This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

James Taylor sang the words that everybody, including the Denver Broncos, will be singing/mumbling come Sunday night: "Ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I'm going to Carolina in my mind."

The Panthers are taking all of us to Carolina — as they win Super Bowl 50.

So, it's just a guess, but … there are all kinds of reasons to pick the Panthers to win the biggest game of the year, the most basic among them being that they are and have been the best team in the NFL the entire season, and they remain the best now.

None of the sentimentality surrounding 39-year-old Peyton Manning and his possible retirement changes that.

Cam Newton is the best player, too, utilizing those previously raw talents now refined into a quarterback who can hurt a defense with acumen and athleticism, both of which are required to beat that oh-so-aggressive Broncos defense. He's much more, of course, than the dabbing, celebrating, showboating alienator on whom the haters love to hate.

After studying what Denver's D did to Tom Brady and the Patriots, Newton, along with Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula, will be prepared to attempt at least to take advantage of that aggression — namely, the devastating pass rush of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware — with zone reads, with Newton's ability to run the ball between the tackles.

His physicality will be required to make that work — and it will, enough to create some vulnerability out of Denver's biggest strength, stirring a few big plays, enough to beat the Broncos. Newton is bigger than many of the linebackers in the league, and he's got that big arm, which, coupled with his speed, will balance the attack and enable the Panthers to do what the Patriots couldn't.

It is a bit of a warning that the last time Newton faced Manning, back in 2012, Newton was sacked seven times by Denver's defense and the Panthers lost, 36-14.

That was then, this is now.

Carolina's defense, led by Luke Kuechly, is difficult, especially against the run. For all the talk about Manning, it is on the ground where the Broncos must have success in order to give themselves a chance of winning. That could be problematic.

It's easy to believe the Panthers defense will jam things up along the front and utilize press coverage to force Manning to try to beat them over the top, something that may not work all that well for Denver. The talk this week has been that the legendary quarterback, possibly playing in his last game, has looked sharp passing in practice, has looked better than he has all season, which, plainly spoken, hasn't been all that great. That's what he'll have to be on Sunday: great.

Without enough run support, Peyton's rising is a tall order.

While Josh Norman is a great cornerback, great enough to have shut down his side of the field for much of the regular season and the playoffs, the rest of the Carolina secondary is so-so. But it is notable that the back of that defense, along with linebacker Kuechly, has been one of only two defenses that gained more interceptions this season than passing touchdowns allowed. That's impressive.

Yeah, we're all just guessing here. But the versatility of Newton, along with the limitations of the Broncos' offense, going up against these fine defenses, is enough to tilt the outcome toward the Panthers in what could reasonably be expected to turn out as a lower-scoring game, which will suit the Panthers fine.

Just like Taylor sang it: "In my mind I'm going to Carolina. Can't you see the sunshine, can't you just feel the moonshine? Ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind? Yes, I'm going to Carolina in my mind."

Panthers 28, Broncos 24.

GORDON MONSON hosts "The Big Show" with Spence Checketts weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 97.5 FM and 1280 AM The Zone. Twitter: @GordonMonson.