Two of the best teams in the NFL will be competing in Super Bowl 50 as the top-seeded teams from both the AFC and NFC are matched up in the Conference Championship games.
Here is a quick breakdown of the possible matchups for the NFL’s golden anniversary.
Patriots vs. Cardinals
It’s hard to imagine a better contest from a pure enjoyment standpoint. Even with all the star players assembled, the coaches would take center stage. Arizona’s Bruce Arians and New England’s Bill Belichick are the best coaches in the game right now and do it two totally different ways.
Arians is cool. Picture him on the sidelines with his Kangol hat across the field from Belichick in his cut-off hoodie. The two make a fashion statement while competing for the game’s top prize.
But, I digress. In terms of quarterback play in this matchup, there haven’t been two guys playing the position much better than Carson Palmer and Tom Brady this season. Palmer had some struggles against Green Bay in the divisional round, but he got that first playoff win under his belt. Brady’s ability to rise on the biggest stage needs no real explanation.
This one offers the continued legacy building for the Patriots, who could become the first repeat champs since they did it in 2004 and 2005, perhaps the start of a legacy for Arians and the Cardinals, career redemption for Palmer and the possibility for a wild shootout.
Panthers vs. Patriots
A revenge game for the Panthers from over a decade ago when Brady, still building his legacy as one of the all-time greats, marched the Pats down the field for the game-winning field goal.
That was a Panthers defense built on some crazy talent. Sound familiar? They are building a similar style, molded after Ron Rivera’s hard-nosed, defensive approach. He has some experience from the 1985 Super Bowl champion Bears, who won with, you guessed it, defense.
Cam Newton wasn’t even eligible to drive, much less drive down the field the last time Brady faced the Panthers in the Super Bowl. There is a chance for some really good football in this matchup, and expect Newton to add a few moves to his dance routine on the big stage.
Cardinals vs. Broncos
The obvious storyline here is Peyton Manning winning a second Super Bowl. But does it count if he’s not the one winning it for his team? If Manning limped through the AFC Championship game, would the Broncos consider going to Brock Osweiler?
The more interesting factor here is how the Broncos’ defense and their impressive trio of cornerbacks would matchup against the Cards’ group of receivers. Arians’ go-for-it style and Palmer’s willingness to heave the football all over the field against Denver’s pass rush and ball-hawking would be a fascinating game of chicken.
Broncos vs. Panthers
If the Panthers make it, there’s a major upstart factor here with – again – no one believing in Carolina. And how could we continue to overlook a team that went 15-1 during the regular season while advancing to the second Super Bowl in team history.
The Panthers are a fiery bunch and would continue to use the us-against-the-world approach, especially when all eyes will be focused on Manning and his quest for another ring in the twilight of his career.
We are getting a great Super Bowl 50 matchup, however it works out.
If your favorite team didn’t make the playoffs you can still enjoy the excitement of wagering on Super Bowl 50. That’s right, you can wager on spreads, totals, moneylines and props during commercials and timeouts.
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker now. Super Bowl 50, the biggest sporting event in the world, takes place Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Start handicapping the big game and odds today!
