The Denver Broncos will battle the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII as the Broncos look to win their third ring, while the Seahawks hope to leave MetLife Stadium with their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. Both teams have a strong run game, but who has the upper hand; Knowshon Moreno or Marshawn Lynch?

During the regular season, both the Broncos and Seahawks were ranked seventh with their rush defense, both allowing 1,626 yards and an average of 101.6 yards per game.  Overall, Seattle was ranked number one in total defense, but when it comes to the run game, both teams were tied at seventh with identical stats.  

Now, in two games this postseason, the Broncos have allowed 129 rushing yards, with an average of 64.5 yards per game, and only one rushing touchdown.  In two postseason games for the Seahawks, they have allowed 269 rushing yards with an average of 134.5 yards per game and two touchdowns.  

For the Broncos this postseason, Moreno has had 37 carries for 141 yards resulting in one touchdown.  Last week against the New England Patriots, the run game was a contributor to the Broncos victory, giving them an advantage in time of possession while providing a duel threat offense.  Moreno has had some injury concerns with his ribs which has led to limited time at practice, but the running back plans to play in the big game on Sunday.

Marshawn Lynch is one of the best running backs in the game and has had an impressive postseason thus far.  In two games, Beast Mode has ran for 249 yards, averaging five yards a carry, and has three touchdowns to his name.  During the regular season, Lynch ran for 1,257 yards with 301 carries for a total of 12 touchdowns.  The star running back is a spark plug on the field and has the ability to break through to create amazing plays as all great playmakers are able to do.  Lynch has also had some questions when it comes to injury with his knee keeping him from practice last week.  But, like Moreno, Lynch is expected to play.  

Both teams have powerful offenses with great quarterbacks in Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson leading the way, but the run game will be an important factor come Sunday; especially with the weather.  

Moreno and Lynch have each benefited their teams as they have made it to Super Bowl XLVIII, but Lynch has the upper hand heading into this matchup.  Beast Mode is such a dynamic player that he is able to make plays against any defense.  Lynch is a big part of this Seahawks offense and that won’t change come Sunday.  They rely on Lynch a lot throughout the game.