The Rams and Seahawks will meet for the second time this season on Sunday, and once again, it will be in prime time. The Seahawks won the first matchup narrowly, escaping with a 30-29 win after Greg Zuerlein missed a potential game-winning field goal.
The Rams are back for revenge, needing a win to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth in the NFC. Here are four things to know ahead of this pivotal game.
Rams haven’t had trouble scoring vs. Seattle
The Seahawks are typically known for having stout defenses, but the Rams haven’t had any trouble scoring against them in recent years. In their last four meetings, the Rams have scored at least 29 points each time, going 3-1 in that span. The Seahawks have scored 30 points in each of their last three games against the Rams, but in Dec. 2017, they were held to just seven points in the Rams’ 42-7 rout.
Seattle’s defense hasn’t been very good this season, ranking 24th in yards per game. The Seahawks are stout against the run, though, allowing just 99.6 yards per game (8th in NFL).
Seahawks hold all-time edge 24-19
The Rams have owned recent matchups with the Rams, winning seven of the last 11 meetings between these teams – including a 3-1 record in their last four. The Seahawks still hold the all-time advantage, though. They’ve won 24 of 43 matchups with the Rams, though that includes a stretch of 10 straight wins over the Rams from 2005-2009.
Seattle is in control of the NFC West right now, holding a slim tiebreaker advantage over the 49ers. The Rams have won the division in back-to-back years, but it’s almost impossible for them to win it for a third straight year.
Jared Goff and Russell Wilson having very different seasons
Goff has been a very high-volume passer this season, which Wilson has not. The Rams rank sixth in the NFL in passing attempts, and the Seahawks are 24th. Despite throwing exactly 100 more passes than Wilson, Goff only has 242 more passing yards and half as many touchdown passes (26 vs. 13). He also has three times as many interceptions as Wilson, throwing 12 compared to just four.
There’s a reason Wilson is among the leaders to win NFL MVP, and it’s because he’s having a remarkably good season. Goff has struggled mightily, on the other hand, and won’t be heading to his third straight Pro Bowl.
Seahawks struggling to get pressure on QBs
The Seahawks acquired Jadeveon Clowney from the Texans, signed Ziggy Ansah in free agency and drafted L.J. Collier in the first round this offseason, but it has not translated to a good pass rush. Seattle ranks 29th in the NFL with just 23 sacks as a team. Mychal Kendricks is tied for the most on the roster with three, which matches Clowney and Rasheem Green. Ansah has 2.5 in nine games, making just one start.
The Rams are tied for sixth in the NFL with 38 sacks, having very little trouble getting to quarterbacks with Aaron Donald, Dante Fowler Jr. and Clay Matthews.
