The 2025 NFL Week 17 matchup features the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) traveling to take on the Carolina Panthers (8-7) in a cross-conference clash with playoff implications for the Seahawks, who are vying for NFC West supremacy and a top seed, while the Panthers look to play spoiler and build momentum after a resilient season. Seattle has been dominant lately, but Carolina’s home-field advantage and defensive grit could make this a trap game. Below is a fully detailed preview covering all aspects.
Venue Location
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina. This outdoor venue, home to the Carolina Panthers, seats approximately 74,867 fans and features a natural grass surface.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
Broadcast: CBS: Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt, Evan Washburn (field reporter)
Weather Updates
Expect mild but potentially variable conditions in Charlotte. Daytime highs will reach around 73°F early but trend toward the average December range of 44-53°F, with nighttime lows near 34°F. Partly cloudy skies are forecast, with a 9-15% chance of scattered showers or light precipitation, winds at 5-10 mph, and humidity around 60%. The natural grass could become slightly slick if any rain falls, favoring ball security and shorter passes—monitor for updates closer to kickoff, as December in Charlotte often brings chilly, variable weather.
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating late-season ailments, with the Seahawks dealing with secondary concerns that could expose them to Carolina’s passing game, while the Panthers face questions on the defensive line.
Seattle Seahawks: Cornerback Tariq Woolen (knee) is questionable after limited practice. Running back George Holani (hamstring) is on IR. Offensive tackle Elijah Arroyo (undisclosed) was held out recently but is probable. These issues could thin the secondary and limit run support.
Carolina Panthers: Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) is questionable. Offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) is questionable. Defensive end Trevin Wallace (undisclosed) will miss the game. Linebacker Kolbe Fields (knee surgery recovery) is expected back but limited. These absences could weaken the front seven against Seattle’s run game.
Player Matchups
This game pits Seattle’s high-powered offense against Carolina’s opportunistic defense, with key battles in the trenches and secondary likely deciding the outcome amid injuries.
SEA QB Geno Smith vs. CAR S Jordan Fuller: Smith’s efficiency (top-10 in passing yards) tests Fuller’s coverage—Fuller must limit deep shots to DK Metcalf.
CAR QB Bryce Young vs. SEA LB Ernest Jones IV: Young’s mobility faces Jones’s tackling in the middle—key if Woolen is out, exposing the secondary to underneath throws.
SEA RB Kenneth Walker III vs. CAR DL Derrick Brown: Walker’s explosiveness vs. Brown’s run-stopping—if Wharton sits, Walker could exploit gaps.
CAR WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. SEA CB Devon Witherspoon: McMillan’s size vs. Witherspoon’s slot coverage—potential for red-zone mismatches.
SEA WR DK Metcalf vs. CAR CB Jaycee Horn: Metcalf’s physicality vs. Horn’s press-man skills—could produce fireworks if the line protects Smith.
These matchups slightly favor Seattle’s talent, but Carolina’s home grit could keep it close.
Recent Team Forms
Seattle Seahawks (last 5 games): W-L-W-W-L. Recent losses include a close defeat to the Rams, but wins over teams like the Colts and 49ers show form. Averaging 28 PPG in victories with a top-10 defense allowing under 20 PPG.
Carolina Panthers (last 5 games): L-W-L-W-L. Mixed results include a 30-0 shutout of Atlanta but losses like 42-13 to New Orleans and 26-10 to Jacksonville. Form shows defensive highs (under 10 PPG allowed in wins) but offensive lows (under 20 PPG in losses).
Series History
The Seattle Seahawks lead the all-time series 11-5, including playoffs, with a longest winning streak of 5 games from 2010-2014. Carolina’s wins include a 26-3 victory in 2000. Recent meetings favor Seattle, who are 10-4 since 2013. Games often feature low scores, with the rivalry combining for 5 Super Bowl appearances.
Betting Trends
Seahawks: 10-5 ATS overall, 6-2 ATS on the road, 9-6 O/U with overs in high-total games. Panthers: 9-6 ATS overall, 3-4 ATS at home, 8-7 O/U trending under vs. NFC West foes. Seahawks 10-4 ATS in last 14 vs. Panthers; Panthers 3-2 in last 5 games ATS; overs in 6 of Seahawks’ last 9; public on Panthers +7.5 (upset potential), sharps on Seahawks due to form.
