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Rams–Seahawks rivalry
First meetingOctober 31, 1976
Rams 45, Seahawks 6
Latest meetingNovember 19, 2023
Rams 17, Seahawks 16
Next meeting2024
Statistics
Meetings total53 meetings
All-time seriesSeahawks, 27–26
Postseason resultsRams, 2–0
  • January 8, 2005: Rams 27, Seahawks 20
  • January 9, 2021: Rams 30, Seahawks 20
Largest victoryRams, 45–6 (1976)
Seahawks, 28–0 (2009)
Longest win streakSeahawks, 10 (2005–09)
Rams, 4 (1976–88)
Current win streakRams, 2
Championships
Super Bowl Championships (3)

Conference Championships (since 1976) (8)

Divisional Titles (since 2002) (13)

The Rams–Seahawks rivalry is an American football rivalry between the National Football League (NFL)'s Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. [1] While the teams first met in 1976, the rivalry did not develop until the early 2000s, specifically around 2002, when the Seahawks were placed with the Rams in the NFC West, allowing for two annual meetings between the teams. [2] [3] [4] [5] Geography somewhat comes into play as both Los Angeles and Seattle are approximately 1,100 miles apart along Interstate 5 connected along the western seaboard of the continental United States. Both teams initially found success at varying times until the Rams' relocation back to Los Angeles in 2016, amplifying the hostility of the rivalry as both teams regularly fought for playoff success. With both teams winning a Super Bowl between 2013 and 2021, regular matchups often escalated into fierce, violent grudge matches for control of the division. The Seahawks lead the series 27–26. The teams have met twice in the playoffs, two Rams wins in the 2004 NFC Wild Card Round and the 2020 NFC Wild Card Round.

History

The Seahawks host the Rams on October 7, 2021

Beginnings of the Rivalry: 1976–2002

Originally, the Seahawks played in the NFC West during their inaugural season in 1976, but would be realigned to the AFC West the following season. Very little connected the Seahawks with any animosity towards their future rivals in the Rams and 49ers respectively for much of their existence leading up to the 2002 division realignment.

Notably, both the Rams and Seahawks encountered issues with fan attendance and outdated stadiums during the 1990s. The Rams found themselves unable to secure a new stadium in southern California and controversial owner Georgia Frontiere relocated the team to St. Louis in 1995. Seahawks' owner Ken Behring found himself increasingly unsatisfied with the declining condition of the Kingdome and later threatened to relocate the team to Los Angeles during the 1996 offseason. [6] Unknown to the league; on February 2, 1996; Behring had relocated the Seahawks' team practices to the Rams’ former training facility in Anaheim, and sought a deal to lease out the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. However, much to the anger of the league owners; Behring had failed to properly format a bid for relocation and the league was unaware of any possible request or owners meeting regarding the move of the team. On February 5, the league threatened to heavily fine Behring and the Seahawks up to $900,000 daily unless they returned to Seattle immediately. Ultimately, Behring was involved in a forced sale of the Seahawks to Microsoft CEO Paul Allen in 1997. [7] [8]

2002–09: Seahawks join the NFC West

The rivalry between the Seahawks and Rams was finally established in 2002, after the Seahawks were realigned to the NFC West after the league had expanded to 32 teams with the addition of the Houston Texans that season. The Rams and Seahawks would share the division with fellow longtime-rivals the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals joined the NFC West after playing for 32 seasons in the NFC East. The Seahawks entered the division as an upstart playoff contender under third year head coach Mike Holmgren, meanwhile the Rams were experiencing the twilight of their famous Greatest Show On Turf era. The Rams' teams would begin to wane in comparison to their peak under quarterback Kurt Warner, and would only manage to win the division in 2003 for the final time before their relocation back to Los Angeles 13 years later.

