Our NFL Game of the Week is between two teams fighting for an NFC Wildcard spot.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-5) $2.40 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-4) $1.60
Monday, Nov. 26, 5:00am AEDT.
Sunday, Nov. 25, 1:00pm ET. Charlotte, NC. Bank of America Stadium (75,523).
There are four divisions in each of the two conferences, the NFC and AFC. The winner of each division goes to the playoffs. Then in each conference there exists two wildcard spots for the next best two teams.
I mention this for the more casual NFL fan, because our Week 12 GOTW is between two NFC teams fighting for those wildcard spots. These teams both reside in divisions in which they have no chance of winning – Seattle are in the NFC East with the 9-1 Rams, and the Panthers are in the NFC South with the 9-1 Saints.
That is why this game is so important. If Carolina win, they have secured their spot in the playoffs. If the Seahawks win, they inch closer to a playoff berth, and the Panthers will be in trouble with a tough up-coming schedule.
Aside from the playoff implications, this is also just an intriguing match-up.
These teams are similar in a number of ways. They share the same strength: running the ball. They also have top-10 quarterbacks capable of extending plays with their unique athleticism and running vision. Both defences are capable but can be exposed.
The Panthers’ weakness is defending the pass, ranking 21st in passing yards allowed, and 23rd in sacks made. Seattle’s weakness is their offensive line. Though, they are great at mitigating that weakness with their rushing ability.
The key for Seattle will be their quarterback play. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson should be able to exploit the Panthers secondary and pass rush, similar to the Ben Roethlisberger two weeks ago.
The key for the Panthers will be protecting their quarterback better. In their last two losses, Cam Newton has been sacked eight times.
The Panthers will be looking to bounce back from those two tough losses at home, and Seattle will look to keep it rolling after a big win against the Packers last week.
Regular Season Stats |
Seahawks |
Panthers |
| Total Offense Yds/G (rank) | 351.1 (20) | 360.2 (15) |
| Rushing Offense | 154.3 (1) | 130.2 (7) |
| Passing Offense | 196.8 (27) | 230.0 (22) |
| Total Defence Yds/G | 348.1 (11) | 352.4 (13) |
| Rushing Defence | 111.5 (17) | 98.5 (8) |
| Passing Defence | 236.6 (11) | 253.9 (21) |
| Points Scored/G | 24.6 (14) | 26 (11) |
| Points Allowed/G | 21.6 (8) | 25.2 (20) |
| Total Sacks Allowed | 32 (25) | 20 (8) |
| Total Sacks Made | 28 (10) | 23 (23) |
| Penalties/G | 7.5 (28) | 5.6 (3) |
| Turnover Differential | +7 (5) | +5 (6) |
Our Tip
This is a tough one to call. The Panthers are just too good at home to pick against here. They are 5-0 at Bank of America Stadium this year, and they’ve won 10-straight at home, dating back to last season.
Panthers to win
| Bet365 | 2.40 | 1.62 | BET NOW | |
| Neds | 2.40 | 1.60 | ||
| Palmerbet | 2.40 | 1.59 | ||
| BetEasy | 2.40 | 1.60 | ||
| Bookmaker.com.au | 2.42 | 1.57 |
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*All odds are subject to change.
