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The Carolina Panthers Super Bowl 50 odds to win updated January 15, 2016 were set at 5/1 for a potential payout of $500 on every $100 or $50 on every $10 bet heading into the post season and have since been reduced to 2/1, tied with the Patriots entering the Conference Playoffs.
The Panthers built a 31-0 lead before that nearly collapsed with a 31-24 finish.
Jonathan Stewart, returning from a foot injury, scored two touchdowns after jumpstarting the Panthers with a 59-yard sprint on their first play. Cam Newton threw for a touchdown and fellow All-Pro Luke Kuechly ran in an early interception for a score as Carolina built a 31-0 advantage.
Sunday night's NFC Championship game will be the first-ever meeting between Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks in the playoffs, with the winner carrying his franchise to its second Super Bowl appearance.
Carolina (16-1) has become a different team with the emergence of Newton. The Panthers, often known for their defense under coach Ron Rivera, averaged an NFL-high 31.3 points to rank just ahead of Arizona's 30.6.
Newton became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw 35 touchdown passes and run for 10, and along with Palmer will garner plenty of MVP votes
Carolina is the only team to go unbeaten at home this season, but Arizona enters with a 7-1 road record entering the Conference Playoffs.
''We prepared too much to get nervous,'' Newton said. ''In some way, shape or form we played this game numerous times in our head, watched countless film, made this adjustment and that adjustment, so when you're put in the fire you already have what you need to do what you do. Nothing else needs to be done or said. No matter if we're up or we're down, just believe in the plan and keep going.''
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