The 2003 season saw the Rams boast a 12–4 record and take command of the division one final time. Seattle had been hot on the Rams’ heels through much of the year as the Seahawks started off with a 3–0 record, including a narrow victory over the Rams in week 3. Following the win, both teams followed varying paths to their respective playoff hunts. The Seahawks would stumble and win only 5 of their next 9 games while the Rams had run away with the division lead, winning 8 of their next 9 games. During the week 15 home matchup against the Seahawks, both sides engaged into a bitter contest as Seattle was fighting to regain their lead of the division from earlier that season. Though 2 games behind the Rams, the Seahawks entered the matchup with an aggressive performance. Following a safety after Rams’ quarterback Marc Bulger was tackled in the endzone, Seattle would find themselves down 12 points. Upon scoring their second touchdown, Rams’ receivers Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce notably taunted and engaged in a minor scuffle with Seahawks’ safety Ken Hamlin in the endzone. A drive from Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson helped Seattle regain momentum in the second quarter, however; following his touchdown, Jackson and Rams’ cornerback Aeneas Williams began jawing at one another as retaliation for the earlier gesture by the Rams’ receivers. Jackson was given a penalty for taunting following the touchdown. The Rams would find themselves able to outmuscle the Seahawks, the game displayed a heated running back duel of both Alexander and Rams’ future hall-of-famer Marshall Faulk. Rams’ safety Adam Archuleta proved to be the difference maker as he racked up a sack and 8 critical tackles to give the Rams the game. [9] A controversial call as Seahawks’ wide receiver Bobby Engram dove for a crucial pass to possibly give Seattle the lead culminated in another fight with Rams’ defender after the failed catch. The victory clinched the division for the Rams in addition to a playoff berth. [10] The Seahawks would clinch a playoff berth as the divisional runner-up with a 10–6 record, but they would go on to lose in a crushing overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Rams managed to clinch the second highest seed in the conference but would fall in an equally crushing double overtime loss to the eventual Conference Champion Carolina Panthers at home.

The 2004 season saw the Rams begin the year strong as they managed a 4–2 record to start the season, but they would stumble the rest of the year and lose 6 of 10; finishing one game behind the Seahawks for the division lead. The first playoff matchup between the two teams as divisional rivals would occur in the Wild Card Round of the 2004 playoffs. [1] Despite finishing the year one loss behind Seattle, the Rams managed to sweep them during the regular season, culminating in a high octane grudge match between the two rivals. Out of the gate; the Rams pulled ahead to a 4 point lead despite inconsistent play from quarterback Marc Bulger, The Seahawks would respond with their own passing attack as Matt Hasselbeck managed a quick touchdown and an interception to start the 2nd quarter. The second half would see Seattle briefly take the lead before Bulger managed a 17 yard touchdown with less than 2 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. Despite the best efforts of the Seahawks, the Rams refused to give up the lead. Bulger and Hasselbeck would combine for 654 passing yards and the game would also be the final game played by Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. The Rams would not manage another playoff win until the 2018 season, meanwhile Seattle would later boast a 10-game home playoff win streak would that would end in 2020, ironically after the Rams beat the Seahawks in the 2020–21 wild card round. [11] [12]

The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a decline in the rivalry as the Seahawks consistently qualified for the playoffs, while the Rams struggled. Seattle won 10 straight meetings from 2005–09. [13] [14]

2010–15: Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII

The Rams' Steven Jackson and the Seahawks' Shaun Alexander both combined for six Pro-Bowl appearances during the mid 2000s.

"Look at them Seahawks, Hey! They hate us? They hate us? Fuck 'em! We hate 'em too!"

Chris Long, former Rams defensive end [15] [16]

Despite the sharp decline in competition from the Rams through the earlier half of the decade, moments of animosity between the two teams would still occur during the Rams' final years in St. Louis even whilst Seattle managed to remain a Super Bowl contender and even earned a victory at Super Bowl XLVIII. [17]

During a 2013 game in St. Louis, Seahawks receiver Golden Tate flashed his middle finger at Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins following a failed interception on the pass, whilst Tate returned the ball for a touchdown. [18]

