The four best teams in the NFL squared off against each other in two exciting games Sunday night. Each team battling for an appearance in Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California. In a historic AFC matchup between the two greatest quarterbacks of the modern day era, the Denver Broncos host the dynastic New England Patriots. In the NFC however, is a battle for conference supremacy between two Heisman trophy winning, first overall draft pick quarterbacks, where the Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals.

New England @ Denver: 18-20

For the 17th time in their careers two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks, Peyton Manning went head-to-head against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Despite the fact that Denver had home field advantage, they still came into the game as the underdogs.

Both defenses came out strong allowing only a single touchdown to each team through the first quarter. In the second quarter, Denver was able to pull away allowing only a field goal for the Patriots while scoring ten points of their own, making the halftime score 9-17. In the second half, New England’s defense stepped up keeping Denver scoreless through the third quarter. However, New England could only come up with another field goal bringing them within five at 12-17. In the fourth quarter, Brady led a potential game winning drive, converting two fourth downs, both to Gronkowski with one being the final touchdown. In this case New England had to attempt the two point conversion because of Kicker Gostkowski’s missed PAT in the first quarter. The attempt had failed giving Denver the victory.

Many believe the missed PAT had cost the game for the Patriots while others believe it was the Denver’s #1 ranked defense against a shredded Patriots Offensive Line. Denver was able to lay a season-high 23 hits on Tom Brady.

This victory brought Peyton Manning to his fourth Super Bowl appearance, his first since the blowout loss in Super Bowl 48 to Seattle 43-8.

Arizona @ Carolina: 15-49

For the first time, two first overall picks, both Heisman winners in college will take on each other’s teams in the NFC Conference game. Both of these quarterbacks have had career years this season, both being MVP candidates leading their teams to the top two seeds. Cam Newton leading the #1 rushing offense against Carson Palmer leading the #1 passing offense.

The game was nowhere near as close as most thought it would be. Carolina has outscored their opponents 117-24 in their last six games. Despite Carolina’s unprecedented first half blowouts, they have been known to let their foot off the gas in the second half.

There was no difference in this game, as Carolina scored 17 unanswered points to start off the game before Arizona was finally able to score at the near end of the second quarter. The Panthers quickly answered with a last minute touchdown making the score 24-7 at halftime. In the third quarter Carolina was able to score ten more unanswered points within a five minute span. Following another Arizona touchdown, Carolina was able to put them away with two touchdowns that cause accusations of unsportsmanlike play. Arizona fans were very upset to see Carolina run up the score like they did. The final score was 49-15, Carolina easily making Cam’s first Super Bowl performance.

Super Bowl: Denver vs Carolina

February 7th, a tale of two stories between two quarterbacks. Peyton Manning playing in his fourth Super Bowl in hopes to win his second ring, in what could be his last career game. Cam Newton however, jumpstarting his career with his first Super Bowl appearance as the favorite against a legend.