, and he’s made a major impact on Seattle’s defense. Nick has shown an ability to create big plays—interceptions, forced fumbles, and key pass breakups. He also limits yards after the catch and can take away critical passing lanes. The Seahawks’ defense can apply pressure consistently, but the secondary’s play often determines the outcome. Nick can step in to defend short passes and even contribute to blitz coverage.
Final Thoughts:
What a way to start another week of NFL football. Both of these teams sit atop their divisions with 11 wins. When they last met in Week 11 at SoFi Stadium, the Rams intercepted Sam Darnold four times. Five weeks later, the winner of tonight’s game will likely secure the division title. My main concern with the Seahawks has been their offense. Last week against the Colts, they won without scoring a single touchdown, which won’t be enough against the Rams. For the Rams, the first priority is to pressure Sam Darnold—something they did successfully in the first matchup, sacking him and forcing turnovers. They’ll also need to spread the ball around, especially with Davante Adams doubtful, and contain Jaxon Smith-Njigba on key downs. For the Seahawks, keeping Darnold upright and sustaining drives is crucial. If he can connect with his receivers and avoid mistakes under pressure, Seattle’s offense can stay on the field, get the running game going, and keep Stafford off the field. The ground attack will also open up play-action opportunities. Finally, they must make plays in the passing game. How could you not love December football?
Prediction:
Rams 23, Seahawks 20