During the 2014 season, the Rams hosted the Seahawks for a week 7 matchup. Prior to halftime; the Rams had managed to lead the game 14–3. Star returner Tavon Austin was the designated punt return man on a play in which he acted as if he was calling for a fair catch, but the ball had actually been punted to the opposite side of the field, where Rams alternate returner Stedman Bailey was preparing to return the punt. With the entire Seattle coverage team focused on Austin, Bailey was left with a wide-open field and returned the punt 90 yards for a touchdown; culminating in the Rams winning 28–26 in an upset victory. [19] The two teams later met for the season finale in week 17 in Seattle. The Rams' offense struggled mightily as they managed two field field goals prior to halftime, though their defense capitalized on an interception from Russell Wilson and a recovered fumble lost by Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch during their possession. The Seahawks managed two field goals of their own into the end of the third quarter as neither team's offense managed to gain any momentum. During the start of the fourth quarter, Rams' quarterback Shaun Hill threw a critical interception; giving the Seahawks the ball on the 26 yard line as Lynch later retaliated with an unstoppable touchdown run. The Rams' hopes for a comeback were later crushed as Hill threw another interception to Seahawks' linebacker Bruce Irvin who returned the ball for a touchdown; all but sealing the victory for Seattle, giving them the highest seed in the NFC. [20]

In 2015, Rams punter Johnny Hekker shoved Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril following a 45-yard punt. Seahawks lineman Michael Bennett later attempted to tackle Hekker for retaliation, and would later refer to Hekker as "acting like a little girl" in the postgame interview. [21] Following the Rams' victory in Seattle during week 16, Bennett would also take shots at Rams star rookie running back Todd Gurley on Twitter, after Gurley was awarded 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year claiming, "he's average to me, personally. I've seen better running backs." [22]

2016: Rams return to Los Angeles

In 2016, the Rams returned to Los Angeles and began playing temporarily at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as SoFi Stadium would be completed in 2020. The first regular season game back in Los Angeles was set against the Seahawks. The game opened with an impromptu concert for those in attendance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to celebrate the return. Despite a strong showing from Seattle's passing game, they were ultimately unable to achieve a touchdown throughout the game. Meanwhile, the Rams endured similar issues with their quarterback rotation as Case Keenum struggled to stay consistent. The Rams also failed to score any touchdowns; they did, however, manage 3 field goals by Greg Zuerlein. The Rams' stellar defense managed to be the difference-maker within the game as Russell Wilson was sacked 4 times resulting in the Rams winning 9–3. [23] However, the teams headed in opposite directions going forward, the Rams would collapse quickly following the win while the Seahawks managed to stay competitive. The two teams met again during week 15 but this time the Seahawks pulled through with a crushing 24–3 victory over the Rams. [24] The Seahawks would later go on to win the division with a 10–5–1 record while the Rams finished 4–12.

2017–20: Sean McVay era begins in L.A.

"I don't like the Rams, we'll see them when we see them"

Jamal Adams, Seahawks safety [25]

The Seahawks play the Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, December 8, 2019

The following season, the Rams hired Sean McVay as head coach. Since McVay's arrival, the Rams have won three NFC West titles and have dominated the rivalry, going 7–3 against the Seahawks at home since 2017. McVay boasted a 10-5 overall record against seattle since his hiring, the most losses to a single head coach during Pete Carroll’s tenure with the Seahawks. [26] McVay's first game against the Seahawks saw the team put up a decent fight through the first half, but surrendered 2 field goals and a fumble as running back Todd Gurley's run into the endzone was ruled a touchback as he allegedly lost control of the ball. Seattle managed to win 16–10. The two teams met again during week 15 at Centurylink Field with the Rams one game ahead of Seattle for the division lead. The Rams offense entered the game seeking vengeance, Todd Gurley scythed through Seattle’s defense, putting up 152 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns as the Rams obliterated the Seahawks 42–7 for Seattle's worst home loss in franchise history. [27] [28] [29] Aaron Donald finished the game with 3 sacks on Russell Wilson, while Wilson would only manage a single touchdown, completing only 14 of his 30 passes that game. Seattle's defense collapsed with relative ease as Rams' quarterback Jared Goff threw for 120 yards and 2 more touchdowns for good measure. [30] The Rams achieved a playoff berth following their win over the division despite losing to the 49ers during the week 17 home game. Seattle would be tied with the Carolina Panthers for the lowest remaining wild card spot but would find themselves eliminated following their loss to the Arizona Cardinals the same week.

