Seattle advanced to the NFC Championship after a dominant 41‑6 victory over San Francisco. Sam Darnold played through a freshly‑sprained oblique, completing 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown before exiting with nine minutes left. The win marked his first playoff triumph and secured the Seahawks’ top seed.

The Rams have become Darnold’s toughest hurdle. In four meetings, they delivered nine sacks in the wild‑card round and intercepted him four times in November, twice more in December. He holds a 1‑3 record, 5 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and a 34.3 QBR against L.A., the lowest of any opponent faced twice.

Facing Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s NFC Championship, Darnold stresses preparation and health. “We’ve got to attack everything and get my body right,” he said. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula will likely disguise shell coverages, a known source of Darnold’s turnovers. A clean‑sheet performance could propel Seattle to its first Super Bowl appearance in 11 years.