The Seahawks are 10-2 and can clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, but they know they'll have their hands full with the Rams (7-5), who are coming off a big win and are still alive in the NFC playoff hunt.
If the Seahawks are going to emerge with a win and stay perfect on the road, these are three key matchups that could make the difference in Sunday night's game:
1. Seattle's one-two punch running game vs. a loaded Rams front seven.
Russell Wilson threw for four touchdowns and posted a season-high 151.8 passer rating the last time these teams met, so obviously the Seahawks will count on the passing game to do its part against the Rams on Sunday. But what could make the biggest difference for the Seahawks offense is a running game that has added a new element since these teams played in Week 5.
While Chris Carson has been a big part of Seattle's offense all year, including when he ran for 118 of Seattle's 167 rushing yards against the Rams, the Seahawks have seen Rashaad Penny take on a much bigger role over the past two weeks, giving the Seahawks a dangerous one-two punch out of their backfield.
Penny ran for a career-best and Seahawks season-high 129 yards with a touchdown in a Week 12 win in Philadelphia, then backed that up with 74 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards against the Vikings last week, scoring rushing and receiving touchdowns. With Carson rushing for 102 and a touchdown, the Seahawks finished with a season-best 218 rushing yards last week.
Facing a dangerous pass-rush that features two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, the Seahawks know a balance approach will help them, and they feel good about their chances of running the ball.
"I think we're playing our best football up front and this is a perfect time of the year for it," said left tackle Duane Brown. "Minnesota has a great really good defense. Really good against the run. For us to get over 200 yards is special. It's always a point of emphasis for us to run the football effectively and consistently. We were able to do that. We were able to keep Russ clean, play penalty free, and if you add those things up it gives us a great chance to win. I'm appreciative for my guys up front and the way we battled, as well as Rashaad and Chris Carson ran very tough. In November and December that's the kind of football you need to play if you want to be successful."
The Seahawks know that nothing will come easy this week against a Rams defense that allows just 3.7 yards per carry, tied for third best in the league.
"They've got some really good players," Brown said. "Obviously Aaron Donald is as good as there is in this league, Clay Matthews, really good player, (Michael) Brockers, (Dante) Fowler, they have a ton of really good players over there. They play well, they're fast. It's a challenge for us for sure. The run game is going to be important; I think they really thrive in rushing the passer, they try to make you one dimensional, and have you drop back and that's kind of when the pin their ears back. So, we want to avoid that kind of game, especially on the road in their environment, and go from there."
2. Todd Gurley vs. Seattle's run defense.
The Rams threw for 395 yards against the Seahawks earlier this season, but a big reason the Seahawks still won that game is that they limited Pro-Bowl running back to just 51 yards on 14 carries. And while Jared Goff is coming off of a big performance that earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 13, the Seahawks know that stopping Gurley still has to be a priority.
That's especially true given the Rams' increased usage of Gurley of late. While Gurley's touches and production are down this year from the past two seasons, Gurley has been used more of late, carrying 25 times for 97 yards in a Week 11 win over Chicago, and 19 times for 95 yards in last week's win over the Cardinals.
"I think they're handing the ball off to Gurley a lot more than they were the last time we played them," linebacker Bobby Wagner said. "I think it's in their team's benefit to give that guy the ball. So, we just have to be ready for him and be ready to stop him, he's fun to play against."
Said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll "He's such a great player. He's just such a complete football player. The running for sure. The special plays that he makes because of his style and his ability to break tackles and make you miss and all that. Then, given the whole passing game that he's extremely involved with as well, just gets him space and gets him up the screens and the perimeter stuff that they do. He's an incredible factor. When he's at his best like he has been—he carried the ball 19 times or 20 times two out of the last three weeks—they're on it. They're really good when he's going. He's just that good of a player."
3. The Seahawks pass rush vs. L.A.'s pass protection.
One of the biggest reasons for the Seahawks' recent defensive turnaround has been the improvement of the pass rush, which has produced eight sacks and 26 quarterback hits in the past three games. That pass rush has been a big factor in the Seahawks coming up with 11 takeaways over that same three-game span.
"You just see how much production they're getting out of their front and their rush," Rams coach Sean McVay said on a conference call. "Obviously, (Jadeveon) Clowney's done a great job. They're doing a good job getting Jarran Reed back. That's been a big boost. They're doing a nice job moving the front. I think it's made a huge impact. I just continue to come away impressed with how their defense as a whole attack the football and give the opportunities for the offense when they get it back to them."
The Rams have done a good job protecting Goff this year, allowing 19 sacks, tie for third fewest in the league, but with right tackle Rob Havenstein listed as doubtful, the Seahawks will hope to continue their recent trend of making life difficult on opposing quarterbacks.
The Seahawks and the Rams will meet this Sunday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the last time. Take a look back at photos from past games between the two teams.
