Two teams took two different paths to get to the NFC Championship Game. The Seahawks practically had a bye week. They crushed the San Francisco 49ers, and it was not close from the opening kickoff. The Hawks are the number one seed for a reason, and they flexed that muscle on Saturday. The Rams went into overtime with the Bears after blowing a lead. It took an interception for them to kick a field goal and win the game. Nonetheless, we have two NFC West teams battling for a spot in the Super Bowl. Here’s our 2026 NFC Conference Championship Game Preview.
Earlier Results
The Rams and Hawks faced off against each other twice already this season. They split the series. The Rams took the first game 21-19 and they were able to intercept Sam Darnold four times in that game. If there is an easy way to win a game, it is to force the other QB into four picks. But LA only won by two points as their own offense struggled to score points against one of the best defenses in the league.
In the second game, the Hawks had one of the best comebacks of the season. The Rams went up 30-14 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. But Seattle turned it on, had one of the most improbable two-point conversions of all-time and they forced overtime. Two touchdowns later, the Hawks won on another two-point conversion, and they never really looked back from there.
What to Watch for
Seattle: The Rams have a great defense, and the Hawks are now down one of their best offensive players. Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the Divisional Game against the 49ers. Kenneth Walker made sure to fill both roles and scored three times, but that might be too predictable against the Rams.
Los Angeles: The Rams must be able to create turnovers. Darnold tends to struggle in the brightest lights. Can they force him into another multi-interception game? Will they be able to pressure him? Can they get him off the field? Sean McVay has the playoff experience over Mike Macdonald and needs to show that experience off.
The Keys
Seattle: Hold onto the ball and control time of possession. If they can control the ground game as they did against the 49ers, the Hawks should be in good shape. Matt Stafford can beat you with his ample weapons. Take the ball out of his hands.
Los Angeles: Find your best players. It’s that simple. When the Rams are most effective is when Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are involved as much as possible. The Hawks have one of the better secondaries in the league and it showed last week.
Prediction
This is a real toss-up. The Hawks have a legit home field advantage, but the Rams own the experience. In the end, I am picking the hotter team in this game. Seahawks 24 Rams 21