CHARLOTTE — The Seattle Seahawks are heading into Carolina this Sunday as they try to get back on track for their playoff goals. Following a week 14 loss to The LA Rams, The Seattle Seahawks left themselves no room for errors if they wish to climb back on top of the NFC West. With a loss against Carolina this week, The Seahawks could only wish to maintain their wildcard spot.



The 10-3 Seahawks must look to rejuvenate their 6th ranked offense as they only managed to put up 12 points on The LA Rams. This all starts with their MVP Candidate, Russell Wilson. Luckily for him, the Panthers are giving up 27.7 points per game which is good for the 27th most in the league. For the 1st time since week 14 of last year, Wilson finished the game with 0 touchdowns last week and threw 1 interception as well. This marked the 4th game in a row that Wilson threw an interception. If Wilson wants to reestablish himself as an MVP front runner, he needs to turn in a cleaner game against the Panthers who rank 3rd in interceptions with 13.



While Wilson needs to have a big game, it’s even more crucial that the Seahawks lean on their running game. Carolina is currently giving up the 29th most rushing yards in the league so look for the Seahawks to utilize Chris Carson and C.J. Prosise all night with Rashaad Penny being ruled out for the Season. The Seahawks also activated lineman Ethan Pocic who will add depth to Seattle’s offensive line.



On the other side of things the 5-8 Panthers look to hinder their Conference rivals playoffs hopes and place the Seahawks in a tough situation if they can pull out the improbable win. While the game has been made into a rivalry, the Seahawks have continually had their way against Carolina as they hold a 9-4 all time record vs the Panthers. After finding a bit of a rhythm in the middle of the season, The Panthers have dropped their last 5 games. If they want to win they must follow their MVP hopeful running back Christian McCaffrey as he looks to top 2000 yards from scrimmage for the year this week. Look for The Panthers to run a more balanced offense however and utilize McCaffrey in the pass game as the Seahawks are giving up the 4th most passing yards per game this season.



The Seahawks are 6.5 point favorites and shouldn’t allow the Panthers too much room to breathe this week. Their recipe for success is to play a disciplined game and pound the ball early and often. In order to control their destiny and keep competing for the NFC West crown, they must win games like this one where they are clear favorites. Look for the Seahawks to enter Carolina and take care of their business so they can look towards divisional opponents Arizona and San Francisco.

