A Super Bowl 50 Prediction

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The time is here…it’s Super Bowl Sunday! This year’s matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers has been labeled as the old quarterback versus the young quarterback which is why it’s never too early to predict what will happen.  Statistically, Cam Newton has the advantage there for this season at least. Newton racked up 35 passing touchdowns along with 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Manning, who only played in 10 games, threw nine touchdowns to 17 interceptions. Manning’s season was plagued by an injury that has seemed to subside for now, but the advantage is still with Newton.

Offensively, Carolina is first overall in total points scored at 31.2 per game. Denver is ranked 19th, scoring an average of 22.2 total points scored. Carolina has the advantage with Newton’s multiple targets, an excellent running game and Newton’s ability as both a passer and runner. While Manning certainly has some strengths as a quarterback, they like to rely on the run a little bit more instead of risking a turnover.

Denver has the number one ranked defense in the NFL with guys like Danny Trevathan, Von Miller, and Aqib Talib. Trevathan leads the team with 109 tackles while Talib leads the team with three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Miller is essentially the meat of the whole defense and was able to pressure Tom Brady throughout their AFC Championship game.  The Panthers’ offensive line has been able to keep their quarterback upright, but that could change today.

I’m picking the Carolina Panthers to be this year’s Super Bowl champions. I believe that overall they are the better team and have a confident and strong leader in Newton. The Broncos have only had Manning for a little more than half of their regular season games, their offense lacks the “pizzazz” that Carolina’s has.

I see the Panthers taking an early lead similar to their game against the Arizona Cardinals. The lead won’t allow the Broncos to get the kick start that they need, meaning their defense will get run down quickly.  With the multiple playmakers that the Panthers have, I believe that they will be able to do whatever it takes to win.

Final Score:  31-17 Panthers