5 Bold Predictions for Carolina Panthers' Week 8 Matchup

Who would have expected the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks to come into this Week 8 matchup with a combined record of 6-6-1?

Well, there probably weren't many prognosticators who had the conviction to project a tie, but that's beside the point. 

Last season's top two seeds in the NFC are struggling to a hold a .500 record now, and this matchup could prove to be a great barometer of which team will turn its season around and which will continue to struggle with playing consistent football from one week to the next. 

With both teams coming off a loss, there's bound to be some significant strategy changes in store for both teams this week.

With that in mind, read on to take a look at our bold predictions for this week's matchup of 2013 contenders that haven't played the same part thus far in 2014.

Russell Wilson Throws 2 Interceptions

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

Despite its persistent struggles in coverage, the Panthers defense always seems to come up with some takeaways that completely change the complexion of the game. 

Last year, the Carolina defense ranked sixth in the league in takeaways, and through seven games this season, they rank fifth. 

It will be no easy task, as Wilson isn't a turnover-prone quarterback—he has just three multiple-interception games in three seasons—but Carolina is looking to rebound from a game where it had no takeaways.

Last time the Panthers were coming off such a performance, they forced four turnovers against the Chicago Bears. 

The Panthers could be getting their starting cornerback (Josh Norman) and nickelback (Bene Benwikere) back from injury this week, though head coach Ron Rivera made it seem unlikely, according to ESPN.com's David Newton. Their return to the lineup could be just the boost the team needs to prove that the letdown in Green Bay was no indicator of the brand of defense it will play for the rest of the season.

Marshawn Lynch Has Longest Run Since 2012

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The Seahawks currently have the second-ranked ground game in the NFL. Unlike last season, their success hasn't completely rested on the shoulders of Marshawn Lynch.

Quarterback Russell Wilson is scrambling more than ever and doing so quite efficiently—his 8.6 yards per rush rank first in the NFL. 

However, against a Carolina team that has struggled both to pressure the quarterback and to slow opposing running backs, there is plenty of reason for Seattle to return to its traditional methods of moving the ball with the run game. 

The Panthers have allowed four runs of over 50 yards this season, and although Lynch hasn't had a carry over 50 yards since Week 15 of the 2012 season, I believe he gets one this Sunday.

Each week, a number of potentially long runs against Carolina have been narrowly avoided courtesy of some shoestring tackles.

Those tackles won't work against the stocky running back Lynch, and he'll probably break several on his way to another run for the highlight reels.

Charles Johnson Doubles His Season Sack Total

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

While the Panthers pass rush has sorely missed the presence of Greg Hardy, it's time to stop using that as an excuse; there is pass-rushing talent on this defensive line. It just has to show up. 

That will start with the improved play of Charles Johnson, who has just three sacks through seven games. He has a favorable matchup against rookie right tackle Justin Britt, who allowed one sack and four quarterback hurries against the Rams last week.

Britt has allowed a team-high 12 quarterback hurries on the season and has yet to face a defensive end with the resume of Johnson. 

Russell Wilson loves to roll outside of the pocket to give himself more time to find an open receiver, but don't be surprised if he rolls directly into the arms of Johnson, who loves to use his speed to take a deep route to the quarterback, on multiple occasions.

Greg Olsen Held to Fewer Than 30 Receiving Yards

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Ever since the Seahawks defense was torn up to the tune of 96 yards and three touchdowns courtesy of Antonio Gates in Week 2, it has done a great job of preventing opposing tight ends from making much of an impact through the air. 

Despite facing the likes of Julius Thomas, Jason Witten, Jared Cook and Niles Paul in the previous four weeks, none have exceeded 25 yards or three receptions. 

Greg Olsen is currently the leading receiver for Carolina, but the elite safety combination of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor could be too much for him to get going this week.

Look for the Panthers to try to involve him in the screen game if he can't  get open downfield, but it could be Kelvin Benjamin's turn to step up and carry the receiving load, especially near the end zone.

Cam Newton Rushes for 100 Yards

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Cam Newton has looked increasingly mobile in recent weeks, causing headaches for both the Bengals (107 rushing yards) and Packers (41 rushing yards) defenses. 

The Seahawks defense has been stout against traditional running plays this season, and it's unlikely that Carolina's battered backfield will do anything to change that this week.

If the Panthers are going to consistently pick up yards on the ground, it will likely have to be Newton who leads the charge. 

Thus far into the season, the Seattle defense has yet to be tested by a great scrambling quarterback—Aaron Rodgers is probably the only quarterback the Seahawks have faced who could outrun the average defensive lineman. 

Consider also that Seattle has been unable to muster much of a pass rush this season—seven sacks in six games—and it starts to look like Newton will be frequently opting to tuck and run.

He may even have to exceed the 17 attempts he had in Cincinnati if he's to carry his team to another win against the NFC's gate holder.

All statistics courtesy of ProFootballFocus.com.