The rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams has grown into one of the most competitive and compelling matchups in the NFC West. Spanning decades, relocations, superstar eras, and playoff battles, the timeline of this rivalry reveals dramatic shifts in power, emotional finishes, and defining moments that have shaped both franchises.
TLDR: The Seahawks vs Rams rivalry began in 1976 and intensified after Seattle joined the NFC West in 2002. The Rams dominated early years, while the Seahawks rose to prominence in the 2000s and especially during the Legion of Boom era. In recent seasons, the Rams have often held the upper hand, particularly under Sean McVay. Overall, the timeline reflects cycles of dominance, playoff drama, and consistently hard-fought divisional battles.
Early Years (1976–2001): Foundations of a Rivalry
The Seahawks entered the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team. During this period, the Rams were based in Los Angeles and already established as a competitive franchise. Although both teams initially played in different divisions for much of the early years, they frequently met as divisional opponents in the NFC West before the league’s realignment.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, the Rams were generally the more stable and competitive organization. The Seahawks, still building their identity, struggled with consistency. During this era:
- Rams wins: Approximately 15+
- Seahawks wins: Under 10
- Playoff meetings: Limited or none
The Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome” defense had already made its mark in NFL history, and while that unit predated Seattle’s existence, Los Angeles continued to lean on defensive strength. The Seahawks had sporadic success but lacked sustained dominance during this initial phase.
2002 Realignment: A New Chapter Begins
The rivalry intensified significantly in 2002 when the NFL realigned divisions and placed both the Seahawks and the Rams together in the NFC West. From this point forward, they faced each other twice every regular season, increasing the stakes and the familiarity between coaching staffs and players.
At the time of realignment:
- The Rams were coming off their “Greatest Show on Turf” era.
- Seattle was building under head coach Mike Holmgren.
- Quarterback play became central: Matt Hasselbeck vs Marc Bulger.
From 2002 to 2004, the Rams maintained an edge, leveraging offensive firepower. However, Seattle quickly started to turn the tide.
Mid-2000s: Seahawks Take Control (2005–2007)
The 2005 season marked a turning point. The Seahawks went 13–3 and advanced to Super Bowl XL. During this stretch, Seattle began asserting dominance over the division, including the Rams.
Key statistics from 2005–2007:
- Seahawks division titles: 3 consecutive
- Average margin of victory vs Rams (selected games): 10+ points
- Seattle playoff appearances: Consistent
Running back Shaun Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck powered Seattle’s offense, while the Rams began sliding into inconsistency. The balance of power had shifted north.
2010–2012: Transitional Battles
Both teams entered rebuilding phases around 2010. The Rams drafted quarterback Sam Bradford first overall in 2010, while the Seahawks transitioned through quarterbacks before landing on a franchise cornerstone.
In 2012, Seattle drafted Russell Wilson, and the rivalry once again changed dramatically.
- 2010 division title: Seahawks (7–9 record)
- 2012 breakout: Russell Wilson’s rookie success
- Defensive emergence: Legion of Boom era begins
Games during this stretch were often defensive and low-scoring, signaling a philosophical change in Seattle’s approach.
Image not found in postmetaLegion of Boom Era (2013–2016): Defensive Dominance
From 2013 to 2016, the Seahawks became one of the NFL’s most feared teams. Their secondary — known as the Legion of Boom — transformed Seattle into a defensive powerhouse.
During this era:
- Seahawks Super Bowl appearances: 2 (winning Super Bowl XLVIII)
- Average points allowed (2013): 14.4 per game
- Head-to-head edge during peak: Slightly favoring Seattle
However, even during Seattle’s peak, the Rams proved to be a tricky matchup. St. Louis (before relocating back to Los Angeles in 2016) often pulled off surprising upsets. Between 2012 and 2015, the Rams actually won multiple games against playoff-bound Seahawks squads, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the rivalry.
Sean McVay Era (2017–Present): Rams Resurgence
The hiring of Sean McVay in 2017 re-energized the Rams franchise. Paired initially with quarterback Jared Goff and later with Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ offense became innovative and explosive.
