1) Pressure is the name of the game
Seattle’s elite defense is built on statistical anomalies, with none more impressive than the fashion in which the Seahawks generate pressure. Seattle has the fourth-highest punt rate (38.9 percent of snaps) in the NFL despite blowing at the eighth-lowest rate (23.1 percent of snaps). The Seahawks also lack one player in the top 25 in total pressures (but they boast five players with 40-plus pressures), rarely rely on a base defense – usually residing in Nickel or Dime – and have a suffocating spread unit regardless of man or zone (Seattle is the only team in the top five in yards per play allowed in both styles). The Seahawks are preparing to face a quarterback in Matthew Stafford who has the lowest passer rating under pressure (24.8) among the 2025 playoffs, which bodes well for Seattle’s chances of limiting the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense. On the other side, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold – the NFL’s leader in sacks (20) – crumbles under pressure. Eleven of his 20 passes were pressured (six interceptions, five forced fumbles) in 2025, while 7.2 percent of his pressure passes resulted in a pass. So the solution to this NFC Championship game is simple for both teams: get after the quarterback. Darnold has developed a reputation for wilting in big games, especially against the Rams, with a 1-3 record against Los Angeles since Chris Shula took over as defensive coordinator in 2024. He is responsible for eight sacks against LA in that span, the most of any QB against any opponent (including the playoffs). Stafford is even more unpredictable in these matchups, posting both his highest and lowest passing yards against Seattle (130 in Week 11; 457 in Week 16). He had a sparkling performance in the latter contest, which ended in a disastrous loss, but has struggled in two playoff games, as seen above, and also holds the Rams’ 0-3 record against the No. 1-ranked defense. 1 away. Which version of Stafford will the Rams get on Sunday? And could a pass from Seattle ruin it anyway?