The Seattle Seahawks eliminated the Carolina Panthers from the postseason last year en route to a second straight NFC championship. And if the Seahawks want to reach a third Super Bowl, they will have to beat the Panthers again.
This time, though, the game is on the road. And Carolina is the clear favorite.
Seattle (11-6) was given a second life last Sunday when Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a chip shot field goal. But the Seahawks will likely not receive the same sort of brilliant luck against a 15-1 Panthers team led by NFL MVP candidate Cam Newton.