9 bold predictions for Super Bowl 50
With the playoffs down to the final two teams, theScore's NFL editors make nine bold predictions for Sunday's Super Bowl 50 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
Luke Kuechly records a pick-6 for the 3rd straight game
Kuechly became the first player with interceptions returned for touchdowns in two straight playoff games, and will continue the feat in Super Bowl 50. With Peyton Manning struggling to complete passes out of intermediate range, the NFL's premier cover linebacker will pounce and will bolster the Panthers' lead en route to Super Bowl glory. - Arun Srinivasan
Ronnie Hillman breaks Super Bowl rushing record
It stands to reason that Timmy Smith's record of 204 rushing yards would be broken by an equally obscure running back in football's biggest game. The Broncos will be running the ball and Hillman has shown a propensity for breaking off long runs at times, including a 72-yarder this season. - Joe Thomson
Cam Newton doesn't throw or run for a TD
Newton has accounted for a touchdown in all 18 games this season, but this will be his first game against an opponent that's had more than seven days to prepare for him. With limited skill position players around him, Cam will be the focus of Wade Phillips' game plan, and the Broncos' top-ranked stop unit will be raring to tee off on No. 1. - Gino Bottero
Broncos get shut out
With the league's best group of linebackers roaming underneath, the Panthers will take full advantage of Peyton Manning's inability to push the ball down field. Carolina's defense thus comes away with its most dominant performance of an already impressive playoff run, earning the first shutout in Super Bowl history. - Dan Wilkins
Peyton Manning throws for 400 yards
Manning puts on an electrifying performance in what will likely be the last game of his career, throwing for 400 yards and three touchdowns to win Super Bowl 50. He joins Kurt Warner as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to reach the 400-yard mark in the Super Bowl. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Thomas Davis will force 3 turnovers
Playing only two weeks after breaking his arm in the NFC title game, the Panthers linebacker will turn in a performance for the ages. Davis will intercept Peyton Manning and force two fumbles to lead the Panthers to a decisive win. - David P. Woods
Broncos become 1st team to win Super Bowl after trailing by 2 TDs
The biggest deficit ever overcome in the Super Bowl has been 10 points, with only three teams accomplishing the feat. The Broncos will rally late and make an historic comeback by erasing the Panthers' 14-point lead, shocking the world. - Jack Browne
Ted Ginn returns opening kickoff for TD
At Super Bowl XLI, Peyton Manning watched from the sidelines as Devin Hester became the first player in NFL history to take the Super Bowl's opening kickoff back for a touchdown. Manning will be feeling a sense of deja vu as Ginn does the same at Super Bowl 50, joining Hester as the only players to accomplish the feat. - Justin Boone
Brock Osweiler replaces Manning in the 1st half
Manning has wrestled the quarterback job back from Osweiler, but expect the Panthers to exploit his limitations. Carolina's defensive unit has no weaknesses and it shouldn't take long for them to make Manning look like the guy that threw 17 picks by early November. Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak is going to have no choice but to turn to Osweiler before the game completely gets away from the Broncos. - Michael Amato