Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks staff predictions
By Luke Tucker
On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers (5-8) will play host to the Seattle Seahawks (10-3) in what has become a rivalry of sorts.
For the first and only time in 2019, the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks will matchup this Sunday in Charlotte. Over the years, the two teams have formed somewhat of a rivalry, playing each other eight times since the start of the 2012 season. In those eight contests, the Panthers have won just twice, however, more often than not, the two teams have played each other extremely close. In fact, six of the eight games have been decided by seven points or less. Without further ado, here are Old North Banter’s staff predictions for today’s game.
Zack Smith (@zackrusmith): Seahawks 31, Panthers 16
The main thing that I’ll be looking for is whether or not Will Grier will play. From what I’ve heard, there will need to be a blowout for him to enter the game. There’s a pretty good chance for that. The Seahawks are coming off of a disappointing 28-12 loss in Los Angeles against the Rams. They were looking for their sixth-straight win, but couldn’t get any offense going. I think that Russell Wilson and company have a “get-right” game against the Panthers. Hopefully we will get a glimpse of Grier and let Christian McCaffrey get some rest.
Luke Tucker (@luketucker19_): Panthers 31, Seahawks 27
As bad as the Panthers have been the past month, Perry Fewell will be looking to give himself a shot at a job next year, and Kyle Allen surely hears the calls for Grier. That being said, those guys have a lot to play for. As far as Sunday’s game goes, Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” is long gone, and quite honestly, so is their defensive dominance as a whole. The Seahawks have the 28th-best pass defense, and rank 22nd in points given up per game. It also helps that Seattle gives up the sixth-most receiving yards to running backs–something that certainly works to Carolina’s advantage. I understand I’m the (perhaps extreme) optimist here, but I wouldn’t be all that surprised if the Panthers win a game they have no business winning.
Christian Candeloro (@christiancande3): Seahawks 27 Panthers 17
Luke man, I love you, but there is no chance the Panthers win this football game. Did you see them against the Falcons last week? There is a big step up in competition this week and the Seahawks have to win this game to keep pace with the 49ers in the NFC West. I predict that Wilson has an efficient day and Chris Carson is the headliner, going for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the Seattle victory. Positives on the Carolina side will of course be McCaffrey and then a bold prediction being a strong game from Ian Thomas.