Note: If you’re looking for the 2016 Divisional
Playoffs preview, please go here: Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers Pick
.
Seattle Seahawks(0-0SU,0-0ATS) vs.Carolina Panthers(0-0SU,0-0ATS)
NFL Week1
Date and Time:September 8, 2013 1:00 p.m. EST.
Where:Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
TV:FOX
byWilson,Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:Sea -3/CAR +3
Over/Under Total:45
The Seattle Seahawks are back on the NFLs list of notable teams. Seattle cruised through their preseason with a perfect record, and now they will look to keep the winning ways going. The Hawks are talented on both sides of the pigskin and they are deep on the bench. Most teams have a few holes peppered throughout their lineupnot Seattlethey are seriously deep and a potential threat to run the table if not win the Superbowl too!
The Seattle offense is loaded this season and it starts with 2ndyear QB Russell Wilson. Wilson tossed 26 TDs last season and threw for over 3100 yards, and completed 252 of 353 pass an attemptthats pretty solid for a rookie. Joining Wilson in the offensive arsenal is RB Marshawn Lynch. Lynch rushed for over 1500 yards on 315 carries and crossed the goal line 11 times. Rounding out the Seahawks attack is Sidney Rice . Rice pulled in 50 receptions last year for over 750 yards and is always a threat deep and can run well after the catch. Compounding the offensive attack is the Seattle O-line which has become a solid unit and they consistently open running lanes for Lynch and company as well as give Wilson the time he needs when a pass is in order.
Defensively, the Seahawks are finally getting the respect they deserve. As one of the younger, more talented defenses in the NFL, the Hawks D is relentless. This defense plays hard on every playalmost as if every snap is a must stop situation, which is the way all defenses should play but Seattle really does play that way! I see the Hawks D tearing teams apart and pressuring them out of their game plans.
Cam Newton and Steve Smith are the two main offensive weapons for the Carolina Panthers but will it be enough to take down the Hawks on opening weekend? Carolina has been strong in recent years but they will struggle against this young, dynamic Seahawk squad. Newton will struggle to get his running game going against Seattles run defense and Smith will be blanketed by the Seattle secondary on every snap.
Defensively, the Panthers were in the top ten last year and will be a formidable opponent against the youth of Seattles offense. Seattle is a city on the verge of its first Superbowl and this season is the most anticipated in the Seahawks history. There are a lot of well wishers out in the Northwest and for good reason. I like the Hawks chances of going deep into the playoffs this season, but this game is no cake walk by any means. Seattle has won 4 of the 5 meetings between these two teams and the last two in a row. It can’t be ignored that Seattle isn’t quite the same team on the road. Cam Newton is a dynamic QB that gives even the best defenses fits.
This contest is a typical NFL line with the Hawks at -3 and the total at 45. Many believe Seattle is not getting the respect they deserve here, but the bookies are no dummies. The betting public is absolutely hammering the Hawks and the line isn’t going anywhere. Sharps however, are itching for the line to move up a half point close to game time, which is likely to happen. Once that move kicks in, a ton of loot is going to flow in on the Panthers. Many will be left holding an empty wallet after this one is over, wondering “where the heck did my loot go!?!?
WilsonsPick to Cover the Point Spread: Carolina 21, Seattle 17 in a hard fought game that will have you clinching your buttcheeks until the clock ticks down to 0:00!