The Seattle Seahawks secured an overtime victory in a wild game to kick off the 16th week of the NFL season. This puts them at the top of the NFC West for now.

Ecstasy in Seattle! In the Thursday Night Game of the 16th NFL match day, the Seattle Seahawks secured a much-celebrated 38:37 victory against the Los Angeles Rams after overtime and qualified early for the playoffs.

The Seahawks were initially trailing 14-30 before Sam Darnold threw a red zone interception in the fourth quarter, almost ending the game in favor of the Rams.

However, Rashid Shaheed returned the Rams’ subsequent punt back into the end zone, initiating the comeback. The Seahawks scored three touchdowns, including a two-point conversion, to ultimately win the game in overtime.

NFL: Seahawks and Rams make history

The two NFC West rivals made history: for the first time, a team failed to win an overtime game in the regular season despite scoring a touchdown in overtime.

This was made possible by a rule change. Starting this season, the playoff rule that both offenses must get the ball at least once in overtime also applies in the regular season.

Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold delivers in clutch time

Darnold finished with 270 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Receiver Jaxson-Smith Njigba gained 96 yards and scored the decisive touchdown in overtime. Tight end AJ Barner also had a house call to celebrate, in addition to 49 yards.

Kenneth Walker was the best runner with exactly 100 yards, scoring one touchdown, as did Zach Charbonnet (32 yards). The Seahawks won the game despite losing the turnover battle 0-3.

Los Angeles Rams let Seahawks snatch victory from their grasp

After Kobie Turner’s interception, the Rams looked like the sure winners, but they had to punt twice in a row, bringing the Seahawks back into the game. After the Rams scored in overtime through Puka Nacua, they allowed a touchdown drive by Seattle, which they won with a final two-point conversion.

Nacua was also the standout player, gaining 225 yards on twelve catches and two touchdowns. He was targeted 16 times in total. No other receiver caught more than three balls in the absence of the injured Davante Adams. The third passing touchdown went to Terrance Ferguson.

Despite the defeat, Matthew Stafford cemented his position in the MVP race with 457 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. Kyren Williams was the best runner with 70 yards. However, the Rams ended up with just over three yards rushing – too little to close out the game early.

The Rams now have an 11-4 record and have to relinquish the lead in the NFC West to the Seahawks (12-3). Next week, Seattle travels to the Carolina Panthers, while the Rams have to visit the Atlanta Falcons.