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Factoid

Defense versus Defense

Matchup of two elite performers

Super Bowl 50 will get a lot of mileage from Peyton Manning versus Cam Newton, old versus young. Maybe Newton versus Denver's defense, too. But it's also a matchup of two of the league's very best defenses during the regular season, in nearly every respect.

By almost every defensive measurement -- yards and points allowed, sacks, fumble recoveries, interceptions, touchdowns -- the Broncos and Panthers ranked among the league's elite performers. In only one of nine key categories did the Broncos rank lower than 7th last season. In only two of nine did Carolina rank lower than 6th.

The current over-under and point spread numbers suggest both teams will score in the 20s; a 25-21 type of game. That might be too high.

Defensive rankings in each of nine key NFL and fantasy areas are presented below.

DENVER AND CAROLINA DEFENSES, 2015 NFL RANKS
CategoryDenverCarolina
Sacks1st6th
Interceptions13th1st
Fumbles4th1st
Takeaways7th1st
Pts (TDs/Safeties)2nd11th
Pass Yards1st15th
Rush Yards2nd4th
Total Yards1st6th
Points Allowed4th6th

--Andy Richardson

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