CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers, who compiled a league-best 15-1 record during the regular season, advanced to the N.F.C. championship game for the first time in a decade by beating the Seattle Seahawks, 31-24, on Sunday.
The game ended the Seahawks’ attempt to return to the Super Bowl for the third straight season, something no team has done in the salary cap era.
In the first half, the Panthers had two interceptions off Russell Wilson passes, including one that Luke Kuechly returned for a touchdown. And Carolina did not have to punt until barely a minute remained in the second quarter.