Seahawks strike first on Thursday night, and the tone is set. Seattle’s offense powered downfield on an early drive, then Zach Charbonnet hammered in a short rushing touchdown. The sideline popped, the huddle tightened, and the Seahawks grabbed the night by the face mask. The message was simple. Seattle came to run the ball, hit the middle, and force the Rams to tackle in space.
Charbonnet’s punch, Seattle’s plan
This opening score was not a fluke. Seattle used motion, pulled bodies into the hole, and asked the Rams to fit every gap. Charbonnet ran low and angry. He broke first contact. He finished the run. That is Seattle football when it hums. It also opens the play-action game for Geno Smith, who thrives when linebackers cheat downhill.
The Seahawks have leaned on three receivers this season. DK Metcalf scares corners with size and speed. Tyler Lockett finds the soft spots. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the chain mover, and a growing red zone threat. Early, we saw that trio bend coverage. When Charbonnet scored, it felt like the result of that stress.
Rams response
Los Angeles will not blink. Matthew Stafford can flip the script in two throws. The Rams will test the seams with Puka Nacua. They will use bunch formations and force Seattle’s corners to pass off routes. If Cooper Kupp draws double help, Nacua becomes the free hitter. Seattle must rally and tackle. One missed tackle turns into 25 yards with this group.
The matchups that decide tonight
- JSN in the slot against the Rams’ inside coverage, quick wins on option routes
- DK Metcalf vs press, can he beat leverage and create a deep shot
- Seattle’s cutback lanes vs the Rams’ backside edge, discipline matters
- Stafford to Nacua on crossers vs Seahawks zone spacing on third down
Seattle’s defense needs early down wins. If the Rams face second and long, the Seahawks can heat up the pocket. Stafford, when forced off his first read, will still take risks. That is where a tipped ball or a baited throw swings a half.
Fantasy and DFS players, keep JSN on your radar for an anytime score. In tight space, Seattle is dialing up quick hitters to the slot. Puka Nacua remains a volume anchor on the other side, especially if the Seahawks roll safety help toward Kupp.
Live angles, numbers, and the field position war
The first touchdown changed the betting board in real time. Seattle with a lead can lean on tempo control. That shortens the game and puts pressure on the Rams to finish drives, not just move the ball. Watch the live total. If the Seahawks keep ripping off five yards on first down, the clock will drip.
Special teams can swing this. Field position has been tight. A single long return, or a shanked punt, sets up a free three points. Red zone efficiency is the other lever. Seattle just showed a rugged goal line push. Los Angeles counters with motion and stacks. Whoever finds the better matchups in the low red will tilt the pace.
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Do not chase every live swing. Possession by possession football makes numbers jump. Wait for a full drive to confirm a change in plan before you commit.
Trench truth
Seattle’s interior line is battling, and it shows in Charbonnet’s early success. The Rams still have teeth up front, and they are violent with hands. If the Seahawks stay on schedule, the screen game to running backs will punish that aggression. If not, Geno will need to win with quick timing throws and hot reads.
For the Rams, inside zone and duo runs can settle things. That would pull the Seahawks’ safeties closer, then Stafford can hunt the deep over. The chess match is live. Every motion and split is a clue.
What this means for the NFC West
This is a heavy game for January math. A Seattle win keeps pressure on the division and tightens the wild card chase. It also bumps key tiebreakers, including conference record. A Rams win steadies their push and puts Seattle behind in head-to-head talk. That is how seasons shift. Tonight, field position counts as much as flair.
The 49ers are watching, because the ripple touches seeding and travel paths. If Seattle stacks wins, they force everyone to match their pace. If the Rams climb, the middle of the NFC becomes a traffic jam. It all starts with nights like this.
The final word
Seattle landed first, and Charbonnet lit the fuse. Now the question is finish. Can the Seahawks keep pounding and keep Geno in clean pockets. Can the Rams unlock Nacua and tilt the game back with explosive plays. The next three drives will tell us a lot. Expect urgency, expect adjustments, and expect one more big swing before halftime. The door is open, and both teams are sprinting for it.