Starting the 2018 season, the two teams met in Seattle during week 5. Early on in the game, tensions began to run high after an early scuffle led to both benches clearing after Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks suffered an injury resulting from a controversial head-on collision from Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson, though no penalty was given to Seattle. [31] [32] The Rams held on, not to the same intensity as the season prior, but managed to pull off the victory nonetheless with a final score of 36–31. During the week 10 game in Los Angeles, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald managed a strip sack of Russell Wilson during the 3rd quarter and managed to recover the ball as he ran out of bounds. Prior to going off the field, Seahawks center Justin Britt threw Donald to the ground, prompting a retaliatory punch from Donald after Britt had also thrown a punch at Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. The altercation escalated quickly into a full scale brawl as Seahawks offensive lineman J.R. Sweezy and Rams cornerback Troy Hill also began throwing punches at one another. Seahawks’ lineman Austin Calitro and Rams’ Defensive End Ethan Westbrooks had to be separated by officials after also engaging into a separate fight. Both benches would continue to clear until Sean McVay, Zac Taylor, Doug Baldwin, Jordan Simmons, and Michael Brockers intervened on both sides to mollify the altercation. [33] Following the Rams' 33–31 victory, another large altercation took place at midfield following the game between multiple players as Donald and Britt continued to antagonize one another, erupting into another brawl as both benches cleared. [34] Donald and Britt would each receive a $20,000 fine from the league for the altercation. [35] The Rams would go on to complete their first season sweep of the Seahawks since 2015, en route to a 13–3 record and a Super Bowl LIII appearance. Seattle managed to finish the season as division runners-up with their 10–6 record, managing a Wild Card berth against the Dallas Cowboys, though they would go on to lose 22–24.

The Seahawks' DK Metcalf and the Rams' Cooper Kupp have both emerged as dynamic receivers for their teams since 2019.

The 2019 season would reverse fortunes for both teams as the Rams encountered a slump following their Super Bowl loss while the San Francisco 49ers ran away with the division. The two teams met for a Thursday night matchup in Seattle during week 5. The Seahawks managed to deal some damage with their new rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf combined with veteran Tyler Lockett managing a shared 91 receiving yards to boost Seattle through the game. Russell Wilson returned to form with a 4-touchdown performance while Jared Goff managed a lone touchdown and a controversial interception from Tedric Thompson as multiple players on both sides claimed the ball had hit the ground prior to Thompson's grab. Following a challenge from Pete Carroll after the officials ruled the ball an incomplete pass, Seattle was awarded possession after 15 minutes of review. [36] The Rams managed a 9-point comeback through the 4th quarter, but a devastating missed field goal from Greg Zuerlein gave Seattle the victory, 30–29. The Rams would continue to struggle mightily through their Super Bowl Slump as quarterback Jared Goff would begin to exhibit declining play as opposing defenses managed to interrupt the Rams' passing scheme. Entering the week 14 matchup at the LA Coliseum, the Seahawks boasted a 10–2 record while the Rams entered the game with a less impressive 7–5 record. Despite the differences in seasons, the Rams managed to put up more of a fight than they had during the previous matchup as they would end the first half up 21–3. During the 2nd quarter, Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf engaged in an altercation following Ramsey breaking up three pass attempts intended for Metcalf. [37] [38] Despite Metcalf's best efforts, Seattle struggled mightily through the game. Seattle scored a pick-6 from newly signed safety Quandre Diggs, but the Rams defense bullied the Seahawks the entire game, managing to sack Russell Wilson 5 times on top of a fumble and an interception. Seattle was now out of the hunt for the division lead as the 49ers would manage to win the division. The Rams finished 2019 with a 9–7 record, missing the playoffs due to a sweep from the 49ers; Seattle managed to secure a wild card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles though they would go on to lose against the Green Bay Packers during the divisional round.

