Super Bowl 50: Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers Betting Preview
January 30, 2016
Date & Time: Sunday, February 7, 6:30 PM
Venue: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Head to head record
Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos 14-36 (2012/2013)
Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos 30-10 (2008/2009)
Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers prediction
All eyes will be at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California when Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos take on each other in the Super Bowl 50. Ron Rivera’s men demolished Arizona Cardinals in the National Football Conference final, but beating Broncos in the most glorified event in American sports is easier said than done. This will be the second time ever the game will be played in North California.
Broncos outclassed by Seahawks last time out
Denver Broncos (14-4) won the American Football Conference by beating New England Patriots in the final. Gary Kubiak’s troops made it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2013, when they were crushed by Seattle Seahawks 43-8 in the title decider. It has been 18 years since Denver clinched their last NFL trophy and no doubt they are hungry for success.
Owen Daniels impressed in the 20-18 win over New England, with the experienced tight end scoring two touchdowns to help his teammates set up a meeting with Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl 50. Broncos are averaging 22.2 points this season and they have the total of 568 offensive yards. Gary Kubiak’s men conceded 20 points or less in each of their previous four games in the NFL and they are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence in the ultimate battle against the Panthers.
Peyton Manning could set yet another record if Denver defeats Carolina at Levi’s Stadium as he would become the oldest Super Bowl-winning quarterback in the history of NFL. QB John Elway is the record holder as he won the Super Bowl at the age of 38.
Peyton’s brother Eli Manning emerged triumphant in the Super Bowl twice, meaning that Denver QB could equal his brother’s record. Peyton won his first Super Bowl back in 2006 with Indianapolis Colts. Broncos made it to the Super Bowl for the eighth time in the club’s history and you should have in mind that they have a 2-5 record in the title games. Denver are tied with Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, speaking of Super Bowl appearances.
Darian Stewart picked up an injury in the 20-18 win over New England, but he should recover in time to face Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl 50. Coach Gary Kubiak has no other selection worries ahead of the title game.
Panthers eager to win their first ever Super Bowl
Carolina Panthers have been impressive this term, with the team recording 17 wins and one loss in the regular season. Ron Rivera’s men produced an outstanding performance in the National Football Conference final against Arizona Cardinals and they totally deserved to set up a meeting with Denver Broncos in their only second appearance in the Super Bowl. Last time out Carolina suffered a 32-29 loss to Patriots in the title game and no doubt they will fight tooth and nail in the Levi’s Stadium showdown in order to make history.
Quarterback Cam Newton is in the form of his life and it has to be noted that he produced an NFL-high 45 touchdowns in the regular season (10 rushing, 35 passing). Newton could easily win the MVP award, but his main goal is to clinch the title with Panthers. Anyhow, you should have in mind that Cam will be the 11th player in NFL history to win Super Bowl and MVP award in the same year. Yet another man to watch in Ron Rivera’s team will be linebacker Luke Kuechly, who is likely to make life difficult for Denver offensive players. Carolina Panthers are averaging 31.2 points this season, which makes them the leaders in that segment of the game. Panthers scored 118 points in total in previous three games in NFL.
Carolina Panthers safety Roman Sharper will take part in the Super Bowl despite leaving the NFC Championship Game with an eye injury. Thomas Davis and Roman Harper both picked up injuries against Arizona and they are rated doubtful.
Interesting Facts
- Denver Broncos are averaging 355.5 (16th) yards this term
- Broncos scored 20+points in each of their previous five games in NFL
- Denver conceded 18- points in three of their previous four matches
- Carolina Panthers are averaging 224.3 passing yards this season
- Panthers are eyeing their first win over Broncos since 2008
- Carolina scored 31+ points in each of their last three games in NFL
- Ron Rivera is the second coach of Hispanic heritage to participate in the Super Bowl
- Manning has no more than two career Super Bowl touchdowns
Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers betting pick
There will be fireworks when Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers face each other in the Super Bowl 50. In their last meeting in NFL Denver recorded a 36-14 win over Carolina and that is giving Broncos a reason for optimism ahead of the title game. Nonetheless, Ron Rivera’s charges have been impressive offensively this season and seeing that they crushed Arizona Cardinals in the National Football Conference final, I am tempted to back Carolina to win their first ever Super Bowl.
In their last appearance in the Super Bowl Denver were totally outplayed by Seattle and I would not be surprised if history repeats itself on Sunday evening. Last time out Carolina were quite unfortunate to suffer a loss to New England in the Super Bowl match, with Vinatieri kicking a late (41-yard) field goal to help Patriots clinch the trophy.
Pick: Carolina -4.5
Odds: -120
