Posted by Mike Wilkening on January 11, 2014, 7:56 PM EST
The Seahawks will host the NFC title game next Sunday.
Led by an exceptionally strong defense, the Seahawks grinded to a 23-15 divisional-playoff victory against New Orleans on Saturday in Seattle.
The Seahawks will play the winner of Sunday's 49ers-Panthers playoff game for the right to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2.
In victory, the Seahawks neutralized one of the game's top pass-catching threats, holding Saints tight end Jimmy Graham to just one reception. They also held the Saints without a single point until 13:11 left in regulation.
Seahawks tailback Marshawn Lynch racked up 140 yards on 28 carries and scored both of Seattle's touchdowns. His 31-yard rumble off left end gave Seattle a 23-8 lead with 2:48 left in regulation, and the Seahawks looked home free.
However, the Saints made a bit of a rally, with quarterback Drew Brees connecting with Marques Colston on a nine-yard reception with 32 seconds left. Then, the Seahawks could not recover the ensuing onside kick, giving the Saints one last shot at a game-tying drive. But when Colston was flagged for a forward lateral on the game's last play, the Saints' comeback hopes were dashed.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/11/seahawks-hold-off-saints-advance-to-nfc-title-game/