Game story
In the Conf. Championship of the 2015 NFL season on 2016-02-07, the Denver Broncos took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 24–10 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 11 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -12.56 total EPA, and -16.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Brown (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.09 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-14.0% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Carolina Panthers changed the game: (6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN. V.Miller credited with 15-yd sack.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Denver Broncos | 10 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Brown · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +4.09 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 2 A. Caldwell · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.64 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.64 EPA/play
- 3 E. Sanders · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.55 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 4 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.52 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 5 B. Fowler · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.05 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
- 6 T. Ginn · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.96 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.10 EPA/play
- 7 D. Funchess · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.94 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 8 O. Daniels · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.36 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Brown — CAR · Receiving
C. Brown posted the highest total EPA (+4.09) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +0.58 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.63 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN. V.Miller credited with 15-yd sack.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — C. Newton
- Carolina Panthers — J. Stewart
- Denver Broncos — C. Anderson
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 10–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CAR 16 (Q1 55:47) — (10:47) 8-B.McManus 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the DEN 85 (Q1 51:34); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q1 51:27) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the DEN 1 (Q2 41:28) — (11:28) 28-J.Stewart left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q2 41:25); Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CAR 15 (Q2 37:01) — (7:01) 8-B.McManus 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CAR 12 (Q3 23:22) — (8:22) 8-B.McManus 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 8–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the DEN 21 (Q4 10:26) — (10:26) 9-G.Gano 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CAR 2 (Q4 3:13); Denver Broncos registered a safety from the CAR 2 (Q4 3:08) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 18-P.Manning pass to 16-B.Fowler is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. Play was from Shotgun Formation..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 51:34) — (6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN. V.Miller credited with 15-yd sack.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 34:35) — (4:35) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 10-E.Sanders INTERCEPTED by 94-K.Ealy at CAR 20. 94-K.Ealy to CAR 39 for 19 yards (10-E.Sanders).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 36:39) — (6:39) (Shotgun) 35-M.Tolbert right tackle to DEN 40 for 11 yards (26-D.Stewart). FUMBLES (26-D.Stewart), RECOVERED by DEN-59-D.Trevathan at DEN 40.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 29:22) — (14:22) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep middle to 19-T.Ginn to DEN 35 for 45 yards (21-A.Talib). Caught at CAR 38. 27-yds YAC
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 16 for -9 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller), touched at CAR 18, RECOVERED by DEN-43-T.Ward at CAR 9. 43-T.Ward to CAR 4 for 5 yards (74-M.Remmers). V
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 51:34) — (6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN. V.Miller credited with 15-yd sack.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 4:16) — (4:16) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 16 for -9 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller), touched at CAR 18, RECOVERED by DEN-43-T.Ward at CAR 9. 43-T.Ward to CAR 4 for 5 yards (74-M.Remmers). V
- Denver Broncos (Q2 34:35) — (4:35) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 10-E.Sanders INTERCEPTED by 94-K.Ealy at CAR 20. 94-K.Ealy to CAR 39 for 19 yards (10-E.Sanders).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 36:39) — (6:39) (Shotgun) 35-M.Tolbert right tackle to DEN 40 for 11 yards (26-D.Stewart). FUMBLES (26-D.Stewart), RECOVERED by DEN-59-D.Trevathan at DEN 40.
Quarterback report card
C.Newton led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 50 dropbacks · 36.0% completion · -16.8% CPOE · -0.25 EPA/play · -12.56 total EPA
- P.Manning (Denver Broncos) · 30 dropbacks · 43.3% completion · -9.1% CPOE · -0.36 EPA/play · -10.73 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.286 | -0.162 |
| Offensive success rate | 30.9% | 40.3% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.272 | -0.358 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.248 | -0.309 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.162 | +0.286 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.7% | 69.1% |
By the numbers
Denver Broncos held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.16 vs -0.29), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Carolina Panthers: 16 drives, -27.73 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Denver Broncos: 15 drives, -12.46 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Brown (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Newton (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- P. Manning (DEN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 55:47 · CAR 16 · Score 0-3
(10:47) 8-B.McManus 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 51:34 · DEN 85 · Score 0-9
(6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 51:27 · CAR 15 · Score 0-10
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 41:28 · DEN 1 · Score 6-10
(11:28) 28-J.Stewart left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 41:25 · DEN 15 · Score 7-10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. PENALTY on DEN-21-A.Talib, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 37:01 · CAR 15 · Score 7-13
(7:01) 8-B.McManus 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q3 23:22 · CAR 12 · Score 7-16
(8:22) 8-B.McManus 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 10:26 · DEN 21 · Score 10-16
(10:26) 9-G.Gano 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 3:13 · CAR 2 · Score 10-22
(3:13) 22-C.Anderson up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling o - Denver Broncos Safety (+2) — Q4 3:08 · CAR 2 · Score 10-24
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 18-P.Manning pass to 16-B.Fowler is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. Play was from Shotgun Formation.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
The Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Conf. Championship, 2015 on 2016-02-07.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 10, Denver Broncos 24 (CAR 10-24 DEN) in Conf. Championship, 2015 on 2016-02-07.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 0, Denver Broncos 10; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, Denver Broncos 3; Q4: Carolina Panthers 3, Denver Broncos 8; Final: Carolina Panthers 10, Denver Broncos 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Newton (Q1 51:34) Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Stewart (Q2 41:28) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Anderson (Q4 3:13) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q1 55:47, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q2 37:01, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q3 23:22, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q4 10:26, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 36.0% completion, -16.8% CPOE, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -12.56 total passing EPA. P. Manning (Denver Broncos), 43.3% completion, -9.1% CPOE, -0.36 EPA per dropback, -10.73 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Denver Broncos?
C. Brown (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +4.09 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.63 EPA): (6:34) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton sacked at CAR 4 for -11 yards (58-V.Miller). FUMBLES (58-V.Miller) [58-V.Miller], RECOVERED by DEN-97-M.Jackson at CAR -1. TOUCHDOWN. V.Miller credited . The biggest win-probability swing was -14.0%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 17-1 Now 17-2 L
Denver Broncos
Entered 14-4 Now 15-4 W
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