National Football League

Thursday Night Football top plays: Rams top Seahawks in NFC West showdown

Updated Oct. 8, 2021 12:30 a.m. ET

NFC West bragging rights were on the line in Thursday night's NFL matchup.

Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams traveled to the Pacific Northwest to take on Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in a battle that could prove crucial in the chase to win the league's toughest division.

After a 26-17 win on the road, the Rams improved to 4-1 to keep the heat on the Arizona Cardinals (4-0) in the division race. The Seahawks now find themselves in last place (2-3) in the NFC West.

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Here are the top moments from Thursday's matchup.

Los Angeles Rams 26, Seattle Seahawks 17

FIRST QUARTER

Early in the first quarter, neither team was able to find consistent offense, but that didn't mean there weren't any highlight-worthy plays.

First, Stafford connected with wide receiver Robert Woods for a circus catch that resulted in a first down.

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Later, Wilson scrambled to evade the Rams' pass rush and complete a 25-yard strike to DK Metcalf.

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SECOND QUARTER

After both quarterbacks connected with their receivers for highlight-worthy plays in the first quarter, they connected with the opposing defenses in the second quarter.

First, Stafford was intercepted by Quandre Diggs in the end zone to end a promising drive.

Then, on the very next drive for the Seahawks, Wilson was intercepted after Jalen Ramsey deflected a pass, which landed in the arms of linebacker Troy Reeder.

After both offenses were stuck in neutral, the Seahawks found their way on the board first with another connection from Wilson to Metcalf, this time resulting in a 19-yard touchdown.

THIRD QUARTER

The Seahawks took a 10-3 lead into the half, but it was short-lived, with the Rams immediately scoring on their first possession of the second half.

Their drive was highlighted by a 68-yard pass to DeSean Jackson that set up a rushing touchdown by Darrell Henderson Jr.

At that point, the Rams had stolen the momentum on the road.

After L.A. stopped the Seahawks on their next offensive drive, the Rams' offense continued to find its stride in the third quarter, with tight end Tyler Higbee getting involved with a 13-yard touchdown reception to extend the Rams' lead 16-7.

While the Seahawks' offense sputtered in the third quarter, with Wilson suffering a finger injury on his throwing hand, punter Michael Dickson might have provided the most intriguing play of the night.

You have to see it to believe it.

FOURTH QUARTER

With no Wilson, there was no problem for the Seahawks early in the fourth quarter, with backup quarterback Geno Smith connecting with Metcalf for a touchdown to cut the Rams' lead to two points.

It was Metcalf's second touchdown of the night and Smith's first passing touchdown since 2017.

But as was the case in the third quarter, the Rams' offense continued to click. They immediately responded to the Seahawks' scoring drive with another touchdown from Sony Michel to once again push the lead to nine points.

From that point forward, both teams managed just three points apiece, which allowed the Rams to escape with a 26-17 road win to keep pace with the Cardinals in the NFC West.

The Seahawks are still in search of their first home win of the season.