Cam Newton is hoping for a better outing this time around against the Broncos. (Getty)
As the Denver Broncos raise their Super Bowl 50 banner, the Carolina Panthers will look for redemption to kick off the NFL season. According to OddsShark, the Panthers are favored by three points in the matchup.
The over-under is set at 41.5 points. The OddsShark computer projects the Broncos to be victorious 23-15.6. The computer is taking the points and the under on the point total.
The last time we saw these two teams Cam Newton struggled against the stout Denver defense. Newton failed to throw a touchdown and had a quarterback rating of 55.4. This game features one key variable that is different from February’s championship contest.
Denver will start a quarterback, Trevor Siemian, who has taken one career NFL snap. Additionally, the Broncos lost defensive tackle Malik Jackson to the Jaguars. On the Carolina side, cornerback Josh Norman has moved on to the Washington Redskins.
While Denver’s defense may be the stronger unit, the Panthers defense is no slouch. The Panthers will face an inexperienced quarterback with revenge on their minds from the Super Bowl defeat. Newton is a known commodity while Siemian is a variable with a marginal body of work in college.
One advantage Newton will have that was missing in the Super Bowl is top wideout Kelvin Benjamin who will return against the Broncos after missing all of last season. Look for the Panthers to take advantage of the Broncos pedestrian offense, and Newton to have a much more effective game than their last outing.
Heavy’s Pick: Carolina Panthers 20 Denver Broncos 16. Panthers -3. Under on the total.