SEAHAWKS NOTES:
• SEAHAWKS clinched 1st playoff berth since 2022. • QB SAM DARNOLD passed for 270 yards & 2 TDs in Week 16. Has 2+ TD passes in 2 of his past 3. Aims for 8th in row on road with 240+ pass yards. Ranks 5th with 3,703 pass yards & tied-8th with 24 TD passes. Had 3,670 passing yards, 16 TDs & 7 rush TDs in 2 seasons with Car. (2021-22). • RB ZACH CHARBONNET had rush TD in Week 16 & ranks tied-9th with 9 rush TDs this season. • RB KENNETH WALKER led team with season-high 164 scrimmage yards (100 rush, 64 rec.) & had rush TD in Week 16. Has 100+ scrimmage yards in 2 of his past 3 on road. Had 156 scrimmage yards (97 rush, 59 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in last meeting. • WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA had team-high 8 receptions for 96 yards & TD in Week 16, his 13th game with 90+ rec. yards this season, 1 of 4 players in NFL history with 90+ rec. yards in 13 games within a single season. Ranks 1st with 1,637 rec. yards & tied-3rd with 10 TD catches. Aims for 3rd in row on road with 2+ TD catches. • TE AJ BARNER had 5th TD reception this season in Week 16. • LB ERNEST JONES had 12 tackles & TFL in Week 16. Has 10+ tackles in 4 consecutive games, tied-third longest active streak this season. • LB DRAKE THOMAS led team with season-high 13 tackles in Week 16. Has 5+ tackles in 4 of his past 5. • LB DEMARCUS LAWRENCE had season-high 9 tackles & had PD in Week 16. • CB DEVON WITHERSPOON had 9 tackles & TFL in Week 16. Aims for 5th in row with 6+ tackles. Has PD in 2 of his past 3. • S NICK EMMANWORI (rookie) had career-high 11 tackles in Week 16. Has sack in 2 of his past 3. Has PD in 3 of his past 4. • S COBY BRYANT had 5 tackles in Week 16. Ranks tied-6th with 4 INTs in 2025. • S JOSH JOBE had 2 PD last week & has PD in 3 of his past 4.
PANTHERS NOTES:
• QB BRYCE YOUNG passed for 191 yards & 2 TDs for 102.5 rating in Week 16. Aims for 6th in row with TD pass. Has 100+ rating in 3 of his past 4 at home. • RB RICO DOWDLE rushed for 29 yards in Week 16 to reach 1,007 yards this season, his 2nd straight season with 1,000+ rush yards. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in 10 of his past 11 games. • WR TETAIROA MCMILLAN (rookie) led team with 73 rec. yards & TD in Week 16. Has TD catch in 4 of his past 5. Ranks 1st among rookies with 924 rec. yards & 7 TDs in 2025. Aims for 1,000+ rec. yards this season. • WR JALEN COKER has TD catch in 2 of his past 3 games & has 60+ rec. yards in 2 of his past 3. • TE JA’TAVION SANDERS had 1st TD catch this season in Week 16. • LB CHRISTIAN ROZEBOOM had 8 tackles & sack in Week 16. Aims for 3rd in row with sack. Has 6+ tackles in 5 of his past 6 at home. Had 11 tackles & 2 TFL in last start vs. Sea. (11/3/24 w/ LAR). • DT DERRICK BROWN had 5 tackles, sack & TFL in Week 16. Has sack in 2 of his past 3. Aims for 4th in row at home with TFL. • CB JAYCEE HORN has 2+ PD in 2 of his past 3. Ranks tied-2nd with 5 INTs this season. Had 6 tackles & INT in last game vs. Sea. (12/11/22 w/ Car.). • CB MIKE JACKSON had 3 PD in Week 16 & has PD in 6 consecutive games, tied-longest active streak this season. Ranks tied-1st with 17 PD this season. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. Had 107 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 FR, 19 PD & INT in 3 seasons with Sea. (2021-23). • S TRE’VON MOEHRIG had 7 tackles in Week 16 & aims for 6th in row with 5+ tackles. Had PD in last game vs. Sea. (11/27/22 w/ LV). • S NICK SCOTT led team with 10 tackles in Week 16. Aims for 6th in row with 8+ tackles. • S LATHAN RANSOM (rookie) had 1st career INT in Week 16.
Game Odds
Seattle Seahawks – 7
Carolina Panthers 42.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
