Confidence has notably shifted towards the Seattle Seahawks as they prepare for their upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game. This shift in sentiment follows two months of competitive play since their first matchup in Week 11 of the season.
Initially, both the Seahawks and Rams were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in DVOA, with observers questioning Seattle’s offensive effectiveness, especially their running game, and whether quarterback Sam Darnold could withstand the pressure from a team that previously eliminated him from the playoffs. Meanwhile, Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was showcasing an impressive stretch, throwing 20 touchdowns without a single interception over six weeks.
However, NFL analysts like NBC Sports’ Chris Simms expressed a preference for the Rams’ experience on both sides of the ball leading up to that November game. “I think I trust the Rams a little bit more on both sides of the ball,” Simms stated, highlighting the battle-tested nature of the Los Angeles squad.
Despite the Rams maintaining their status as a formidable team, holding on to their No. 2 DVOA ranking, they have faced hurdles in recent matchups. Their victory path included solid wins against the Panthers and Bears, but they also suffered a late-season loss to the Falcons, entering the playoffs as a wild card team. This inconsistency has raised questions about their current form, particularly on the defensive end, where they have allowed over 30 points in three of their last games.
In contrast, the Seahawks have provided strong evidence of their growth during the latter part of the season. Their defense has been dominating, allowing just 20 points in only one of their last seven games, including a decisive win over the 49ers in the divisional round. Additionally, Seattle’s running game has surged, going from struggling earlier in the season to rushing for over 160 yards in their last four outings. Although the injury to running back Zach Charbonnet is a setback, Kenneth Walker III has emerged as a reliable asset, totaling over 1,000 yards on the season.
This improvement has led to a boost in confidence from fans and analysts alike, particularly as the Seahawks have proven their capability on the field. Even with the Rams boasting an elite offense led by Stafford, the struggles they’ve faced in recent games have left some fans apprehensive.
As both teams gear up for this high-stakes rematch, it is clear that confidence is riding high for the Seahawks, driven by their recent performance and fortified by a strong defense. The upcoming contest promises to be an exciting and historically significant playoff matchup, as the teams seek redemption and dominance in the NFC Championship.