The 2020 season started off with the Rams winning the first of the two matchups that year at home in a hard-fought week 10 defeat of the Seahawks 23–16. Seattle entered the matchup 6–2, Los Angeles entered at 5–3. The Rams got to an early lead as Wilson threw two interceptions while Alex Collins gave the Seahawks their only touchdown of the game. However, the second matchup ignited tensions between the two clubs. Seattle was a game ahead of the Rams in the hunt for the division lead as the Rams had lost two critical upsets to the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams struggled offensively through the entire game as Jared Goff struggled and threw no touchdowns and a critical interception as they lost, 20–9. Seahawks safety Jamal Adams celebrated during a press conference by lighting a cigar and taunting various people on the Rams and declaring "it feels good don’t it Rams?" to the cameras. [39] [40] The Seahawks went on to win the NFC West with a record of 12–4; meanwhile, the Rams managed to clinch a wild card spot with a 10–6 record and the two teams were set to meet in the NFC Wild Card round in Seattle.

Leading up to that game, Seattle had not lost a home playoff game since losing to the Rams in 2004. The Rams had benched Goff prior to the game due to a fracture within his thumb and were forced to start backup quarterback John Wolford. In the first quarter, Jamal Adams landed an illegal low helmet-to-helmet hit on Wolford, knocking him out of the game. [41] Goff was forced to play off the bench and led the Rams to a 30–20 victory over the Seahawks, ending their 10-game home playoff winning streak. Following the game, Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey was seen on the field by cameras, celebrating and exclaiming the Seahawks should "they outta take their hat and their T-shirts down to Cabo for the rest of the off-season." [42] Goff also voiced his initial satisfaction with the victory as he felt offended by Adams' cigar gesture. [43]

2021–2023: Rams win Super Bowl LVI

The Rams beat the Seahawks at SoFi Stadium, December 21, 2021

During the offseason, the Seahawks acquired former Rams tight end Gerald Everett in free agency and hired former Rams passing game coordinator Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, the Rams traded Goff and several draft picks to the Detroit Lions in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

In week 5 of the 2021 season, [44] the Rams trailed the Seahawks by four points at halftime. In the third quarter, the Rams' offense finally woke up and scored 13 unanswered points while their defense terrorized the Seahawks. During the quarter, the Rams' reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald, disrupted a Wilson pass for an incompletion. On this play, Wilson dislocated his finger when it hit Donald's hand, and as a result, Wilson was benched for the remainder of the game. Wilson's finger later put him on injured reserve, and the Seahawks were forced to play their backup quarterback Geno Smith. [45] Smith threw one touchdown but also threw a critical interception with the Seahawks trailing by six late in the fourth quarter, giving the Rams the victory.

In Week 15 of that same season, a critical game between the rivals was postponed from Sunday, December 19 to Tuesday, December 21 due to COVID-19 outbreaks on both sides. With neither offense at full strength, the 9–4 Rams defeated the 5–8 Seahawks by the final score of 20–10 in a defensive battle. The Rams won thanks to two receiving touchdowns by eventual 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, 2021 receiving triple crown winner, and Super Bowl LVI MVP Cooper Kupp. The win allowed the Rams to keep pace with the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West division title. Simultaneously for the Seahawks; the loss was effectively a death blow to Seattle's season. Seattle would be eliminated from playoff contention a week later. Meanwhile, the Rams finished with a 12–5 record, winning the NFC West, and eventually winning Super Bowl LVI. The Seahawks finished the season at last place in the division with a 7–10 record, their first losing record since 2011. [46]

During the 2022 off-season, Seattle traded longtime quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Most notably during his time in Seattle, Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald had recorded 15 sacks against Seattle, more than any other opponent in Wilson’s career. [47] The Seahawks also made the decision to release Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner, the final remaining member of the Legion of Boom defense. Originally a native of Southern California, Wagner would ironically choose to sign with the Rams on March 31 for a 5-year contract worth up to $65 million. [48]

In Week 13 of the 2022 season, the two teams met at SoFi Stadium. The Rams' dreams of defending their Super Bowl title fell apart as the team had fallen victim to a plethora of injuries, including injuries to key contributors Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald. During the game, the Rams' weakened offense and defense held their own. However, Seattle won 27–23 on a last-minute touchdown pass from Smith to star wide receiver DK Metcalf for the franchise's first victory in Los Angeles since 2017. The win allowed the Seahawks to keep pace in the NFC Wild Card race.

