The NFL Roundup: Super Bowl 50

In the past fifteen years or so, the Super Bowl has evolved as a game. It went from being a touch more emotional to a game that purely focused on perfection. That's not a bad thing mind you, in order to be the Champion of the National Football League, you have to be the best, but this era of dynasties and record breaking has lessened the focus on what matters most, the men who try to win the game...until today. 

It seems fitting in fact that for the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, a different kind of game is coming together. Sure the Championship still matters, but a few extra elements are being thrown into the mix, respect and legacy. After all, this is a game where the two quarterbacks taking the field are looking for both. Cam Newton is trying to silence all of his critics and show to the football world he is worthy of the number one overall draft pick the Panthers selected him with in 2011 and on the other side of the ball, Peyton Manning is working to cement his status as the greatest of all time and wipe away the stigma that he cannot win the big game and at the same time potentially ride off into the sunset and retire as a champion. But even with those incredible storylines before us, and despite the extra meaning this game will have come kickoff...there can be only one Champion and the great question still hanging over all of our heads is simple, who will win Super Bowl 50? Well here are our thoughts on who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy later today.

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Super Bowl 50
The NFC Champion Carolina Panthers vs. The AFC Champion Denver Broncos

SCOTTY'S PICK
Well, the big game is finally upon us and I am surprised to no end that the Broncos have made it to the show once again.  It is hard to say anything bad about the Denver Broncos this season since they have been able to overcome all odds and continue to win games that they should not have.  With this possibly being Peyton Manning's last game, I am sure that he would like to end it in style with a win, but unfortunately, the Panthers are standing in his way.  With a very inconsistent receiving corps that never seems to know what to do with a ball that is thrown to them and a running game that has a hard time getting started, this will be a huge struggle for the Broncos to overcome.  I do however like how the Defense has stayed consistent all season long, keeping the team in the game until the final whistle blows.  Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe are all great off of the snap and can hassle the best quarterbacks in the game, but they have not faced Cam Newton or anyone close to his caliber this season.  The Panthers are hot like fire and when you watch the offense take the field, it is like a game of Madden as the game plays out.  With a strong running and passing game, and Cam Newton who can break a forty yard run at will, it seems like the Broncos will have a ton to worry about.  But the offense is not what frightens teams about the Panthers, it is their ball hawking defense that leads the league in turnovers.  Watching what they did to Carson Palmer in the Conference Championship, it made me sad for the great veteran, and knowing that Manning cannot throw half as hard as Palmer, their might be more turnovers in this game than the Broncos want to give up.  The Panthers defense is built just like the Broncos and they have not been given enough credit for what they have done this year, even in a weaker division, they are scary for any offense to have to face.  With another one of their pass rushers healthy, Jared Allen has a legacy of his own that he wants to solidify and the outstanding Luke Kuechly should be a household name for the season he has put under his belt.  This should be a battle of defenses rather than a high powered offensive game, but when it comes to Super Bowls, you never know what will happen until the first snap. Panthers 24, Denver 17.
SUPER BOWL 50 CHAMPIONS - THE CAROLINA PANTHERS

JOHN'S PICK
Two years ago, on the eve of Super Bowl XLVIII, I had a funny and unpleasant feeling forming in the back of my mind about the game. I was worried that the Seahawks would shock the Broncos and win the game and it turns out it was a feeling that was absolutely correct. The Broncos were a spoiled team back then. Peyton Manning was scoring at will, and the defense didn't have to do a hell of a whole lot but sit back and let the offense do all of the work. Today, as we count down the hours to Super Bowl 50, I have that same funny feeling in the back of my head...but for the Carolina Panthers. Yes, they have a better defense than Denver did back then...but there's a certain sense of entitlement surrounding this team right now. They simply EXPECT to win. Even their Super Bowl 50 photo featured that all annoying dab and I honestly think that their overconfidence will finally be their undoing. This is a Denver Broncos squad that is no longer spoiled, they have had to earn every single win the hard way this season making them battle tested and mentally strong. The Panthers however, were handed many a win with a soft schedule and opponents that quite frankly gave up along the way. So what does that mean for today? Simple, one incredible Super Bowl. This one will be a lot closer than people give it credit, mainly because I fully expect the Broncos defense to confuse, frustrate and test Cam Newton like he has never been tested before. This talented pass rush will wear down and break down the Carolina offensive line, and that's when things will get interesting. Plus I'm certain that Gary Kubiak has put together a game plan that will tire out the Carolina defense and keep them honest to minimize turnovers and keep Manning safe. Either way, I think the Denver Broncos know what's at stake, those still on the team from Super Bowl XLVIII remember the sting of that loss and have shared the pain of it with their teammates and today...is going to be different. Today, the Denver Broncos will be the team to surprise the Carolina Panthers. Today, the Denver Broncos will get Peyton Manning his second Super Bowl Ring, DeMarcus Ware his first and Pat Bowlen his third. Because today is the day, that the Denver Broncos will win the Super Bowl.
SUPER BOWL 50 CHAMPIONS - THE DENVER BRONCOS