The Seahawks have the biggest home field edge in sports as they are 36-16 against the spread since 2009 including 20-7 in Russell Wilson era. During that period they have outscored teams at home by 15.5.

In that same span, the Panthers are a so-so 12-11-1 on the road, having outscored their opponents by a mere 0.9 points per game. But they are a Peter Principle team as on the road against teams that finished the season with a winning record during that stretch, the Panthers have gone 2-7-1, including 0-4-1 in their past five.

Remember Carolina made the playoffs because they won the worst division in the NFL.

After curing their Super Bowl hangover, Seattle is the first team since 1976 to win its final six games and surrender fewer than 40 points in the process, giving up only three touchdowns in that span.

There are a lot of potential X-factors in this game, but none stand out like Marshawn Lynch. That is because the Seahawks star running back has a rep for kicking ass in big spots.

Lynch has gone over 100 yards four times in seven career playoff games and is averaging 4.8 yards per attempt in the playoffs. He has had at least 130 rushing yards in one game in each of his past three playoff runs, which is something only seven other backs have accomplished in NFL history.

The Panthers gave up 4.5 yards per carry during the regular season, which was the fourth-highest total in the NFL. And Carolina was the only team in football to give up five runs of 50 yards or more.

After catching three passes for 37 yards in that victory over Arizona, Philly Brown is dealing with a shoulder injury. Defensive lineman Star Lotulelei is out with a broken foot, which is a pretty big blow to Carolina defense. Apart from those inju