Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks

The Rams and Seahawks know each other so well at this point that the NFC Championship feels like the final chapter of a trilogy — two great teams, elite coaching, and zero secrets left. That familiarity usually leads to one thing: better offense, not tighter defense. There’s no “mystery” left, so it turns into execution, tempo, and who can land the biggest punches late.

For the Rams, it starts with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford, a combo that can stress any defense with spacing, rhythm, and relentless pressure on the secondary. When Stafford is comfortable early, the Rams can score in waves — quick drives, explosive shots, and a lot of uncomfortable third-down decisions for the defense. McVay is also one of the best in the league at identifying what a defense is trying to take away and attacking the next weak point.

Seattle counters with Mike Macdonald and Sam Darnold, and this offense has enough juice to trade scores at home. Darnold doesn’t have to be perfect — he has to be aggressive and clean. When he’s decisive and protected, Seattle can move the ball fast and put real stress on the Rams’ coverage rules. The Seahawks are at their best when they force you into a track meet and make you answer in real time, drive after drive.

This game feels like it’s going to come down to the last eight minutes. The biggest edge in matchups like this is often clock and composure — who can manage a late possession, bleed the right amount of time, and still finish with points. That’s exactly the type of game McVay and Stafford have lived in for years.

And don’t miss the bigger picture: whoever wins this game will walk into the Super Bowl as the favorite. These are the two most complete teams left, and the market is going to respect the NFC champ.

Expect points again. Expect drama again. And expect the Rams to win the biggest play of the night: scoring last.

Pick: Rams 41, Seahawks 38