In the continuing celebration of 50 years of Seahawks football and the team's return to the playoffs, Seahawks.com is highlighting the 12 of the greatest playoff games in franchise history. Take a memorable trip into the Seahawks' playoff time machine, with unforgettable victories as far back as 1983. We feature many playoff standouts from the team's postseason chronicles, from Steve Largent, Curt Warner and John Harris to Jordan Babineaux, Marshawn Lynch, Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman and Jermaine Kearse.

Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks 43, Broncos 8: The greatest single game team performance in franchise history was also possibly the most dominant single-game defensive display in the history of the Super Bowl itself. That especially rings true when you consider that the Seahawks only allowed a garbage-time TD to a record-setting offense that was one of the most potent of all time entering the game.

With a healthy number of 12s in the stands at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, the tone of the game was set immediately with a safety on the very first play for the Hawks' first score. Kam Chancellor then left no doubt that the day belonged to the Seahawks defense. In the first quarter, he delivered a bone-rattling hit on Denver wide receiver Demaryius Thomas that sent a clear message on which team was going to own the turf.

In the second quarter, Marshawn Lynch registered the first-ever touchdown run in Seahawks Super Bowl history, scoring from the one-yard line. Later in the quarter, the defensive front sandwiched Peyton Manning and his pass was intercepted by Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith and returned 69 yards for a TD.

When Percy Harvin took the opening kickoff of the second half for an electric 87-yard touchdown, it was clear at 22-0 that the Seahawks were well on their way to earning their first Vince Lombardi Trophy. Russell Wilson later added two TD passes, one to Jermaine Kearse in which he spun around defenders and busted loose, and another to Doug Baldwin.

Chancellor also intercepted a pass as the "Legion of Boom" etched its name in Super Bowl history and officially took its rightful place among the greatest defensive units of all time.

2013 NFC Championship Game: Seahawks 23, 49ers 17 – The Seahawks earned their second Super Bowl trip, with Richard Sherman and Russell Wilson sewing up the win in the fourth quarter. On the final play of San Francisco's last offensive possession, Sherman authored what has simply become "The Tip," a reference to one of the most legendary moments in Seattle sports history.

One of the truly elite cornerbacks of the decade tipped Colin Kaepernick's ill-fated final pass, which was intended for Michael Crabtree, to Malcolm Smith in the end zone for an interception that ended the game and set off a memorable celebration with the 12s. Sherman then provided what may be the most spectacular postgame interview ever.

Wilson had moved the Seahawks into the lead for good with a 35-yard fourth quarter TD pass on fourth down to Jermaine Kearse, who will always be revered for his multiple big-play moments during the Seahawks' consecutive Super Bowl runs.

After Wilson threw the TD pass on a free play where the defense jumped offsides, Kam Chancellor's interception set up a Steven Hauschka field goal for the final points of the game. Doug Baldwin's 69-yard kickoff return set up another field goal, and Marshawn Lynch, who always seemed to shine brightly under the postseason spotlight, ripped the Niners' defense with a 40-yard TD run for the first Seahawks TD of the game.

2014 NFC Championship Game: Seahawks 28, Packers 22 (OT): For the second consecutive season, Russell Wilson threw a 35-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse for a decisive score. This one was a game-winner in overtime and secured a second straight NFC Championship and the third in team history.

Wilson overcame four interceptions and five sacks to deliver the game-winning drive on the first possession of overtime. The final TD pass was preceded by another 35-yard pass, to Doug Baldwin. The Seahawks produced the most memorable comeback in franchise history, with the defense doing its part all along. Green Bay was held to six second-half points.

After the Packers moved out to a 16-0 halftime lead, the dramatic resurgence began with 19-yard TD pass on a fake field goal from punter Jon Ryan to tackle eligible Garry Gilliam. Wilson then added a one-yard TD run, set up by 44 scrimmage yards from Lynch on the drive. Then, the story of the biggest comeback in NFL conference title game history turned magical.

With the Seahawks trailing at 2:09 of the fourth quarter, a hero of the 2014 postseason, Chris Matthews, recovered an onside kick. At 1:25 of the fourth quarter, Lynch raced for a 24-yard TD run to set up one of the most improbable two-point conversions in Seahawks lore. On a broken play, Wilson maneuvered near the right sideline, and tossed a high, looping pass to Luke Willson near the left side of the end zone for the most stunning two-point conversion you may ever see.

After a Packers field goal sent the game to overtime, the Seahawks claimed their second straight George Halas trophy, as Wilson threw a game-winning TD pass in a second consecutive NFC Championship Game. Lynch rushed for 157 yards and Baldwin caught six passes for 106 yards. Richard Sherman intercepted a pass and worked through a left arm injury, and Byron Maxwell's interception prevented Green Bay from building on their 16-point second quarter lead.

2005 NFC Championship Game: Seahawks 34, Panthers 14: The result of the Seahawks' first conference title game victory never seemed to be in doubt, as they scored the first 17 points of the game in front of a frenzied and hungry home crowd. The first of Shaun Alexander's two TD runs bumped the cushion to 17-0, and his second TD run put a final wrap on the win at 34-7 in the fourth quarter.

Alexander, the 2005 NFL MVP, rushed for 132 yards, and Matt Hasselbeck passed for 219 yards, two TDs and no interceptions as the Seahawks rolled to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Darrell Jackson and Jerramy Stevens each caught one TD pass. The defense forced four turnovers, including interceptions by Lofa Tatupu, Marquand Manuel and Michael Boulware, and a Craig Terrill forced fumble that was recovered by Marcus Trufant.