In the final week of the season, the eliminated and injury plagued Rams limped into Seattle with a 5–11 record, while the Seahawks entered the contest with an 8–8 record. Seattle needed a win and a Green Bay Packers loss or tie to make the playoffs. The Rams could have theoretically knocked the Seahawks out of the postseason with a victory, but the Seahawks beat them again, this time by a final score of 19–16, on a game-ending field goal in overtime by Seattle kicker Jason Myers. The victory was especially controversial, as many fans, coaches, and NFL executives pointed out that several questionable calls late in the game helped the Seahawks win and thus maintain their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the calls directly hurt the Rams and indirectly hurt the Detroit Lions, who needed Seattle to lose in order to maintain their own playoff hopes. One anonymous source called the game "the worst officiated game of the year." [49] Because the Lions defeated the Packers hours later, the Seahawks secured a wild card berth, but they would lose the NFC Wild Card game to the division champion San Francisco 49ers. [50]

On September 2, 2023; the Seahawks signed former Rams' cornerback Robert Rochell to their roster. [51]

The two teams met for the opening week of the 2023 season in Seattle. [52] The Seahawks were heavy favorites to win the matchup as the Rams were coming off of an injury-plagued 4-win season the year before. [53] Adding to the Rams' issues was star-receiver Cooper Kupp being ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury. Seahawks' receiver DK Metcalf made his hostility present as he taunted Rams' cornerback Derion Kendrick prior to his lone touchdown catch, [54] and later dealt an illegal hit on Rams' cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after the previous play; angering Sean McVay on the sidelines, though Metcalf would later be fined for taunting. [55] [56] Despite an early showing from Seattle in the first quarter which saw them leading 13–10 by the half; Geno Smith played particularly poorly through the game, only throwing for 117 yards while Matthew Stafford threw for 334. Rams' rookie receiver Puka Nacua dominated the Seahawks' secondary, making 10 catches for 119 yards in his debut. [57] [58] Rams' running backs Kyren Williams and Cam Akers managed to combine for 81 yards and three touchdowns, all but securing the victory by the third quarter after Brett Maher managed to complete three field goals. [59] Following the game, Rams' cornerback Derion Kendrick made a further attack on Metcalf in a post, calling out his taunts during the catch. [60]

The Rams later hosted the Seahawks for their week 10 matchup in Los Angeles. Seattle entered the game boasting a 6-3 record while the Rams struggled mightily as they limped into the game following 3 straight losses. Despite a lone touchdown to start the game; the Seahawks' offense became increasingly overwhelmed by the Rams' defense as they only managed two additional field goals to end the first half. Nearing the end of the third quarter; Geno Smith suffered a brutal tackle from Aaron Donald, that injured his elbow, forcing Seattle to play Drew Lock who played very poorly. [61] Both sides continued to grow increasingly hostile with each other after a violent Suplex tackle on Rams' wide receiver Austin Trammell from Seahawks' rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. [62] [63] The Rams' steadily cut the lead down to 2 points headed into the end of the fourth quarter, even managing a critical interception thrown by Lock. [64] [65] [66] The Rams later took the lead by 1 point following a field goal, prompting Smith to return to the game for a possible drive despite his injured elbow. Desperate to regain the lead, the Seahawks managed two first down conversions to set up Jason Myers for a 55-yard field goal; desperate to retake the lead. Following a brief timeout from Sean McVay in an effort to ice Seattle's kicker; [67] Myers later missed the field goal as it sailed wide-right; ending the game in a crushing fashion as the Rams managed to sweep the Seahawks for the first time since 2021.

Los Angeles finished the 2023 season with a 10-7 record and the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs, while Seattle finished with a 9-8 record and finished tied with the Green Bay Packers for the seventh seed. However, Green Bay eventually took the final playoff spot on the strength of victory tiebreaker. [68] Seattle’s season was largely viewed as a collapse as they boasted a 6-3 record until their matchup against the Rams. Had Seattle won just one of its two games against the Rams, Seattle would have made the playoffs instead of Los Angeles.

