Super Bowl 50: Final staff writer predictions

Feb 5, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl 50 logo prior to a press conference at Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

For Super Bowl 50, the staff writing team of The Jet Press weighed in their thoughts on the big game.

Even though the NY Jets aren’t in the Super Bowl, we here at The Jet Press are just as excited as many football fans are for what should be an epic contest. The top teams in the NFL are set to square off between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

On one side, the Panthers have been a true juggernaut against opposing teams all season long. They play great offense, superb defense and have a solid special teams unit. They have fun on the gridiron and use that energy to build a culture of success.

On the other side, this could be the last hurrah for quarterback Peyton Manning. To face him in what could be his last football game ever before he retires makes him an extremely dangerous opponent. One better believe he won’t go down without a fight.

Without further adieu, here are our final staff writer predictions for Super Bowl 50!

Next: Manning goes out on top in last rodeo

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Manning goes out on top in last rodeo Luis Tirado Jr.: Twitter – Facebook – Google+

I don’t believe for one second all the hype that the Panthers are going to steamroll the Broncos. Denver has a potent defense and their offense has been clicking on all cylinders. If it is indeed true that this is the final game we’ll ever see Manning play in, there is no doubt in my mind he’s going to put up one of the greatest performances of his career.

This will be a very close game that will come down to the wire. Something tells me the defense of the Broncos will be able to contain quarterback Cam Newton and limit everything we’ve seen him do throughout the season. He’ll be effective, but it won’t be a rout like many are predicting he will do against the Broncos.

Manning will be precise as he has had about two weeks of preparation and if his mind is set on retiring after the big game, he will do everything in his power to leave victorious.

Broncos win in an epic shootout, 38-35.

Next: Panthers finally win the big one

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) stands in the endzone after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Championship football game held at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers finally win the big one Jason Rodriguez: Twitter

Sundays game will be a match-up between the best defense in the league of the Denver Broncos versus the best offense in the Carolina Panthers. Also what I am looking forward to is the match-up between Cam Newton and Peyton Manning. This game on Sunday will be a battle of inches because both defenses are very talented.

I think with the mobility and physicality Newton will be able to cause major havoc against the defense of the Broncos. I also think that Tolbert and Stewart will also be key factors for the Panthers. These two have had a successful playoff run in helping the run game be a big part of the game plan.

I also think the special teams for the Panthers will be a very successful one because of Ted Ginn Jr. who is a threat. He is able to make that one particular play that can change the field of the game if the team needs a spark to get them going. He is also a deep ball threat receiver that will need to come up big on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers attack the defense of the Broncos because the secondary is not really healthy. It will also be interesting to see how they use Greg Olsen in the game plan to make sure he is ready for big yardage plays.

I think Manning will have problems in getting things going against the defense of the Panthers. Will Manning be able to make the deep ball down the field? Manning has healed up but remember, throughout the season he was a player on the decline so it’s uncertain if we’ll get a healthy version of him or the one that can’t get the job done.

I think the Panthers have been on a mission this year and will look to finish off what they have started which is becoming the very best in the NFL. Newton’s ability to be able to move and run out of the pocket will be a big problem for the Broncos to contain. The defense of the Panthers will also be scary because of how physical they are and will cause trouble for Manning.

Newton will win this game for the Pathers and earn the MVP award for what he will be able to do. All I have to say is early congrats to the Panthers on winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

Next: Broncos win a close one

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos win a close one Christopher Stephano: Twitter

At first glance, Super Bowl 50 looks like it may follow the pattern of the Broncos-Seahawks debacle a couple years ago. After all, the Panthers feature a solid defense, the best scoring offense in football (31.2 points/ game) and MVP Cam Newton.

However, this year’s Broncos are a dramatically different team than the one that lost to the Seahawks in Super Bowl 48. Boasting an elite defense, this team does not need to rely solely on Peyton Manning in order to win.

As long as Manning and the offense doesn’t turn the ball over, their defense will keep them in most games. This formula was on full display in the AFC Championship Game, where the Broncos sacked Brady four times and held the Patriots to a meager 18 points on route to a 20-18 victory.

