CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had a vote for NFL MVP, he’d cast it for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Wilson put up MVP-like numbers, particularly during the final seven regular-season games, when he threw 24 touchdown passes to one interception.

But the three-time Pro Bowl selection would vote for Newton, his counterpart in Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game, for putting up career numbers and leading Carolina to an NFL-best 15-1 regular-season record.

“Yeah, I would," Wilson said on Wednesday. “In terms of winning football games, [Carolina has] been able to win. They beat us. It’s one of the things you’ve got to give him respect for, all the hard work he’s put into it."

Newton became the first quarterback to throw for more than 30 touchdowns (35) and rush for 10 in the same season. He threw 20 touchdown passes and one interception in the final seven games. He also rushed for four touchdowns during that span.

“He’s one of the best players in the National Football League," Wilson said of Newton. “He’s a great guy. He does a lot of stuff with the community. He’s got a great presence on the football field. He’s been an exciting player to watch."