Former USC Trojan Sam Darnold is heading into the biggest game of 2025 and the biggest game in his career since last year’s Vikings-Lions late-season showdown which determined the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams will square off for the NFC West crown and first place in the NFC. This game has a lot on the line for the Seahawks, but also for Sam Darnold. This is a game where Darnold can silence many of his doubters over the last few years and get the signature win of his career.
Here are my five expectations for Sam Darnold and the Seahawks versus the Rams on Thursday:
Sam Darnold shows up
In the first matchup between the Seahawks and the Rams, Sam Darnold threw 4 interceptions, yet the Seahawks only lost by 2 points. The Seahawks’ defense played as well as any team could play versus the explosive Rams offense. Good enough for Seattle to come out on top. Sam, Darnold got in the way of that with his poor play. This time around, I think Darnold will rise to the occasion and play at his best. I think Darnold will have a 300-yard passing performance and throw for at least two touchdowns. The Seahawks can not win this game without Sam Darnold playing like a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. I believe he will do just that.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba puts up 200 yards receiving versus Rams
The Rams’ defense has been very impressive this season, to the point that defensive coordinator Chris Shula is a name to watch for head coaching jobs. The defensive line is the strong suit for the Rams, and the attacking point for this defense is the secondary. Last week, the Rams allowed Amon-Ra St. Brown to put up 164 yards receiving and Jameson Williams to have 134 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is licking his chops, looking at last week’s stats. This season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the best receiver in the NFL, and I expect him to take last week’s production for the Lions receivers up to another level. Sam Darnold will feed Jaxon Smith-Njigba early and often in this game, resulting in him having his best performance of the season.
The Seahawks defense gets after Matthew Stafford
The Seahawks’ defense did a great job of limiting the Rams ‘ offensive success to a minimum in the first matchup; unfortunately, their offense was just not good enough. The Seahawks were great in every category, minus bringing elite quarterback Matthew Stafford down for a sack. This time around, I think Mike Macdonald, the defensive wizard, and the Seahawks’ elite defensive line will have themselves a day. I think Seattle will bring down Matthew Stafford 5 times in this game, and that will be one of the big deciding factors for why Seattle steals this one.
Sam Darnold puts up a game winning drive
In the games that the Seahawks have lost this season, Darnold has failed to put together a game-winning drive. This game will be different; the Seahawks defense will get a stop and place the ball back into the hands of Darnold. Darnold will march Seattle down the field and get his first big moment in Seattle. Many who speculate that Darnold will see ghosts again in the playoffs will have to eat their words and now have no choice but to believe in this year’s Seattle Seahawks and this year’s Sam Darnold.
Sam Darnold will join other Trojan quarterback Caleb Williams as division-leading quarterbacks
Caleb Williams has had a great season this year and played his part in propelling the Bears to first place in the hardest division in the NFL. Sam Darnold has had a great season and has been worth every penny for what Seattle gave him to be their replacement for Geno Smith. The Seahawks’ defense has been lights out and playing at a Super Bowl level. Now is the time for Sam Darnold to go out there and lead his team to victory over the dominant Rams. If Darnold plays at his best, I think he will. The Trojans will be heavily represented with two former quarterbacks leading their teams to division titles in the toughest divisions in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah’s expectations for Sam Darnold in huge NFC West clash vs Rams
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
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