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Panthers at Broncos: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Brad Weiss

Aug 20, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers will meet up on Thursday Night Football, as the Panthers look to avenge their loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50.

Last February, the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers met for Super Bowl 50. The game was billed as kind of a changing of the guard, as Denver quarterback Peyton Manning was likely making his last NFL start. His counterpart, Cam Newton, was headed towards being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, after putting together one of the more impressive QB campaigns in recent memory.

Manning and the Broncos won the game, and “The Sheriff” went off into the sunset. In 2016, Denver has a new man at quarterback, but it is not the guy anyone expected when Manning announced his retirement. That man is Trevor Siemian, who has taken one snap in an NFL game, and that play was a kneel down.

Siemian will have the luxury of being the quarterback of a team that has one of the best defensive units in the league. Von Miller and company should wreck havoc on the AFC this season, but they may have some trouble against Newton this time around. Newton has a full cast of weapons at his disposal, with one big one coming back in 2016.

Line: CAR -3
Over/Under: 42

During the preseason in 2015, Panthers star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin tore his ACL, ending his season before it could start. As a rookie in 2014, Benjamin burst onto the scene, raking in over 1,000 yards. In total, Benjamin caught 73 balls, while scoring nine touchdowns.

Aside from Benjamin, Newton will also Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, Devin Funchess, and Ted Ginn Jr. to look for in 2016. Jonathan Stewart returns as the team’s running back, with Mike Tolbert once again in at fullback. It is a solid group on offense, and they should be able to put up points against everyone this season.

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Denver’s defense will keep this one close, but it is going to be a bit of a learning curve for Siemian to start out. Making his first start under the bright lights of Thursday Night Football is going to be a challenge, and Carolina is a playoff-caliber team. Look for the Broncos to get in the end-zone a few times, but not enough to hang with the Panthers.

Prediction: Carolina 24, Denver 14

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