When it comes to the Seattle Seahawks, the difference between the postseason and bust is Russell Wilson.
You can stack their running game and special teams up against anybody in the NFL. The defense -- despite some ominous recent struggles to stop the run -- remains formidable. The home-field advantage isn't too bad, either.
If the quarterback can make some plays in the passing game, the Seahawks will be players in the NFC.
This isn't the type of pressure you typically want to foist upon a 23-year-old rookie, but Pete Carroll never has looked at Wilson that way. Wilson again rewarded his coach's faith Sunday in a 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Wilson's stats were impressive, finishing 16-of-24 passing for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Most encouraging, however, was how comfortable he looked. He was calm in the pocket, moving with ease and taking off when necessary.
When the Seahawks took possession with 5:27 to play and nursing a 10-point lead, Wilson engineered a 12-play drive that ran out the clock. Not bad for a kid.
While Christian Ponder regressed on the other side of the ball, Wilson showed he's only getting better.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.