After 17 weeks of regular season football, three rounds of playoffs and one break week, we finally have the two teams that will be competing in Super Bowl 50. Representing the NFC Division are the Carolina Panthers, led by superstar MVP candidate Cam Newton. Representing the AFC Division are the Denver Broncos, led by the legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. Each team has gone through their own versions of adversity. One has gone through the regular season only losing once, while also gaining the respect of the league. The other has gone through the regular season with doubtful questions surrounding their team. Nevertheless, the two teams will meet at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. to battle for the Super Bowl title. Here is a preview of what you can expect in Super Bowl 50.

Carolina has been the most dangerous team in football this season. Finishing the regular season 15-1, Carolina will enter the Super Bowl the favorable pick to be the winner. Their impressive record allowed them to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Everyone questioned their legitimate skill in the playoffs due to their recent playoff loses. However, this Carolina team has excelled expectations in the playoffs.

In the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, Carolina defeated the Seattle Seahawks 31-24. This was a statement game by Carolina because they have had struggles against Seattle in previous years. Next, Carolina hosted the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship game. A dominant team effort resulted in Carolina winning the game 49-15. This is a basic overview of how the Carolina Panthers reached Superbowl 50. Now let's talk about why this team is so dominant.

Cam Newton. Newton has immersed to be a leader this season and the team has rallied around him. Although some disapprove of his arrogant tendencies, Newton has proven himself to be a valid MVP candidate. In this 2015 season, Newton has thrown for 3,875 yards and 35 touchdowns. Although some quarterbacks threw more touchdowns, no quarterback in the league comes close to this stat. Newton accumulated 636 yards and 10 touchdowns with the use of his mobility. Newton has proven to defenses that he is a dangerous dual-threat. Look no further than the most recent game, the NFC championship, for an example of his capability. Newton threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 47 yards and two scores. Note this is against an Arizona defense that ranks fifth in the NFL.

Few teams in the NFL have gone through more adversity than Denver. At the beginning of the season, Manning seemed aged; however, their defense was a bright spot in an otherwise confusing season. After Manning was injured for almost seven weeks, Brock Osweiler came in provided relief to the injured quarterback. Under Osweiler, Denver was able to clinch a playoff spot. Although Osweiler led the team to a positive record, Manning came in relief on the last game of the regular season. The spark Manning caused as he entered the game allowed him to become the starter of Denver’s playoff games. After overcoming an injured Pittsburgh Steelers team in the divisional, the Broncos advanced to face the New England Patriots in the AFC championship.

In a game full of many storylines, the main focus was on rivalry between Patriot’s quarterback, Tom Brady, and Manning. It was Manning who would emerge victorious in a 20-18 victory over New England. Because Denver was thought to be the underdog in this matchup, their ability to overcome adversity when others doubt them speaks to the nature of this team. This Denver team will carry a chip on their shoulder into Super Bowl 50.

A major advantage for Denver is their top ranked defense. With premiere pass rushers and a shut down secondary, Denver’s defense has the looks of a Super Bowl caliber defense. Throughout the season, this defense has supported a rather inconsistent offense. However, with the return of Manning, the entire team seems rejuvenated. Rejuvenated or not, this team will enter Super Bowl 50 as the underdogs. They are OK with that. They are used to being underdogs during this playoff race.

There are many correlations between this Carolina team and the 2013 Seattle Seahawks team that Denver knows too well. That 2013 Seattle team was the team that embarrassed the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. In that game, the Broncos with their top ranked offense were the favorites to win. Now in Superbowl 50, the script is flipped. Denver enters with top ranked defense and a good offense, and they will face a Carolina team who resembles that 2013 Seattle team (mobile quarterback, solid linebackers, top corner who wants to be thrown at and average receiving core).

If Denver is able to put the same pressure they did on Brady (20 hits!), they will win this game. It will be real challenge to see if that Denver pass rush can rattle Newton. On the other side, it will be a challenge for Denver’s offense to do anything against this defense that loves to create turnovers. One thing you can count on with Manning is that he is always able to diagnose defense and their weak spots.

As a Manning fan, I was confident in their last Super Bowl against Seattle and that game ended up going the complete opposite as I expected. I want Denver to win for the sole reason that Manning and other players like Demarcus Ware deserve a Super Bowl ring, and how iconic would it be for Manning to end his career with his second Super Bowl. It has been a bizarre season for Manning. However, there is nothing I would want more than for him to ride off into the sunset with his second Super Bowl ring. Aside from maybe some Patriot fans, I feel most of the NFL community would like to see Manning accomplish that.

Super Bowl 50 will be held on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and is being broadcasted by CBS.