NFL playoffs 2015: How to watch Panthers vs. Seahawks online
Seattle hosts Carolina on Saturday night, looking to avoid a massive upset at the hands of Cam Newton. The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Fox.
The Seattle Seahawks begin their postseason title defense against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night as both teams hope to advance to the NFC championship game. Seattle is an overwhelming favorite to move on, coming in as NFC West champs and winners of nine of their last 10 games. Carolina is entering the contest after defeating the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round, 27-16, and has won five straight games.
This is the second meeting of the season between these two teams, but the first that will take place in the intimidating atmosphere of CenturyLink Field. In Week 8, the Seahawks hit the road and eked out a 13-9 victory in Carolina. The game was decided in the final minute on a 23-yard touchdown reception from Luke Willson.
Seattle runs a ton of read-option plays featuring Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, a recipe that has proven very effective. The Seahawks rush for 172.6 yards per game, by far the best mark in the NFL. Lynch is the main component, amassing 1,306 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns to accompany 367 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Wilson is also a major threat to run, totaling 849 yards on 7.2 yards per carry.
For the second consecutive year, the Seahawks' defense is the top-ranked unit in the league. Seattle is strong in every major defensive category, ranking first against the pass and third against the run, and has become even more stout recently. The Seahawks allowed just 33 points in the month of December and only gave up three total touchdowns to their final six opponents. Since losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 16, Seattle has not surrendered more than 14 points in a single game. Just like last year, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor lead the Legion of Boom while Bobby Wagner, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Bruce Irvin anchor the front seven.
FanDuel Playoff challenge
FanDuel Playoff challenge
With quarterback Cam Newton, Carolina also relies on read-option plays to move the ball. Newton is one of the most dangerous dual threats in the league, passing for 3,127 yards and running for an additional 539. After dealing with several injuries in the backfield earlier this season, the running game has rebounded. Leading the way is Jonathan Stewart, who had a pair of 100-yard games in December and continued that success in January by gaining 123 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card round.
The Panthers' defense was a mess for much of the season, going through a stretch where it gave up at least 24 points in seven of eight contests. However, the group turned it around in December, yielding 43 points, the second-lowest total in that span. In the Wild Card round, the Panthers set a playoff record in their victory over the Cardinals by allowing only 78 total yards. The leaders of the defense are linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, who combined for 253 tackles during the regular season.
How to Watch
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle
When: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | FOX Sports Go
Odds
Seattle is an 11-point favorite at home against Carolina, with an over/under of 39.5, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Panthers, check out Cat Scratch Reader.
To keep up with the Seahawks, head over to Field Gulls.
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