Refs played their part to benefit Seahawks and eliminate Lions

The Seattle Seahawks are alive in the playoff hunt, while the Detroit Lions were eliminated. But the officiating late in the Seahawks-Rams game was under scrutiny.

The NFC playoff picture was the focal point of the latter portion of the Sunday slate of Week 18 games. The Seattle Seahawks had the chance to help get closer to clinching the No. 7 seed if they were to defeat the Los Angeles Rams and if the Green Bay Packers were to lose to the Detroit Lions. Speaking of the Lions, they needed the Seahawks to lose to the Rams to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

Unfortunately for the Lions, they watched the Seahawks beat the Rams 19-16 in overtime on a 32-yard, game-winning field goal by Jason Myers.

But when it comes to the fourth quarter, Lions fans are probably going to be pretty upset about the officiating late in the game.

Officiating clouds Seahawks win that eliminated Lions from playoff contention

In regards to one of the calls, there was a questionable roughing the punter penalty that extended Seattle’s fourth quarter drive. That very drive ended with Myers kicking a 22-yard field goal that tied the game at 16 points apiece.

Then there was Seattle’s final drive of regulation. Quarterback Geno Smith scrambled for a 25-yard gain and out of bounds, and then ran right into Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The cornerback was called for unnecessary roughness. Oh, and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf shoved Ramsey’s face with his index finger. There was no call on Metcalf.

After this sequence, Myers missed a 46-yard field goal at the end of regulation to force overtime.

The Lions seemingly had life after the Seahawks went three-and-out on their opening drive of overtime. And it looked as though the Rams were going to be in field goal range on a deep pass attempt by quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, his pass to Van Jefferson fizzled out, and it allowed Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs to intercept it. Seattle was then able to kick the game-winning field goal to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Detroit now has the chance to eliminate a division rival in the Packers with a victory on Sunday Night Football. If they do so, then the Seahawks get the No. 7 seed and face the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round. If not, then it will be the Packers going to the playoffs.