Top seeds to meet in Super Bowl XLVIII

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during the first half against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The league’s top-ranked offense this season will face the league’s top-ranked defense in Superbowl XLVIII.

During the regular season the Seahawks were ranked first in the league in pass defense, total defense and scoring defense. The Broncos were first in pass offense, total offense and scoring offense.

The most notable player from the Broncos offense is quarterback Peyton Manning. He set NFL season records with his 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdown passes. In the AFC Championship  victory  (26-16) over the Patriots, Manning threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns. He had no interceptions. There was also an excellent performance by his offensive line who didn’t allow any sacks.

Manning and the Denver offense will be facing a tough Seattle defense. The defense led by Richard Sherman, allowed an average of 14.4 points and 273.6 yards. During the NFC Championship Seattle’s defense would force Kaepernick into three turnovers in the fourth quarter alone. Sherman ended the game when he tipped away an end-zone pass from Kaepernick.

In contrast, Denver’s defense ranked 19th in yards allowed and 22nd in points allowed. Seattle’s offense ranked 17th in yards, 26th in passing, and tied for eighth in points.

Each team had 13 regular-season wins and was the top seed in its conference for the playoffs.