Every football season begins with 32 teams. Once the playoffs roll around we are left with 12. But now, we have two Goliaths left standing. On Feb. 7, we will see the Denver Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers in Santa Clara, Calif. The Broncos came into the playoffs as the number one seed in the AFC, while the Panthers entered as number one in the NFC. So how did each team get here, and how do they match up come Feb. 7?

Denver Broncos

The Broncos finished the season as the champs of the AFC West, topping the Kansas City Chiefs to win the division and claim the top slot in the AFC. They went 12-4 during the regular season, as they changed between two quarterbacks and relied on their stout defense.

The first eight weeks saw the Broncos go 7-0, with their first loss coming in Indy to the Colts in week nine. Week 10 saw the Broncos fall for a second week with a beat down at the hands of the Chiefs in Denver. Brock Osweiler would take over at quarterback for the next six weeks as Peyton Manning recovered from a foot injury, going 4-2. Manning would return in week 17 as the Broncos defeated the Chargers to secure the one seed.

The Broncos got a bye in the first week of the playoffs as a result, which allowed for Manning and the team to rest up. Week two of playoffs saw the Broncos defeat a Steelers team loaded with injuries. Then in the AFC Championship game Denver just slipped past the Patriots to secure their Super Bowl bid.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers won the NFC South, and showed they were the best team in football all season. They went 15-1 during the regular season, dominating virtually every opponent they faced. They utilized their high powered defense and non-stop offense, lead by MVP candidate Cam Newton.

Fifteen weeks into the season the Panthers were still undefeated. It was not until a trip to Atlanta in week 16 that saw the Panthers suffer their first and only defeat of the season. Carolina would get back on track in week 17 when they defeated Tampa Bay by a whooping score of 38-10.

The Panthers also got to rest up in week one of the playoffs, as they earned a well deserved bye. Week two of playoffs saw Carolina get an early lead on the Seahawks, and hold them off late. Then in the NFC Championship game the Panthers made a bold statement, defeating the Arizona Panthers by a score of 49-15. This stamped their ticket to Super Bowl 50.

Super Bowl 50

Two teams with stellar defenses will go head-to-head in the final game of the season. This Sunday will be the culmination of the 2015/2016 NFL season, and the number one seed from each conference will go toe-to-toe.

The Panthers are the more balanced of the two teams. They have a high powered offense, led by dynamic quarterback Cam Newton. His top weapon in the passing game is stud tight end Greg Olsen. The defense is just as solid for Carolina. Either side of the ball can turn the game in favor of the Panthers.

The Broncos are a much more one-sided team, however. Their defense may be the best in football, and it is the only reason the Broncos have come this far. They will present a true test for the Panthers' offense, unlike one they have seen this season. Offensively, the Broncos are not nearly as strong as they were a few seasons ago. This could be Manning's final season, and it shows. He has battled injuries all season and simply has not looked the same all year.

This sets up to be more of a defensive showdown, as both teams will need to rely on their defenses, more so the Broncos. The Broncos will stand no chance if they cannot contain Newton and company. Scoring will not come easy for Denver, and this could turn ugly quick if the Panthers' defense can turn into offense via turnovers.

So the Broncos need this to be low scoring, ugly and a battle of defense. They cannot win a shootout with the high octane offense of Carolina. Carolina is in full control, as they are hands down the better overall team.

Prediction: Panthers 21-10.