Seahawks Remain Focused on Season Finale, While Rams Make Bold Move to Rest Key Starters Before Playoffs

As the NFL season heads into its final week, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams find themselves in very different positions heading into Sunday’s matchup. While the Seahawks (9-7) are playing for pride and a potential 10-win season, the Rams (10-6) are already gearing up for the playoffs, with many key starters expected to rest in the final regular-season game.

Had the Seahawks secured one more victory or the Rams lost a few more games down the stretch, this game could have been a division-deciding showdown. Instead, Seattle is playing out the string in their first back-to-back non-playoff seasons in 15 years, while the Rams’ primary concern is keeping their players healthy for the postseason.

Rams: Resting Starters and Preparing for the Playoffs

For Los Angeles, the regular season finale is little more than a tune-up for their upcoming wild-card game next week. With a playoff spot already secured, Matthew Stafford won’t take the field, and several other starters, including right tackle Rob Havenstein, are expected to rest due to minor injuries.

Coach Sean McVay has emphasized that his approach to this game will be strategic, with the goal of ensuring his players are rested and ready for the postseason.

“I’m always trying to make decisions that I think are best for our football team,” McVay said. “It might not be best for everybody else, but if you said risk-reward, I think it’s a great opportunity for Jimmy Garoppolo to play.”

Garoppolo will make his first appearance for the Rams, leading the team in Stafford’s absence. McVay also hinted that offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur could take over play-calling duties for this game, as he did last season.

Seahawks: Playing for Milestones and Motivation

While the Seahawks have nothing to play for in terms of postseason hopes, they are far from lacking in motivation. Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the importance of closing out the season strong, not just for 2024, but for the future.

“The focus is on really closing the year out the right way and starting [2025] the right way too,” Macdonald stated. Despite missing the playoffs, the Seahawks are still pushing to achieve a 10-win season, something they haven’t done since 2020.

Several key players are also eyeing individual milestones, including quarterback Geno Smith, whose performance this weekend could potentially boost his contract value and future with the team. Macdonald added, “If it’s within your power, you’re going to try to make that come to life and create as many opportunities for those guys as possible.”

Notable Milestones: Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett

One of the most exciting storylines for the Seahawks heading into Week 18 involves rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba is just five receptions away from breaking Tyler Lockett’s single-season record for catches.

Lockett, who set the record with 100 catches in 2020, seems more than happy to pass the torch to the promising young receiver.

“He was like, ‘I think you’re going to break my record. I hope you break my record,’” Smith-Njigba recalled. “A special, special moment.”

While some players may be protective of their records, Lockett’s support of Smith-Njigba speaks volumes about his character and the positive culture within the Seahawks’ locker room.

In addition to the reception record, Smith-Njigba could also challenge DK Metcalf’s franchise record for single-season receiving yards, needing 183 yards to surpass Metcalf’s mark.

However, this could also be Lockett’s final game with the Seahawks. With a significant cap hit of $30.8 million in 2024, Lockett may be a candidate for trade or release in the offseason.

What’s at Stake: Looking Ahead

For the Seahawks, a victory could mark the first time in four years that they reach the 10-win milestone. It would also offer a strong foundation for the 2025 season, as they continue to build under coach Mike Macdonald.

On the other hand, the Rams are focused entirely on the playoffs. With a strong finish to the season and a solid five-game winning streak, they are entering the postseason with momentum, even if Sunday’s game is more about rest than victory.

Key Takeaways

– Seahawks: Playing for pride, individual records, and momentum for 2025.

– Rams: Resting starters, especially Matthew Stafford, as they prepare for their playoff run.

– Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Closing in on breaking Tyler Lockett’s franchise record for receptions.

– Tyler Lockett: Potentially playing his final game with Seattle, as his hefty 2024 cap hit may lead to a departure.

As both teams head into the final week of the regular season, the Seahawks remain motivated to finish strong, while the Rams are focused on maintaining their health for the upcoming playoffs.