Broncos Claim Super Bowl 50 as Underdogs Against Panthers

The Denver Broncos may not have seen quarterback Peyton Manning dominate in what was likely his final season, but their top-ranked defense took care of that part instead as they upset the Carolina Panthers 24-10 as six-point underdogs in Super Bowl 50.

The Broncos closed out the year with five consecutive wins, none larger than the last against a Carolina team that had lost only one time heading into the big game.

After winning and covering the spread in three straight games to start the season, Denver struggled for the most part as Manning proved to be mortal in dealing with a painful foot injury that sidelined him from Week 10 until Week 17. In the regular-season finale, he came off the bench to relieve Brock Osweiler and then relied on the running game and defense to carry the team in the postseason.

The Broncos went 2-6-2 against the spread before their final two games but cashed in on home-field advantage against the New England Patriots, who faltered down the stretch and gave it away. That edge was the difference in the AFC Championship Game as Denver beat New England for the second time in a row as a small home dog.

The Panthers also used their home field to roll into the Super Bowl, finishing as the only team in the NFL not to lose a game there in the regular season or playoffs. Unfortunately for them, league MVP Cam Newton met his match in Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, who forced two fumbles and sacked him 2.5 times to earn the honor.

Carolina still finished up as one of the best teams versus the number at 13-6 ATS and has a lot to look forward to next season. With leading receiver Kelvin Benjamin returning from a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire year, Newton should be even more dangerous.

However, there are other top contenders who could rise in the NFC to challenge the defending conference champs among the likes of the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers to name a few.

The Seahawks and Patriots join the Panthers as early co-favorites to win Super Bowl LI at 9/1 followed by the Packers (12/1), Pittsburgh Steelers (12/1) and Cardinals (14/1). The Broncos are also listed at 16/1 along with the Dallas Cowboys, with both teams facing serious questions at quarterback next season.