The Super Bowl between the Broncos and Panthers will be a defensive showdown, with two quarterbacks on the opposite ends of their career. In the historic Super Bowl 50, Peyton Manning will look to improve his ranking among the best of all-time. This will be the toughest matchup he has faced, and will have to rely heavily on the defense. Cam Newton will try to put himself with some of the greats to play in the NFL.

A near perfect season for the Carolina Panthers was quite unexpected by most NFL experts going into this year. Their 31-0 halftime lead in the Divisional round against the Seattle Seahawks was even more surprising and impressive. However, the Panthers nearly blew the game and escaped by winning by 7 points.

Cam Newton who is likely to win MVP, is having a career year and has lifted his team to an elite status. The Panthers have more pro bowlers than anyone, and have the number one defense in the NFL. In the NFC championship, they took down the Cardinals at home. They took an early 17-0 lead and never looked back. The Panthers’ defense has got them to this point.

The Broncos started the year strong mostly due to the defense. Manning started the year by struggling, and led the league in interceptions. When Manning got injured the Broncos leaned on Brock Osweiler and the defense. The Broncos got into the playoffs as the number 1 seed and Manning returning.

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos had to make a second half comeback to overcome a one point halftime deficit against Pittsburgh. Both of their wins set up another showdown in Denver between Peyton Manning’s arch rival here in Indy and in Denver, the New England Patriots.

Manning was searching for his fourth Super Bowl appearance and Brady was searching for his fifth Super Bowl ring. Manning and Brady have split their head to head postseason matchups, winning two apiece, until Manning took the lead when the Broncos defeated the Patriots, inserting the Broncos into the Super Bowl. Manning looks to win Super Bowl number two, and help his playoff status, which has often been questioned.

In the end, the Panthers defense will shut down the Broncos’ run game, forcing the Broncos to be one dimensional, and the Panthers speedy receivers will get behind the secondary. The Panthers should win their first Super Bowl next Sunday, and Cam Newton will finish one of the best NFL seasons ever.

Prediction

Broncos: 10

Panthers: 24