Charles Johnson had a career day with 3.5 sacks of Matt Ryan last Sunday. (US Presswire)

Seahawks at Panthers -- Week 5

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C., (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

Spread: Panthers by 3

Forecast: Scattered showers; projected kickoff temperature: high-50s.

Records: Seahawks (Overall: 2-2, NFC West: ); Panthers (Overall: 1-3, NFC South: )

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 5, 2010: Seahawks 31, Panthers 10; Dec. 16, 2007: Panthers 13, Seahawks 10. Series record: Seahawks hold a 3-2 edge.

What matters: After facing Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Matt Ryan the last three weeks, the Panthers' defense gets to go against rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson’s three interceptions cost Seattle last Sunday’s game against St. Louis, while Panthers second-year quarterback Cam Newton fumbled on a third-and-two run that would have clinched a win over the Falcons. He’ll be facing the league’s second-stiffest defense.  

Who matters: Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch leads the NFL in rushing with 423 yards and has run for at least 85 yards in 12 of the last 13 games. Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson went out on his shield last Sunday, getting a team-record 3.5 sacks in the last-minute loss to Atlanta.

Key matchups: A week after rookie cornerback Josh Norman was torched repeatedly by Manning and wide receiver Ramses Barden, safety Haruki Nakamura had several meltdowns against Ryan and Roddy White. They’ll need to cut down on big plays against Seahawks receivers Sidney Rice and Golden Tate. Seattle rookie linebacker Bobby Wagner will try to defend the flat against one of Newton’s favorite targets -- tight end Greg Olsen.

Injuries of note: Linebacker Jon Beason (knee), cornerback Chris Gamble (shoulder) and guard Geoff Hangartner (knee) haven’t practiced this week for Carolina. For Seattle, cornerback Marcus Trufant (back) and defensive tackles Brandon Mebane (calf) and Jaye Howard (foot) haven’t practiced.

Inside stuff: LB Jordan Senn was one of the defensive stars of the preseason. He led the team with 18 tackles and 15 solo tackles. He was second on the Panthers with 11 special teams tackles last season, and coach Ron Rivera said that’s where he’ll spend most of his time this season as well.

Connections: Panthers assistant WR coach Ricky Proehl played for Seattle in 1995 and 1996. Seahawks assistant special teams coach Marquand Manuel played for the Panthers in 2007. Seattle’s Wilson is returning to the state after transferring from NC State prior to the 2011 season.

Stat you should know: The Seahawks defense is allowing just 3.0 yards per rush this season, compared to the Panthers' 4.9.

Record watch: Wide receiver Steve Smith will move past Muhsin Muhammad into second place in Panthers history with 156 games played. The Panthers have attempted one field goal this season and are on pace to break the team record for fewest in a season -- 25 in 1997.

Bulletin board quote:  “A person who says losing isn’t difficult, I don’t even want to be around that person. And obviously that person hasn’t won anything relevant in their life. For a person to say, ‘Yeah, we lost, but we’ve got to keep going.’ You keep saying that and soon, you’re going to look up and be 0-16.” -- Newton on his reaction to the Panthers’ record.   

Looking ahead: The Panthers have a bye week before a home game against Dallas on Oct. 21. The Seahawks are home against the Patriots.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Seahawks 7

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow @CBSPanthers.