The more and more I read, the more I believe that either Arizona or Carolina will walk away this season with their first Lombardi. 

Carolina and Arizona are the two best teams in the NFL right now, and short of high injury game between these two, neither one will be denied their dues on Super Bowl Sunday. 

Let’s take a look on how both Arizona and Carolina can beat two remaining AFC teams. 

Denver Broncos:

I think most people doubt the Denver Broncos make it to Super Bowl 50, but if they do, it won’t be a good game. Whether the QB is Brock Osweiler or Peyton Manning, both Arizona and Carolina front 7 are going to abuse that terrible O-Line and eviscerate the passing game. And while the Broncos’ defense is good, (but not great. I don’t care what the stats say Denver does not have the #1 defense in the league) they just won’t be able to stop the #1 and #2 offense in the league. 

The one thing Denver might have going for them is the narrative. This is likely Peyton’s last season, and if they make it, definitely his last Super Bowl. We Panthers fans know the power of using naysayers to fuel your game, but from looking at the roster alone and their performance this season, I just don’t see it. 

New England Patriots:

The Curse of the Repeat will hang high over New England on Super Bowl Sunday. Tom Brady may very well get his 7th Super Bowl appearance but he will not get his 5th ring. 

Their missing run game makes them a singular offense, which in itself isn’t a weakness. Not with Tom Brady under center. Their real weakness stems from their Offensive Line, which to their credit, has played better recently, but is still going to face one heck of a challenge when protecting Brady from Panthers’ Kawann Shortt or Cardinal’s Dwight Freeney. 

Injuries are also a big concern for the Patriots if they make it out of Mile High. Broncos may go down this Sunday, but they’re not going down without a fight. Chris Harris has already admitted that he plans on going for Gronk’s knees and we know that Talib has no problem playing dirty if trying to get Edelman out of the game. 

Panthers’ fans (and Cardinal’s fans) should feel good about their chances of walking away with some new bling in February if they pull out a win on this week. Each team faces their biggest roadblock on Sunday. And it should be one hell of a match.

By Allie Manasco