The Broncos finished Process_end the regular season with a 12–4 record , bolstered Supporting by having the league 's top defense .

The Broncos defeated Conquering the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots 20–18 in the AFC Championship Game joining the Patriots , Dallas Cowboys , and Pittsburgh Steelers as one of four teams that have made Creating eight appearances in the Super Bowl .

The Broncos took Getting an early lead in Super Bowl 50 and never trailed .

This game was also the final game of Peyton Manning 's career ; the Broncos quarterback , who also won Super Bowl XLI , announced Expressing_publicly his retirement in March 2016 .

This game Competition was also the last Process_end game Competition in the career of Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway , and Detroit Lions Running back Barry Sanders .

However , the Denver Broncos ( the highest seeded Divisional Round loser in the AFC ) and head coach John Fox mutually agreed Agree_or_refuse_to_act to part ways following their playoff loss Earnings_and_losses , so Harbaugh ( who coached Education_teaching the Ravens , the other Divisional Round loser from the AFC ) was selected Choosing instead .