2024–present: Key departures for both

Following the conclusion of the 2023 season; the Seahawks announced the departure of longtime coach Pete Carroll after 13 seasons, as he would be assigned to an administrative role within the organization. Following the announcement, Rams head coach Sean McVay later expressed respect for Carroll despite the rivalry; describing him as "the ultimate competitor". [69] From 2017 to 2023; Sean McVay remained the only active head coach to boast a winning record against Carroll, going 10-5 against the Seahawks during that span. Seattle later announced the hiring of former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach. [70] Los Angeles would later sign former Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson during the offseason. [71] Rams stalwart defensive tackle Aaron Donald later announced his retirement on March 15, 2024.

Game results

St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks season-by-season results
1970s–1990s (Rams, 4–2)
Season Results Location Overall series Notes
1976 Rams
45–6
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Rams
1–0
Seahawks join NFL as an expansion team and are placed in the NFC West. The following season, they were moved to the AFC West, where they remained through 2001. Only meeting played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum until 2016.
1979 Rams
24–0
Kingdome Rams
2–0
First meeting in Seattle. Rams hold Seahawks to minus seven yards, the lowest offensive output in NFL history. Rams lose Super Bowl XIV. Final matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum until 2016.
1985 Rams
35–24
Kingdome Rams
3–0
1988 Rams
31–10
Anaheim Stadium Rams
4–0
Only game played at Anaheim Stadium, Final meeting in Southern California until 2016.
1991 Seahawks
23–9
Kingdome Rams
4–1
1997 Seahawks
17–9
Trans World Dome Rams
4–2
First matchup in St. Louis.
2000s (Seahawks, 12–6)
Season Season series at St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks Overall series Notes
2000 Rams 1–0 Rams
37–34
Rams
5–2
Seahawks temporarily play at Husky Stadium during demolition of the Kingdome.
2002 Tie 1–1 Rams
37–20
Seahawks
30–10
Rams
6–3
Seahawks move back to the NFC West as a result of NFL realignment. First matchup at Seahawks Stadium.
2003 Tie 1–1 Rams
27–22
Seahawks
24–23
Rams
7–4
2004 Rams 2–0 Rams
23–12
Rams
33–27(OT)
Rams
9–4
2004 Playoffs Rams 1–0 Rams
27–20
Rams
10–4
NFC Wild Card Round. First playoff meeting between the two franchises.
2005 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
37–31
Seahawks
31–16
Rams
10–6
Seahawks lose Super Bowl XL.
2006 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
30–28
Seahawks
24–22
Rams
10–8
2007 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
24–19
Seahawks
33–6
Tie
10–10
2008 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
23–20
Seahawks
37–13
Seahawks
12–10
2009 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
27–17
Seahawks
28–0
Seahawks
14–10
Seahawks win 10 straight meetings (2005–09).
2010s (Tie 10–10)
Season Season series at St. Louis/LA Rams at Seattle Seahawks Overall series Notes
2010 Tie 1–1 Rams
20–3
Seahawks
16–6
Seahawks
15–11
Seattle clinched the NFC West and eliminated the Rams with a week 17 win as the Seahawks become the first team with a losing record since 1982 to make the playoffs.
2011 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
24–7
Seahawks
30–13
Seahawks
17–11
2012 Tie 1–1 Rams
19–13
Seahawks
20–13
Seahawks
18–12
Seahawks draft Russell Wilson.
2013 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
14–9
Seahawks
27–9
Seahawks
20–12
Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII.
2014 Tie 1–1 Rams
28–26
Seahawks
20–6
Seahawks
21–13
Seahawks win 10 straight home meetings (2005–14). Seahawks lose Super Bowl XLIX.
2015 Rams 2–0 Rams
34–31(OT)
Rams
23–17
Seahawks
21–15
Rams' first win in Seattle since 2004 and sweep season series for first time since 2004. Final meeting between the two teams in St. Louis.
2016 Tie 1–1 Rams
9–3
Seahawks
24–3
Seahawks
22–16
Rams return to Los Angeles after 21 seasons in St. Louis.
2017 Tie 1–1 Seahawks
16–10
Rams
42–7
Seahawks
23–17
First appearance for Sean McVay as Los Angeles head coach. Rams set the largest winning margin in the series, worst home loss for the Seahawks in franchise history.
2018 Rams 2–0 Rams
33–31
Rams
36–31
Seahawks
23–19
Rams sweep the NFC West for the first time since 1999. Rams lose Super Bowl LIII.
2019 Tie 1–1 Rams
28–12
Seahawks
30–29
Seahawks
24–20
2020s (Rams, 6–3)
Season Season series at Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks Overall series Notes
2020 Tie 1–1 Rams
23–16
Seahawks
20–9
Seahawks
25–21
No fans in attendance for either game due to COVID-19 pandemic. Rams open SoFi Stadium.
2020 Playoffs Rams 1–0 Rams
30–20
Seahawks
25–22
NFC Wild Card Round.
2021 Rams 2–0 Rams
20–10
Rams
26–17
Seahawks
25–24
Rams acquire Matthew Stafford. Final start in the series for Russell Wilson. Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
2022 Seahawks 2–0 Seahawks
27–23
Seahawks
19–16(OT)
Seahawks
27–24
Bobby Wagner is released from the Seahawks and signed with the Rams for one season. The Seahawks sweep the Rams for the first time since 2013.
2023 Rams 2–0 Rams
17–16
Rams
30–13
Seahawks
27–26
Final appearance for Pete Carroll as head coach of the Seahawks. Final appearance for Aaron Donald as a member of the Rams.
2024 TBA TBA
0-0
TBA
0-0
Seahawks
27–26
First appearance for Mike Macdonald as Seahawks head coach. First game without any members of the Legion of Boom era teams for Seattle.
Summary of results
Season Season series at LA/St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks Notes
Regular season Seahawks 27–24 Rams 15–10 Seahawks 17–9 Rams lead the series in Los Angeles 8–2 and Seattle won the series in St. Louis 8–7
Postseason Rams 2–0 No games Rams 2–0 NFC Wild Card Game: 2004, 2020
Regular and postseason Seahawks 27–26 Rams 15–10 Seahawks 17–11

