NFL Playoff Predictions: Russell Wilson Will Be Final Rookie QB Standing

Jan 02, 2013 03:36 PM EST

In an NFL world of rookies dominated by Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson possesses something neither of these fellow quarterbacks have. Ultimately, my predictions have Wilson as the last rookie quarterback standing in the NFL playoffs.

Aside from playing styles, the biggest difference is that Wilson plays for a complete team. It has nothing to do with his particular set of skills sits. If this was the case, without a doubt, Luck and RG3 possess more talent than the third round pick of out Wisconsin. 

Wilson, though not posting explosive passing or rushing stats, had the most touchdowns of the three rookies. He finished 2012 with 26 passing touchdowns and tied Peyton Manning's rookie passing touchdown record from 1998. Luck had 23 while RG3 had 20 and focused heavily on the run rushing for 815 yards. 

RG3's rushing total was more than Luck and Wilson combined. They totaled 744 rushing yards, 255 for Luck and 489 for Wilson. 

However, as Luck or RG3 will likely take home the personal accolades of Rookie of the Year, the reason why Wilson and the Seahawks will remain in the playoffs longer is because of their defense.

Let's be frank, in comparison to the Seahawks' defense, the Redskins and Colts defense is mediocre. They have played very well as of late to give their offenses a chance, but overall, their defenses are nothing compared to the Seahawks'. 

The Seahawks were stingy all year long. They closed out the 2012 season No. 1 allowing just 15 points per game and third in total yard at 306 per game. 

This defense had more interceptions than touchdowns allowed. Opponents met the end zone 15 times while their quarterbacks were picked off 18 times this season.

The Redskins had more takeaways with 21, but they gave up twice as many touchdowns than the Seahawks did in the year. The opposition got to the end zone 31 times against the Redskins. As for the Colts, they we tied for 20th in the league with just 12 interceptions.

The Colts will have the Ravens to deal with, so there's not much Wilson can do against them unless they meet in the Suprt Bowl, but the Ravens, when their offense works on all cylinders, can score on anybody.

The Redskins will have to step their defense up if they are to give RG3 a chance. The Seahawks haven't allowed more than 20 points since Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. The most they've allowed since then is 17 points. 

The Seahawks crushed the San Francisco 49ers and beat the Green Bay Packers in a controversial game. It will be interesting to see how far their defense could take them. 

Will they win the Super Bowl? It will be hard to tell, but their defense is one that can carry them deep into the playoffs. 

Let's see if this prediction comes true. Let me know what you think. You can hit me up on Twitter @Frankie_SWR. 

Watch Wilson in action against the Redskins on Sunday night at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX. 

Luck will take the field against the Ravens at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. 

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