Seahawks heading to Super Bowl after winning NFC championship

Catch up quick: The Seahawks started Sunday's game strong, posting their first touchdown about five minutes into the first quarter.

• The Rams fought back to briefly take the lead in the second quarter.
• Seattle responded with several explosive touchdowns — including one after a third-quarter fumble recovery — but the Rams kept pace, entering the fourth quarter only four points behind.
• Ultimately, the Hawks held the Rams scoreless in the fourth quarter, sealing Seattle's victory.

Context: The win gives the Seahawks a chance at redemption against New England, who beat Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.

• The Hawks lost that game in heartbreaking fashion when Russell Wilson threw an interception at the 1-yard line with 20 seconds left, after the team opted to throw instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch — a decision that was widely second-guessed by fans.
• The Patriots clinched their spot in this year's Super Bowl by defeating the Denver Broncos earlier Sunday.

Flashback: The Hawks' record-setting season began with uncertainty as Mike Macdonald entered his second year as head coach and Sam Darnold took over at quarterback.

• Darnold quickly built chemistry with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back Kenneth Walker III, leaning on them in big moments.

• Special teams shaped the season, with Rashid Shaheed scoring a 95-yard return touchdown against the 49ers last week and kicker Jason Myers accounting for all of the team's 18 points against the Colts on Dec. 14.
• In Week 16, Seattle erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit in Los Angeles with a punt-return touchdown and three two-point conversions.
• Seattle's 41-6 demolition of the 49ers in the divisional round quieted skeptics and built momentum heading into the NFC championship game.

What's next: The Seahawks face the Patriots on Feb. 8 in the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.