REGULAR-SEASON STATISTICS
How they got here: The Broncos earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC when they turned to Peyton Manning for a come-from-behind win against the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots lost on the last weekend of the season. In the divisional round Manning led his NFL-best 55th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime, pushing the Broncos 65 yards with three minutes left for the team’s only touchdown in a 23-16 victory of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the AFC Championship Game it was the defense — ranked first in yards allowed and fourth in points allowed during the regular season — that did the job, sacking Tom Brady four times and intercepting him twice in a 20-18 win.
Season turning point: Midway through the third quarter of that final game against San Diego. That’s when coach Gary Kubiak turned to Manning instead of Brock Osweiler, and Manning led the Broncos to 20 points on five of nine passing for 69 yards — and no turnovers. Manning’s more cautious play has been key for a team that can rely on defense to win. The push to send him out a winner also has motivated his teammates and playing the AFC title game at home instead of in New England made a huge difference.
Last trip to the Super Bowl: 2013 season, lost 43-8 to Seattle Seahawks
Chris Korman