Super Bowl 50 is only six days away, and this showdown of the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers has loads of potential. With all of the hoopla created by opening night, we need to not get caught just listening to what these people are saying. What happens on the field is all that matters, and these matchups -- the top five matchups -- will decide the outcome of the game.
5. C.J. Anderson/Ronnie Hillman vs. Panthers' Front Seven
A huge part of the Broncos' gameplan will revolve around protecting Peyton Manning from a dominant Panthers defense. While that generally means pass protection, in this case, Manning's best friend will be the running game.
If Anderson and Hillman can get the game going, along with that offensive line, then Manning will have a much better chance in this one. The legendary quarterback isn't what he once was, obviously, especially regarding his mobility. Denver needs to rely on the run to set up the pass, and Manning has historically played much better when he can utilize both facets of the offense with effectiveness, reading the defense and getting them into a play that will work.
The only way the Broncos offense can be more effective than all of the other ones that played Carolina this season is if they can avoid being one-dimensional.
4. Cam Newton/Jonathan Stewart vs. Broncos' Front Seven
Just like for the Broncos, a major key for the Panthers in the Super Bowl will be establishing the ground game. This obviously comes in the form of mostly Newton and Stewart, and they'll need to run the ball consistently to keep that dangerous pass rush and opportunistic secondary from being able to focus in on the pass.
Carolina can ill afford to get away from the run game, as their receivers simply aren't good enough to consistently win one-on-one battles against Denver's excellent cornerbacks.
As they've done all year, they'll need balance, and for Newton to keep the defense on its toes.
3. Greg Olsen vs. T.J. Ward
When Kelvin Benjamin went down with injury, all of the pressure was placed on the Panthers tight end, Greg Olsen. He hasn't let that affect him one bit.
Olsen is a top-five tight end in the NFL today, and he's one of the main reasons why the offense didn't fall apart at any point this year. He's been as reliable as you could ask of him, and Newton will need him to be effective in this game. But it won't be easy.
Ward is an extremely physical safety, and while he won't be all alone in covering Olsen, he'll have a big impact. This matchup will be an exciting one to watch.
2. Demaryius Thomas vs. Josh Norman
On the other side of things, Thomas presents a tremendous challenge to Norman. Thomas has yet to break out in this postseason, and that's exactly what makes him so dangerous.
He's itching to take over a game and make some major plays. And on the grandest stage, assuming a guy who only has six catches so far in the first two playoff games won't be going his hardest or will be lacking confidence would be naive. Norman has been fantastic all year long, but faces his biggest challenge.
If Norman can lockdown Thomas all game long, the other 10 Panther defenders will have a much, much easier job containing the run game, which means Manning would struggle.
1. Michael Oher/Mike Remmers vs. Von Miller
Finally, the penultimate matchup of the game undoubtedly has to involved Von Miller specifically.
Miller might be the biggest game-changing pass rusher in the league right now, and proved to be a terror for Tom Brady last week, racking up 2.5 sacks, a pass breakup and an interception.
Both Oher and Remmers will be tasked with facing Miller at times during the Super Bowl, but the latter will hold the majority as Miller mostly lines up on his side. Now both of these players haven't been exactly dominant, but they've held their own most games, allowing Newton and company to execute an extremely effective offense. If they can somewhat contain him -- and it's a group effort no doubt with the guards, tight ends and backs -- then life will be much better.
Easier said than done, though. The outcome of this game could very well be linked to how much Miller is able to impose his will, or how little.
