Two NFC teams in the playoff hunt face off Sunday in a game with huge implications towards the postseason. The Seahawks lead the all time series 6-3, but the Panthers have won 2 of the last 3 matchups head to head.
Seattle is coming off a Thursday night 27-24 win over the Packers, giving them 3 extra days to prepare. In week 9, they lost 25-17 to the Chargers, and lost 36-31 to the Rams in week 10.
BetOnline has the Panthers as 3 point favourites with an O/U of 47.5.
The Seahawks offense has relied on the ground game this season, only turning the game over to Russell Wilson in dire situations. Wilson has just 2192 yards on the year, but is completing 66.2% of his passes and owns a 23-5 TD-INT ratio. His top target continues to be Tyler Lockett, who has 38 catches for 554 yards and 7 TDs. Doug Baldwin has struggled with injuries but ranks 2nd on the team with 30 catches, which have gone for 327 yards and 1 TD. The running game has been spearheaded by Chris Carson, (128 carries, 580 yards, 3 TDs), but Mike Davis (82 for 372, 3 TDs) and Rashaad Penny (62 for 300, 1 TD) have contributed in big ways these past few weeks.
The Seahawks rank in the top 10 in terms of points allowed at 21.6 PPG, and are just outside the top 10 allowing 236.6 yards per game and 16 TDs through the air. The Seahawks are just below average allowing 111.5 yards per game and 8 TDs on the ground. The Seahawks are top 10 in sacks with 28, have forced 16 turnovers on the year, and own a +7 turnover differential.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
LB K.J. Wright (knee) – questionable
EDGE Dion Jordan (knee) – questionable
While the Panthers may not rank at the top of any offensive categories, they are one of the most difficult units to prepare for due to the mixture of skill and speed they have across the field at any given time. Cam Newton has thrown for 2443 yards on the year along with 20 TDs and 6 INTs, completing 68.4% of his passes at 7.4 yards per attempt. Newton is also a threat on the ground, rushing 78 times for 345 yards and 4 TDs on the year. The Panthers leading rusher is Christian McCaffrey, who has 136 carries for 632 yards and 4 TDs. McCaffrey also leads the team in receptions with 60 to go along with 496 yards and 4 TDs. Devin Funchess (41/516/3), Greg Olsen (24/267/4), and D.J. Moore (30/474/2) also provide complimentary receiving roles.
The Panthers are below average allowing 25.2 PPG, and in the bottom half of pass defenses allowing 253.9 yards per game and 23 TDs. The Panthers are top 10 in run defense, allowing just 98.5 yards per game and 7 TDs on the ground. The Panthers are bottom 10 in sacks with 23, have forced 15 turnovers this season, and are +5 in turnover differential.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
WR Torrey Smith (knee) – questionable
The Panthers have been impressive at home this year, winning by an average of 9.8 points per game. As they have all year, Seattle is going to want to run the ball all game for whatever reason, and the Panthers will be prepared to stop it. They have some big guys up front and 3 very good linebackers who can fill gaps with ease. Tyler Lockett is going to draw some tough coverage from either James Bradberry or Donte Jackson, but neither is going to give up the big play without resistance.
Seattle has a pretty tough defense too, but the Panthers have a bevy of offensive weapons for Cam to choose from. McCaffrey will be heavily involved as always, but draws a tough matchup in Bobby Wagner. However, the Panthers scheme and speed will be too much in the end, and it will be too little, too late for the Seahawks by the time they realize they are out of the game for them to mount a comeback.
Final Pick: Panthers (-3)
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