#matthew-stafford

#matthew-stafford

The third meeting between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams feels less like a rematch and more like a final exam. These teams split the regular-season series, and the margins were microscopic. Across two games, only one point separated them on the scoreboard (58-57) and only one yard separated them in total offense (830-829). That's not rivalry noise. That's two teams that are almost perfectly matched when they share the field.

The spectacular one-handed catch looked like the kind of play that could only be made with sudden adjustment. A reaction with no thought or practice required. But that's not how it went down for Rams star receiver Puka Nacua. Nacua's fourth-down touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals in the regular-season season finale had its roots in a conversation with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

It's been nearly five years since the Rams sent Goff, two first-round draft picks and a third-round pick to the Detroit Lions in a blockbuster trade for Stafford. But as much as the two star quarterbacks - and former No. 1 picks in the draft - would like to politely leave it be, they forever will be linked in the greater football consciousness.

The Rams are regarded as a Super Bowl contender - but first they have to make the playoffs. Coach Sean McVay's team can clinch a playoff spot if they defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Rams are 10-3, lead the NFC West and hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC. A win over the Lions would guarantee a playoff spot for the seventh time in McVay's nine seasons.

It was December 2020, and the Rams were in the midst of their third run to the playoffs in four seasons under coach Sean McVay. Their opponent: the 0-13 New York Jets. There was seemingly no way the hapless Jets could beat a 9-4 Rams team at SoFi Stadium. But the Rams came out flat and lost, 23-20. On Sunday, the Rams welcome the seemingly hapless New Orleans Saints, who arrive with a 1-7 record.

Los Angeles (2-0) have been just as efficient. The Rams started the year with a hard-fought 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans before flexing their offensive firepower in a 33-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Stafford has looked sharp, and second-year receiver Puka Nacua has quickly emerged as one of the breakout stars of the league.