Who Played in Super Bowl 2014? Teams, Score & Highlights

By Sarah Miller · July 26, 2042

The two teams that played in Super Bowl 2014 were the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. The game took place on February 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the Seahawks dominating the Broncos by a final score of 43-8 to win their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Super Bowl 2014: An Overview

Super Bowl XLVIII (48) featured a matchup between the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks and the AFC champion Denver Broncos. This historic game was notable not only for the lopsided victory but also because it was the first Super Bowl hosted in a cold-weather city without a dome. Played at MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets, the event drew massive national attention.

Key Highlights of the Game

Kickoff temperature was around 49°F (9°C), making it one of the colder Super Bowls on record.
The Seahawks set a record for fastest score in Super Bowl history with a safety just 12 seconds into the game.
Seattle’s defense overwhelmed Denver’s record-breaking offense led by quarterback Peyton Manning.
Malcolm Smith, Seattle linebacker, was named Super Bowl MVP after recording a pick-six, fumble recovery, and seven tackles.

Team Breakdown: Seahawks vs. Broncos

The contrast between the two teams could not have been starker. While the Broncos relied heavily on their high-powered passing attack, the Seahawks boasted the league's top-ranked defense and a balanced offensive approach.

Seattle Seahawks Season Performance

The Seahawks finished the 2013 regular season with a 13-3 record, securing the top seed in the NFC. Under head coach Pete Carroll, they emphasized physical defense, aggressive playmaking, and a strong running game led by Marshawn Lynch (“Beast Mode”). Their “Legion of Boom” secondary became legendary for its dominance.

Denver Broncos Season Performance

The Broncos posted a 13-3 record as well, earning the AFC’s top seed. Quarterback Peyton Manning had one of the greatest statistical seasons ever, throwing for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns—both NFL records at the time. However, the team struggled defensively and was inconsistent in high-pressure situations during the postseason.

Statistic	Seattle Seahawks	Denver Broncos
Regular Season Record	13–3	13–3
Points Scored (Total)	417	606
Points Allowed (Total)	231	432
Passing Yards (Per Game Avg.)	227.6	342.3
Rushing Yards (Per Game Avg.)	153.0	113.8
Turnover Differential	+24	+6
Third-Down Conversion %	40.2%	46.1%
Sacks (Season Total)	44	32

Table data source:1, 2

The data clearly illustrates the contrasting philosophies: Denver led the league in scoring and passing but ranked near the bottom in defensive performance. In contrast, Seattle excelled on defense, allowed the fewest points in the league, and maintained balance on offense. These factors proved decisive in the Super Bowl, where Seattle’s pressure forced two early turnovers that shifted momentum permanently.

Game Summary and Turning Points

From the opening snap, the Seahawks controlled the game. A bad snap on a punt attempt resulted in a safety just 12 seconds in—setting the tone. Then, early in the second quarter, Seahawks cornerback Percy Harvin returned a kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown. After forcing a turnover, Russell Wilson threw a touchdown pass to make it 22-0 before halftime.

In the third quarter, Seattle intercepted Manning and returned it for a touchdown. By the end of the game, the Seahawks had scored 36 unanswered points. The Broncos managed only one touchdown late in the fourth quarter, resulting in the 43-8 final score—the most one-sided margin in Super Bowl history at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2014

Who won Super Bowl 2014?

The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl 2014 by defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8. It was the first Super Bowl victory in the franchise’s history.

Where was Super Bowl 2014 held?

Super Bowl XLVIII was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on February 2, 2014. It was the first Super Bowl played outdoors in a cold-weather city.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2014?

Linebacker Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks was named Super Bowl MVP. He recorded a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown, a fumble recovery, three solo tackles, and four assists.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 2014?

The final score was Seattle Seahawks 43, Denver Broncos 8. This marked the largest margin of victory by an NFC team in Super Bowl history.

Why was Super Bowl 2014 significant?

It was significant due to the dominant defensive performance by Seattle against Denver’s record-setting offense. It also highlighted the importance of balanced team play over reliance on a single star. Additionally, hosting in New Jersey broke new ground for future cold-weather Super Bowls.