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Carolina Panthers Week 12 analysis and final score prediction

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 17: Head coach Ron Rivera (right) of the Carolina Panthers speaks with head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks after the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 17, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 31-24. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 17: Head coach Ron Rivera (right) of the Carolina Panthers speaks with head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks after the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 17, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 31-24. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers Week 12 preview and prediction vs. Seattle Seahawks.

Playing eight times, twice in the playoffs, since the 2010 season the Seattle Seahawks closely resembled a Carolina Panthers divisional rival. Last year was the first time the two teams on opposite sides of the country hadn’t faced off in five consecutive seasons, but the rivalry renews on Sunday.

Both teams are in similar circumstances vying for a wildcard playoff berth as their respective division leaders have a firm grasp on the lead. Six games remain and the Seahawks trail Los Angeles by four and a half, having already lost both games against their divisional opponent. Carolina trails NFC South leader New Orleans, who they face twice over the final three weeks, by three games.

Seattle is winning when they should and in the NFC this year, it may be enough to push them into the playoffs. Combined opponent records when they win is 17-32-1 versus 38-14 in losses. The Panthers currently own a winning record but have lost six of the eight games each team has played since 2010, including three at home.

2018 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-4) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-5)

KICKOFF: Sunday, November 25 at 1:00 PM ET 

TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map 

ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)

WEATHER: 62 degrees, 80% humidity, 4mph SW wind, 10% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 40-7, SEAHAWKS – December 4, 2016 (WEEK 13)

WHAT TO WATCH:

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Two weeks ago the Panthers pass defense was exposed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his receivers. Lost in the 52-21 drumming was the fact that Carolina allowed 138 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Typically a strong suit for Panthers defenses, the inability to stop the run recently has been alarming.

Lions rookie running back Kerryon Johnson averaged nearly six yards per carry, racking up 87 in the game and another touchdown before exiting with a knee injury. Carolina missed a few tackles but more times than not Johnson reached the second level or beyond without being touched.

Seattle currently owns the league’s best rushing attack on the ground. Averaging over 150-yards per game, the Seahawks running back trio of Chris Carson, Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny are all dangerous on the ground, in addition to quarterback Russell Wilson.

Next. CAR vs. SEA - Players to Watch. dark

For Carolina to win, they must stop the run. Returning home to Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers should hold an advantage but recent performances haven’t done much to build any confidence. A victory would put things back on track but this loss may (depending on Minnesota) push Carolina out of the playoff picture for the first time this season.

PREDICTION: Carolina Panthers – 24, Seattle Seahawks – 28

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