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The big game between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos is nearly here. Our staff offers picks, predictions and what to watch for in Super Bowl 50.

Tim Heaney: Late TD gives Newton, Panthers title

The Carolina Panthers have to at least manage Von Miller coming off the edge to lead that elite defense. Peyton Manning must overcome his noodle arm and get the deep ball working against Carolina’s own ball-hawking defense, led by Josh Norman.

Both running games will stall. Norman will fluster Demaryius Thomas, and Carolina will at least contain Emmanuel Sanders.

If Peyton is retiring, he’ll go out with a loss. Eventually, the Cam Newton–Greg Olsen connection will overwhelm the tiny holes in Denver’s secondary.

The tight end caps off a marvelous postseason with a game-winning score in the final minutes. Superman takes home MVP honors.

Super Bowl 50: Panthers 23, Broncos 16

(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

Steve Gardner: Defense wins championships

The Carolina Panthers are on the verge of an all-time great NFL season, but when you look back at their road to the Super Bowl you find there weren’t very many bumps in the road. They played in perhaps the weakest division and had one of the league’s easiest schedules. They haven’t yet faced a defense that’s as good as the one they’ll see in Super Bowl 50.

Carolina has one weapon on offense: quarterback Cam Newton. With two weeks to prepare, I can see Denver defensive coordinator Wade Phillips constructing a scheme to contain Newton and force the rest of the Panthers to elevate their games.

I have no idea how Peyton Manning will attack the Panthers defense, but staying away from Josh Norman is a good start. C.J. Anderson will find room to run, and break a couple of long gainers on receptions. That will be good enough to elevate the Broncos to the top of the mountain.

Super Bowl 50: Broncos 20, Panthers 13

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Keith Hernandez: No. 18 rides off into the sunset with title

As a Denver fan, I just didn’t have it in me to pick against my squad in the big game.

The Carolina Panthers are insanely hot, but Denver’s No. 1 overall defense will find a way to slow Cam Newton down just enough. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware will find it tougher to get pressure against a solid Carolina offensive line, but Denver’s A+ secondary should be able to contain a speedy and inexperienced Panthers receiving corps.

Newton has taken his game to the next level, but a limited running game — Carolina’s streak of 31 straight games (including playoffs) with 100-plus yards rushing will end — will force him into tough reads in tight windows within the pocket.

Peyton Manning won’t let this one get away from Denver early like two years ago, and a slow and melodic offensive pace will be set early, favoring Denver. Don’t discount that noodle arm, either. No. 18 is the healthiest he’s been all season, and he’ll take a handful of shots downfield to test Carolina’s shaky secondary.

The X-factor will be Denver’s ground game. If they run the ball successfully, they’ll win. C.J. Anderson will get it done with 89 yards rushing and a score and will take home MVP honors.

Manning is carried off the field with a big grin on his face.

Super Bowl 50: Broncos 23 , Panthers 17

(Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports)

Cory J. Bonini: The moment becomes too large

You could see it during media week … Cam Newton’s face said it all: Enough with the questions, let’s play football.

Carolina is the better team. No doubt. That won’t matter if the Denver defense does its job. Contain Cam. Limit the running game. Prevent the home run. Force a lot of punts. They don’t even need to create many turnovers if their offense can limit the giveaways.

Obvious and easy, right?

Denver’s elite secondary is the difference. This allows predominantly using man-on-man coverage to free up an extra player to either attack the line of scrimmage or spy on Newton. There are too few holes in both defenses, which points to field position and special teams play as crucial factors.

Peyton Manning’s struggles are well-documented, but don’t discredit his experience of three past Super Bowl appearances. Denver has 18 players with experience in the big game vs. Carolina’s seven. That can’t hurt.

Four field goals from the right foot of Denver’s Brandon McManus will be hero in No. 18’s bid to ride off into the sunset as a winner, but linebacker Von Miller wins Super Bowl MVP.

Super Bowl 50: Broncos 19, Panthers 17

For a full Super Bowl 50 preview, check out the detailed analysis from TheHuddle.com’s David Dorey.