Seahawks overcome 16-point deficit to stun Rams 38-37 in OT

Mike Macdonald was in no mood to play for a tie, and the Los Angeles Rams' defence had no interest in letting Sam Darnold connect with any of his top receiving options.

After Darnold hit Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown in overtime, Macdonald entrusted his quarterback to win it for Seattle.

Darnold did just that, hitting a wide-open Eric Saubert for the 2-point conversion, and the Seahawks overcame a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Rams 38-37 on Thursday night for a one-game lead in the NFC West.

"It was something we talked about throughout the season and particularly for this game because of the playoff situation," Macdonald said. "You know, you play for the tie and lock up a playoff seat, but I just felt great about our play and I trusted our guys."

The Seahawks became the first NFL team to win on an overtime 2-point conversion. They attempted two other 2-point conversions and converted both, none more improbable than the one that tied it at 30 in the fourth quarter.

Darnold's deflected pass intended for Zach Charbonnet was initially ruled incomplete, but after a replay review was determined to be a backward pass. Charbonnet, who had casually picked up the loose ball in the end zone, was credited with the points.

"I'm glad Charbs picked it up," Darnold said, "and that obviously was a game-changing play."

So, too, was Rashid Shaheed returning a punt 58 yards for a touchdown with 8:03 remaining in the fourth, which was followed by Darnold connecting with Cooper Kupp for the 2-point conversion.

"It just takes one play," Kupp said. "... It's that one punt, Rashid takes it to the house and we're in a situation where you can convert a 2-point conversion, and suddenly it's a one-score game. And those little