2025-26 NFL Week 16 LAR vs. SEA Preview: Which team will take control of the NFC West? December 18, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, December 18, at 8:15 PM EST, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks clash under the lights of Lumen Field in Seattle with first place in the NFC West on the line. Both teams enter at 11-3, tied atop the division, turning this primetime matchup into a de facto playoff game on a short week in one of the NFL's most hostile environments.

Team Overviews and Recent Momentum

Los Angeles Rams (11-3)

Sean McVay's team has been nearly untouchable since midseason. After opening 4-3, the Rams have ripped off seven straight wins, stacking victories against division rivals and legitimate playoff contenders. Matthew Stafford has been operating with precision, posting a 105.2 passer rating over his last eight games with 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Kyren Williams continues to set the tone on the ground, entering Week 15 with 1,412 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while Puka Nacua has emerged as a true alpha receiver (98 catches, 1,287 yards, 9 TDs). Despite early injuries, the offensive line has settled in, allowing McVay to fully open the playbook.

Defensively, the Rams have evolved rapidly under coordinator Chris Shula. Rookie contributors Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have fueled a top-10 pass rush, and the secondary has tightened up, limiting explosive plays during the team's winning streak.

Seattle Seahawks (11-3)

Mike Macdonald's first season at the helm has exceeded expectations. After a strong 7-3 start, Seattle has gone 4-1 over their last five games, with their lone loss coming in a close road contest. Sam Darnold's career renaissance has been central to Seattle's rise. In his first year as the full-time starter, he has surpassed 3,800 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, thriving in Shane Waldron's system. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has enjoyed a true breakout, projecting for 1,500+ receiving yards, while DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett continue to stretch defenses vertically. Kenneth Walker III anchors a physical, downhill rushing attack.

Defensively, Macdonald's unit has been elite. Seattle ranks top-five in points allowed, excels on third down, and has been dominant in the red zone. Edge rushers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall have combined for 18 sacks, while Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love headline an opportunistic secondary.

LAR vs. SEA Sports Bet Odds

The Seahawks are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Seahawks are favored by -1.5 points , with a money line of -125.
• The Rams are the underdogs by +1.5 points, with a money line of +105.
• The Total is set at 42 points, with Over and Under odds at -110.

Offensive Matchups

Rams Offense

Los Angeles thrives on balance and tempo. Stafford's quick processing consistently punishes zone coverages, while McVay's heavy motion and play-action create favorable matchups. Kyren Williams has averaged 5.1 yards per carry over the last six games and remains a red-zone force. With Davante Adams likely sidelined, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp should command heavy volume, with Tutu Atwell providing vertical speed and Tyler Higbee serving as a dependable chain-mover.

The short week could test the offensive line, particularly against Seattle's disguised pressures and simulated blitz looks.

Seahawks Offense

Darnold's improvement in decision-making stands out, especially on intermediate throws to Smith-Njigba working from the slot. Seattle leans heavily on play-action and bootlegs to create clean reads, while Kenneth Walker's burst keeps defenses honest. Although the Seahawks have topped 30 points in five of their last eight games, recent third-quarter scoring lulls could be costly against a Rams defense that thrives on momentum-swinging stops.

Defensive Matchups

Rams Defense

Despite the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Rams' front has remained disruptive. They rank top-10 in pressure rate and have held opponents under 20 points in six straight games. The young secondary has grown more confident in man coverage, particularly late in games.

Seahawks Defense

Seattle's defense reflects Macdonald's philosophy: disguise, discipline, and aggression. Simulated pressures and tight coverage force offenses to attack the sidelines, while the run defense has stiffened, allowing just 3.9 yards per carry over the past month. If Charles Cross is limited, Seattle's protection schemes will face a serious test against the Rams' edge rush.

Injury Report Snapshot

Rams

• WR Davante Adams (hamstring): Doubtful; his absence removes Stafford's most trusted red-zone target (14 TDs).
• DT Braden Fiske (shoulder): Did not practice; status uncertain.
• OT Alaric Jackson (ankle), WR Jordan Whittington (hamstring), TE Nick Vannett (knee): Limited.

A short week complicates recovery, particularly for soft-tissue injuries.

Seahawks

• LT Charles Cross (hamstring): Limited; a critical concern against the Rams' edge rush.
• LB Derick Hall (hand): Limited but trending toward playing.
• LB DeMarcus Lawrence (quadricep), WR Cody White (abdomen): Depth concerns.

Seattle enters the week relatively healthy, a subtle but meaningful advantage.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Kyren Williams and the Rams O-Line vs. Seattle's Front Seven – Early success on the ground could quiet Lumen Field and limit blitz frequency.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Rams Slot Coverage – A potential primetime takeover if Darnold has time.
3. Matthew Stafford vs. Seattle's Pressure Packages – Quick decisions will be mandatory on a short week.
4. Turnover Margin – Both teams rank top-10 in turnover differential.
5. Third-Down Efficiency – Rams convert at 46%, Seahawks allow just 34%.

Coaching and Intangibles

Sean McVay is 8-3 on Thursday nights and has historically found answers against Seattle, but Mike Macdonald's aggressive, adaptable defense presents a different kind of challenge. Lumen Field's crowd noise remains a major factor, especially on short weeks, where pre-snap penalties often swing early momentum.

Final Thought:

This matchup feels far more like a January preview than a Week 16 contest. With two teams peaking at the right time, elite quarterback play, and coaching staffs willing to press every tactical edge, the margin for error is razor-thin. Expect a tight, physical battle where third downs, turnovers, and one defining fourth-quarter sequence ultimately decide who controls the NFC West—and who is left chasing it.

2025-26 Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks Stats

LOS ANGELES RAMS	VS	SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
T-1st NFC West (11-3) Away (5-2) | STRK W2	Standings	T-1st NFC West (11-3) Home (5-2) | STRK W4
257.1	Passing Yards Per Game	237.6
126.4	Rushing Yards Per Game	113.0
30.0	Points Per Game	28.9
219.7	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	191.4
101.1	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	91.6