In spite of the popular consensus (Broncos are six point underdogs), Super Bowl 50 will be a closely contested game. In the end, the Broncos’ defense will muster just enough pressure to limit Newton’s effectiveness. Look for Manning to ride off into the sunset with a second ring, as the Broncos squeak out a close upset win.

Broncos win: 24-21

Next: No storybook ending for Manning

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

No storybook ending for Manning Todd Gerstenhaber: Twitter

For the first time in history, we are being treated to a matchup at quarterback between two number one overall picks in their respective drafts. These teams are also opposites in many respects, with the difference in quarterback age, the difference in their levels of consistency throughout the season and their difference in offensive play style. This match-up should be one of the more interesting ones we have seen in years.

As a Jets fan this is one of the first Super Bowls in a few years that I can truly relax during, as I am not particularly fond of the Patriots or the Seahawks. With Peyton Manning unwilling to answer questions regarding his future, a win in the 50th Super Bowl would be a storybook ending to a storied career.

I say not so fast, as Cam Newton has been on a mission all season long. He has finally put it all together and he looks like the Cam we all saw dominate the SEC in 2010.

Cam’s pure athleticism will negate any physicality on the Broncos’ defense (he once outmuscled a 6’7″ pound lineman during his days at Blinn College). This team has been on a mission ever since they were perceived as the worst 6-0 team in the league and they have passed every test along the way. Not even Manning and the potential storybook ending will stop them now.

Score: Panthers 35, Broncos 24

Next: All about Cam Newton

Feb 2, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton addresses the media at press conference prior to Super Bowl 50 at the San Jose McNery Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

All about Cam Newton Ryan Patti: Twitter

This is the match-up we’ve all been waiting for. The undisputed best teams in the AFC and NFC are rightfully clashing to make for a special 50th Super Bowl. Denver comes into this game riding high after taking down Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship by a score of 20-18. The Broncos’ stout defense held their own against New England’s high-powered offense while Peyton Manning took care of the football to secure his team another Super Bowl bid.

Carolina on the other hand absolutely smoked the Cardinals 49-15 to continue their incredible 2015-16 campaign. MVP Cam Newton is playing on an extremely high level and Ron Rivera’s defense has been firing on all cylinders scoring points themselves. With a win on Sunday, ‘Superman’ will only need the MVP trophy to be the first quarterback to win the Heisman, a national title, MVP honors and a Super Bowl.

With all that said, this game will be an instant classic. Even though the Panthers handled their past two opponents relatively easily, this one will be much different. The Broncos have a potential storybook ending on their side with this possibly being Manning’s last game and they have the defense to make it happen. Newton is playing unbelievably well, although Denver is that one defense that can slow him down.

Howver, ‘Riverboat Ron’s’ Panthers seem to be saving their best for last. That front-seven of theirs is pressuring the quarterback on every play, the offensive line is dominant and they have the swagger to get it done. Expect this game to be close from start to finish, but the Panthers to “Keep Pounding” and come away with their first Lombardi trophy. This is simply Cam Newton’s world and we’re all living in it.

Prediction: Panthers 28-24

Next: Can't stop the Panthers

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; The ball is snapped to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Can’t stop the Panthers Mark Kelly: Twitter

The Broncos and Panthers find themselves in the 50th anniversary of a game that has become a National Holiday.

What has impressed me about both these teams is that I’ve totally underestimated both of them all season and they have proven me wrong every time.

I never thought that the Broncos would make the playoffs after their collapse in Pittsburgh and not only did they make it, but thanks to a no-show by the Brady Bunch the last two games, they were able to secure Home Field Advantage, the hardest thing for me to wrap my head around is that a Peyton Manning-led team best feature is their defense.

In Super Bowl history, only one other quarterback reached the Super Bowl with a TD/INT differential as poor as Manning’s -8 this year, and that was another Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who also was trying for his second Super Bowl win, Bart Starr in Super Bowl II. While I have the utmost respect for Manning, he simply cannot carry a team anymore, and if Denver has any shot to win this game, their #1 ranked defense needs to play like it and keep him always within a score.

On the flip side is Cam Newton who without a doubt has proved himself this season as an elite quarterback. His skills have grown every season and his ability to pass from the pocket this season has made him a total weapon. Along with Newton, the Panthers’ defense has forced turnovers all season that have helped them turn many of their contests into laughter (Panthers +21 differential was the best in NFL).

