Seahawks Face Must-Win Week 17 Battle for Top NFC Seed

The Seattle Seahawks travel to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday. This Week 17 clash is critical for Seattle’s playoff positioning. A win keeps them firmly in contention for the NFC’s number one seed.

According to league analysts, the path is clear but not easy. The 12-3 Seahawks must handle business against a 7-8 Panthers team fighting for its own division title. The game kicks off at 1 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium.

Three Key Factors for a Seahawks Road Victory

Seattle’s defense faces a specific task. They must pressure Panthers quarterback Bryce Young into difficult deep throws. Young prefers short, quick passes to players like receiver Jalen Coker.

Forcing him to target rookie deep threat Tetairoa McMillian more often could create turnover opportunities. The Seahawks’ defensive line, led by Leonard Williams, must exploit Carolina’s interior offensive line weakness.

Another key will be offensive execution. The Seahawks rank 23rd in third-down conversion rate this season. Carolina’s defense, however, is among the league’s worst at stopping third downs.

This presents a major opportunity for quarterback Sam Darnold. With Carolina’s weak pass rush, he should have time to find open receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba on crucial plays.

Unlocking the Deep Ball Against a Vulnerable Secondary

This game is a prime chance to revive Seattle’s deep passing attack. Recent opponents blitzed heavily, forcing quicker throws. The Panthers lack a comparable pass rush.

Carolina’s secondary has struggled with deep coverage. Safety Nick Scott has allowed an average of 17.4 yards per completion. Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson can also be beaten downfield.

An early deep connection to Smith-Njigba could open the game up. It would also help JSN continue his historic season. He is within reach of Calvin Johnson’s single-season receiving record.

A victory in Week 17 solidifies the Seahawks’ commanding playoff position. Executing these key strategies will be essential for securing the top NFC seed and a crucial first-round bye.

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What do the Seahawks need for the No. 1 seed?

The Seahawks must win their final two games. They also need some help from other teams facing the San Francisco 49ers. The simplest path involves winning out and having the 49ers lose once.

Why is challenging Bryce Young deep important?

It plays away from his comfort zone. Young excels at short, timing-based throws. Forcing deeper attempts increases the chance of incompletions or defensive plays by Seattle’s secondary.

How has Jaxon Smith-Njigba performed this season?

He is having a phenomenal year. Smith-Njigba has over 1,600 receiving yards and multiple 40+ yard plays. He is closing in on a major NFL receiving record.

What is the main weakness of Carolina’s defense?

Their pass rush is notably weak. The Panthers have one of the lowest sack totals in the league. This should give Sam Darnold a clean pocket to operate from on Sunday.

Can the Seahawks win the NFC West?

Yes, absolutely. Winning their final two games guarantees them the NFC West division title. Their destiny is completely in their own hands heading into Week 17.

Trusted Sources

This report was compiled from verified analysis and statistics provided by official NFL game data, ESPN, and NFL Network.

Disclaimer: This article contains strategic analysis and predictions for an upcoming sporting event. Outcomes may vary.