When the Carolina Panthers beat the Seattle Seahawks back on October 18, it was the launching point for one of the best regular seasons in NFL history. It also had the potential to be the beginning of a disaster for the two-time defending NFC champs. Instead, Seattle has really turned on the jets, and it now has the ability to exorcize the demons of blowing a two-score lead in the final four minutes to a team which it theoretically should've beaten.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Seattle Seahawks +3
Carolina Panthers -3
Over/Under 44
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Seahawks were -7 at home against Carolina back in October, but of course, these teams were a lot different at that point than they are now. The Panthers aren't really being respected as the team with the best record in America. They're favored at home, but only by a field goal, the value of home field advantage. Carolina is easily the smallest favorite on the board, and we could totally see a situation in live betting in which Seattle is getting a ton of respect from the oddsmakers.
The total is also the lowest on the board at just 44.
WHEN THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS HAVE THE BALL
The Seahawks badly need their Beast Mode back. Marshawn Lynch hasn't played in months and was a surprise absentee from the lineup in Minnesota last weekend. Christine Michael isn't a good enough back to carry the load the same way that Lynch can, but he could get some help if Russell Wilson can get out and run some more.
The run option was one of the few really effective plays the Seahawks ran against the Vikings, and they should really return to that in this one whether Lynch plays or not. Don't forget that Wilson had 53 yards on eight carries against Carolina in the first meeting of the season, and that could be a real weapon in this game.
The Panthers though, still have one of the best defenses in the game. They allow just 322.9 yards per game, and they've held five of their last eight opponents to 16 points or fewer.
WHEN THE CAROLINA PANTHERS HAVE THE BALL
You wouldn't believe that the Panthers had the best scoring offense in the league, but they were good for 31.2 points per game. The real key has been in the second halves of games. It seems the later Carolina gets into close games, the better this offense performs. That's why Cam Newton is going to be the MVP of the league.
It's going to be tough scoring against the Seattle defense, one which allows just 16.8 points per game including the first round against Minnesota.
The ground game is going to be crucial for the Panthers. Jonathan Stewart missed the last three games of the regular season, and that really made a big difference to a unit which has grown to count on him. It's not that Newton, Cameron Artis-Payne and the rest can't also do the job like Stewart, and surely, Seattle is far worse for wear without Lynch than Carolina is without Stewart. However, having a man who has been a bull all season long and an underrated blocker as well for Newton could be a big difference.
Don't forget that the biggest weapons the Seahawks have in the secondary might not be quite as effective defending against Greg Olsen, as he lines up all over the field and is often hard to find. Olsen had seven catches for a season-high 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown in the first meeting and could be a big factor here as well. If the Seahawks can't figure out how to defend him in the slot especially, live bettors should notice the advantage that gives the Carolina offense.
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Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The Divisional Round duel between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers will go down Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 1:05 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium. The game will be televised live on FOX.
