In a dramatic game that became an "instant classic" of the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks overcame a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter - something they had never done in their entire history - and later in overtime went for a two-point conversion instead of going for the win tie to secure a remarkable 38-37 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

After the Rams took the lead in overtime with a 41-yard reception by Puka Nacua in Thursday night's thrilling battle, the Seahawks responded when Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 3:13 remaining in overtime. Then, instead of kicking the extra point to try to tie the game, coach Mike Macdonald went all out, and Darnold responded with a pass to the most unexpected man.

Backup tight end Eric Saubert, with only 2 receptions all season, was open and caught the pass that gave Seattle (12-3) the exciting victory, which propelled them to first place in the NFC and, of course, the West Division.

The Rams (11-4) fall to fifth place in the NFC with two games remaining for both teams.

Puka Nacua apologized and then had his best game

The game that kicked off Week 16 of the season pitted the two teams with the best records in the NFC (11-3) against each other, so the matchup had enormous implications. But there was also extra drama after Puka Nacua made a series of controversial statements while participating in a livestream this week.

The star wide receiver, considered by many to be the best in the league, apologized before the game for his behavior, specifically for a hand gesture he made during the stream that was considered offensive to the Jewish community.

Once the crucial game began, Nacua did what he does best: catch passes, gain yards, and score touchdowns. He had the best performance of his career with 12 receptions for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Rams, as a team, totaled 581 yards, including 457 passing yards from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Seahawks' Comeback with a Controversial Two-Point Conversion

Los Angeles dominated Seattle for three quarters. Then, early in the fourth, they pulled away to a 30-14 lead with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Nacua. The game seemed to be in their control. However, the Seahawks wouldn't give up.

Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown, and Seattle closed the gap to eight points by making the two-point conversion.

Later, Darnold completed a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end AJ Barner. Again, the Seahawks made the two-point conversion, but this time it was a very rare and controversial one.

A pass from Darnold to running back Zach Charbonnet was batted down by linebacker Jared Verse and then fell to the ground in the end zone.

As the Rams prepared to receive the kickoff, the officials reviewed the play and determined that Darnold's pass had been a lateral and therefore the play was ruled a fumble recovered by Seattle. The two-point conversion was successful, and the score was tied at 30. The top of the West Division has changed hands, but the fight will continue next week when the Seahawks visit Carolina and the Rams play in Atlanta. In the final week of the season, Seattle will play on the road against San Francisco, which is also in the hunt with a 10-4 record, and Los Angeles will play at home against Arizona.who are also in the fight with a 10-4 record, and Los Angeles will play at home against Arizona.