The Seattle Seahawks are hosting their first NFC Championship Game in 11 years, a milestone moment driven by a bold offseason decision that has reshaped the franchise. On Sunday, Seattle will face NFC West rival the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup that puts two veteran quarterbacks—and two very different organizational timelines—on center stage.
Sam Darnold Leads Seahawks Back to NFC Title Game
Seattle’s return to the conference championship comes on the back of quarterback Sam Darnold, whose three-year, $100.5 million contract raised eyebrows when it was signed in March. The gamble has paid off emphatically.
Darnold, 28, guided the Seahawks to a 14–3 regular-season record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed, putting the franchise one win away from its first Super Bowl appearance since the 2015 season. His success mirrors his final season in Minnesota, where he also posted a 14–3 record in 2024 before the Vikings lost a divisional tiebreaker and ultimately moved on from him in favor of rookie J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota’s decision looks costly in hindsight. The Vikings missed the playoffs this season, finishing 8–9, while Darnold has revived his career and firmly reestablished himself as a franchise quarterback in Seattle.
Darnold Cashes In as Incentives Pile Up
Darnold’s on-field success has come with significant financial rewards. He was guaranteed at least $37.5 million this season, including a $32 million signing bonus. Performance incentives have already added another $1.5 million, and his playoff bonus has climbed to $1 million for reaching the NFC Championship Game.
That figure could rise to $1.5 million if Seattle reaches the Super Bowl and $2.5 million if the Seahawks win it all. Darnold has already earned approximately $40 million this season, pushing his career earnings past $100 million.
New Era in Seattle Under Mike Macdonald
Seattle’s resurgence coincides with major changes throughout the organization. Head coach Mike Macdonald is in his second season after replacing longtime coach Pete Carroll. General manager John Schneider expanded his role in 2024, adding president of football operations to his title.
The Seahawks are also operating under the lingering uncertainty of a potential franchise sale, as the team remains controlled by Jody Allen following the death of her brother, longtime owner Paul Allen, in 2018. Despite the off-field questions, the Seahawks have rallied around Darnold and delivered one of the league’s most impressive seasons.
Rams Betting on One More Run With Matthew Stafford
While Seattle is building around a quarterback in his prime, the Rams are chasing another championship with veteran Matthew Stafford, who turns 38 on the eve of Super Bowl LX.
Stafford is currently the betting favorite to win the NFL MVP award after throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns during a 12–5 season. The Rams’ record marks their third straight winning year and their best since the 2021 campaign that ended with a Super Bowl title.
Stafford’s Uncertain Future in Los Angeles
Despite his production, Stafford’s long-term future with the Rams remains unclear. Entering the offseason, he was originally slated to earn about $27 million in 2025 and sought a raise. The Rams allowed him to explore trade options, with the Raiders and Giants reportedly expressing interest, before ultimately restructuring his deal to guarantee $40 million this season.
Stafford’s contract includes another $40 million guarantee if he remains on the roster by March 15, the fifth day of the league year. That deadline gives the Rams less than two months after the season to decide whether to retain the veteran at a premium cost or pivot toward a younger, more affordable quarterback option.
High Stakes in NFC Championship Showdown
Sunday’s NFC Championship Game represents a crossroads moment for both franchises. For Seattle, it’s validation of a franchise-altering investment in Darnold and a chance to return to the Super Bowl for the first time in a decade. For the Rams, it may be the final opportunity to contend with Stafford under center before major roster decisions reshape the team’s future.
Whether it’s Darnold completing one of the NFL’s most remarkable career revivals or Stafford adding another championship chapter to his legacy, the Seahawks-Rams rivalry is set to deliver one of the most consequential games of the postseason.