DEN 26, NE 16: Manning throws for 400 yards; Broncos book ticket to Super Bowl

The Denver Broncos will represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLVIII.

The franchise will be making its first appearance in the big dance since the 1999 season, as Peyton Manning and company came away with a 26-16 victory over the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field.

There was to be no collapse in this contest, as the Broncos opened up a 20-3 lead before holding on in the fourth quarter.

Here's what you need to know...

• Peyton Manning cut through the Patriots secondary with surgeon-like precision throughout the contest, finishing the game with 400 yards and two touchdowns - while connecting on 32 of his 43 passes. Much of his damage was done when throwing to Demaryius Thomas, as the big receiver finished with seven catches for 134 yards and one score. As you'll see below, a knee injury to Aqib Talib in the opening half was a massive factor in Thomas consistently finding himself open.

• Manning's counterpart did not fare nearly as well, despite the fact that his numbers come the final whistle weren't all that bad. Tom Brady finished with 277 yards and a touchdown, but much of that damage was done late in the contest with his team trailing. Of note, Brady was unable to connect on the deep ball all game long, negating was was expected to be an advantage against a banged-up Denver secondary.

• Much of the discourse in the build-up to the contest - other than the seemingly endless Manning vs. Brady talk - focused on the impressive rushing attack of the Patriots late in the season. LeGarrette Blount found the end zone four time last week against the Indianapolis Colts. That almost matched his yardage total from today's game. Blount was shut down by the Broncos' defense, rushing for only six yards on five carries. By comparison, Denver tight end Virgil Green had as many rushing yards on one carry. As a team, New England ran for only 64 yards.

Read the box score here. Find key moments from Sunday's game in the storyline below.