Denver Broncos: Power ranking team’s top rivalries

OAKLAND - OCTOBER 19: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos scrambles during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders played on October 19, 1997 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Greg Biekert #54 of Oakland pursues. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - OCTOBER 19: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos scrambles during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders played on October 19, 1997 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Greg Biekert #54 of Oakland pursues. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks
DENVER, CO: John Elway of the Denver Broncos circa 1987 prepares to pass against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver Colorado. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Seattle Seahawks

All-time series: Broncos lead 35-21

Yes, an NFC team makes the list. But the Seahawks were not always an NFC team. Before the league realigned in 2002, the Seahawks were a part of the AFC West. That meant the Broncos played them twice per year.

Remember those battles in the old Kingdome?

The Seahawks were a cellar dweller for much of their time in the AFC West and as a result, were a team the Broncos were “supposed” to beat more often than not. They generally did.

Back in the days, the rivalry featured players such as Steve Largent and Brian Bosworth on the Seahawks. One of the more memorable moments from this rivalry occurred when Largent got some revenge (video) on Denver safety Mike Harden for a punishing hit earlier in the 1988 season.

Of course, the biggest game between these two teams came in Super Bowl XLVIII, long after the Seahawks had left the AFC. In that game, the high-powered offense of the Broncos was stymied by the suffocating Seahawks defense, leading to a 43-8 Seatle victory.

Though the Broncos hold a big edge in the all-time series, it will be tough to ever live that embarrassing loss down.