Panthers vs. Seahawks final score: Seattle paced by Russell Wilson in 31-17 win over Carolina

Russell Wilson didn't meet a third down pass he didn't like.

The Seahawks' young quarterback - the likely recipient of the largest contract given to a quarterback once this season ends - was 8-for-8 for 199 yards and three touchdown passes on third downs, cementing his stranglehold over the game, and driving Seattle to a 31-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Divisional playoffs Saturday.

The Seahawks will host the winner of today's Dallas vs. Green Bay game.

Safety Kam Chancellor picked off a Cam Newton pass in the fourth quarter, and raced 90 yards for a touchdown, sealing the relatively breezy victory for the defending champions, their eight consecutive home playoff victory. Seattle's defense notched three takeaways in the game, and didn't give the ball up at all, winning it largely on big plays.

Carolina rushed for 132 yards, and outgained the Seahawks 362-348, but the big-play ability of the Seahawks, particularly on third downs, were their undoing. Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin had two touchdown catches, and Cam Newton added 37 yards on the ground in the losing effort.