Heavy rain (87% chance) and 35 m.p.h. wind gusts are forecast for the 11-3 Seattle Seahawks' hosting of the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football at Lumen Field—a Week 16 battle for NFC West control and the conference's No. 1 seed, as previewed in our expert picks coverage. Weather may tilt toward ground games amid key injuries.
This Thursday marks a historic first: two teams with at least 11 wins facing off on a Thursday. The Seahawks ride a four-game win streak, capped by an 18-16 victory over Indianapolis and poised to clinch a playoff spot. The Rams, owners of eight wins in nine, punched their postseason ticket with a 41-34 thriller over Detroit.
The all-time series sits at 28-28, though Los Angeles edged Seattle 21-19 in Week 11. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has faltered in high-stakes games, including against the Rams' top-five scoring defense and league-best +9 turnover margin. Seattle's unit, No. 2 in points allowed, challenges Rams QB Matthew Stafford, the MVP frontrunner.
With left tackle Charles Cross and Rams WR Davante Adams sidelined (per prior reports), eyes turn to Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba (NFL receiving yards leader) and L.A.'s Puka Nacua (2nd in receptions at 102, 1,367 yards). Gusty conditions favor rushers like Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
Seattle is a 1.5-point favorite (total 42.5, down from 46.5 on weather), with both teams 10-4 ATS. Experts split picks—Rams' recent dominance (4 of last 5 over Seattle) vs. Seahawks' pass defense—as Larry Hartstein highlights.