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5 Bold Predictions For Panthers vs. Seahawks In Divisional Round

5 Bold Predictions For Panthers vs. Seahawks In Divisional Round

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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The Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers featured arguably the two hottest defenses in the NFL down the season stretch. They are certainly the two best defensive teams left in the playoffs. Let's get into the bold predictions for this field position battle.

5. Somebody Will Score a Defensive or Special Teams TD

St Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks
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5. Somebody Will Score a Defensive or Special Teams TD

St Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks
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I find this almost as likely as a touchdown on offense. Each team had three non-offensive touchdowns during the regular season. There was one offensive touchdown in their Week 8 matchup, and it came with 47 seconds left in the game.

4. The Score Falls At Least 10 Points Below the Under

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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4. The Score Falls At Least 10 Points Below the Under

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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The over/under is currently at 40.5, which seems way too high. These teams finished with a score of 13-9 in Week 8, and both defenses have heated up since then. I don't see these teams combining for more than 30 points.

3. Nobody Will Rush For 100 Yards

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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3. Nobody Will Rush For 100 Yards

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, Marshawn Lynch and Jonathan Stewart have combined for 11 100-yard rushing games this season. Nobody had one in their last meeting. Stewart was closest with 79, followed by Lynch with 62.

2. Nobody Will Throw For 200 Yards

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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2. Nobody Will Throw For 200 Yards

Seattle Seahawks v Carolina Panthers
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Newton has failed to hit 200 yards five times this season, including a 171-yard performance against Seattle. Wilson has missed the mark seven times with a 199-yard performance against Carolina. I expect more of the same on Saturday.

1. Seattle Wins Scoring 17 Points or Fewer

Seattle Seahawks v Philadelphia Eagles
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1. Seattle Wins Scoring 17 Points or Fewer

Seattle Seahawks v Philadelphia Eagles
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I'll take it one step bolder. The Seahawks will win with the exact same 13-9 score from their regular season visit to Carolina. Both teams have improved since then, but mostly on the defensive side. The Panthers are better than their record, and I expect them to be in this until the end. It's just hard to pick them on the road against the hottest team in the NFL.

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