Panthers vs. Seahawks 2016 live stream: How to watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ online

The Panthers need a Sunday Night Football win to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Seattle Seahawks would like nothing more than to get some revenge on the team that ended their 2015 season by effectively squashing any chance of a Carolina playoff run.

The game, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET, airs on NBC and will stream live at NBC Sports.

These two teams last met 10 months ago in the Divisional round of the playoffs, where the Panthers struck out to a 31-0 halftime lead before hanging on for a 31-24 victory. Carolina’s win percentage climbed all the way up to 96.9 by the end of the first quarter before Russell Wilson’s furious comeback fell short. A failed onside kick with 1:16 remaining snuffed out what would have been the greatest playoff comeback of all time.

Now, with the Panthers languishing at 4-7, it’s the Seahawks’ opportunity to squash their conference rivals’ hopes. Carolina started the season at 1-5 before slowly climbing back up the NFC ladder. Last week’s loss to Oakland reduced the flame of its comeback effort into an ember. On Sunday, it stands at risk of being extinguished altogether.

Cam Newton’s regression from NFL MVP to replacement-level quarterback has been a major factor in his team’s slide. He’s posted career lows in completion percentage (55.8) and quarterback rating (81.4) as the Panthers have slid to the deep end of the NFC South. Newton has a lower rating than players like Brian Hoyer, Cody Kessler, Trevor Siemian, and Carson Wentz this fall.

His counterpart on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Luke Kuechly, was having his typical monstrous season before suffering a head injury against the Saints. Kuechly had recorded 102 tackles in fewer than 10 games before sustaining his second head injury in as many seasons. Without him in the lineup, a dynamic Raiders offense lit up the Panthers for 35 points.

That bodes well for the Seahawks. Wilson hasn’t been as good as he was in an amazing 2015, but he’s still done enough to emerge as a top three NFL MVP candidate. Wilson was hobbled early by a leg injury that’s prevented him from being the dual-threat passer he’s been in the past. After running for more than 53 yards per game in 2014, he’s been limited to fewer than 15 this fall.

But he’s still been the linchpin for one of the NFC’s best teams. Wilson’s throwing for nearly eight yards per pass attempt as Seattle has settled into the NFL’s upper tier with a 7-3-1 record. Behind him, a unit that ranks in the top seven in total defense, opposing quarterback passer rating, and scoring defense has built the Seahawks into an intimidating and formidable force. While Newton may be due to improve, it seems unlikely against one of the league’s best defenses.

Typically, a battle between the last two NFC champions would have major postseason implications. On Sunday night, it may be the Panthers’ last shot at a playoff spot. If the Seahawks want to stay on the path to a first-round playoff bye, they’ll have to send Carolina to its eighth loss of the season.

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: CenturyLink Field, Seattle

TV: NBC

Announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya

Online: NBC Sports