Jimmy Graham

3 reasons why the Seattle Seahawks can win the Super Bowl

Published Jan. 5, 2016 10:23 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

Russell Wilson

After two straight Super Bowl appearances, Wilson took his game to an even higher level in 2015. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards, run for 500 yards and toss over 30 touchdown passes. Wilson was red hot down the stretch with running back Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) sidelined and replacement Thomas Rawls suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Wilson threw for 24 scores with just one interception in the final seven games. The wild part is that Wilson did this without injured tight end Jimmy Graham, who never fit into Seattle's offensive system despite being a prized offseason acquisition.

"Beast Mode" is returning

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has said he anticipates Lynch will be back at practice this week. His availability in the playoffs is key to Seattle's Super Bowl hopes. Lynch has averaged 98 rushing yards in his past eight playoff games along with eight touchdowns dating to the 2012 campaign. The Seahawks also should benefit from the fresh legs Lynch will bring since he only rushed 111 times this season because of injury.

A stingy defense

This unit wasn't as dominating as the past two seasons, but Seattle still led the NFL in scoring defense (17.3-point average) for a fourth consecutive year, which no team has done since the Cleveland Browns in the 1950s. The Seahawks grew stronger as the season unfolded, allowing 20-or-fewer points in five of their final six contests.

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