DENVER -- With a 34-17 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the new AFC champions and advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years.

Pittsburgh's opponent at Super Bowl XL in Detroit -- the hometown of running back Jerome Bettis -- will be the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks.

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Ben Roethlisberger was brilliant on Sunday. He threw for 275 yards, tossed touchdowns to Cedrick Wilson and Hines Ward, and ran in for a late score to seal the win.

Wilson finished with a game-high 92 receiving yards for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis led all rushers with 39 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

A strong defensive effort was highlighted by linebacker Larry Foote, with a team-leading seven tackles and one interception; defensive end Brett Keisel, with four tackles and two sacks; and linebacker Joey Porter, with four tackles and one sack.

Pittsburgh made history on Sunday, becoming the first-ever No. 6 seed to win a conference championship.

Also, coach Bill Cowher's squad is the second team in NFL history to qualify for the Super Bowl after winning three straight road playoff games. New England was the first to do it in 1986.

The Steelers last appeared in the Super Bowl in 1996, when they were defeated 27-17 by the Dallas Cowboys.

Remember: Super Bowl XL airs LIVE, Feb. 5, on WTAE-TV Channel 4.