Breaking down the major reasons why the Broncos and Seahawks are the last two teams standing:
Broncos
1. Peyton Manning: The Denver quarterback had a record-setting passing season with 55 touchdown passes, just 10 interceptions, 5,477 yards and an outrageous 68.3 percent completion rate. The only thing Manning does not do well is run the ball: He has rushed 32 times for minus-31 yards, an average of minus-1 yard. Barry Sanders he is not.
2. Skill position power: Five of Manning’s receiving targets have scored at least 10 touchdowns, an NFL record. Receivers Demaryius Thomas (14 TDs), Eric Decker (11) and Wes Welker (10) lead the way with TE Julius Thomas (12) and RB Knowshon Moreno (10) also providing firepower.
3. Knowshon Moreno: The Broncos lead back was supposed to be an afterthought this season after the team drafted Montee Ball, but Moreno shed all the adversity attached to him — injuries and off-field issues — and matured to become what Denver coach John Fox calls the team’s “Bell Cow.’’
4. Matt Prater: The Broncos kicker had an astounding season, accounting for 150 points with his 75 PATs and 25 field goals in 26 tries. His season was highlighted by a 64-yard field goal that broke the NFL record of 63 yards set by Tom Dempsey in 1970. Prater is not only automatic, his leg is so strong it appears to be a bionic.
5. Defense: The Broncos are so known for their prolific offense their defense gets overlooked. In the last month, the defense has had as much to do with the Broncos’ run to the Super Bowl as anything, allowing just 60 points in the last four games (regular season and playoffs). Defensive tackle Terrance “Pot Roast’’ Knighton has been a catalyst in the middle.
Seahawks
1. Defense: The Seahawks were ranked No. 1 overall and have been dominant at times. As good as Denver’s defense has been lately, Seattle has allowed just 58 points in the last four games (regular season and playoffs). The Seahawks beat people with their athleticism on defense, rather than trying to fool teams with intricate schemes.
2. The secondary:Â The Seattle corps of defensive backs are second to none. Led by cornerback Richard Sherman (8 interceptions) and safeties Earl Thomas (5 INTs) and Ken Chancellor (3 INTs), opposing quarterbacks had a cumulative passer rating of just 63.4 against the Seahawks with 16 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.
3. Marshawn Lynch: The Seattle running back is the soul of the offense, having rushed for 1,257 yards in the regular season with 12 rushing touchdowns. Lynch’s powerful and relentless running style has earned him the nickname “Beast Mode.’’ Lynch has 249 rushing yards and three scores in two postseason games.
4. Russell Wilson: The Seahawks quarterback is the engine that makes the offense go. His passing numbers — while terrific — are much more modest than Peyton Manning’s: 63.1 completion percentage, 3,357 yards, 26 touchdowns, nine INTs and a 101.2 rating. But Wilson is a dynamically elusive mover in the pocket and a dangerous runner.
5. Steven Hauschka: The Seahawks kicker had every bit the spectacular season Denver’s Matt Prater had, with 143 points on 33 of 35 field goals and 44 PATs. If this game comes down to the two kickers, it will be a coin toss as to who wins, because fittingly these have been the best two kickers in the league this season.