Super Bowl 50 preview & prediction: Broncos vs. Panthers

Super Bowl 50 preview and prediction.

The Carolina Panthers are looking for their first Super Bowl title on February 7. The Denver Broncos are seeking their third. The storyline will mostly be about Peyton Manning, and whether the Broncos 39-year-old quarterback can find one more win and perhaps leave the National Football League on a high note. It’s the wrong narrative.

In reality, this should be about whether Cam Newton can join the elite class of passers throughout the NFL. Newton was the first-overall pick in 2011 by Carolina and has now won three consecutive NFC South titles with a Super Bowl appearance. The Panthers have been chronically underrated all season, but after a 15-1 campaign, followed by drubbings of both the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, they have arrived.

Newton is the next legitimate superstar in the NFL, and winning this game will solidify that position. Carolina is hoping to put together a dynasty and with a young head coach, young quarterback and talented defense, could be well on its way. Denver is hoping to win a Super Bowl before Manning retires and others move on, including corner Aqib Talib, outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and left tackle Ryan Clady.

In the final analysis, the Panthers are the more complete team. The Broncos are the more experienced team. Carolina has most of the answers with a dominant front four, a terrific quarterback and a group of quality running backs. Denver’s defense is elite, but the offense is shaky at best.

Ultimately, believe in the talent.

Pick: Carolina 23, Denver 13