Super Bowl 2016 Predictions: 18 Experts' Early Picks For Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos

Cam Newton Panthers 2015 — Odds makers and NFL experts are heavily favoring Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers ahead of Super Bowl 50 Sunday. Getty Images

Experts from around the country are falling right in line with Las Vegas odds makers and picking the Carolina Panthers to beat the Denver Broncos in Sunday’s Super Bowl 50 for the first NFL championship in the franchise’s history.

Thus far 18 NFL experts and reporters have submitted their Super Bowl picks, and the Panthers have secured 13 selections compared to the Broncos five head of the matchup at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Carolina, led by presumed league MVP and quarterback Cam Newton and a punishing defense, was immediately tagged as 4.5-point favorites by odds makers once the matchup was set last week. And over the last 10 days the Panthers have jumped to 6-point favorites, according to VegasInsider.com.

Newton’s dominance, which includes his 50 total touchdowns scored between the regular season and playoffs, and the Panthers defense recently rocking the formidable Arizona Cardinals for seven turnovers and allowing just 60 rushing yards have given them an edge on Denver.

However, despite quarterback Peyton Manning’s injury and throwing woes, the Broncos have reached the Super Bowl also due in part to an excellent defense that led the NFL in yards allowed and sacks, and was second in points surrendered.

Manning also showed signs of improvement in the AFC championship victory over New England, tossing two first-half touchdowns and preventing a turnover for the first time since Week 10 of the regular season.

Here are the early predictions from some notable names

Early Expert Predictions

AccuScore

Pick: Broncos

John Breech, CBS Sports

Pick: Broncos

Will Brinson, CBS Sports

Pick: Panthers

Jared Dubin, CBS Sports

Pick: Panthers

Jamey Eisenberg, CBS Sports

Pick: Panthers