Denver Broncos (2-0) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at CenturyLink Field, Seattle – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

*Keys to the game: Did the Chargers “crack the code” of the Seahawks’ dominating defense last week? Depends on your perspective. The Chargers’ game plan was hardly secret sauce — QB Philip Rivers stood at the line of scrimmage, diagnosed whether the Seahawks were in man or zone defense and then distributed the ball — largely underneath — to maintain manageable third-down distances along with the ground game pounding the ball between the tackles. Peyton Manning is fully capable of replicating that approach, especially with the return of WR Wes Welker from suspension. The tipping point could be whether the Seahawks fix the uncharacteristic poor tackling that led to many five-yard gains turning into 15 last week.

Seattle contributed to the defense wearing down in the heat of San Diego by getting away from RB Marshawn Lynch (six carries) and sustained drives. Expect plenty of Beast Mode this week as the Seahawks attempt to reprise the physical approach that dominated the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Denver believes it has greatly improved its team speed on defense and that it will be able to contain WR Percy Harvin more effectively in the rematch.

*Matchup to watch – Broncos TE Julius Thomas vs. Seahawks pass defense: Seattle could not contain Antonio Gates, who had three touchdowns among his seven receptions last week. Gates made multiple excellent catches, but Thomas is faster and a difficult matchup for any linebacker or safety. Denver has used two-tight end formations on 79 of 155 snaps this season.

*Player spotlight – Seahawks TE Zach Miller: Often asked to stay back as a blocker, Miller had three penalties called against him last week (one declined). Along with Luke Willson, the tight ends will be asked to help rookie RT Justin Britt handle pass rusher Von Miller.

*Fast facts: The Seahawks beat the Broncos, 43-8, in Super Bowl XLVIII. … Manning needs three touchdowns to reach 500 for his career. … The Seahawks have won 18 of their past 19 home games, including playoffs.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

An underlying issue in Seattle: injuries that have whittled away at the depth in the secondary. The Broncos can spread the field with three and four wide receivers and steadily move the ball down the field.

*Our pick: Broncos 30-27