Everyone is all over Carolina because most people have only seen them play 2 games, the playoff games vs Seattle and Arizona.
Seattle dominated most of the game. They stumbled out of the gate, literally, because Carolina installed a new field that was in terrible shape. Seattle wore the wrong shoes and didn't find the right ones until midway through the second. By that time, Carolina had 31 points, Carolina did not score again after 6 minutes in the 2nd. Shortly after Seattle solved their footing issue.
Cam threw for 161 yards. Stewart had 106 yards but 59 came on 1 play. Aside from that play he averaged 2.6 per rush.
Seattle threw all over Carolina. Wilson had 366 yards. Kearse had 11 receptions with 2 TDs. Baldiwn had 8 receptions. Despite what Baldwin likes to whine about lack of respect, the Seattle WRs are nothing special.
Carolina stomped Arizona but that was a total implosion by Palmer. The Cardinal defense was not the same after Tyron Mathieu got hurt in week 14.
I think Denver's playoff wins were more impressive. They had 2 hard fought 60 minute wins against offenses that are tougher to stop than Carolina. I know everybody thinks Cam is now some unstoppable force that has never been seen before, but at the end of the day Carolina is a power run team with Cam supplying some splash plays.
Wade Phillips confused Tom Brady. He has 2 weeks to prepare for Cam.
Most teams have to commit 8 or 9 to stop the Carolina run and that makes it easy for Cam. Denver's run defense is really good. Even if Denver brings the safety into the box to stop the run, they have the man coverage CBs who can cover the Panther WRs. Teams are afraid to use man against Cam because it's usually easier for the QB to run against man coverage. Denver's LBs can all run so they will be more willing to use man and make Cam complete tougher throws.
If Manning didn't have a noodle arm, this would be an easy Denver win, but he does. His arm did look better the last few weeks so maybe the time off and mild weather has helped.
I think it will be low scoring and defensive and either team can win. I like Denver's defense more. Carolina's defense isn't very tricky. Denver's can be and Cam hasn't faced a combo of pressure and coverage like Denver's so he is more likely to make a mistake.
Denver 24
Carolina 20