Rams (4-4) at Seahawks (6-2)

Series: Rams lead 9-5

The line: Seahawks by 7

TV: Fox 28, with Curt Menefee and J.C. Pearson

Radio: KXLY 920-AM, KVNI 1080-AM, with Steve Raible and Warren Moon

COACHES

Seattle: Mike Holmgren, 56-48, 7th season; 131-85 overall, 14th season

St. Louis: Joe Vitt (interim), 2-1

FAST FACT

Seattle averages an NFL-best 6.1 yards per play. St. Louis is second at 5.9.

ANALYSIS

Now it gets interesting. The Seahawks have won six of seven since opening with a loss at Jacksonville. They are positioned not only to take control of NFC West but the NFC. A win would give Seattle a three-game edge in the division that essentially becomes four because of a season sweep over the rival Rams. Conversely, a loss brings St. Louis back into the title chase and looms as troublesome for the Seahawks with a second-half schedule that includes the Giants, Philadelphia and Indianapolis. Seattle, minus starting receivers Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram, knocked off the Rams a month ago. Jackson remains sidelined, but the injuries are mounting on the defensive side. Seattle might be missing two starting linebackers, tackle Marcus Tubbs is a game-time decision and the secondary is without Ken

Hamlin and possibly Michael Boulware. The timing couldn’t be worse as St. Louis probably will have Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce back from injuries – not to mention interim coach Joe Vitt has found a more effective run-pass balance than his predecessor. Seattle gets the slightest of nods on the basis of growing momentum, the home field and the Rams’ suspect defense. Prediction: Seattle, 31-27.

INJURIES

Seahawks

Out: WR Darrell Jackson (knee), LB Jamie Sharper (knee)

Questionable: S Michael Boulware (hamstring), OT Wayne Hunter (hamstring), LB D.D. Lewis (knee), DT Marcus Tubbs (calf)

Probable: S John Howell (neck)

Rams

Questionable: WR Isaac Bruce (toe), G Tom Nutten (neck)

Probable: WR Torry Holt (knee)

Jim Meehan, staff writer