Whether you want to look at it as 17-year NFL veteran Peyton Manning’s last shot at a claiming a second Super Bowl ring vs. Cam Newton’s chance at a first Super Bowl ring in his 5-year NFL career, or a clash between the All-time winner in the league’s MVP Award (Manning with five claims) and this year’s most probable winner (Newton), or even a game for all ages—pitting Carolina’s #1 (aged 26) against Denver’s #8 (aged 39)—as Newton seeks to grab the torch from Manning; what remains for sure is that the Newton vs. Manning quarterback is one that guarantees to leave a lasting mark in the world of NFL betting. To check out the latest odds and betting trends regarding Super Bowl 50 click here. It’s what many refer to as the perfect intersection of the NFL’s past, present and future—with the two quarterbacks going all in for a win-or-go-home-crying showdown—the league is set to witness a truly memorable QB battle. Will we be having a befitting curtain-close victory for Manning in his swansong NFL season, or will Newton finally christen his name among the greats of the game with a win in his first Super Bowl appearance? Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of this delectable Super Bowl 50 quarterback duel.
Super Bowl 50 Odds and Game Info
When: Sunday, February 7, 2015Kickoff: 6:30 PM ETWhere: Santa Clara, CAStadium: Levi’s StadiumSpread: Panthers -5Moneyline: Carolina -185 vs Denver +160Game Total: 43.5Watch: CBSStream: CBS SportsPerformance in the Regular Season
Manning NewtonYards: 2,249 3,837Completions: 198 / 331 296 / 495Completion %: 59.8% 59.8%Passing TDs: 9 35Longest pass: 75 yards 74 yardsInterceptions: 17 10Fumbles: 0 4Pass Rating: 67.9 99.4Pass AVG: 6.8 yards 7.8 yardsCompletion AVG: 11.4 yards 13.0 yardsSacks: 16 33Going by the above numbers, it is clear that, although both QBs had identical passing completion percentages, Newton had a far more effective season that Manning. Notably, Manning played 10 games (9 starts) and had a 7-2 record as starter while Newton played 16 games (all of them being starts) in the regular season and had a 15-1 record. If you want to get the full story about their levels of efficiency, check out their touchdown to interception ratios, along with their eventual passer ratings at the end of the season.On top of being a better passer, Newton—an Auburn product—importantly tallied league-highs of 10 touchdowns and 636 yards on the ground. Manning, meanwhile, had a -6 rushing mark with zero TDs in the regular season. Without doubt, the edge from the regular season therefore goes to Newton.Playoff Performance
Since coming back from injury, The Sherriff has been a different man, going three games (San Diego, Pittsburgh and New England) without throwing any interceptions. In his two playoff games, Manning is 2-0 as a starter, going 38 of 69 passing for 398 yards and 2 touchdowns with zero interceptions. On the flipside, Super Cam is 2-0 in the playoffs with 35 of 50 passing for 496 yards and 3 TDs, along with 50 yards and 2 more touchdowns on the ground. Once again, Newton’s numbers look better here, giving the edge to Panthers.All-Time Playoff Record
Since being drafted in the 1st round (1st overall) during the 1998 NFL Draft, Manning is 13-13 in 26 career playoff starts, including a Super Bowl win with Indianapolis in the 2006 campaign. A win in this Super Bowl matchup would thus take his record above the .500 mark. In the meantime, Newton has been on the rise since he was drafted in the 1st round (1st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. After going 0-1 in his first playoff year, Newton was 1-1 last year and now he is 2-0, taking his all-time playoff record to 3-2. With the momentum of two solid wins in the playoffs this year, it’s comes as no surprise that many people are leaning on Newton and the Panthers here. Even so, Manning’s immense experience of playing in pressure-filled playoff games levels the playing field for the two quarterbacks, as far as competitiveness is concerned. So rather than side with either of the two QBs, I’d say things are sort of evened out here.