The NFL Divisional Playoffs continue tonight in the NFC when the Carolina Panthers travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks. The game is scheduled for an 8:15 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on FOX. Currently the NFL Playoff Betting Odds for the game have the Seahawks favored by double digits in this one.
Seattle picked up the top overall seed in the NFC and the rest of the conference signed a collective groan. Only Dallas has found a way to win in Seattle this season and there's still a chance the two could meet up in the NFC Championship game next week. Seattle, though, is concentrating on the task at hand and looking to end Carolina's season.
The Panthers, of course, got into the playoffs based off a terrible season in the NFC South. Carolina went just 7-8-1 this season and started the year at 2-0, but found a way to win enough games and beat Atlanta in the final week of the regular season. And although the division was terrible all year, Carolina proved they belonged in the playoffs with a beating of Arizona last week in the Wild Card round. It certainly helped the Panthers that they played at home and now traveling on the road, to arguably the toughest place to play in the NFL, doesn't bode well for them.
Cam Newton has played hurt all season, even if he won't admit it. He was injured in a traffic accident as well and sat out some time, but the Panthers found a way to survive. The Panthers are a very good running team, ranking seventh best in the NFL with 127 yards per game on the ground. It will be a tough task, though, as the Seahawks bring one of the best overall defenses in the NFL and the third-best rush defense. If Carolina is going to be able to hang around in this one they'll have to find a way to move the ball through the air, which could be a problem as well with the vaunted Seattle secondary.
Seattle will probably get another great game from QB Russell Wilson. He's one of the best in the league at keeping his team in check and finding a way to grind out wins. During his tenure as the QB of the Seahawks Wilson has gotten his team the lead in every game, and we expect that to happen once again in this one. Seattle is the better football team and they're going to look to run the rock tonight.
The Seahawks rank first overall in the NFL in rushing yards per game. It helps to have Marshawn Lynch on the team and Wilson might be the best overall QB in the league at tucking the ball and finding first downs. Seattle is just too good and at this time of year, it's tough to see them losing at home to a team like Carolina.
Free Pick: Seattle 31, Carolina 10
A Breakdown Of All 4 Divisional Round Games
What pro football bettors need to know about betting all 4 Divisional Round Playoff games this weekend – With a free pick from Pregame.com's Teddy Covers with added insight from Pauly Howard.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Get more Free Picks from the Pregame Pros HERE.
Be sure and check out Pregame.tv every week for our videos that include handicapping tips, Webinars, analysis and Free Plays.