The Broncos started the season on fire, where seemingly nothing could go wrong. Then things went horribly wrong.

Starting quarterback Peyton Manning suffered injuries and looked nothing like the quarterback who is arguably the greatest to ever line up under center. Still, even as the wheels fell off, the Broncos still found ways to fight through adversity. The Broncos displayed that talent again on Sunday, knocking off the Pittsburgh Steelers 23-16 in an AFC Divisional Playoff matchup.

It was not pretty by any means, but ugly seems to be expected for the Denver Broncos this season. The Broncos converted on just 3 of 15 third down attempts, but a 31-yard third down reception by Bennie Fowler took the Broncos into Steelers territory and set up the game-winning touchdown by C.J. Anderson.

Denver started the game off firing on all cylinders, forcing the Steelers to a quick three-and-out before driving into the red zone and settling for a field goal by Brandon McManus, despite being 10 yards from pay-dirt.

The Steelers tried to answer back immediately and found success in the passing game, as Ben Roethlisberger connected with Sammie Coates for a 37-yard gain that took the ball into Denver territory. The drive stalled, however, as the Steelers would turn the ball over on downs.

Both teams stalled out on their next two drives, punting the ball back and forth, before the Broncos regained possession. Denver was unable to move the ball effectively, but capitalized on good field position and came away with another three points off the foot of McManus, taking a 6-0 lead with 3:40 left to play in the first quarter.

The Steelers were finally able to get on the board on their next drive, with Fitzgerald Toussaint plowing ahead behind a strong offensive line to score a 1-yard touchdown with 1:22 left in the first quarter. The drive covered 80 yards on just five plays, with a majority of the yards coming off two plays to Martavis Bryant: a 23-yard reception and a 40-yard rush on an end-around play.

The second quarter was extremely frustrating for both teams, as they were both unable to gain any real momentum on the offensive side of the ball. Both defenses were doing their jobs and getting off the field quickly and effectively. The Steelers faired better than Denver, however, as they had some huge plays result in big chunks of yardage. Both teams would add a field goal before the half and the Steelers went into the locker room leading 10-9.

Out of the locker room, the Steelers were able to extend their lead on a Chris Boswell field goal, putting the Steelers up by a score of 13-9. Both offenses would stall for the next 10 minutes, resulting in multiple punts. Eventually the Broncos were able to find their stride, as Manning connected with Emmanuel Sanders and Jordan Norwood for two 10-yard gains. Anderson also broke off an 11-yard run, helping the Broncos cross mid-field into Steelers territory.

The Steelers sacked Manning on the very next play and a couple of bad plays made the Broncos settle for a 41-yard field goal from McManus, who had been their entire offense to this point. McManus made the kick and brought the Broncos to within one.

After the Broncos’ score, the Steelers were forced to punt on their next drive. Punting was a huge theme of this game and the Broncos would have to punt on their next drive, giving Pittsburgh the ball back with a one point lead and 11:33 left to play in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers started to put together a solid drive until Brandon Roby made a spectacular play to strip the football away from Fitzgerald Toussaint, and Demarcus Ware of the Broncos fell on the football, swinging the momentum in Denver’s favor. The fumble was the only turnover in the game for both teams and it was extremely costly.

Manning looked all game for an opportunity and he finally had one, with the Broncos taking over at their own 35 yard-line with 10 minutes left in the game. The Broncos capitalized on third down for one of only three third down conversions and it was a huge one; a 31-yard completion to Bennie Fowler, putting the Broncos in Steeler territory with very little time left in the game.

The Broncos would then rely on their powerful offensive line to get some key blocks in the running game to get the go ahead score. Denver pounded the ball up the middle with Anderson and Ronnie Hillman each fighting for tough yards, getting the Broncos to the goal line.

Denver would then score the game-winning touchdown on Anderson’s 1-yard burst up the middle, capitalizing on the Steelers’ only turnover of the ball game. The Broncos would then convert a two-point conversion attempt on a reception by Demaryius Thomas, making the score 23-13. The Steelers would kick a field goal before time expired, but were unable to score again to make the game closer. Denver won the game 23-16, and will be advancing to the AFC Championship Game, where they will host the New England Patriots.

The matchup between quarterbacks in next week’s AFC Championship Game is a star-studded one, and it will be the 17th time that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have matched up in their Hall of Fame caliber careers. Manning and Brady have split the four playoff matchups, with each quarterback winning when their team was at home.

The matchup will be one for the ages and must-see television. The Broncos will host the Patriots this Sunday, at 3:05 p.m. on CBS.

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