Cam Newton and Carson Palmer look to join
the list of Heisman QBs to win Super Bowls
Arizona @ Carolina (-3) - This is a cold weather game for teams that have traditionally played in warm weather. If anything, the cold weather plays more into Carolina's ability to run the ball with Newton and Stewart. Carson Palmer poise suffered against a solid Green Bay defense. Green Bay may have come away with a win had they not lost Randall Cobb for the game, although the Packers had their fair share of luck with a hail mary play to send the game into the overtime. The loss of pro bowler Mike Iupati could hurt Arizona's chances if they cannot protect Carson Palmer.
Carolina appears to click on all cylinders by scoring 31 unanswered points against Seattle in the first half. Questions remain about the Panthers' mental focus as Seattle made a game of it. The loss of defensive end Jared Allen hurts but the Panthers still have key defensive weapons to slow down Arizona. Newton's ability to run the ball and throw it could be the difference in this game.
New England (-3) @ Denver - Tom Brady is 2-6 at Denver and Peyton Manning did beat New England last time in their meeting 2 years ago. Still, Peyton Manning looks like a below average quarterback at this point of his career. Denver really struggled against Pittsburgh last week but Denver's ability to create turnovers helped swing the game.
While New England's running game has suffered due to injuries, Brady has done well connecting with his receivers including Edelman and Gronkowski. The Broncos could keep this game close with its defense, running game, and special teams but Manning's inability to throw the ball deep makes the Patriots the favorites.
Last week: 3-0-1
Playoffs: 5-2-1
This season: 133-103-8
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