Panthers build 31-0 lead, hold on to beat Seahawks 31-24
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers built a 31-point halftime lead before barely holding off Seattle's relentless comeback, beating the Seahawks 31-24 on Sunday to advance to the NFC championship game.
Carolina (16-1) will host Arizona (14-3) next week for a trip to the Super Bowl.
Jonathan Stewart, returning from a foot injury, scored two touchdowns after jumpstarting the Panthers with a 59-yard sprint on their first play. Cam Newton threw for a touchdown and fellow All-Pro Luke Kuechly ran in an early interception for a score as Carolina built a 31-0 advantage.
Seattle (11-7), showing its pedigree as two-time NFC champs, climbed back within seven points as Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns, two to Jermaine Kearse. An onside kick with 1:11 remaining was covered by All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis - and Charlotte could begin breathing again.
---
AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
-
2024 NFL Draft: Best players available in Day 3
2024 NFL Draft order: Updated after Round 1
2024 NFL Draft Date, Time: Schedule, how to watch, TV channel
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds on move after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
-
Panthers owner David Tepper makes news once again on Day 1 of NFL Draft
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years
-
2024 NFL Draft: Best players available in Day 3
2024 NFL Draft order: Updated after Round 1
2024 NFL Draft Date, Time: Schedule, how to watch, TV channel
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds on move after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 100 led by Caleb Williams
-
Panthers owner David Tepper makes news once again on Day 1 of NFL Draft
2024 NFL Draft WR rankings: Marvin Harrison Jr. leads stacked top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft OT rankings: Scouting the best tackle class in 20-plus years