In a decisive Week 17 matchup, the Seattle Seahawks topped the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 23-9, securing their playoff position and delivering a strong performance to close out the regular season. The stakes were high as both teams aimed to solidify their standings, but it was Seattle that emerged victorious and poised for the postseason. Seattle's offensive efforts were led by running back Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 81 yards, providing the ground game stability the Seahawks needed. Meanwhile, the Panthers' Haynes King threw for 234 yards, with Tetairoa McMillan leading the receiving corps with an impressive 102 yards. Despite their individual successes, Carolina struggled to find the end zone, ultimately limiting their scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Seahawks showcased their prowess with Germaine Pratt recording a team-high nine tackles, while DeMarcus Lawrence dominated the pass rush with 2.5 sacks, consistently pressuring King throughout the game. The turning point came late in the second quarter when Kenny Moore II intercepted a critical pass, halting a Panthers' drive and allowing Seattle to extend their lead. This defensive stand was pivotal in shifting momentum, solidifying the Seahawks' grip on the game as they headed into the playoffs.