Panthers will travel to face the Broncos on Thursday in the NFL's season opener. Panthers vs Broncos Live

The Broncos knocked off the defending champion New England Patriots, 20-18, in the AFC Championship. Peyton Manning threw two touchdowns to Owen Daniels, but otherwise the 40-year-old quarterback played game manager with his defense putting on an inspired performance. Tom Brady was harassed all day by Denver's defense, which sacked him four times and forced two interceptions.
CROLINA PANTHERE VS DENVER BRONCOS LIVE
CROLINA PANTHERE VS DENVER BRONCOS LIVE

Still, Brady nearly completed a comeback thanks to Rob Gronkowski, who made a brilliant catch on fourth down to save the Patriots' last drive and scored a touchdown to make it 20-18. However, the Patriots' two-point conversion failed, sending Manning to the Super Bowl for the third time in his career.

The Panthers had little trouble taking care of the Arizona Cardinals. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and eventually ran away with the 49-15 victory. Cam Newton threw two touchdowns and ran for two more, while the defense terrorized Carson Palmer. Palmer melted down with four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Luke Kuechly. He also lost two fumbles. It was a disappointing finish for Palmer, who played at an MVP level for most of the year.

This is the second time Carolina made the Super Bowl, and the first time in Newton's career. The Panthers last made the big game in the 2003 season, falling to the Patriots, 32-29. The Broncos made the Super Bowl eight times in their history, although they only won it twice. John Elway raised the Lombardi Trophy in the 1997 and 1998 seasons, capping off his Hall of Fame career in style.