NFC Playoff Scenarios Week 17: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Playoff Picture
Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks can capture the NFC West with a victory and San Francisco loss on Sunday. Reuters

The Seattle Seahawks square off against the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Field.

The game begins at 4:05 p.m. EDT and will be shown by FOX, or watch a live stream online by purchasing NFL Sunday Ticket Max.

Rookie Russell Wilson dropped the Seahawks passing offense to worst in the NFL after throwing three interceptions in the Seahawks 19-13 loss to the St. Louis Rams last week. Wilson went 17-for-25 for 160 yards, and Seattle is averaging only 130.8 passing yards per game.

Wilson’s poor play has increased speculation that head coach Pete Carroll may turn to back-up Matt Flynn.

Still Wilson’s struggles have not affected the rest of the Seahawks, as the defense is second in the league in points allowed and running back Marshawn Lynch leads the NFL with 423 rushing yards.

Lynch gained 118 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries versus the Rams, and put Seattle up 7-0 early with an 18-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Seahawks didn’t reach the end zone again, and managed only two field goals in the third quarter.

Seattle’s offense could reemerge Sunday against the Panthers, who have given up at least 27 points to their last three opponents.

Carolina nearly knocked off their division rival Atlanta Falcons, but gave up a 59-yard pass to quarterback Matt Ryan with under a minute left in the fourth quarter to set up the game winning field goal and lost 30-28.

Quarterback Cam Newton fumbled on Carolina’s most crucial possession in the fourth quarter, and cost the Panthers a first down that would’ve run the clock out for the win. The botched play overshadowed a stellar day from Newton, who threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns, and also led Carolina in rushing with 86 yards and a score.

The Panthers notched 199 rushing yards against Atlanta, but will have some difficulty repeating the feat with Seattle allowing only 62.8 yards on the ground per game.

Betting Odds: Carolina is favored by 3 points; Over/Under: 43.5 points

Prediction: Newton blamed the loss to Atlanta on himself, which should motivate him in a big way Sunday. The Seattle defense will keep him in the pocket and force turnovers in a strong victory.

Predicted Score: Seattle 21, Carolina 7

National Football League