Super Bowl 50: 5 keys for the Carolina Panthers

There are five keys to success for the Carolina Panthers to prevail over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

Let’s just get this over with: the Carolina Panthers are clear favorites to win the Super Bowl on February 7.

The opening point spread had the Panthers favored at -3.5, and in some Vegas sportsbooks that number has jumped as high as -6 this week. As more and more money continues to come in on Carolina, that figure may continue to balloon upwards toward a full touchdown differential or more by the time the big game arrives.

But while experts and oddsmakers drool all over Cam Newton and that terrific defense, people seem to be forgetting that the Denver Broncos are more than a worthy opponent. No one with any sense would argue that an injury-riddled AFC was better or deeper than the murderer’s row that was the NFC playoff pool this year, but Peyton Manning and the Broncos have still mustered up enough of a late-season charge to earn our respect. You can bet they have Ron Rivera’s attention all right.

It’s quite frankly premature and foolish to hand the Lombardi over to Carolina while one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game stands in their way – not to mention the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.

So here are five keys for the Panthers to emerge victorious come Super Bowl Sunday.

Next: 5. Establish the ground game