The defending Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks beat the Carolina Panthers 31-17 on Saturday, putting them one win away from a return trip to the NFL's championship game.

The top-seeded Seahawks, who are trying to become the NFL's first repeat champion in 10 years, used a suffocating defense and explosive fourth quarter to put what had been a close game out of reach.

Seattle's Russell Wilson completed 15 of 22 passes for 268 yards (245 meters) and three touchdowns, including a team postseason record 63-yard scoring pass.