Los Angeles Rams running back Rod Phillips (39) runs behind a block by running back Jim Bertelsen (45) on Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mike Curtis (32) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 31, 1976. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 45-6. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jack Youngblood (85) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jim Zorn for a loss during the first quarter in this Aug. 28, 1982 photo in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac)
Quarterback Dave Krieg (17) of the Seattle Seahawks releases a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in 1991. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy (96) topples a St. Louts Rams quarterback (16) during a pre-season NFL football game in 1991. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck makes a pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first half in Seattle, Sunday Dec. 22, 2002. Hasselbeck passed for 303 yards completing 20 in 32 attempts as the Seahawks win 30-10. Behind is Rams' Troyka Jackson and Seahawks' Walter Jones. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, center, talks with St. Louis Rams' Torry Holt, left, and Seahawks' Koren Robinson after the Seahawks' 30-10 win over the Rams in Seattle, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Alex Bannister (85) hits St. Louis Rams' DeJaun Groce after Groce caught a punt during the first quarter in Seattle Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to receiver Koren Robinson late in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003, in Seattle. The Seahawks won, 24-23. (AP Photo/Daniel P. Derella)
A host of St. Louis Rams defenders gang tackle Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) during the third quarter in St. Louis, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004. The Rams won 23-12.(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger is hit hard by Seattle Seahawks tackle Rashad Moore (95) and defensive end Chike Okeafor after barely getting an incomplete pass off in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004 at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander (37) makes a play with the football vs. the St. Louis Rams. Sunday October 10, 2004 in Seattle, WA. (AP Photo/Kevin Reece)
Seattle Seahawks' Michael Boulware, right celebrates his first half interception against the St. Louis Rams with teammate Marquand Manuel, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, in Seattle. The Seahawks won, 31-16. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jeramy Stevens is upended by St. Louis Rams linebacker Dexter Coakley after Stevens caught a pass in the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Qwest Field in Seattle. Rams' cornerback Travis Fisher is down at lower left. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander celebrates in the fourth quarter after scoring his third touchdown of the game agains the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at Qwest Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the Rams, 31-16. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks' Jerramy Stevens reaches for the ball as St. Louis Rams' Brandon Chillar defends in the first quarter of their NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Seattle Seahawks Darrell Jackson celebrates his third quarter 42 yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck against the St. Louis Rams during their football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The Seahawks beat the Rams 30-28. (AP Photo/Kyle Ericson)
Seattle Seahawks' Patrick Kerney, left, yells out after sacking St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 33-6. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks safety Deon Grant (24) intercepts a pass from St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger intended for wide receiver Travis Taylor, left, with Marcus Trufant also defending behind, with less than two minuets left in their football game in Seattle, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. The Seahawks won 33-6. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (72) keeps Seattle Seahawks running back T.J. Duckett (42) out of the end zone during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14. 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jordan Babineaux leaps into the stands, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 at Qwest Field in Seattle, after the Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams 37-13 in an NFL football game. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Members of the Seattle Seahawks line up one yard out of the end zone against the St. Louis Rams during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Seahawks won 23-20. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, top left, tries to get away from St. Louis Rams' James Butler, bottom left, and James Laurinaitis, right, after catching a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, center, audibles a play during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) tries to find an opening before being sacked by Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Mebane, front left, and Seahawks' Patrick Kerney (97) while Rams' Jason Brown, back left, and Jacob Bell (63) try to provide protection in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 13: Julius Jones #22 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on September 13, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 28-0. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) sets to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Seattle Seahawks Richard Sherman puts pressure on St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Lloyd in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch leaps (24) runs against the St. Louis Rams in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 30-13. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson throws under pressure from St. Louis Rams safety Quintin Mikell, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
El quarterback de los Seahawks de Seattle Russell Wilson (3) corre para un touchdown contra los Rams de San Luis en la segunda mitad de un partido de la NFL el domingo, 30 de diciembre del 2012. (Foto AP/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs for a touchdown during an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the St. Louis Rams in Seattle, WA Sunday, December 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons (91) dives to tackle St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) during an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the St. Louis Rams in Seattle, WA Sunday, December 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Fans cheer as Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) spikes the ball over the goal post as Seahawks' Chris Clemons (91) is near after Smith ran an interception for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Fireworks go off from the scoreboard after the Seattle Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright (50) after Mason ran past Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas, right, in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes for a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin, left, breaks up a pass attempt by St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill (14) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Seattle. The Rams retained possession on the play, and the Seahawks went on to win the game 20-6. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 in Seattle. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
St. Louis Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein (4) kicks an extra point during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 in Seattle. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) scores a touchdown ahead of Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) after a reception in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund)
Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) gestures at Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during a play in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Scott Eklund)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) battles Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bryce Hager (54) for a pass during an NFL game on Thursday, December 15, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Rams 24-3. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass behind his offensive line during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Seattle. The Rams defeated the Seahawks, 42-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) intercepts a pass during an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, December 17, 2017, in Seattle. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) pursues Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) during the first half in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny scores past Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Cory Littleton during the first half in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett makes an improbable touchdown catch in the back corner of the end zone during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 3, 2019.
Seahawks running back Chris Carson juggles then ultimately catches a five-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, giving Seattle a slim 30-29 lead.
Seattle Seahawks free safety Tedric Thompson intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett (not shown) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
