5) Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold: He simply played the game of his life in the 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions, often with pressure in his face. That it happened a year after a playoff meltdown ended his time with the Vikings — after the Jets, Panthers and 49ers had also given up on him — will undoubtedly be revisited in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. And that it happened against the team that picked him off four times in a game earlier this season should have finally answered the question that has dogged Darnold his entire career: No, he will not mentally unravel, and yes, he can win the big game. Now, he’s on to the biggest one of his career.

6) Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III: The Seahawks running back is on an expiring contract, and with teammate Zach Charbonnet out with a torn ACL, this was a showcase opportunity to show what a dual threat he is. Walker delivered, running for the Seahawks’ first touchdown and going off tackle for a tough 6-yard run to get the game to the two-minute warning with the Rams having no timeouts remaining. In all, he had 19 rushes for 62 yards and four catches for 49 yards.

7) Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba: One play he was turning around a defender on a post route, another he was lined up in the slot for a screen, and the other he was getting himself to the end zone with the defense somehow losing him. Smith-Njigba was all over the offense, and the Rams had no answer for him no matter where he was on the field. He finished with 10 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown — six more receptions than any other Seahawk — and sent a message to the Patriots: Lose Smith-Njigba at your own peril.

8) Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford: He, too, was superb, throwing for 374 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. This season began with questions about when and how Stafford would perform with a bad back, evolved into an MVP-level campaign and concludes with questions about how many more years he can play.