Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams had their season ended in the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks, and now they join the rest of the league in awaiting the latter taking on the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
However, the NFL still had an interest in the NFC Championship Game loss.
The Rams are on the right side of the league’s latest decision, which was almost certain to garner another look.
Seahawks Player Disciplined Over Actions in Rams Game
GettyRiq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability portal on January 31, Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen received a $17,389 fine for “unsportsmanlike conduct” after “taunting” the Rams’ bench.
The infraction occurred during the third quarter of the Rams’ eventual loss, negating a would-be 4th-and-12, punting situation and allowing the Rams to continue their drive en route to a touchdown from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua.
It was a momentum-swinging play, as the Rams got within 4 points at 31-27. They would force Seattle to punt on back-to-back possessions after that, but they could not score either time.
The Rams simply ran out of time on the final possession of the contest.
Woolen sparked intense backlash from teammates during the game and fans after, forcing Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald to address the issue. The veteran corner also attempted to explain his side, but ultimately can revel in a trip to the Super Bowl above all else.
His fine was on the high-end of potential outcomes from the NFL. That is because Woolen is a repeat offender, having been fined for taunting twice during the regular season.
Rams End Season Cleanly
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay congratulates his players against the Dallas Cowboys.
That was the only fine from the league in a relatively clean contest for McVay’s Rams and the Seahawks, not that it makes the loss any easier for LA to digest. Still, it is a positive in a largely disappointing end to the 2025 season for the Rams.
Rams players incurred $127,429 in fines during the 2025 regular and postseason, per Spotrac.
Two of those fines were for taunting, but Desjuan Johnson and Jared Verse were docked $17,423 combined for their infractions as first-timers this season.
Jaylen McCoullough had LA’s smallest fine of the season at $5,361 for “impermissible use of the helmet.” The Rams’ largest fine belonged to safety Kamren Kinchens, who was fined $23,186 for a “hit on a defenseless player.”
Their most costly week was Week 7, with $31,880 in total fines levied against two Rams.
Johnson was the only Rams player to get fined multiple times this past season, surrendering $11,660 for infractions.
Rams Must Keep Up Good Work
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams were notably the NFL’s least-penalized team during the 2025 regular season, which can help cut down on fines. However, the NFL also fines players over infractions that went overlooked during contests. That underscores how cleanly the Rams played this past season.
Their loss to the Seahawks ended a strong campaign for the Rams.
Now, the Rams have to figure out how to maintain positive trends like their clean play. They must also improve enough to not only get back to the NFC Championship Game, but to the Super Bowl.
NFL Delivers Punishment Over Polarizing Moment in Rams Game