NFL divisional round picks: Predicting each playoff game

4 of 5

January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) meets with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) following the 31-17 victory in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

The Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks put on an incredible matchup at CenturyLink Field earlier in the year, but much has changed. A major difference in this game is the venue. The Panthers snatched victory in front of the 12th Man last time around, but now they will be in the comfortable environment of Bank of America Stadium.

The Seahawks must now enter a stadium the Panthers haven’t lost in all season. In fact, Carolina has only lost once (Week 16 in Atlanta) since Seattle dumped them out of the playoffs at this stage last season.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. The Seahawks know how to win in the playoffs. They have represented the NFC in the Super Bowl the previous two seasons, winning one, meaning they are 5-1 in the playoffs dating back to 2013.

Cam Newton lead the Panthers to an incredible 15-1 record this year, but now he must get it done in the playoffs. After losing to the Seahawks last season, can he get his team into the NFC Championship Game?

It’s going to be an incredible game, and it’s so tough to call. The Seahawks should have been dumped out by Minnesota last week with the Vikings missing a 27-yard field goal late on. And how is it possible to pick against the dominant Panthers?

Pick: Carolina 30, Seattle 20

Next: Pittsburgh at Denver

Home/Atlanta Falcons News