Carolina at Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks have been tenacious on defense over their last six games as they have allowed just a total of 39 points. Sound familiar? Most would think a suspect Carolina offense will struggle to get much here. I certainly don't have much faith in Cam Newton. Looking at the Carolina defense, it has been playing at nearly as high of a level on their five-game winning streak. The Panthers have allowed just 59 total points in the five games. As a result of all this, the total here is set very low, and certainly that is based on what has happened with these teams in recent games. But, we get value on this total being so low. Looking at low playoff totals prior to January 11, 2009, the majority used to play out as expected and UNDER the total. However, with the new rules favoring offenses in place since then, that has all changed. Since that date there have been many games that appeared to be on their way to defensive struggles with a total set at 40 or less. But, the OVER is 8-2-1, topping the total by an average of almost six points per game. Let's not forget that great defenses like these two can often score points. And, Carolina's offense has really picked things up this season. They averaged 24.1 points per game on the road this season and this team is off back-to-back games scoring 34 and 27 points and it put up 27 or more five times this season. Under Ron Rivera, the Panthers are 15-6 to the OVER vs. winning teams. And, Russell Wilson remains underrated as he continues to find ways to keep the ball moving. Seattle has put up 26+ points in seven games this season. This is the new NFL, and the playoffs have seen these games play out a lot more offensively than they look. Go contrarian here and take the over.