Inside the matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

With last week’s win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks (10-2) now hold the 2nd seed in the NFC.

The New Orleans Saints (10-2) are currently the 1st seed with their victory against Seattle early in the season. The Saints play the San Francisco 49ers (10-2) this week. The 49ers are currently the 5th seed since they lost their head to head matchup against the Seahawks a few weeks ago. A win over the Rams this week for Seattle would clinch a playoff spot.

Looking at the matchup, the Seahawks have the advantage at quarterback. Jared Goff doesn’t run well and really likes to throw the ball. He has been averaging nearly 40 attempts per game. Jared had a season- high 68 attempts in a loss to Tampa Bay. Jared’s completion rate is down this year at 62.5%. He has thrown the fourth most interceptions in the league with 12 to go with 13 touchdowns. Russell Wilson averages 30 attempts per game and has a higher completion percentage. He has almost twice as many touchdowns this year and fewer interceptions in his last two seasons combined than Goff has this season.

The Seahawks also have the edge in the running game. #30 Todd Gurley isn’t the running back he was last season. His attempts per game are down and so are his yards per carry. Presumably the reason that Goff is passing more is due to the lack of confidence in the Rams running game. After a bad week against Philadelphia, Chris Carson looks to be back on track for Seattle and Rashaad Penny has for the second week in a row continued to look like he might be Seattle’s best running back.

The Rams have two top ten receivers in the NFC this season. Cooper Kupp, who played college football at Eastern Washington University, leads the Rams with 73 catches and six touchdowns on the season. Robert Woods is having another good season with the Rams, with 64 catches and 835 yards receiving. Tyler Lockett had no receptions last week and has only four total in the last three weeks. Despite this, Russell Wilson has been finding other receivers to target. The edge though goes to the Rams.

Like last week, the kicking game is a draw. Greg Zuerlein has missed six field goals on the year but all of them have been from 40 yards or longer. All five of Jason Myers misses are from this 40 yards or longer range.

Three keys to the game for Seattle:

Run the ball often to limit Rams possessions.

Intercept Jared Goff at least once

Get Tyler Lockett a catch early in the game