From 2017 onward:
- Rams playoff appearances: Multiple
- Super Bowl appearances: 2 (winning Super Bowl LVI)
- Winning streak vs Seattle: Several multi-game streaks
Between 2017 and 2021, the Rams frequently held the upper hand. Aaron Donald’s presence on the defensive line consistently disrupted Seattle’s offensive schemes. Russell Wilson, while still productive, faced mounting pressure in matchups against Los Angeles.
Notably, the two teams met in the 2020 NFC Wild Card Round, where the Rams defeated Seattle 30–20. It marked one of the most significant postseason meetings in the rivalry’s history.
All-Time Head-to-Head Statistics
As of the mid-2020s, the all-time series remains competitive, though one franchise typically holds a narrow lead depending on the exact season.
- Total meetings: 50+
- Series leader: Often separated by only a few games
- Playoff meetings: At least 1 significant matchup (2020 Wild Card)
- Average combined points per game: Typically 40–50 in modern era
The rivalry has featured:
- Multiple overtime games
- Last-minute field goal wins
- Division-deciding matchups in Weeks 16–18
- High sack totals on both sides
Quarterback Comparisons Across Eras
Quarterback play has defined many timeline shifts:
- 1980s–1990s: Jim Everett and others for the Rams; various Seahawks starters
- 2000s: Matt Hasselbeck vs Marc Bulger
- 2012–2021: Russell Wilson vs Jared Goff
- 2021–Present: Geno Smith vs Matthew Stafford
Statistically, Russell Wilson holds some of the highest individual passing yard totals in the rivalry, but Matthew Stafford has delivered clutch division wins, including playoff implications.
Defensive Impact and Star Power
Defense has often been the separator in this rivalry:
- Aaron Donald: Multiple sacks and game-disrupting performances
- Richard Sherman: Key interceptions vs Rams during peak years
- Wagner vs Gurley battles: Intense linebacker vs running back clashes
Team defensive rankings during peak seasons frequently landed in the NFL’s top 10, especially for Seattle between 2012–2015 and for the Rams during Aaron Donald’s Defensive Player of the Year campaigns.
Recent Trends and Future Outlook
In the past few seasons, both teams have undergone partial rebuilds while remaining competitive. The Seahawks transitioned from the Russell Wilson era to a younger core, while the Rams balanced veteran contracts with younger draft investments.
Recent trends include:
- Increased scoring variability
- Younger defensive units on both sides
- Strategic coaching adjustments within division familiarity
Looking ahead, the rivalry appears poised to remain tightly contested. With both teams drafting skill-position players and reinforcing their defensive lines, divisional games are likely to continue influencing playoff pictures.
Conclusion
The Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams timeline reflects the cyclical nature of NFL success. From the Rams’ early dominance to Seattle’s Super Bowl era and Los Angeles’ modern resurgence under Sean McVay, each phase has added new drama and statistical milestones. Head-to-head records, playoff games, and superstar performances demonstrate a rivalry defined not by one-sided history, but by balance and rivalry-fueled intensity. As both teams evolve, their twice-yearly meetings remain among the most anticipated in the NFC West.
FAQ: Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams Timeline Stats
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Who leads the all-time series between the Seahawks and Rams?
The all-time series is typically very close, with the lead shifting over the decades. In recent seasons, the Rams have often narrowed or held a slight advantage. -
When did the rivalry become more intense?
The rivalry intensified in 2002 when both teams were placed in the NFC West during NFL realignment, ensuring two matchups each regular season. -
Have the Seahawks and Rams met in the playoffs?
Yes. The most notable playoff meeting occurred in the 2020 NFC Wild Card Round, where the Rams defeated the Seahawks. -
Which era was Seattle most dominant?
Seattle’s most dominant stretch came during the 2013–2016 Legion of Boom era, including a Super Bowl championship. -
How has Sean McVay impacted the rivalry?
Since becoming head coach in 2017, McVay has led the Rams to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl win, often outperforming Seattle in head-to-head matchups.