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The Los Angeles Rams were unable to reach their first Super Bowl since February 2022. In a thrilling NFC championship game on Sunday, the Rams fell to the Seattle Seahawks with a final score of 31-27.

Before this heartbreaking loss, the Rams had hoped to face the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LIII. The Patriots secured their spot in the big game after defeating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC championship game.

If the Rams had won on Sunday, it would have marked their sixth appearance in the Super Bowl. Their last visit was at home in SoFi Stadium on February 2022.

A Controversial Play in the Fourth Quarter

Sunday’s NFC title game wasn’t without controversy, particularly in the fourth quarter. Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp made a seven-yard catch from quarterback Sam Darnold, sparking debate among fans about whether it was a valid reception.

Kupp, a former Ram and Super Bowl LVI MVP, appeared to briefly catch the ball but lost it upon landing on his back. Rams defenders then picked up the dropped ball. Despite this, the play was eventually ruled a catch, giving the Seahawks a first down.

Although Seattle didn’t score immediately on that drive, they managed a crucial 4-minute drive that helped reduce the time Matthew Stafford and the Rams had to stage a fourth-quarter comeback.

Scoring Summary

The game began with Seattle taking an early lead as running back Kenneth Walker III scored a 2-yard touchdown, followed by a successful PAT to make it 7-0. The Rams responded with two field goals, cutting the deficit to 10-6.

Los Angeles took the lead 13-10 after a long 14-play, 87-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Kyren Williams.

However, the Seahawks quickly answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, reclaiming the lead at 17-13.

In the third quarter, the Seahawks capitalized on a muffed punt by Rams returner Xavier Smith, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jake Bobo, extending the lead to 24-13. The Rams responded quickly with a 6-play, 75-yard drive to cut the deficit to 24-20.

Kupp then caught a 13-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 31-20. The Rams came back on the next drive, capitalizing on a taunting penalty against the Seahawks on 4th-and-12 to cut the deficit to 31-27. This score came via a 34-yard touchdown catch from Puka Nacua, who outpaced Seahawks’ Riq Woolen, the defensive back who was flagged for taunting in the previous play.

How They Got Here

The Rams advanced to the NFC championship game after defeating the Chicago Bears 20-17 in the divisional round. Before that, they overcame the Carolina Panthers 34-31 in the wild-card round.

The Seahawks secured homefield advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs by finishing the 2025 regular season with a 14-3 record, two games better than the Rams. Seattle reached the NFC championship game after a dominant 41-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.

This story was reported from Los Angeles.