This game probably doesn’t even matter. The Carolina Panthers could technically clinch the NFC South with a win and a Buccaneers loss to Quin Ewers and the Dolphins. The likelihood of both those things happening seems minuscule, but the Bucs are losing to everybody and the Panthers beat the Rams that one time, so you never know. If the Panthers do lose, next Sunday will be for the division title.
The Seahawks possess arguably the best defense in the league. They are first in defensive DVOA, fourth in EPA per play, fourth in success rate, and second in opponent yards per play. They got caught up in a shootout against the Rams last week, but prior to that, they had given up 25 total points in their previous three games. There is no weak area in this group. They pressure the passer, limit passing yards, and swallow up opposing run games. Playing against this defense is an exercise in survival.
The recipe for a win over the Seahawks is exactly the same as it was against the Rams. The Panthers executed the plan perfectly, and they’ll have to do it again. Here’s how it works: