Coming off of one of the luckiest finishes in playoff history, it’s hard not to think that this year’s Seahawks squad is a team of destiny.

The Seahawks offense sputtered, and Russell Wilson was running for his life and holding on to the ball too long just like in week one. Then Minnesota put together a final drive that looked all too similar to the late fourth quarter losses that had plagued the team for the first half of the season.

But then the improbable happened.

Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard chip shot that would have given the Seahawks 22 seconds to get in field goal position for a potential game winning field goal.

Walsh had only missed one career field goal under 30 yards heading into Sunday’s wild card match-up and hadn’t missed a field goal in under 20 degree weather in his career before that kick, according to ESPN stats and info.

This season may have been ugly—when the team was 4-5, the fans’ faith was tested—but now Seattle is in position to avenge their blown lead against the top-seeded Carolina Panthers this Sunday with a spot in the NFC Championship Game on the line.

The Seahawks figured out their passing game, even without star tight end Jimmy Graham, and no matter who has been lined up in the backfield, Seattle has found a way to run the ball somewhat effectively.

It should be another smash-mouth game, highlighted by the two best defenses and the most accomplished young quarterbacks the NFL has to offer.

In my opinion, this is the real Super Bowl. These are the two best teams in the NFL, and they have no lack of familiarity with each other.

This will be their sixth match-up between the teams since 2012. The Seahawks have won four of the previous five games, and it’s hard to see them playing anything but their best game this Sunday.

It will be a hostile environment when they travel to Carolina, but nobody can beat this team when they play their best.

Marshawn Lynch or not, this team has proven they can win through the air, something Carolina doesn’t look like they can do. A healthy Jeremy Lane and an improved pass rush will give Cam Newton fits, and the run defense looked as strong as ever against the best running back in the league this last weekend.

This is Seattle’s year. It’s been a long time since the most disappointing play in franchise history, but three-more wins and the weight of last year’s questionable call will be lifted off the shoulders of this dynasty.