Did we mention that the Panthers are great on the road (OTR), play off tested, and disciplined? Yeah, we did. Last week. We did hit the first half over, but we also mentioned the Bears would win, so on to this week. Interestingly, the opening line of the Seahawks -6 was quickly hammered down to 4 and now 3.5.

Seattle at home :
28 points for and 13 against; 9-0 SU, 7-2 ATS and 3-6 Over/Under; 166 ypg rushing for and 93 ypg against; TO margin -2.

Carolina On The Road :
24 points for and 14 against; 8-2 SU, 7-3 ATS and 6-4 Over/Under; 118 ypg rushing for and 74.5 ypg against; +16 TO margin.

Who is the #2 running back listed on the Panthers' depth chart? No peeking! Rod “He Hate Me” Smart, whose claim to fame is being the second leading rusher in the only year of existence of the XFL. Vince McMahon should be proud! He went on IR last season, and was inactive 4 games this season. His 29 career carries should increase while he spells new starter Nick Goings. While Goings has considerably more experience, we should see a lot of Jake Delhomme's right arm and possibly more out of FB Brad Hoover . HC Fox will most likely stay with his game plan of mixing runs, play action and a few reverses to WR Steve Smith to minimize over pursuit. While the loss of a starting RB, much less the two losses the Panthers have endured, would slow down most teams, I don't think it will impact the balanced Carolina attack. If Goings goes down they will be one-dimensional, but that hasn't happened (yet).

Assuming, as reported, that RB Shaun Alexander is fine after sitting most of last week with a concussion, HC Holmgren will again look for his potent ground game to open up the passing game for Matt Hasselbeck. Even without Alexander, the Seahawks still ran for 119 against Washington , with backup Morris and FB Strong providing a nice 1-2 punch. The one fumble lost and interception did not cost them the game (or cover!).

I see the most interesting match-up being Seattle CB Trufant against Steve Smith. No one has held Smith in check all season, and how much safety help Trufant needs will determine what the rest of the Carolina offense can do. I look for the Panthers to come out firing, moving Smith around to both confuse Seattle coverages and mask the shallow rushing attack. Either way I see both teams putting early points on the board.

I like Over 21 for the First Half, and I'll buy the hook if necessary.

As to a side play, it is interesting to note that the only two ATS losses by the Seahawks at home were both 3 point wins laying 3.5. The only two Panther ATS losses OTR were as a fav, and their ATS record as a dog is an impressive 13-2-1 over the past 3 seasons. I do like the home team laying 3 or less, but will stick with the first half over play.

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