Here it is, folks, Week 18. It feels as if the 2022 campaign just started and yet in a blink of an eye, the Seattle Seahawks are facing the regular season finale. In a season full of ups, downs, surprises and shortcomings, the Seahawks sit at a crossroads at 8-8 facing a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Sunday will determine if the Seahawks finish the regular season with a winning record or not.
Buy Seahawks TicketsNo matter the outcome, in many ways the 2022 season should still be viewed as a success for the Seahawks. This was a team many expected to be among the very worst in football. Instead, they still have an outside shot at the playoffs. They must defeat Los Angeles and hope the Detroit Lions either defeat or tie the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
However, whatever happens on the Frozen Tundra doesn’t matter if the Seahawks can’t take care of business against the Rams. As I wrote earlier in the year, the Rams – especially under Sean McVay – have owned the Seahawks. Seattle may have won the Week 13 matchup, but it took a last minute game-winning drive to escape with a 27-23 victory… in a game where Matt Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald did not play.
Despite being officially the worst defending Super Bowl champions of all time, the Rams have looked somewhat competent under quarterback Baker Mayfield. Since Mayfield was picked up off the street, Los Angeles has gone 2-2 including dropping 51 points on the vaunted Broncos defense.
The Seahawks stopped their three-game skid last week with a 23-6 win over the Jets, but this is a team that has been struggling. The defense has seemingly gotten their act back together. However, the offense is leaving much to be desired, as was the case in the losses to Carolina, San Francisco and Kansas City.
There are also curious rumblings regarding head coach Sean McVay and his future in the City of Angels. McVay’s struggles this season have been well documented and reportedly this game could predict the outcome of if he will stay coaching or take time away from the game.
This could potentially be McVay’s final game in the NFL and it’s oddly fitting it’s against a team he has historically dominated. The Rams have had their number and will again today.
Prediction: Rams over Seahawks 24-20.
