The Seattle Seahawks went on the road and tallied a nice victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seattle has won six straight games since losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, and is looking like a premier Super Bowl favorite. Mike Macdonald's squad has won 10 of its last 11 games after starting 3-2.
Sunday's win over the Panthers brings the Seahawks even closer to clinching the NFC West.
NFC West standings
1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4, will play Chicago Bears in Week 17)
3. Los Angeles Rams (11-4, will play Atlanta Falcons in Week 17
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
The Seahawks could wrap up the NFC West in Week 17. If the 49ers lose or tie to the Chicago Bears, and the Rams also lose or tie to the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle will be the division champions.
However, if San Francisco and Los Angeles win in Week 17, the Week 18 matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers will decide the NFC West champion.
There are other possible scenarios, but basically, Seattle controls its destiny in the division, and a win in Week 18 over San Francisco ensures the division title will be theirs.
NFC playoff picture
Like the NFC West, the Seahawks can take home the top seed in the NFC by winning in Week 18. There are other scenarios, but Seattle controls their destiny, and that's the easiest path.
Overall, there's a chance Seattle's Week 18 matchup versus San Francisco will be for the NFC West and No. 1 seed in the NFC. We'll see how the rest of Week 17 transpires.