The Seattle Seahawks are set to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, December 28, in a crucial Week 17 matchup. Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff positions, with the Panthers leading the NFC South and the Seahawks atop the NFC West. Each team holds a narrow one-game lead in their respective divisions, making this contest particularly significant.
Carolina has had a rollercoaster season, alternating between wins and losses in their last nine games, both straight up and against the spread (ATS). If this pattern continues, they may be poised for a loss this week. In contrast, Seattle is riding a five-game winning streak, although they have struggled with consistency, posting a 2-3 record ATS during that stretch.
The Panthers have shown that they can win, but their victories have often been closely contested. After a decisive 30-point win over Atlanta, they have secured their next seven victories by a combined total of just 25 points, with six of those wins coming by a field goal. This has resulted in a negative point differential of 50, a rarity for a team with more than six wins, as playoff contenders typically have positive differentials.
On the other hand, Seattle boasts a 12-3 record with a league-leading point differential of +164. The Seahawks have demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring over 30 points in five of their last eight games, including three of their last four games on the road. Their defense is also one of the best in the league, ranking second in scoring defense and first in Football Outsiders” DVOA rankings. They are also noted for their field goal success, and during their winning streak, they have produced game-changing scores from kickoffs and punt returns.
Having played last Thursday night, Seattle has had extra time to recover, which should benefit both teams as they approach this late-season clash. The Seahawks are expected to continue their momentum against a Panthers team that has relied heavily on luck and clutch performances to achieve their current record. Carolina has also struggled with scoring, going under the total points in three of their last four games, suggesting a pattern of low-scoring contests.
Despite Seattle”s offensive capabilities, their defense has kept game totals in check. Prior to a recent high-scoring affair with the Rams, the Seahawks had allowed only 25 points across three games. Key players like Zach Charbonnet have emerged, finding the end zone in three of their last four games while receiving limited carries. Quarterback performance will be critical, as he has managed games effectively but has also experienced fluctuations in yardage.
As the Seahawks prepare for this important matchup, they will look to maintain their winning streak and secure their position within the playoff race, while the Panthers aim to break their inconsistent pattern and capitalize on home-field advantage.
