Super Bowl 2016: Location, Point Spread and Pick for Panthers vs. Broncos

The matchup is set for Super Bowl 50, and it looks like a classic.

Regardless of the outcome Feb. 7, fans will view the game as a passing of the torch from one of the sport's all-time great quarterbacks to the latest up-and-coming superstar.

Here's a look at all the information you'll need to watch the game, followed by a breakdown of the action between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos:

Date	Time (ET)	Matchup (Spread)	Location	TV
Sunday, Feb. 7	6:30 p.m.	Broncos vs. Panthers (-4.5)	Santa Clara, California	CBS

How the Broncos Can Win

Most non-Panthers fans can probably agree it would be fun to see vintage Peyton Manning light up the scoreboard and sail off into the sunset. But that's not a realistic scenario for the Broncos. 

If Denver is to pull off the upset, it will be up to defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' unit to shut down Cam Newton.

It sounds like a tall order, but after the Broncos pass rush obliterated the New England Patriots offensive line in the AFC Championship Game, a similar performance seems possible. 

In theory, getting to Newton should be easier than it was to bring down Tom Brady. 

During the 2015 regular season, Newton had a sack rate of 6.2 percent, making him the 16th-easiest quarterback to bring down. Brady ranked 18th at 5.7 percent, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.

If Von Miller and Co. can rattle Newton in the same way they affected Brady, the Broncos should be in good position to win another Super Bowl for Manning.

How the Panthers Can Win

It's amazing what Newton's accomplished with his crew of journeyman receivers. 

The Panthers' three leading receivers—Greg Olsen, Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery—have 30 combined seasons in the NFL under their belts with just two Pro Bowl selections to their names (both Olsen). 

Despite a roster filled with no-name players surrounding Newton, Carolina's offense has become the most explosive in the NFL.

Dating to Week 11, the Panthers have scored 30 or more points in all but one game, including a combined 80 points in their two playoff victories.

If the Panthers offensive line, especially tackles Michael Oher and Mike Remmers, can keep Denver's pass rush at bay, there's no reason to expect Carolina's offense to slow down.

Since Denver has scored 30 points in regulation only once this season (Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs), the Panthers should cruise to victory if they can turn the Super Bowl into a shootout. 

Final Prediction

The best storyline would be for Manning to go out on top, but it's tough to imagine the Broncos defense slowing down the Panthers' juggernaut offense. 

If stopping Carolina were as simple as negating one star player, it would be a feasible task, but the Panthers are winning because of production from all corners of the roster. 

This game should go down as the passing of the torch from Manning to Newton as the young signal-caller becomes the face of the league and the NFL's premier franchise quarterback.

Prediction: Panthers win, 31-17.