NFC: Going back to the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

Seattle Seahawks

If: Quarterback Russell Wilson continues to run the offense efficiently. He’s been incredibly consistent in his first two seasons, throwing exactly 26 touchdown passes each year and combined 27 interceptions. The fact that he and the Seahawks haven’t lost any game by more than seven points the last two seasons speaks to game plan as well as his execution.

And: It is business as usual for the Seattle defense. In 2013, Pete Carroll’s club allowed the fewest total yards and the fewest points (231) while forcing an NFL-high 39 turnovers. The secondary is imposing and loaded with Pro Bowlers such as free safety Earl Thomas, hard-hitting strong safety Kam Chancellor and cornerback Richard Sherman, he of 20 interceptions in his first three NFL seasons.

But: The offensive line needs to stay intact in 2014 or this could prove to be the club’s undoing. Wilson took a licking a year ago but managed to make his share of key plays even when he wasn’t at his best early in games. Having wideout Percy Harvin available for most of this season would be a good thing.

Conclusion: Here’s what we know about this team. That game plan of theirs is portable: run the football with Marshawn Lynch and physically beat up the other club with your defense. What will be interesting is watching the Seahawks finish as five of their last six games are vs. their NFC West rivals. A return to the Super Bowl is certainly no lock and either is another division title. And that uncertainty in the rugged West is what makes this club so very dangerous.