Sun Jan 25 21:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Darnold Faces Rams Test in NFC Championship with Super Bowl Berth on the Line

The Story:

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is set to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, January 26, 2026, with a Super Bowl LX berth at stake. This comes after the Seahawks’ decisive victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round and a Week 18 win that secured them the NFC West title and the conference’s top seed. Darnold, playing through an oblique injury, will be facing a Rams defense that has historically been a tough matchup for him, marked by a high sack rate and interception count in previous encounters.

The game presents Darnold with an opportunity to overcome his struggles against the Rams and lead the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years. Despite the challenges posed by the Rams’ defense, Darnold’s recent performance and the Seahawks’ overall momentum offer hope for a tightly contested championship game at Lumen Field, where the Seahawks boast a strong playoff record.

Key Points:

  • Sam Darnold is playing through an oblique injury suffered before the divisional round game against the 49ers.
  • Darnold has struggled against the Rams in the past, with a 1-3 record, 7 interceptions, and 16 sacks in 4 games against them over the past two seasons.
  • The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a Week 18 victory over the Rams.
  • The two regular-season games between the Seahawks and Rams were each decided by two points or fewer.
  • The Seahawks are 11-1 in playoff games at Lumen Field in the past 20 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Darnold’s performance against the Rams’ defense will be crucial to the Seahawks’ chances of reaching the Super Bowl. His ability to avoid turnovers and handle pressure will be key.
  • The Seahawks’ home-field advantage at Lumen Field could play a significant role in the outcome of the game, given their strong playoff record there.
  • The game is expected to be tightly contested, as evidenced by the close margins in their previous matchups this season.
  • Darnold’s health will be a factor with his oblique injury and the Rams defense having a history of success in sacking him.
  • The Seahawks’ recent momentum, including an improbable comeback victory against the Rams earlier in the season, positions them as a confident contender.

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