13 NFL Experts Who Picked Broncos to Beat Panthers in Super Bowl 50

Yesterday, we highlighted thirty NFL experts who predicted the Panthers would beat the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. We could have featured a lot more. The overwhelming majority of sports pundits thought Carolina would thrash Denver in the big game — including our own prognosticator, Brian Badzmierowski, who has now...

By Michael Roberts

February 9, 2016

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Yesterday, we highlighted thirty NFL experts who predicted the Panthers would beat the Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

We could have featured a lot more. The overwhelming majority of sports pundits thought Carolina would thrash Denver in the big game — including our own prognosticator, Brian Badzmierowski, who has now posted about how he was wrong (but not about everything).

Turns out, though, that some pickers actually gave the Broncos the nod. Not nearly as many — but we found thirteen that accurately foresaw Denver finishing on top.

It's good information to have, since it'll give us a better idea to whom we should pay attention the next time the Broncos are in the Super Bowl.

Count down the photo-illustrated baker's dozen below.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Broncos, 23-21

Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL Media: Broncos, 42-28

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Broncos 17-14

Jarrett Bell, USA Today: Broncos 27-24

Chris Berman, ESPN: Broncos, 23-20

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, NFL Media: Broncos 23-20

Nate Davis, USA Today: Broncos 24-23

Chris Mortensen, ESPN: Broncos, 27-24

Adam Schefter, ESPN: Broncos, 20-16

Trent Dilfer, ESPN: Broncos, 21-20

Mike Reiss, ESPN: Broncos, 24-20

Trey Wingo, ESPN: Broncos, 27-17

John Breech, CBS Sports: Broncos 23-20

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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