Seahawks vs. Broncos

6:25 p.m. Eastern, Fox

Line: Broncos by 2

The buildup to Super Bowl XLVIII for Seattle was largely defined by players the news media have scolded for talking too much (Richard Sherman) and for not talking enough (Marshawn Lynch). For Denver, the discussion centered on what a win or a loss would mean for the legacy of Peyton Manning. Any time left over was devoted to speculation about the weather at kickoff. Football rarely entered the conversation.

On the field, the game will be a study in contrasts. For the first time since 1990, the Super Bowl will pit the N.F.L.’s highest-scoring offense (Denver) against the defense that gave up the fewest points (Seattle). Matchups like this traditionally favor the dominant defense, and Manning’s record-setting offense did not appear to intimidate the second-youngest team in the N.F.L.

“This is what we want,” said Seattle free safety Earl Thomas, a contender for defensive player of the year. “We want to face this kind of offense. We don’t want to take the easy way. If it’s easy, you shouldn’t do it.”

Image Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas led the Broncos with 92 catches for 1,430 yards and 14 TDs. Credit... Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

That attitude is what makes the Seahawks’ secondary so imposing, and worthy of the nickname Legion of Boom. In the middle of the field, they have Thomas and Kam Chancellor, two of best safeties in the game, and in coverage they have Sherman, the N.F.L.’s best cornerback. Even the loss of the starting cornerback Brandon Browner to an indefinite suspension did not slow a unit that allowed 14.4 points a game. The secondary was aggressive, leading the N.F.L. with 28 interceptions and allowing only 172 passing yards a game.