Top Headlines

Feeds

Seahawks Capture NFC Crown, Set to Meet Patriots in Super Bowl 60

Updated (32 articles)

Seahawks defeat Rams 31‑27 to earn Super Bowl berth Seattle out‑scored Los Angeles 31‑27 in the NFC Championship at Levi’s Stadium, securing its fourth Super Bowl appearance and first in 11 years[1][2]. The victory advances the Seahawks to face the New England Patriots on Feb. 8 at 3:30 p.m. in Santa Clara, California, with KING 5 slated to broadcast the game[1]. Both teams entered the contest after tight regular‑season series, each having won one of their previous two meetings by a single point[4].

Sam Darnold throws for 346 yards and three TDs despite injury Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns while playing through an oblique strain reported earlier in the playoffs[1][2]. He recorded no turnovers and delivered a 51‑yard opening strike and a 13‑yard TD to Cooper Kupp[3]. Coaches and teammates praised his poise, noting his resurgence after a turbulent eight‑year, five‑team journey[2].

Jaxon Smith‑Njigba and Devon Witherspoon spark decisive moments Wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba posted 153 receiving yards on ten catches, the second‑most ever in a Seahawks playoff game, and added a touchdown[1][3]. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon forced a critical fourth‑down turnover at Seattle’s six‑yard line, breaking up a Rams pass and preserving the lead[2][3]. Additional scoring drives included a 34‑yard TD catch by Puka Nacua and a late 17‑yard pass to Jake Bobo that helped run out the clock[1].

Historical context and Patriots’ AFC win set the stage Seattle’s lone championship came in the 2013 season, with Super Bowl losses in 2014 and 2022, the most recent a 28‑24 defeat to New England[2]. The Patriots secured their Super Bowl berth by beating the Denver Broncos 10‑7 in the AFC Championship, while a previous Seahawks 41‑6 win over the 49ers generated minor seismic activity at Lumen Field[1]. Both teams now prepare for a high‑stakes clash in Super Bowl 60.

Sources (5 articles)

Timeline

Dec 1, 2025 – Seattle posts a 26‑0 shutout of Minnesota, its first since 2015, limiting the Vikings to 162 total yards and forcing five turnovers; the win keeps the Seahawks in the race for the NFC West and a potential top seed[30].

Dec 4, 2025 – Entering a home game against Atlanta, the 9‑3 Seahawks aim to extend their defensive dominance and chase another shutout, with linebacker Ernest Jones IV fully healthy and the team favored by 7 points[28].

Dec 7, 2025 – Seattle crushes the Falcons 37‑9, highlighted by Rashid Shaheed’s 100‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a third‑quarter surge that forces three turnovers; the victory improves the Seahawks to 10‑3 and solidifies their playoff positioning[26][27].

Dec 16, 2025 – NFL playoff picture shows Seattle at 11‑3, tied with the Rams but trailing the tiebreaker; a win in the upcoming head‑to‑head matchup would clinch the Seahawks’ playoff berth[24].

Dec 17, 2025 – Both Seattle and Los Angeles sit at 11‑3; the Rams hold the division tiebreaker after a Week 11 win, and the Seahawks look to reclaim the lead in a pivotal NFC West showdown[23].

Dec 19, 2025 – The Seahawks rally from a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to beat the Rams 38‑37 in overtime, becoming the first NFL team to win on an overtime two‑point conversion; Sam Darnold throws for 270 yards and two TDs, finishing with “I feel really good” after playing through an oblique injury[21][22][4][20].

Dec 28, 2025 – Seattle defeats Carolina 27‑10, with Zach Charbonnet rushing for 110 yards and two scores and Darnold adding a passing TD; the win gives the Seahawks a one‑game lead in the NFC West heading into the final week[19].

Jan 2, 2026 – In the season finale at San Francisco, the winner secures the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first‑round bye; the matchup pits Darnold against Brock Purdy in a high‑stakes duel for home‑field advantage[18].

Jan 4, 2026 – Seattle clinches the NFC West and the No. 1 seed with a 13‑3 victory over the 49ers, earning a first‑round bye and guaranteeing home‑field advantage through the conference playoffs[15].

Jan 5, 2026 – The Seahawks officially lock the No. 1 seed after the Week 18 win, setting up a bye week while wild‑card games unfold; the postseason will run Jan 10–Feb 8, culminating with Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium[2].

Jan 8, 2026 – Teammates reaffirm confidence in Darnold after his rough playoff debut last season, with right tackle Abe Lucas saying, “His success this season proves he deserves the Pro Bowl‑level recognition,” and WR Jake Bobo adding, “We will find ways to win regardless of how the stats look”[14].

Jan 15‑16, 2026 – The NFC divisional round is set at Lumen Field, pitting the top‑seed Seahawks against the 49ers in a rematch of their Week 18 showdown[12].

Jan 17‑18, 2026 – Seattle dominates San Francisco 41‑6 in the divisional round; Rashid Shaheed returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a TD, Kenneth Walker III scores three rushing TDs, and Darnold earns his first playoff win, completing 12‑of‑17 passes for 124 yards[10][11].

Jan 19, 2026 – The Seahawks advance to the NFC Championship after the 41‑6 win, preparing to host the Los Angeles Rams; the conference title is scheduled for Jan 25 at 3:30 p.m. on FOX[9].

Jan 22, 2026 – Leonard Williams says, “I expected this exact matchup,” as Seattle and the Rams meet for a third time this season with a Super Bowl berth on the line; both teams recall their recent one‑score games, including Seattle’s OT win on Dec 19[8].

Jan 23, 2026 – Officials unveil transit and security plans for the NFC Championship at Lumen Field, noting an expected 70,000 fans and a concurrent Kraken game; Darnold comments, “I feel really good” after his oblique injury, though he will not practice fully before kickoff[7].

Jan 25, 2026 – The NFC Championship is confirmed for Jan 25, 3:30 p.m. Seattle time, with the Seahawks listed as 2.5‑point favorites over the Rams; the winner will travel to Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60[9].

Jan 26, 2026 – Seattle defeats Los Angeles 31‑27 to capture the NFC title and secure its fourth Super Bowl appearance, the first in 11 years; Darnold throws for 346 yards and three TDs despite an oblique strain, and coach Mike Macdonald praises, “Darnold’s impact is huge,” while Devon Witherspoon’s fourth‑down stop is hailed as the decisive play[3].

Jan 26, 2026 – The Seahawks are set to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on Feb 8 at 3:30 p.m. in Santa Clara, California, with KING 5 slated to broadcast the game[5].

Feb 8, 2026 – Super Bowl 60 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, pitting Seattle against New England in the league’s championship finale[2].

Stories about this story (25 stories)

Social media (20 posts)

All related articles (32 articles)

External resources (33 links)