On Saturday afternoon, the NFL’s divisional play-offs kicked off with a game

On Saturday afternoon, the NFL’s divisional play-offs kicked off with a game between the Saints and the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.

The game was touted as a rematch of the December 2 meeting of the two teams on Seattle’s home field, a 34-7 drubbing of the supposedly formidable New Orleans team. If anything the scales had tipped even further in Seattle’s favor with the activation of star receiver Percy Harvin and one of the rainiest gamedays on record, a bad omen for the domed-home Saints squad.

Despite Harvin’s early exit and a late surge by the Saints, the conditions, soaked-yet-roaring 12th Man, and a dominating game from running back Marshawn Lynch sealed a 23-15 victory for the Seahawks. The Saints go marching home and the Seahawks move into the NFC Championship against the rival 49ers, who beat the No. 2 seed Carolina Panther 23-10 on Sunday. See the sights of the big win here. For analysis on the play that sealed the deal, read Seth Kolloen’s latest Sportsball column here.

Here’s to another decisive, but perhaps a little dryer, victory. Go Hawks!

...and defensive, when it mattered.

…and defensive, when it mattered.

By making the big plays, both offensive...

By making the big plays, both offensive…

Even still, the team's efforts were eventually reward in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, including running back Khiry Robinson's one yard run early in the quarter that brought the score to 16-8.

Even still, the team’s efforts were eventually reward in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, including running back Khiry Robinson’s one yard run early in the quarter that brought the score to 16-8.

Yeah, that's right New Orleans; no extra yardage for you.

Yeah, that’s right New Orleans; no extra yardage for you.

Despite giving their running back squad more than one good third down conversion stuffing (Saints had a 25 percent 3rd down conversion rate).

Despite giving their running back squad more than one good third down conversion stuffing (Saints had a 25 percent 3rd down conversion rate).

While it didn't come close to Marshawn, New Orleans' running wasn't half bad either, putting up 108 net yards.

While it didn’t come close to Marshawn, New Orleans’ running wasn’t half bad either, putting up 108 net yards.

Which far outpaced Wilson's 9 completions for 103 yards.

Which far outpaced Wilson’s 9 completions for 103 yards.

Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 309 gross yards and 24 completions.

Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 309 gross yards and 24 completions.

New Orleans posted 409 yards of net offense (132 more than the Hawks).

New Orleans posted 409 yards of net offense (132 more than the Hawks).

Yet while the Saints may not have won, they put up a good fight.

Yet while the Saints may not have won, they put up a good fight.

Something that undoubtedly had Saints fans quaking in their boots.

Something that undoubtedly had Saints fans quaking in their boots.

Kicker Steven Hauschka also had a good day, putting up two field goals in the first quarter and giving the Hawks an early lead.

Kicker Steven Hauschka also had a good day, putting up two field goals in the first quarter and giving the Hawks an early lead.

And of course, with the big assist from the 12th man. All 68,000 of 'em.

And of course, with the big assist from the 12th man. All 68,000 of ’em.

He scored two touchdowns, one for 15 yards early in the second quarter.

He scored two touchdowns, one for 15 yards early in the second quarter.

Lynch put up 140 of the Hawks 174 net rushing yards.

Lynch put up 140 of the Hawks 174 net rushing yards.

Because Hawks running back Marshawn Lynch had no trouble whatsoever.

Because Hawks running back Marshawn Lynch had no trouble whatsoever.

But he didn't have to.

But he didn’t have to.

Perhaps the conditions unnerved Hawks QB Russell Wilson, who did not have the best day on the field.

Perhaps the conditions unnerved Hawks QB Russell Wilson, who did not have the best day on the field.

And the wind blew something awful.

And the wind blew something awful.

Quickly soaking anyone who did not come prepared.

Quickly soaking anyone who did not come prepared.

The rain came down in torrents.

The rain came down in torrents.

For the 68,000+ who attended it was a mighty wet day.

For the 68,000+ who attended it was a mighty wet day.

The game ended in a 23-15 victory for Seattle at a very wet, and very windy CenturyLink Field, where fans went wild.

The game ended in a 23-15 victory for Seattle at a very wet, and very windy CenturyLink Field, where fans went wild.

It's over folks, the Seattle Seahawks are headed to the NFC championship.

It’s over folks, the Seattle Seahawks are headed to the NFC championship.

Go Hawks!

Go Hawks!