Some of the craziest things imaginable happen during NFL Divisional Round weekend. With that in mind, here’s a look at five bold predictions for Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers.
5. Russell Wilson Held Under 175 Total Yards, Commits Three Turnovers
Getty ImagesAgainst the Carolina Panthers in their own building, Wilson doesn't stand a chance. Expect the QB to pull a vanishing act, finishing with under 175 total yards once again. He'll be forced into three turnovers at minimum (two INTs, one fumble) in an overall dreadful showing when Seattle needs him the most.
Russell Wilson mustered just 163 total yards (142 passing, 21 rushing) and one TD (one INT) against Minnesota last weekend. Sure, the inclement weather had something to do with his down performance, but Wilson clearly isn't as dynamic against elite defensive competition.
Against the Carolina Panthers in their own building, Wilson doesn't stand a chance. Expect the QB to pull a vanishing act, finishing with under 175 total yards once again. He'll be forced into three turnovers at minimum (two INTs, one fumble) in an overall dreadful showing when Seattle needs him the most.
4. Cam Newton Electrifies, Tallies Four Total TDs
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Since then, the Panthers have blossomed into an offensive juggernaut. Thus, at home, you can bet your bottom dollar Newton will electrify, tallying over 300 total yards with four total TDs.
You can write it down in permanent marker.
When these two teams met during Week 6 in Seattle, Cam Newton threw for 269 yards and one TD (two INTs) and added 30 rushing yards with one TD on the ground. While that's a decent stat line, keep in mind that Carolina's receiving corps was still playing incredibly inconsistent at the time, yet Newton still managed to find a way to eke out a win in what many believe is the toughest place to play in the NFL as a visitor.
Since then, the Panthers have blossomed into an offensive juggernaut. Thus, at home, you can bet your bottom dollar Newton will electrify, tallying over 300 total yards with four total TDs.
You can write it down in permanent marker.
3. Greg Olsen Exploits Seattle's Painfully Substandard Tight End Defense
Getty ImagesOlsen will expose the Seahawks over the middle, in the flats, on fade routes, in the red zone and essentially anywhere else he pleases in this one. Expect over 75 receiving yards and two TDs from Olsen in what can only be described as a dream matchup for the veteran tight end.
Seattle was excellent at defending most positions this season, with the exception of tight end, which it ranks in the bottom five against. This is a terrible trend to take into a contest with the Panthers, whose TE Greg Olsen is a top-three player at the position.
Olsen will expose the Seahawks over the middle, in the flats, on fade routes, in the red zone and essentially anywhere else he pleases in this one. Expect over 75 receiving yards and two TDs from Olsen in what can only be described as a dream matchup for the veteran tight end.
2. Ron Rivera Coaches Circles Around Pete Carroll
Getty ImagesRon Rivera, on the other hand, comes into this game with a cohesive bunch that you can see plays for each other instead of for the individual. Thus, expect Rivera to coach circles around Carroll in every facet of the game.
Let's be honest: Pete Carroll is a great coach, but he's failed to prevent a ton of schisms that have developed in Seattle's locker room this season.
Ron Rivera, on the other hand, comes into this game with a cohesive bunch that you can see plays for each other instead of for the individual. Thus, expect Rivera to coach circles around Carroll in every facet of the game.
1. Carolina Coasts To 10-Point Victory
Getty ImagesCarolina will be in control of this game from start to finish. Seattle will likely put forth a decent effort in the fourth quarter when the Panthers begin to play prevent defense, but the Panthers will ultimately cement a 10-point victory, which will not truly be indicative of the utter beatdown they hand Pete Carroll's overrated roster.
