WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — The stakes for Thursday night’s clash between NFC powerhouses simply cannot be understated.
Divisional control, playoff positioning and momentum all hang in the balance. A game of this magnitude can dictate an entire season for two championship caliber teams with aspirations to be in Santa Clara for Super Bowl 60. Thursday Night Football will deliver one of the most anticipated games of the 2025 NFL season.
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In the first matchup between these divisional foes back in Week 11, Los Angeles’ defense harassed Sam Darnold, intercepting him four times in a 21-19 victory on Nov. 16. Matthew Stafford notched two touchdown passes, Kyren Williams punched one in on the ground and L.A. walked away with a crucial win. Despite out-gaining Los Angeles 414-249 and possessing the ball for over 37 minutes, costly turnovers prevented Seattle from capturing a win at Sofi Stadium.
This primetime matchup features two teams that rank inside the top five in both scoring offense and scoring defense, highlighting their status as two of the NFL’s most complete squads. Tied at the top of the NFC at 11-3, Seattle and Los Angeles must execute at the highest level in order to take the next step, securing a bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
Securing the bye on the road in a tough environment won’t be easy for Los Angeles, who will likely be without star wide receiver Devante Adams after he suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 41-34 win over the Detroit Lions. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Adams will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury and added that “the hope” is Adams will be able to return for the playoffs, although there is no clear timetable for a potential return.
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur discussed how his presence could affect the performance of the offense.
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“You guys have seen how valuable he’s been for us in so many different ways,” LaFleur said. “He’s a Hall of Famer for a reason.”
One potential offensive target that could see more in volume in Adams absence, former Seahawk tight end Colby Parkinson. The former fourth round pick out of Stanford entered 2025 with just five career touchdowns in five seasons. In 12 games this season, Parkinson has exploded for six touchdowns, emerging as a reliable redzone threat in Sean McVay’s offense.
LaFleur credits Parkinson’s breakout year to the work he puts in behind the scenes.
“I’ve seen him grow as a football player,” LaFleur said. “He goes to work, both in the meeting room and the practice field as well as anyone we have on this squad.”
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Thursday’s game brings a quick turnaround, leaving limited time for preparation and fewer practice reps ahead of the biggest game of the season. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula details how a short week alters practice plans and what the team does to stay prepared.
“You’re not going to be able to practice full speed too much,” Shula said. Our guys are really good at walking through and getting the metal reps that they need. They’re professional and we’ll be ready to go.”
With massive postseason implications on the line, every play is critical. Shula points out how important it is to ensure all 11 players know their role and how that sets up the pass rush in passing situations.
“It’s doing your part within the framework of the defense,” Shula said. “They know if they do their part, we’re going to earn the right to rush.”
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One defender who has emerged as a key contributor on Shula’s defensive line has been Kobie Turner, who has posted 5.5 sacks this season including one in Sunday’s win over Detroit. Shula understands the impact the third-year defensive end can have on the outcome of a game.
“He never takes a play off,” Shula said. “That’s why you have to be on it every play with him. If you don’t, he’s going to make you pay.”
The winner of Thursday’s contest will move into the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the NFC with just two weeks left in the regular season.
Here is the remaining schedule for both teams as the regular season nears its conclusion.
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Seattle Los Angeles
Week 17: @ Carolina Panthers Week 17: @ Atlanta Falcons
Week 18: @ San Fransisco 49ers Week 18: vs. Arizona Cardinals