Panthers vs. Seahawks: Final Odds, Schedule, Prediction for 2015 Divisional Game

The other divisional-round matchups are receiving more attention, but one of the most underrated games of the 2015 NFL playoffs will be the battle between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks.

Most fans are discounting Carolina’s chances against the defending Super Bowl champion, but Seattle knows how tough the Panthers can be and could be on upset alert on Saturday if the Seahawks don’t take their competition serious.

Here is a full breakdown of the divisional-round battle between Carolina and Seattle.

Viewing Info

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

When: Saturday, Jan. 10

Start Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Odds: Seattle (2-13) and Carolina (17-4), via OddsShark.com, as of Jan. 10 at 7 a.m. ET.

Biggest Potential X-Factor: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Source: Statmilk

The strength of the Carolina offensive unit and Seattle defense can’t be underestimated, but the biggest potential X-factor in the divisional round will the play of Seahawks bruising running back Marshawn Lynch.

As one of the most powerful runners in the league, Lynch will push the Panthers defense to its limit. While Carolina has been playing well against the run in recent weeks, the unit will have a hard time shutting down the brutal running style of Lynch.

In 16 games this season, Lynch has racked up 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns on 280 carries, and he also managed to add 37 receptions for 367 yards and four more touchdowns. If Seattle can get the ball to the veteran back early and often, the Panthers will be in serious trouble.

When asked about the lack of credit Lynch gets for his versatility and raw abilities, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick told Jayson Jenks of The Seattle Times: “If you were writing a pro personnel scouting report on him right now, no one ever gives out the highest number on the grading scale. But he’s one of those guys that if the highest number you can give for competitiveness is a five, you’d give him a five-plus because you can’t deny it.”

While Lynch has been an absolute beast this season, Carolina has been his kryptonite, according to Trey Wingo of ESPN:

For Seattle to find success Saturday, head coach Pete Carroll and the entire Seahawks coaching staff must develop a game plan that will give Lynch the best opportunity to succeed. Simply put, when Lynch is running well, the entire offense around him begins to play strongly.

The Panthers shut down the Arizona Cardinals' rushing attack in the Wild Card round, allowing 27 total yards. The major difference, though, is that Arizona didn’t have one of the hardest-hitting runners in the NFL.

If Seattle feeds Lynch early and doesn’t abandon the run if it doesn’t work right away, the powerful back will wear down his opponents and begin to rack up big numbers in the third and fourth quarters.

Predicted final score: Seattle 27, Carolina 17

*Stats via NFL.com.