Super Bowl 50 Staff Picks: Panthers hoping for Cam's coronation
The staff at theScore put on their prognosticator hats and made predictions for Super Bowl 50, highlighting reasons for their choices. The pickers are Gino Bottero, Caitlyn Holroyd, Justin Boone, Arun Srinivasan, Joe Thomson, David P. Woods, Michael Amato, Jack Browne and Dan Wilkins.
Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos
In a game featuring the league's highest-scoring offense against the league's best defense, the Panthers will emerge victorious. Cam Newton and Co. are proving to be unstoppable, and his ability to escape the pocket will eventually cause breakdowns in the Broncos' scheme. With Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman disrupting Peyton Manning's short to intermediate routes, the Panthers will capture their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Panthers 24, Broncos 13 - Arun Srinivasan
Super Bowl 50 will be a defensive showcase, where every point will be a struggle. Expect field goals to be the primary means of scoring, with Cam Newton orchestrating one more touchdown drive than Peyton Manning to lead the Panthers to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history. Panthers 23, Broncos 19 - Justin Boone
Everyone's lining up to get behind the Panthers, but the underdog has won each of the last four Super Bowls, and seven of eight. Peyton will do just enough to give Wade Phillips' defense a lead, and the league's top-ranked unit will carry the team to victory. Broncos 19, Panthers 13 - Gino Bottero
It's a coronation for Cam Newton, who scores two rushing touchdowns and takes home Super Bowl MVP honors in a game that never feels particularly close. The Broncos struggle to move the ball on offense and Peyton Manning's career ends with one final postseason disappointment. Panthers 27, Broncos 16 - David P. Woods
Related: Cam Newton run-away favorite to win Super Bowl 50 MVP
The Broncos put up a more valiant effort than in Super Bowl XLVIII, but Manning's limitations are too much to overcome and Denver's pass rush cannot dominate due to Newton's athleticism. Panthers 31, Broncos 20 - Jack Browne
Defense wins championships, and the Broncos have the best unit in the NFL. Peyton Manning shouldn't be underestimated either, as he showed in the AFC Championship Game that he's still capable of making a big play or two. Broncos 28, Panthers 24 - Caitlyn Holroyd
Unlike the struggles Arizona and Seattle faced against Cam Newton and Co., Denver's defense should be able to slow down Carolina's attack. That said, expect the Panthers' ability to create turnovers and score on defense to be the difference in this one. Carolina led the league with 24 picks this season and were tied for second in forced fumbles. You can bet they're going to take advantage of an immobile Peyton Manning with a bad arm. Panthers 31, Broncos 10 - Michael Amato
Peyton Manning and the Denver offense did just enough to knock off the Patriots in the AFC title game, but yards won't be easy to come by against an incredibly talented Panthers defense. That advantage, combined with a strong running game on the offensive side, should be more than enough to get Carolina its first title in franchise history. Panthers 26, Broncos 13 - Dan Wilkins
While the Panthers currently look unstoppable, there will likely be some big-game jitters for a team that features only five Super Bowl veterans. While they're acclimating, look for the Broncos to take advantage and jump out to an early lead. Their defense will take care of the rest. Broncos 23, Panthers 20 - Joe Thomson