The top-seeded Carolina Panthers (15-1) will attempt to defeat the two-time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks (11-6) for the second time this season when they square off in the divisional round of the playoffs on Sunday.
The Panthers upset the Seahawks 27-23 as seven-point road underdogs back in Week 6 on a 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cam Newton to tight end Greg Olsen with 32 seconds remaining.
If not for Newton and Carolina’s near-perfect regular season, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson may have earned more NFL MVP votes for his career year.
Wilson has thrown 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions in the team’s last eight games, including last Sunday’s 10-9 victory against the Minnesota Vikings.