Rams Top Seahawks in NFC West Showdown, Cementing Division Lead With 8-2 Record

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t need to outscore or outgain their rivals—they just needed to make the right plays at the right time. On November 14, 2025, in a gritty, defensive masterclass, the Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 24-20, turning a 414-249 yardage disadvantage into a decisive win that vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the NFC West. The result, confirmed by Fox Sports, AZ Central, and Niners Nation on November 17, 2025, pushed the Rams to an 8-2 record and extended their winning streak to five games. Meanwhile, the Seahawks fell to 7-3, and the playoff implications are starting to feel like a slow-motion train wreck for Seattle’s division title hopes.

The Defense That Won the Game

It wasn’t the offense that carried the Rams—it was the defense that turned chaos into control. Despite being outgained by nearly 170 yards, Los Angeles forced three interceptions, two of which came in the red zone during critical third-quarter drives. Cornerback Derion Kendrick sealed the game with a diving pick in the end zone with 1:12 left, snuffing out what looked like a sure Seahawks touchdown. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah added a strip-sack that led to a turnover on downs earlier in the quarter. These weren’t flukes; they were execution under pressure.

"We knew they were going to throw deep," said Rams defensive coordinator Steve Wilks postgame. "We studied their tendencies. We knew when they’d try to force it. And we were ready." That preparation turned a statistical mismatch into a statement win. The Rams now lead the NFL in red zone defense, allowing touchdowns on just 52% of opponents’ trips inside the 20—far below the league average of 61%.

Standings Shift: A Division on the Edge

The NFC West has become the most unpredictable division in football this season. With the Rams at 8-2 and a +100 point differential (272 points scored, 172 allowed), they’ve built a lead that feels both commanding and fragile. The Seahawks, once seen as the division’s most consistent threat, now face a brutal stretch: three of their next four games are on the road, including trips to Kansas City and Buffalo.

The Arizona Cardinals sit at 3-7, five games back, and their playoff hopes are all but mathematically dead. Quarterback Jayden Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, but inconsistent offensive line play and a lack of depth at receiver have stalled their momentum. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers, though not explicitly ranked in the latest reports, are hovering at 6-4 after a narrow loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11. They remain in striking distance—and could leapfrog Seattle if they win their next two divisional games.

What’s at Stake: Playoff Implications

With six games left in the 2025 NFL regular season—culminating on January 4, 2026—the Rams now control their own destiny. Win four of their remaining six, and they clinch the division outright. Lose two, and they could still sneak in as a wild card. But here’s the twist: the Rams’ schedule gets tougher. Their next three opponents are all above .500, including a home game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

For the Seahawks, the math is harsh. To overtake the Rams, they need to win at least five of their final six games while hoping Los Angeles stumbles twice. And with their offensive line in shambles and running back Kenneth Walker III still recovering from a high-ankle sprain, that’s a tall order. "We’re not out of it," said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. "But we’ve got to play like we’re already behind. Because we are."

The Road Ahead: Week 13 and Beyond

Week 13, scheduled for November 20–24, 2025, could be the turning point. The Rams host the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, while the Seahawks travel to Denver to face the Broncos. A Rams win and a Seahawks loss would widen the gap to three games—and make Seattle’s path to the division title nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, the 49ers host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. A win there would put them just one game behind Seattle, setting up a potential three-way tiebreaker scenario by December. The NFC West is no longer a two-horse race. It’s a three-team scramble with one clear leader—and everyone else playing catch-up.

Why This Matters Beyond the Division

The Rams’ rise isn’t just about divisional pride. It’s a rebirth. After years of rebuilding, they’ve found stability under head coach Sean McVay and a defense that’s finally living up to its potential. Their 8-2 record is their best since 2021, and they’re now in the top 5 in the NFL for defensive efficiency. If they can maintain this pace, they’re a serious Super Bowl contender.

For the Seahawks, it’s a reckoning. After drafting Bryce Young last year with high hopes, the team’s offense has regressed. Their offensive line ranks 28th in the league. Their running game is inconsistent. And their secondary, once a strength, has been exposed by elite quarterbacks. This loss to the Rams wasn’t just a defeat—it was a warning sign.

And for the Cardinals? They’re already looking ahead to 2026. Their season is over. But their draft position? That’s still very much alive.