The Seattle Seahawks edged the Los Angeles Rams, 38-37, in a dramatic overtime finish on Thursday night at Lumen Field, seizing control of the NFC West race. The result also represented a best-case scenario for the San Francisco 49ers, who now have a clearer path to the division title—and potentially the NFC's top seed—provided they handle their own business over the final three weeks.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 12-3 and moved into first place in the NFC playoff picture. The Rams fell to 11-4. Meanwhile, the 49ers sit at 10-4 and can pull even with Los Angeles at 11-4 with a Monday night road win over the Indianapolis Colts.
San Francisco remains firmly in the hunt for the No. 1 seed. If the 49ers win out—including what could be a pivotal Week 18 matchup against Seattle at Levi's Stadium—they would have a legitimate claim to the top spot in the conference.
A win in Week 18 would mean the 49ers sweep the Seahawks and win the head-to-head tiebreaker (assuming their records match). The 49ers and Rams split their series this season. San Francisco is 5-1 in the NFC West while Los Angeles is now 4-2, giving the 49ers the edge there if their records match at the end.
Current NFC West standings:
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
After facing the Colts in Indianapolis, the 49ers return home to host the Chicago Bears and Seahawks to close the regular season. It sets the stage for an incredible finish for head coach Kyle Shanahan's team, which has remained in contention despite navigating significant injuries throughout the season.