Divisional Playoffs Preview: Seattle Seahawks v.s. Carolina Panthers

Bold Predictions: Panthers 24 - Seahawks 20

• The Carolina Panthers own the best scoring offense and the Seattle Seahawks have the best scoring defense. Scoring is going to be tough in this game because both defenses are physical and maintain their defensive composure. 
• The Seattle Seahawks finally get Beast Mode (Marshawn Lynch) from injury and will try every way to feed him the football. Seattle does not have the best offensive line and faces a tough test in Carolina. Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short has been dominate against the run and promotes double teams. This will help Carolina's linebackers to get between the tackles and stuff Lynch. Lynch is very physical and his combination of size and shiftiness make him a dangerous back. Key on linebacker Luke Kuechly to plug Lynch's gaps.
• The Carolina Panthers have underrated threats at receiver and tight end Greg Olson caught the game winning touchdown last time the two met. Seattle's KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner have been a formidable duo this year and will be physical with Olson. Ted Ginn JR is going to need to use his speed to get past Richard Sherman. Sherman loves to bump and run and get into opposing team's head early in the game. Look for Cam to find Devin Funchess, his running backs, and try to put Greg Olson in open space. 
• Seattle's Doug Baldwin has been red hot laltey, but faces the arguably the best corner in the game. Carolina's Josh Norman has had a remarkable season and should be able to hold Baldwin in check. He doesn't give a lot of cushion to receivers and has a tendency to break up passes and create turnovers. Seattle's Russel Wilson also likes to throw to Jermaine Kearse, Luke Wilson, and speedy rookie Tyler Lockett. Carolina's defense needs to limit Seattle's big plays and prevent Russel Wilson from rolling out of the pocket.
• Carolina's offensive tackles will have their hands full with speedy ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. Both use spin and power moves to crash the pocket and it's up to Michael Oher and Byron Bell to maintain a comfortable pocket. Cam Newton also loves to flush out of the pocket and either throw on the run or sprint for the first down. Seattle is going to use defensive contains and quarterback man spy to prevent Newton from getting loose. Look for a similar gameplan from Carolina's defense to contain Russell Wilson.