Lets look at Peyton Manning in this game. We all know he is not QB he once was, but he is also not the QB he was before coming back from his neck injury.
Manning is now a game manager, nothing more nothing less.
Since returning he has averaged 216 yards a game, with a 57% completion rate, 1 td while turning the ball over at a .33 rate, avg 2 sacks taken a game giving him a 81.25 QB rating.
Manning can only hope he is not the one to lose the game. Manning's value is in setting protections, reading coverage, and being a cerebral game manager. Overall the offense has avg 23 points a game.
Norman is trouble for any team, he will likely follow Thomas around and Manning would be smart to avoid him if possible. This is a all pro vs all pro match up which favors the Panthers.
DT is a tough one. The match up that will be exploited is Sanders against McLain or Finnegan. This favors Denver and it's really not even close. The Panthers like to use Coleman as a ball hawk. But he will not be shading the numbers they will use him to take away the TE seams. If he plays a great game it will pose challenges for Denver, Carolina's Safety play is their key.
Carolina's front seven is very talented, the best comparison I see is the Bengals, although Panthers are better. Overall the biggest challenge for Denver is whoever is up on Schofield at RT. T Davis and obviously Kuechly needs to be accounted for. The Broncos will attempt to run at Thompson and the Allen side. TDheir success or failure will dictate a lot for Denver.
This game will come down to this, which defense shuts down which offense to a greater degree. Each team has a clear advantage over the respected offensive competition. Turnovers and special teams will dictate victory.
Go Panthers
