Why is the Broncos vs. Seahawks rivalry so intense? The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have a storied rivalry that spans over four decades. From their first clash in 1977 to their latest showdown in 2024, these teams have delivered countless memorable moments. This rivalry isn't just about the games; it's about the history, the fans, and the unforgettable plays that have defined their matchups. Whether it's the Broncos' slight edge in the regular season or the Seahawks' dominance in the postseason, each game brings a new chapter to this fierce competition. Let's dive into 30 fascinating facts that make this rivalry one of the NFL's most captivating.
Key Takeaways:
- The Broncos and Seahawks have a long-standing rivalry, with Seattle holding a perfect postseason record against Denver, including a dominant win in Super Bowl XLVIII.
- The 2024 season opener showcased Seattle's ground game and defensive prowess, while Denver's turnovers and red zone struggles raised concerns for the Broncos.
The Beginning of a Rivalry
The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have a storied rivalry that spans over four decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this intense matchup.
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First Meeting
The Broncos and Seahawks first clashed on October 2, 1977. Denver won 24-13, setting the stage for a fierce rivalry. -
Series Record
As of 2024, Denver leads the series 35-23, including both regular season and postseason games.
Regular Season Battles
The regular season has seen many memorable moments between these two teams.
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Regular Season Series
Denver holds a slight edge in regular season games, leading 35-20 over 58 meetings. -
Largest Victory
Denver's biggest win came on December 1, 1996, with a 34-7 score. Seattle's largest victory was a 43-8 blowout in 2013. -
Longest Win Streaks
Denver's longest win streak is six games from 1996 to 1998. Seattle had notable three-game streaks from 1982-1983 and 1987-1988.
Postseason Showdowns
Postseason games between the Broncos and Seahawks have been particularly intense.
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Postseason Results
Seattle has a perfect postseason record against Denver, winning both meetings, including a Super Bowl. -
1983 AFC Wild Card Game
Seattle's first playoff win came against Denver in 1983, with a 31-7 victory. -
Super Bowl XLVIII
Seattle dominated Denver 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII, showcasing their strong defense against Denver's high-powered offense.
Memorable Moments
Certain games and events stand out in the history of this rivalry.
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Fastest Score in Super Bowl History
Seattle scored a safety just 12 seconds into Super Bowl XLVIII, the fastest score in Super Bowl history. -
Recent Meetings
The latest game on September 8, 2024, saw Seattle win 26-20 at Lumen Field. -
Bo Nix's Debut
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix made his NFL debut for Denver in the 2024 season opener but struggled with two interceptions. -
Geno Smith's Performance
Seattle's Geno Smith had a mixed game in 2024, throwing an early interception but leading a second-half comeback.
Key Players and Coaches
Players and coaches have played significant roles in shaping this rivalry.
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Kenneth Walker III's Impact
Walker rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown in the 2024 game, sparking a crucial rally for Seattle. -
Mike Macdonald's Debut
The 2024 game marked the debut of new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who led the team to victory. -
Injuries
Both teams faced injuries in the 2024 game, with Seattle's George Fant and Denver's Garrett Boles leaving the game.
Challenges and Strategies
Both teams have faced various challenges and employed different strategies over the years.
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Broncos' Struggles
Denver's red zone offense and rushing defense struggled in the 2024 season opener, raising concerns for the season. -
Seahawks' Ground Game
Seattle's commitment to the ground game, especially Kenneth Walker III's performance, was key to their 2024 victory. -
Seattle's Defensive Performance
The Seahawks' defense held Denver to 231 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 2024 game. -
Broncos' Turnovers
Denver's three turnovers, including two interceptions by Bo Nix, significantly impacted the 2024 game's outcome. -
Late Drive by Broncos
Despite setbacks, Denver mounted a late drive in the 2024 game, with Bo Nix scoring a 4-yard touchdown run.
Unique Game Moments
Certain unique moments have added to the lore of this rivalry.
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Safeties
Denver scored twice on safeties in the second quarter of the 2024 game, a rare feat in NFL history. -
Game Recap
Early mistakes marked the 2024 game, but Seattle regrouped in the second half to secure the win.
Impact on Coaches
The rivalry has had significant implications for the coaches involved.
- Impact on Coaches
The 2024 game highlighted areas for improvement for Denver's Sean Payton and showcased Seattle's resilience under Mike Macdonald.
Future Meetings and Historical Context
Looking ahead and reflecting on the past, this rivalry continues to evolve.
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Future Meetings
The next scheduled meeting between the Broncos and Seahawks is in 2026, promising another intense matchup. -
Historical Context
The rivalry has evolved from a divisional rivalry in the AFC West to a non-divisional one, maintaining its intensity.
Championship Success
Both teams have achieved significant success in the NFL.
- Championship Success
Denver boasts four NFL championships, while Seattle has one league championship and three conference championships.
Franchise History
The rich histories of both franchises add depth to this rivalry.
- Franchise History
Denver was founded in 1960, and Seattle joined the NFL in 1977. Their respective stadiums have hosted many memorable games.
Cultural Impact
The rivalry extends beyond the field, impacting the culture of both cities.
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Cultural Impact
The Broncos-Seahawks rivalry creates an electric atmosphere, with passionate fans and extensive media coverage. -
Divisional Rivalry
From 1977 to 2001, the teams were divisional rivals in the AFC West, adding to the intensity of their matchups. -
Current Win Streak
As of the latest meeting, Seattle is on a two-game win streak against Denver, dating back to 2022.
The Broncos vs. Seahawks Rivalry: A Storied History
The Broncos vs. Seahawks rivalry has been a thrilling saga for over four decades. From their first clash in 1977 to the unforgettable Super Bowl XLVIII, these teams have delivered countless memorable moments. Denver leads the regular season series, but Seattle's postseason victories, including their dominant Super Bowl win, add a unique twist to the rivalry.
Recent games, like the 2024 season opener, continue to showcase the intensity and unpredictability of this matchup. Rookie debuts, coaching changes, and standout performances keep fans on the edge of their seats. Injuries and turnovers often play pivotal roles, adding drama to each encounter.
As both teams evolve, the rivalry remains a highlight of the NFL calendar. Fans eagerly await their next showdown in 2026, ready for another chapter in this storied history. The Broncos and Seahawks rivalry is here to stay, captivating football enthusiasts year after year.
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