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2016 Season Opener - Panthers @ Broncos: Open Thread

AP

The NFL regular season begins tonight with a rematch of Super Bowl 50. In the final game of the 2015, Denver dominated Cam Newton and the Panthers offense with a elite combination of suffocating pass coverage and fierce pass rush.

The Panthers will be seeking to avenge their most recent defeat and avoid the dreaded Super Bowl runner-up hangover. Cam Newton will have his best receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, back from injury for this contest. Carolina features Luke Kuechly, the best all-around linebacker in the game today, along with well-rounded linebacker Thomas Davis and penetrating defensive tackle Kawaan Short. But their pass defense could certainly regress without Josh Norman, they may end up starting rookies at each cornerback spot.

The defending champion Broncos also lost some pieces from their defense, but the still have the components to create another fearsome unit. A quartet of talented edge rushers, led by Von Miller and trio of top notch press-man corners figure to make life difficult for Newton in this matchup. On offense, completely inexperienced quarterback Trevor Siemian hopes to find his explosive receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders behind a rebuilt offensive line.

Vegas has set the point spread with Carolina as a three-point road favorite. This should be an entertaining game. Happy New Season!

Post your predictions and observations in the comments section below