In the end its hard for me to pick against the Panthers and Newton, who again I’ve underestimated all season, and I’m predicting Newton will become just the third quarterback in history to win a National Championship and a Super Bowl, joining Joe Namath and Joe Montana.

Panthers 28, Broncos 17

Next: Manning goes out on top

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waves to fans after the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Denver Broncos defeated New England Patriots 20-18 to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Manning goes out on top Shane Marshall: Twitter

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos had, arguably, the worst Super Bowl performance in history two years ago in a 43-8 drubbing to the Seattle Seahawks. He won’t lose again, not this time.

Despite being 39-years-old, Manning still has a quality array of wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Vernon Davis. Aside from Josh Norman, the Panthers’ secondary will have a tough time handling all of Denver’s pass-catching options.

Defensively, Denver was able to get a hit on Tom Brady 23 times in the AFC Championship Game, and with an extra week of rest they should be able to get some pressure on Cam Newton. While Newton does possess great mobility, he won’t be able to run the Panthers to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

The Panthers have succeeded with an average receiving corps all season, but now they face Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, Chris Harris and Bradley Roby. I don’t anticipate them having as much success with Ted Ginn Jr., Jerricho Cotchery and Devin Funchess. With that issue, Jonathan Stewart will also need to have a big game against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL after returning from an injury, which is asking for quite a bit.

This will be one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory, but Peyton goes out as the game’s greatest QB ever.

Broncos, 27-21

Next: Can't stop these Panthers

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Deone Bucannon (20) celebrates after making an interception during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Can’t stop these Panthers Matthew Ordazzo: Twitter

My pick for Super Bowl 50 is hands down, the Carolina Panthers. Their offense is completely surreal and ultimately unstoppable. No matter which defense you throw at them, whether it’s Seattle’s second ranked defense or Arizona’s fifth ranked defense, Cam Newton  and the Panthers have no trouble finding ways to pile up major points at an extremely fast rate.

The Broncos have absolutely no chance at not only defeating the Panthers but slowing down their offense which averages 31.3 points per game. The only reason why the Broncos made the post season and have secured a spot in the Super Bowl is because of their number one ranked defense. However, Newton is a multidimensional threat the Broncos have not seen this season.

Even if the Broncos’ defense could hold up the Panthers’ offense, Denver’s O isn’t anything intimidating. The Broncos have a 20-plus turnover margin, they lead the league in interceptions, with 24. Newton, whenever under pressure can also rely on plan b, his legs. The young quarterback had a total of 10 rushing touchdowns during the regular season and tact on an extra two during their NFC Championship Game. Like I said earlier, no matter which defense is set in front of them, Carolina has managed to pile up 31 total points against Seattle in just the first half of football and piled up a total of 49 points against Arizona.

The Panthers also have a well-rounded defense which is the leagues sixth best defense. Carolina has managed to rank in the top-10 defenses in the NFL for the past three consecutive seasons. The emergence of Josh Norman this season has brought tremendous upside to the future of that Carolina secondary. Even Luke Kuechly, the heart and soul of that linebacker corps missed the first handful of weeks of the 2015 season due to a concussion and the Panthers still were able to go undefeated for the first 14 games of the season. Ultimately, there’s no stopping Carolina, I have the final score being

Carolina 38 Denver 20

Next: Manning wins and retires

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass against the New England Patriots in the first quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Manning wins and retires Genna Preston: Twitter – Facebook

All season long I have been riding with the Broncos and I will not stop here. Peyton Manning will win his last Super Bowl before retirement.

Yes, Cam Newton is like no other quarterback but, let’s be honest, the Broncos’ defense is like no other. On average, the Broncos only allowed 84 rushing yards per game this season.

More jets: Top 3 Super Bowl 50 exclusive recipes by DJ CHEF

Let’s also not forget this is Cam’s first rodeo, and he has never had the pressure of such a big game. It could easily get the best of him and make him not be as effective.

Even with Newton’s red zone capabilities and Jonathan Stewart’s post season performance, I don’t think the Panther’s are taking this one. The Broncos’ defense will be too much to handle, while their offense delivers. Manning hangs up his helmet for the last time and silences his critics once and for all.