The Panthers are slowing down opponents' aerial attack, in large part owing to a heated pass rush, and have been handed a gift for this game. Seattle RBs Kenneth Walker and DeeJay Dallas appear felled by ankle injuries, leaving the rushing duties to backs who have recorded just 16 carries this year. If the Seahawks cannot travel by air or ground, what else is there? Carolina's offense has taken it a notch up with recently installed Sam Darnold at QB.

The Panthers feel like one of the league's worst teams, but they also are 3-3 since going away from Baker Mayfield at quarterback, with one loss in overtime and the other two on the road against quality Ravens and Bengals teams. The rush offense has been key with at least 169 rush yards in their four competitive games during that stretch, and D'Onta Foreman is all clear to face a Seahawks defense that's 28th in yards per rush allowed. The Seahawks picked up a lot of injuries in their win over the Rams, with the RB room completely up in the air and even mainstays like Geno Smith and DK Metcalf limited in practice this week. I love backing a much healthier Panthers team coming out of their bye here.

Here are two teams trending in opposite directions over the past month, and the one trending upwards is getting points. The Panthers’ defense struggled at times this season as they dealt with injuries, but they haven’t allowed more than 15 points in any of their last three games. Sam Darnold is not a great QB, but — regardless of Thursday night’s heroics from Baker Mayfield — he’s a step up for Carolina. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have slowed after a hot start, barely edging the depleted Rams last week to avoid a three-game skid. They’ve averaged fewer than 65 rushing yards per game in that stretch, and now they may be without Kenneth Walker. As surprising as Seattle’s success was early on, they’ve only beaten one team (Giants) currently above .500. The Panthers are a live dog here, so grab the points.

The Seahawks give up 155.3 rushing yards per game, second-most behind Houston. That sets up well for a Panthers team that wants to lean on D'Onta Foreman; the bruising back has gone over 100 yards rushing in four of the last six games. In fact, since Week 10, Seattle is giving up an NFL-high 205 rushing yards per game. Carolina's expected success on the ground means Sam Darnold shouldn't have to throw 30-plus times. In his debut in Week 12, Darnold hit 11 of 19 throws for 164 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions in a 23-10 win over Denver. He also rushed for a score. With Carolina off a bye and 5-2 ATS under interim coach Steve Wilks, I'll grab the points.