The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a gritty 30-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans on November 23, 2025, at Nissan Stadium — not just another win, but a defining moment in a quietly intense rivalry. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 23, became the first Seahawks player since 2018 to haul in touchdown passes in back-to-back games, sealing the win with a 42-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter. The game, played under a cold Nashville sky with 68,912 fans roaring, was the first Week 12 meeting between these teams since the NFL’s current scheduling format began in 2002. And it wasn’t just about the score — it was about momentum, injury drama, and a rivalry that refuses to fade.
A Rivalry Built on Close Calls
The Seahawks and Titans have met eight times since 1985, and seven of those games have been decided by seven points or fewer. It’s not a rivalry fueled by hatred — more like two teams that keep showing up and refusing to let the other walk away with an easy win. Through 2023, the series was tied 4-4. But since 2017, Seattle has won three of the last four meetings, including the last one on December 24, 2023, when they edged Tennessee 20-17 in a game that finished as an under on the 42.5-point total. This year’s matchup wasn’t just a continuation — it was a statement.
The Titans, meanwhile, entered this game reeling. Their star wideout, Calvin Ridley, 29, was lost for the season after breaking his fibula in Week 11. Without him, quarterback Zach Wilson had to scramble for options — leaning heavily on tight end Chig Okonkwo, 24, who finished with 8 catches for 91 yards. But Seattle’s defense, led by safety Quincy Williams and linebacker Bobby Wagner, made sure Wilson never found rhythm. Two key turnovers — one forced by Art Key on a tipped pass, another by Gunner Helm’s airborne interception — shifted the game’s momentum.
Smith-Njigba’s Breakout Moment
On the other side, Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t just play — he announced himself. The Cedar Hill, Texas native, drafted in 2023, caught five passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. His first score came on a slant route early in the second quarter, where he juiced a defender with a head fake and sprinted into the end zone. His second, a 42-yard bomb from quarterback Sam Darnold with 4:12 left, was the dagger. Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle called it “the kind of performance that redefines a franchise’s receiving corps.”
“He’s not just a receiver,” said head coach Mike Macdonald after the game. “He’s a playmaker who sees the field like a veteran. That’s rare for a guy his age.”
Smith-Njigba’s streak — two straight games with multiple TD receptions — hadn’t been matched in Seattle since DK Metcalf did it in 2018. And unlike Metcalf, Smith-Njigba isn’t a physical freak. He’s smooth, precise, and reads coverages like a chess master. The Seahawks’ offense, long criticized for its inconsistency, suddenly looks dangerous.
Home Field, Different Stories
Historically, the balance of power has tilted with geography. At Lumen Field in Seattle, the Seahawks are 3-1 against the Titans. At Nissan Stadium, the Titans hold a slim 2-1 edge. This win in Nashville flips the script — it’s Seattle’s first road victory over Tennessee since 2017. And it wasn’t easy. The Titans led 17-10 at halftime, fueled by a 58-yard bomb to rookie receiver Treylon Burks. But Seattle’s defense held them to just 7 points in the second half.
“They came in with a plan,” said Titans defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. “We didn’t adjust fast enough. That’s on us.”
What This Means for the Playoff Race
Seattle improved to 8-3 with the win, pulling within a half-game of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West. Tennessee dropped to 4-7, effectively ending their playoff hopes. But the bigger picture? This game signals a shift in how the Seahawks approach offense. With Smith-Njigba, Will Dissly, and Kenneth Walker III all healthy, Seattle now has a balanced attack that can beat you with speed, power, or precision.
For the Titans, the injury to Ridley — one of the NFL’s most consistent route-runners — is a devastating blow. With Wilson still finding his footing and no clear #1 receiver left, their offense looks vulnerable. They’ll need to lean even more on Okonkwo and running back Joshua Kelley in the final five games.
What’s Next?
Seattle faces the Arizona Cardinals next week in a must-win game at Lumen Field. Tennessee heads to Houston to face the Texas Texans — a game that could determine whether they’ll finish last in the AFC South.
The next meeting between these two? Not until 2026 — and it’ll be in Seattle. If Smith-Njigba keeps playing like this, that game might not even be close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s performance compare to other Seahawks receivers in recent years?
Smith-Njigba is the first Seahawks receiver since DK Metcalf in 2018 to record multiple touchdown receptions in consecutive games. His 118-yard, two-TD game against Tennessee matches the best single-game output by a Seattle receiver this season. Unlike Metcalf, who relies on size and speed, Smith-Njigba wins with route precision and timing — making him a more reliable target in high-pressure situations.
Why is this the first Week 12 meeting between the Seahawks and Titans since 2002?
The NFL’s current scheduling format, introduced in 2002, assigns interconference matchups based on divisional rotation. Seattle and Tennessee are in different conferences, so they only meet every four years unless they’re both in the same place in the rotation. This year’s matchup was set by the AFC South vs. NFC West pairing, making it the first Week 12 meeting ever between the two franchises under this system.
How has the Titans’ offense changed without Calvin Ridley?
Without Ridley, Tennessee’s passing game lost its most consistent deep threat. Ridley averaged 15.3 yards per catch and was targeted on 23% of Wilson’s throws. Since his injury, Zach Wilson’s completion rate has dropped from 68% to 59%, and the team’s average yards per pass attempt fell from 8.1 to 6.4. Tight end Chig Okonkwo has become the primary target, but he’s not a true #1 receiver — making the offense more predictable.
What’s the historical edge between the Seahawks and Titans in close games?
Of the eight all-time meetings, seven have been decided by seven points or fewer. The average margin of victory in those games is just 4.3 points. Seattle has won the last three contests by a combined 10 points — all by one possession. In fact, the last four games between them have been decided in the final two minutes. It’s not just competitive — it’s dramatic.
How does Lumen Field compare to Nissan Stadium in terms of home-field advantage?
Lumen Field has a louder, more consistent crowd noise — ranked among the top 3 in the NFL for decibel levels. The Seahawks are 3-1 against Tennessee at home, with their only loss coming in 2013 when they were without Russell Wilson. Nissan Stadium, while loud, has less consistent crowd engagement. The Titans are 2-1 against Seattle at home, but their win in 2021 came in overtime after Seattle’s offense stalled in the red zone.
What’s the significance of Sam Darnold’s performance in this game?
Darnold completed 24 of 32 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions — his best game since joining Seattle. He showed poise under pressure, especially on third downs, going 7-for-8 for 94 yards and a TD. After being benched in 2024 for a rookie, this performance silenced doubters and reestablished him as the Seahawks’ franchise QB — at least for now.