NFL Betting Preview: Super Bowl 50
Each week during the NFL season, theScore will handicap each of the week's matchups and offer up a three-pack of picks.
The advanced line for this matchup - released prior to the conference championship games - had the Panthers installed as three-point favorites. Since then, we've seen the Panthers roll a shell-shocked Cardinals team, and the Broncos shut down another elite quarterback.
Denver has an edge at nearly every position, with the exception of quarterback, but Peyton Manning won't be called on to do too much Sunday. Carolina's had some trouble stopping the run in the postseason, but game script has forced their opponents to abandon the ground game. Thomas Davis has been the team's best run-stopper, and, at best, he plays this game with a broken arm.
The Panthers haven't faced an opponent with more than seven days to prepare all season long. With the extra time - and buoyed by the league's top-ranked stop unit - Wade Phillips will put together a game plan to stifle their relatively simplistic offense.
The underdog has won the last four Super Bowls, and covered the spread in seven of the last eight. Broncos 19, Panthers 13
Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers (UNDER 45)
Six-point teaser: Broncos +11.5 and Under 51 at 6-5
Peyton Manning Under 235.5 passing yards at 23-25
Corey Brown Under 3.5 receptions at 31-50
Cody Latimer first reception Over 3.5 yards at 49-50
| Picks Summary |
|---|
| Broncos +5.5 (Gold) |
| Under 45 (Silver) |
| 6-point teaser: Broncos +11.5 and Under 51 (Bronze) |
| P. Manning Under 235.5 pass yards (Bronze) |
| C. Brown Under 3.5 receptions (Bronze) |
| C. Latimer 1st reception Over 3.5 yards (Bronze) |
(Lines courtesy: Pinnacle)