Manning, Broncos to Play NE for AFC Championship

Despite not playing that well, and playing against a completely depleted Steelers roster, the Denver Broncos are going to the AFC Championship game.

The Broncos beat Pittsburgh, 23-16, in Denver on Sunday afternoon.

For the home team, Peyton Manning went 21-37 for 222 yards. He was aided by a good running game, which got 72 yards from CJ Anderson and 38 from Ronnie Hillman.

On the receiving end, Emmanuel Sanders had five catches for 85 yards.

Playing with an injured shoulder, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was 24-37 for 339 yards. He found Martavis Bryant nine times for 154 yards.

The Broncos are now 12-4 while the Steelers finish the year at 11-6.

With the win, the Broncos will host the New England Patriots for the AFC Championship game next Sunday.

It will be the 17th time that Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will meet. Brady has an 11-5 advantage head-to-head and has won four Super Bowls vs. Manning's one.

The Broncos beat Brady this year, but Manning did not play. He was out with injury.