Fan moments

  • During the Rams' first regular season game after returning to Los Angeles on September 16, 2016; numerous fights broke out at the LA Coliseum during their matchup against the Seahawks. No police reports were filed but phone video recorded an altercation between a Rams fan and a Seahawks fan. While walking up the stadium's stairs; a Seahawks fan was punched by two Rams fans, knocking him back, unintentionally hitting a 9 year old Rams fan in attendance [72] [73] [74]
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith (who is a Rams fan) made an appearance with the Seahawks' "Blue Thunder" drum line in November 2021. [75] In response, the Rams reiterated a long-running joke of Smith's resemblance to actor Will Ferrell (who is a Seahawks fan), Smith attended a game at SoFi Stadium. The Rams social media team jokingly trolled Smith on the stadium jumbotron, displaying his picture next to Ferrell's. [76] [77]

Connections between the teams

Name Position(s) Rams' tenure Seahawks' tenure
Chuck Knox Head coach 1973–1977,
1992–1994
1983–1991
Bobby Wagner Middle linebacker 2022 2012–2021,
2023
Robert Rochell Cornerback 2021–2022 2023
Colby Parkinson Tight end 2024-Present 2020-2023
Art Valero Assistant head coach/
offensive line coach
2008-2009 2010
Curt Warner Running back 1990 1983–1989
Gerald Everett Tight end 2017–2020 2021
Tremayne Anchrum Guard 2020-2023 2024-present
Shane Waldron Tight ends coach/
offensive coordinator
2017–2020 2021–2023
Wayne Hunter Offensive tackle 2012 2003-05
Ricky Proehl Tight end 1998–2002 1995–1996
Maurice Alexander Safety 2014-2017 2018
Austin Davis Quarterback 2012,
2013–2014
2017
Chase Reynolds Running back/ special teamer 2011-2016 2011
Ronnie Rivers Running back 2022–present 2022
Donnie Jones Punter 2007–2011 2004
Isaiah Battle Offensive tackle 2015–2016 2017
Jerry Rhome Offensive coordinator 1997–1998 1976–1982
Jack Patera Head coach/
defensive line coach
1963–1967 1976–1982
Rick Tuten Punter 1998–1999 1991–1997
Mark Rypien Quarterback 1995, 1997 2002
Joe Vitt Linebackers coach 1992–1994,
2004–2005
1982–1991

References

General

Specific

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