Seahawks zero in on title game as they overpower Panthers
Seattle are first reigning Super Bowl champions to clinch play-off victory in next season since New England in 2005 with decisive win against Carolina
Super Bowl champions Seattle moved a step closer to a return to the NFL's title game with a 31-17 play-off win over the Carolina Panthers.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes and defender Kam Chancellor returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Seahawks pulled away.
With Saturday's win, the Seahawks advance to the National Football Conference title game.
It felt awesome. It felt like preparation, it felt like everything I worked all week for. That was my first return for my career, and it felt good
They are the first reigning Super Bowl champions to win a play-off game the next season since the 2005 New England Patriots. They host the winners of the NFC second-round clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers today (Hong Kong time).
Wilson completed 15 of 22 passing attempts for 268 yards and added 22 yards on the ground.
Jermaine Kearse caught three passes for 129 yards and a touchdown and Luke Willson had four receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown for the Seahawks, who have won eight straight postseason games in front of their frenzied fans in Seattle.
Seattle's Marshawn Lynch carried the ball 14 times for 59 yards.