Pre-Snap Reads 1/19: Seahawks next opponent is (ugh) the Rams

The NFC crown definitively really does go through the NFC West.

In Today’s Links: several thoughts and previews of this Sunday’s match-up between our Seattle Seahawks and their Los Angeles Rams, the trades that helped our squad get to this point, news and numbers of note from last Saturday’s huge win against the 49ers, a look at the 4th down stops by the Dark Side Defense from said game, how Sam Darnold managed his oblique injury to be able to perform, Grey Zabel and his “perfect game”, how the ‘Hawks are set up for an even stronger 2026, and a lot more. Dive in. Get some knowledge. The week of preparation has only just begun. Thanks for being here. Go, ‘Hawks! definitively

#np Sunday Girl by Niko Rubio

Seahawks News

Seahawks NFC Championship set – Seaside Joe
Who, when, and how are you going to watch?

Seahawks’ trade deadline masterclass on display in 49ers rout – Seattle Sports
When it comes to trades, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is most known for the blockbuster Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and DK Metcalf deals he swung in recent offseasons, all three of which look like strokes of genius in hindsight.

Seahawks-Rams Part III: Seattle to host division rival in NFC title game – Seattle Sports
The stakes couldn’t be any higher for the rubber match between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.

12 Seahawks facts and figures from NFC divisional win over 49ers – The Seattle Times
While it was the Seahawks’ first postseason win in six years, it was their 10th since 2012. Here are 12 (what else?) other facts and…

Seahawks defense’s fourth-down stops critical vs. 49ers | Four Downs – The Seattle Times
How big were the Seahawks’ fourth-down stops vs. the 49ers? And what advice did Grey Zabel give Leonard Williams before his fourth-down sack?

How Sam Darnold handled 11th-hour injury, led Seahawks to playoff rout of 49ers – The News Tribune
The Seahawks’ locker room at their home stadium is large. Gigantic. So large, in fact, their Pro Bowl quarterback can throw passes while hiding in there.

Seahawks will host Rams in NFC Championship Game – The Spokesman-Review
In a season where one division dominated so much of the NFL, it seems only fitting that the NFC West is set to have one of its teams playing in the Super Bowl.

Seahawks’ rookie Grey Zabel plays ‘perfect’ game in playoff rout over 49ers – si.com
Seahawks’ rookie offensive lineman Grey Zabel continues to be one of the best players during Seattle’s run to the NFC Championship Game.

Juggernaut Seattle Seahawks set up to get even stronger in 2026 – si.com
As good as the Seattle Seahawks have been this season, they’re poised to get even better in 2026.

Closing Thoughts: Seahawks Make Emphatic Statement in 41-6 Annihilation of 49ers – Emerald City Spectrum
In the aftermath of a 35-point bludgeoning of the 49ers, Emerald City Spectrum reporter Corbin Smith breaks down what he saw and heard as the Seahawks turned in a historic performance at Lumen Field to clinch a spot in the NFC Championship Game, including how an electric kick return by Rashid Shaheed to open the game set the avalanche in motion for one of the biggest blowouts in NFL playoff history.

Live stream (1pm PT) — Rob Staton & Jeff Simmons on the Seahawks reaching the NFC Championship game – Seahawks Draft Blog
Seahawks to play Rams in NFC Championship game

Seahawks, Rams will complete trilogy with Super Bowl berth at stake – The Athletic
Ernest Jones IV knew this was possible. He’s been looking forward to it.

Seahawks showcase full arsenal in blowout victory over 49ers – ESPN.com
Sam Darnold‘s oblique injury became the biggest storyline heading into Seattle’s divisional round matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, giving the Seahawks and their fans a scare after the Pro Bowl quarterback left practice two days earlier.

This Was Never Close | Seahawks vs 49ers Aftermath – The Hawks Eye w/ Bryce Coutts
The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement playoff win over the San Francisco 49ers, and we’re breaking it all down on Seahawks Aftermath, a Hawks Eye Podcast live show.

NFC West News

Profile: Cardinals HC candidate Robert Saleh – Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals are knee deep in trying to find their next head coach. There is a list that grows every week. The big debate is whether the franchise should hire another defensive coach, or if the offense needs the most attention and go that route.

How optimistic should we really be about the 2026 49ers? – Niners Nation
Kyle Shanahan dragged an injured 49ers roster to 12 wins and a playoff victory. That matters for 2026.

Winners & Losers: Defense carries Rams to NFC Championship – Turf Show Times
Cobie Durant nabs third interception of the playoffs as Rams beat Bears en route to NFC Championship

Category: General Sports