Denver-Carolina: A Possible Super Bowl Preview

Could this matchup of Denver and Carolina be a preview of the world's biggest game? 

Both teams are getting hot at the right time, and this matchup is even more intriguing than the records of either team indicates.

Not only are both teams in first place, but both teams have a streak that neither plans on breaking.

The Panthers are 7-0 at home, including a 15-point thrashing of division rival Tampa Bay last Monday night.

Denver is 3-0 against the NFC South, and have won three consecutive road games.

Carolina's Two-Headed Monster

The duo of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams has been absolutely incredible for the Panthers this season.  Williams is fifth in the NFL with 1,141 rushing yards, accompanied by 13 touchdowns.

First-round pick Jonathan Stewart has been very impressive, rushing for 699 yards and eight touchdowns. 

These two backs will be quite a task for the Broncos, who rank 26th in the NFL in rush defense.

The AFC's Best Offense

Denver boasts the AFC's top offense and are averaging 394 yards per game.  The Broncos are led by soon-to-be-Pro-Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, who could reach the 4,000 yards passing plateau if he has a big game through the air. 

Cutler has thrown 23 touchdowns, and six of them have gone to the AFC's top vote-getter among wide receivers in Brandon Marshall. 

Marshall is one of the NFL's most dominant receivers with his great size, strength, and ability to make plays after the catch.

Intriguing Matchups in the Trenches

Carolina's group of pass-rush specialists is headlined by defensive end Julius Peppers, who leads a defense that has sacked opposing quarterbacks 29 times this season, good for ninth in the NFL. 

Peppers and the Panther defense will have a tough time getting to Cutler, seeing as the Broncos' offensive line has given up a NFL-low eight sacks all season long.

Denver left tackle Ryan Clady, right tackle Ryan Harris, and right guard Chris Kuper have yet to allow a sack this season, and are playing at a level far above their age.

Steve Smith's Twin?

Carolina wideout Steve Smith has been unstoppable lately and he recently eclipsed the 1,000-yard-receiving mark for the fourth consecutive season. 

The superstar receiver has been one of the lone bright spots in this Carolina passing game, and has failed to reach 100 yards receiving only twice since Week Six.

Like Steve Smith, Denver has an "undersized return specialist" playing very well at wide receiver—Star rookie Eddie Royal. Royal is the best rookie receiver in the NFL, leading in receptions (69), yards (799), and touchdowns (five).

Carolina's secondary will have a difficult time defending both Royal and Marshall on the outside.

Help is on the way?

Denver is looking to get back three defensive starters this Sunday.

Linebacker D.J. Williams and defensive backs Champ Bailey and Marlon McCree are all projected to return to action for this big game against the Panthers.

Williams would replace either Wesley Woodyard or Jamie Winborn on the outside, although for those who have watched the Broncos lately, that would be bittersweet.

Winborn leads the team in tackles since Williams went down and Woodyard has made his share of plays as well. 

Bailey's return would be monumental and he would replace rookie Josh Bell at cornerback.  Bell has also played very well in the absence of Bailey.

Marlon McCree may take over for Marquand Manuel at strong safety with the recent play of rookie safety Josh Barrett.

Bell, Boyd, and Pope to see time at RB

The recent injury to rookie running back Peyton Hillis leaves the Broncos with Tatum Bell, Cory Boyd, and P.J. Pope at running back, and it will be interesting to see how this situation develops. 

If Denver can establish a semblance of a running game with these three, they could win easily over Carolina.

Game Prediction

Carolina is hot right now, but Denver is on fire.  The Broncos are undefeated against the NFC South, have won three consecutive road games, and are playing inspired on defense of late.

I think Jay Cutler and the Broncos will be able to establish an early lead via the arm of Cutler, forcing Jake Delhomme to beat the Broncos through the air.  As we all know, Champ Bailey and Dre Bly make that very difficult for opposing offenses, and the Broncos will clinch their division with a victory.

Broncos  31,  Panthers  24

Fantasy Preview

Broncos

QB Jay Cutler: 30-of-40, 290 yards, 3 TD's, 1 INT

RB Tatum Bell: 15 carries, 80 yards

RB Cory Boyd: 10 carries, 45 yards, TD

WR Brandon Marshall: 7 receptions, 115 yards, TD

WR Eddie Royal: 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD

TE Tony Scheffler:  5 receptions, 65 yards

TE Daniel Graham: 4 receptions, TD

Panthers

QB Jake Delhomme: 28-of-42, 240 yards, TD, 2 INT

RB DeAngelo Williams: 16 carries, 95 yards, 2 TD's

RB Jonathan Stewart:14 carries, 80 yards

WR Steve Smith: 3 receptions, 50 yards

WR Mushin Muhammad: 6 receptions, 90 yards, TD

TE Jeff King: 7 receptions, 80 yards