The Carolina Panthers will face off against the Denver Broncos this Sunday in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl 50.

As great as we know quarterback Peyton Manning from the Broncos is, at age 39 his skills have depleted tremendously and this game will most likely be his last. During the regular season, Manning threw for 2,249 yards with 9 touchdowns (lowest in his career) and 17 interceptions. Not to mention his passing rating was 67.9, the lowest since his rookie year. Despite being hurt with a neck injury for most of the season, Manning has been able to combat his injury and help lead his team to this final game.

On the other hand, Carolina’s star Quarterback Cam Newton has enjoyed a career best season with 45 touchdowns (35 Passing, 10 Rushing), 636 rushing yards and a passing rate of 99.4, which is the best of his career. To top that off, he led a dominating Carolina team to a 15-1 season- the best in Panthers history. Even though both are exceptional quarterbacks, Newton also has youth on his side. He is 12 years younger than Manning. There’s no question Newton has transformed his team as well as himself, but he will be facing a quarterback ready to leave the game on top and a defense determined to stop his momentum.

Cam won’t enter this battle alone. Teammate Greg Olsen, a premier tight end in the league, racked up 1,104 yards, 7 touchdowns and 77 receptions. Ted Ginn, a speedy receiver who was gifted with the opportunity to shine, had 739 yards, 10 touchdowns and 44 receptions. Carolina’s Running Back Jonathan Stewart rushed for 989 yards and 6 touchdowns on 242 attempts. Fans are hoping he will be healthy enough after an ankle injury to play. Thanks in part to the Panthers offensive line, which was ranked second in the NFL, Newton should be well protected for the majority, if not all, of the game.

Carolina’s defense is ranked sixth in points, sixth in passing yards and fourth in rushing yards. Leading the way on the defensive side is CB Josh Norman who had four interceptions and 48 tackles. AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly, who had four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 110 tackles, will command the linebackers. Kawann Short with 11 sacks will lead the defensive line.

Denver’s defense ranked first in yards allowed and passing yards as well as third in rushing yards and fourth in points allowed. Cam Newton may struggle against the pass rush from Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Danny Trevathan (a linebacker who can also drop back and defend the pass). A ball hawking secondary comprised of Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. may also cause Newton some problems. The Broncos led the league in interceptions with 23 in total.

On the offensive side the Broncos were one of if the not the worst offensive teams in the NFL, ranking 22^nd in points scored and 16^th in yards. The only bright spot in the Broncos offense is Running Back CJ Anderson and Peyton Manning who can still be a threat on the field especially passing to two star receivers, Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.

This will be an exciting game with no clear winner predicted because each team has its pros and cons like the Broncos offense and the Panthers ability to get passed Denver’s secondary and pass rush. I predict a win from the Panthers 35-21. As much as I like Peyton Manning, I don’t think his team will be able to handle Cam Newton and the Panthers.