What happened
The NFL's 2026 schedule release pairs the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in back-to-back late-season meetings, per Adam Schefter. The clubs will meet in Week 16 at Seattle and again in Week 18 at Los Angeles. The two teams were the last NFC sides standing in the prior postseason.
Why it matters
Stacking the rivalry into the final three weeks gives both clubs likely playoff-impact matchups down the stretch, with division seeding and wild-card positioning on the line. The schedule choice mirrors the league's preference for marquee divisional showdowns in December and January, and it sets up potential prime-time flex windows. For bettors, late-season divisional rematches typically tighten spreads as familiarity and stakes converge.
What to watch
Watch for opening-line releases on both matchups and any flex-scheduling signals from the league. Roster moves through the summer — particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line — will shape how these Week 16 and Week 18 games are priced.