Russell Wilson says Carolina Panthers' QB Cam Newton is his MVP

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks usually avoids sharing notable opinions when he's on a conference call, but Wednesday, he bucked that trend.

When asked if he would vote for Panthers quarterback Cam Newton if he had an MVP vote, Wilson replied:

"Yeah, I would. It's been a tough matchup obviously with (Arizona's) Carson Palmer and I think (New England's) Tom Brady has done a great job this year, as well.

"In terms of winning football games, (the Panthers) have been able to win. They beat us. It's one of the things you've got to give him respect for all the hard work he's put into it. I think he's played spectacular football."

So has Wilson, especially coming down the stretch.

In the Seahawks' final seven games of the regular season, he threw 24 touchdown passes with only one interception. Newton had just as few picks in his final seven games, along with 20 touchdown passes and four rushing scores.

But according to Wilson, the best full body of work this season was produced by Newton.

"He's one of the best players in the National Football League," Wilson said. "He's a great guy. He does a lot of stuff with the community. He's got a great presence on the football field.

"I have a lot of respect for his game and who he is and the type of player he is. He's fun to watch. I love watching him play."

--The Panthers will play three games on the West Coast in 2016, the most cross-country flights they've ever had scheduled for a regular season.

With games at Seattle and Oakland already on next year's schedule, the Panthers on Tuesday night added a trip to Los Angeles. That's where they will face the Rams, who were approved for relocation by NFL owners.

The Panthers had been scheduled to play the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, but the shift to what will likely be the Los Angeles Coliseum adds about 4,000 miles round trip to Carolina's 2016 total.

With half their road schedule in either the Mountain or Pacific Time Zone, the Panthers will travel nearly 20,000 miles next year. This season, their eight road trips totaled about 11,660 miles.

NOTES: Running back Jonathan Stewart (sprained foot) practiced Wednesday for the first time in more than a month. He won't have any restrictions Sunday, so he'll likely slide back into his role as a workhorse. ... Running back Fozzy Whittaker (high ankle sprain) was the only player on Wednesday's injury report. He didn't practice and he's not expected to face the Seahawks. ... Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (leg), who sat out the regular-season finale, practiced in full Wednesday. There's no concern about his status for Sunday. ... Linebacker A.J. Klein (hamstring), who left the season finale with a tweaked hamstring, returned to practice. He'll play Sunday. ... Safety Kurt Coleman (sprained foot), who missed the season finale as a precaution, practiced and is good to go.