We might look back and realize that the winner of Super Bowl LX was actually determined during a monumental NFC West clash in Week 16.
That's how big the second meeting this season between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks could be. There is a very good chance that the No. 1 seed in the NFC will come from one of these two teams, both of which are 11-3. And the team that wins will have pole position with two games left.
On top of that, as the season has gone on,most rankings have placed the Seahawks and Rams as the two best teams in the NFL,in some order. It's arguable that this is the best game of the entire NFL regular season, unless that title went to the first meeting between the teams.
When the Seahawks played at the Rams in Week 11,Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold picked a bad day to have his worst game of the season.He threw four interceptions. Still, the Seahawks were in the game right until the final play, when Jason Myers' 61-yard field goal missed as time expired. The Rams held on 21-19. That win looms over Thursday's game; if the Rams win they'll clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker. That would make them very tough to catch for the division title.
Each team has had a marvelous season, but one is going to be a wild-card team. It's a tough break that the two best teams in football might play in the same division this season. But it sets up what should feel like a playoff game in mid-December.
Who needs it more?
While it would feel like the Seahawks would control the NFC West with a win, the Rams aren't done if they lose. Seattle has a tough final two games, at Carolina and at San Francisco (the 10-4 49ers still have a shot, albeit long, at the division title too, and they'll be pulling for the Seahawks on Thursday night). The Rams' remaining schedule is much easier. They play at Atlanta and then host the Cardinals to finish the season. The Rams have tiebreaker edges over Seattle even if they lose on Thursday night. Given the paths the Rams have to winning the division even with a loss, this one seems a little more urgent for the Seahawks.
Key player: Rams WR Puka Nacua
Nacua is a focal point of the Rams offense no matter what, but this season Davante Adams has taken some pressure off him. But this week Adams isn't expected to play due to a hamstring injury, and that's a big loss for the Rams. Adams has an NFL-best 14 receiving touchdowns this season. That means even more of the offense will be funneled to Nacua, who is averaging 7.8 catches and 105.2 yards per game this season. He is one of the NFL's best receivers and has been since the first game of his rookie season. If the Seahawks can limit Nacua, it could be the reason they win this pivotal game.
Betting market watch
This game opened Rams -1 or -1.5, but has seen the favorite flip to Seahawks -1 and the total get bet down from an opener of 45.5 all the way to 41.5at BetMGM. Los Angeles not having Adams and a weather report of rain and some wind has contributed to the total dropping. The betting public like the Rams, but the line has moved the other direction, usually indicating sharp action on Seattle. This game pits the two highest power-ranked teams from oddsmakers and could determine the NFC West crown and overall No. 1 seed in the conference. A massive game. —Ben Fawkes
Check out more of Ben's work atthe Yahoo Sports betting hub.
Fantasy football storylines
If this matchup doesn't get your blood pumping, see your cardiologist. The Rams and Seahawks are battling for the NFC's No. 1 seed, Matthew Stafford is looking to lock up an MVP, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is chasing history. Here are three additional fantasy angles to consider as you watch this showdown of the league's two best teams.
Can Sam Darnold figure out the Rams?It's been mostly sunshine and lollipops for Darnold the last two years, but the Rams have eaten his lunch twice (nine sacks in a playoff game, then four picks last month). If Darnold keeps seeing LA ghosts, the Seahawks probably can't win.
Will Colby Parkinson keep spiking?The sleeper tight end has six touchdowns in six weeks, and more opportunity could be coming with Adams unlikely to play. Fantasy football is about numbers over names, so keep an open mind here.
Can Seattle get a running game going?Despite an 11-3 record and an outstanding defense — which often provides a favorable game script — Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet have been unreliable fantasy options. It would help if either would pick up some pass-game work, but the Seahawks haven't gone that route often. —Scott Pianowski
Check out more of Scott's work at theYahoo Sports fantasy hub.
