The 12-3 Seahawks are coming off a huge overtime win against the Rams, but could be in for a let down here. I can’t unsee Phillip Rivers coming off the couch and nearly beating them 2 weeks ago, in a narrow 18-16 Seattle win over the Colts. Sam Darnold has started to regress, especially against pressure. The Seahawks defense is the best unit on the field, but I still don’t think they should be laying 7 and the hook on the road in a raucous Carolina environment. The Panthers are 8-4 ATS as underdogs, and 5-1 ATS as home underdogs. This is just too many points to give a feisty Carolina team battling for the NFC South title.

Tried out my new Meta Quest Xmas present last night. Holy moly is that incredible. If any of you are on there, please reach out. I literally was Superman flying with Lois Lane. Wow. I'll be watching NFL in there for sure -- and flying over Paris and Sydney during commercials. Only playing with the hook. One of those tricky 10 a.m. Pacific starts for the visitors. And a natural letdown spot off that incredible win over the Rams in Week 16, although Seattle still has a ton to play for. Also could be looking ahead to a perhaps winner-take-all for the NFC West and top seed next week vs. the Niners. Win by a touchdown, fine by me.

Win the next two weeks and the Seahawks get the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Lose in Charlotte, however, and those hopes could go down the drain. This one might not be easy, as the Panthers have proven pretty thorny this season, having beaten the Rams at B of A Stadium and won at Green Bay with Jordan Love at the controls for the Packers. Bryce Young continues to make big plays and the Panthers have shown a knack for playing 'em close (the last three, four of five, and five of the last seven decided by exactly three points!). With Sam Darnold still apt to throw interceptions (13 this season), no surprise if the Seahawks find themselves in a scrap. Play Panthers