2010 NFC Wild Card Game: Seahawks 41, Saints 36: This was the first unforgettable playoff win during the Pete Carroll era, as Marshawn Lynch delivered one of the most immortal TD runs in NFL history. Simply known as "The Beast Quake," Lynch motored and thrashed his way through the New Orleans defense for a 67-yard TD run that will endure forever as one of the most legendary moments in franchise history.

Lynch broke nine tackles on the run and issued a menacing stiff arm on his way to the end zone. The 12s celebrated with a roar that registered a small tremor, and Lynch finished the game with 131 rushing yards. The Seahawks upset the defending Super Bowl champion Saints, as Matt Hasselbeck passed for a playoff career-high four TDs, two to tight end John Carlson in what would be his final home game as a Seahawk.

1983 AFC Divisional Round: Seahawks 27, Dolphins 20: A landmark victory, as it was the Seahawks' first major postseason upset. They stunned the AFC East champion Dolphins at the Miami Orange Bowl. The 'Hawks stuck close the whole way, eventually moving out to a 17-13 fourth quarter lead. Most observers didn't expect these “Cinderella Seahawks” to stay afloat against superstar rookie quarterback Dan Marino.

The Seahawks defense intercepted Marino twice, though, and recovered two fumbles. John Harris had one interception and a fumble recovery. Standout rookie Curt Warner stole the stage from Marino, rushing for 113 yards and two TDs. His two-yard TD run in the fourth quarter gave the 'Hawks a 24-20 lead they would not relinquish. Steve Largent's 40-yard reception set up the pivotal Warner TD.

1983 AFC Wild Card Game: Seahawks 31, Broncos 7: This was the first-ever Seahawks postseason win. After Denver tied the score at seven in the first quarter, the home team took over the Kingdome scoreboards for the rest of the game. Dave Krieg threw three TD passes, and Steve Largent caught four passes for 76 yards and a TD. Curt Warner rushed for 99 yards. The defense forced three turnovers, taking over when the game was tied, on a Kerry Justin interception and a Paul Moyer fumble recovery.

2005 NFC Divisional Playoff: Seahawks 20, Washington 10: The team's first playoff win in over 20 years. In front of a grateful and vociferous home crowd in the driving rain, the Seahawks moved out an insurmountable second half-lead of 17-3. Matt Hasselbeck passed for one TD and rushed for another, sliding into the end zone from six yards out in the third quarter, capping a 10-play, 81-yard drive. Darrell Jackson caught nine passes for 143 yards, including a 29-yard TD.

2006 NFC Wild Card Game: Seahawks 21, Cowboys 20: A game that is most remembered for Dallas' failed field-goal attempt with 1:19 remaining that clinched the Seahawks win. But the victory story goes deeper than just the botched try.

After bobbling the snap, holder Tony Romo tried to get up and run but was stopped on a clutch shoestring tackle by Jordan Babineaux, who made the final key play as the 'Hawks confirmed their third consecutive NFC playoff win.

"I just tried to walk him down," Babineaux said, via NFL.com. "I grabbed him by the ankles, saved the tackle. It was very huge."

When the Cowboys up 20-13, Michael Boulware recovered a Terry Glenn fumble in the Dallas end zone for a safety. Matt Hasselbeck then threw a 37-yard TD pass to Jerramy Stevens to push to a one-point lead that would end up being the final margin of victory.

2014 NFC Divisional Round: Seahawks 31, Panthers 17: This game will forever be a Kam Chancellor showcase, as he returned an interception 90 yards for a TD and leaped twice over the offensive line on two Carolina field goal attempts. The first leap caused a Panthers false start, and then the second attempt was missed. The returned interception was the longest TD in Seahawks playoff history.

Russell Wilson also sparkled, as he passed for 268 yards and three TDs, all in third-and-long scenarios. Jermaine Kearse caught three passes for 129 yards, including a 63-yard TD reception. Richard Sherman registered his first postseason interception, and the Seahawks became the first defending Super Bowl champion since the 2005 Patriots to win their next playoff game in the following postseason.

2013 NFC Divisional Round: Seahawks 23, Saints 15 -The first playoff win on the road to Super Bowl XLVIII. Three years after The Beast Quake, Marshawn Lynchcarved up the New Orleans defense for a franchise-playoff-record 140 rushing yards and two TDs. He capped the scoring with a 31-yard TD run.

The Saints were shut out in the first half. Michael Bennett recovered a fumble, posted a half-sack and recorded one of three Seahawks tackles for a loss.

2012 NFC Wild Card Round: Seahawks 24, Washington 14 - Mark this one as the first playoff win for the edition of the Seahawks that ultimately won two consecutive NFC titles and a Super Bowl. It was the first postseason victory for rookies Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson.

We can also highlight the win as the 'Hawks' first playoff road victory since 1983. The defense spurred a comeback. After taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, Washington was shut out and held to 74 yards the rest of the way. Marshawn Lynch rushed for 132 yards, including a 27-yard TD, as he continued to build his stellar postseason resumé.

Wilson added 67 rushing yards and threw a four-yard scoring pass to Michael Robinson for the Seahawks' first TD of the game. Wagner led the defense with nine tackles and Earl Thomas logged his first postseason interception in the second quarter.