Divisional NFL Predictions: Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
By Erik Lambert
The Carolina Panthers know what’s ahead of them against the Seattle Seahawks. What do the NFL predictions say?
Subplots:
Russell Wilson must get crafty to avoid surging Panthers pass rush
The offensive line of the Seahawks has gotten away with a lot in 2014 thanks to the mobility and instinct of Russell Wilson. Despite giving up 145 pressures in 16 games, Wilson has only been sacked 28 times. Both those numbers will be tested against a Panthers front that has collected 11 sacks in just its last two games, and that’s without Greg Hardy. Wilson could be put in a compromising position, especially if the champs can’t get the ground game going.
Key Matchups:
Marshawn Lynch vs. Panthers front seven
That is certainly the area Carolina knows it’s must slow down, if not stop. Marshawn Lynch is the (excuse the pun) lynchpin to the entire Seahawks offense. When he goes, they go. In fact they are 7-1 on the season when he runs the ball at least 20 times in a game. It will be up to the Panther front seven, specifically their star linebacker pairing of Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly who must make sure to limit Lynch’s big runs.
Kelvin Benjamin vs. Richard Sherman
Part of the reason the Panthers haven’t been able to get over the hump in two tight games against Seattle is Cam Newton struggles throwing against that tough Seahawks secondary. They don’t necessarily need a huge day from him, but he’ll need a good performance from rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin to upset the champs on their home field. Benjamin has outstanding size but that will be tested against Richard Sherman, who has the length needed to match him.
Pick: CAR 13, SEA 16
The Carolina Panthers certainly have that team of destiny feel to them after Newton and Ron Rivera both survived brushes with death and they made the playoffs with a losing record. Still, they weren’t able to beat the Seahawks in Charlotte, so it’s much harder to see them doing so in Seattle.