• Seattle ranks No. 1 in explosive pass rate (10.3%) and deep pass efficiency, giving them a strong vertical threat.
• Carolina’s pass rush is weak, generating sacks on just 4.7% of dropbacks (12th percentile).
• Seahawks allow sacks on only 2.9% of pass plays (97th percentile), giving their QB time to launch deep.
• Carolina’s defense is aggressive on fourth down (100th percentile in aggression), but weak on third down stops (16th percentile).
• Seattle’s defense excels on third down, stopping opponents 62.8% of the time (94th percentile).
• Injuries to key linemen on both sides (Cross for SEA, Wharton for CAR) could impact trench play.

• Seahawks are 13, 0 straight up as road favorites and 6, 3 ATS in their last nine.
• Panthers have covered six straight December games as home underdogs.
• Seattle has failed to cover in eight straight games following a division win.
• Under 43.0 points is juiced (-125), pointing to market concerns about scoring pace.
• Kenneth Walker III Over 49.5 rush yards (-120) is in play vs a Carolina front that struggles to generate pressure.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba Anytime TD (+100) ties into Seattle’s league-high six multi-TD scorers.

Still, Carolina’s recent form, especially at home, suggests they won’t go quietly. Their ability to hang around and strike late makes the +7 line tempting for underdog backers, especially with Seattle’s poor track record in post-division games.

Props offer value too. Kenneth Walker’s ground game could shine if Seattle gets ahead, while Bryce Young’s legs may be the best answer to Seattle’s pressure. Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains a red-zone weapon worth watching.

Expect a tight, competitive battle in Charlotte. If Carolina can keep it close early, their home crowd and late-game grit could make this one go down to the wire.