The Denver Broncos secured their spot in Super Bowl 50 after an exciting win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship game in late January. If you are a Broncos fan, it was one of those games that probably put you in a swirl of emotion.

Now that the Pro Bowl has passed, it is officially Superbowl week. The Broncos landed in San Francisco at the beginning of the week to gear up for their match up against the Carolina Panthers on February 7th. The first couple days of their trip were set aside for media, and relaxation. With the game only four days away, the team has began official prep for Sunday.

With the stakes high, here are four feelings that fans experience with the game just four short days away:

1. Fear

Cam Newton of the Panthers can pass, scramble, and run. When he gets loose, he runs not like a quarterback, but almost like a running back. Newton is one of the most prominent quarter backs to play in the NFL this season. Manning had no issue telling the media on Media Day that Newton would most like likely be the MVP, and he deserved it.

One of his greatest strengths is his ability to move outside of the pocket. Newton has racked up 10 rushing touch downs this season. His confident style of play has been a huge factor to the Panthers incredible 15-1 record.

There is also the fear that Denver could choke. For a lot of fans, the horrid Broncos vs. Seattle game that ended 43-8 a couple years ago still lingers in their minds. In a lot of the games this season, the Broncos just barely got by. Will they show up on Sunday?

2. Excitement

For most fans, Sunday couldn’t be here fast enough; the anticipation and excitement is too much to handle. Even if you are not a huge football fan, the Super Bowl is always an excuse for parties full of food and socializing.

When your team is playing, there is a different type of excitement that is almost too much to contain.  If the Broncos win, it will be the first Super Bowl win since the Elway Era in the late 90’s. The fans would love to see a title brought back to the city and see a legend like Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos.

This game could pan out to be a very evenly matched, intense game, keeping fans on the edge of their seat.

3. Confidence

 Certain fans believe in superstition, and for those fans, Sunday couldn’t line up more perfectly. This season marks Manning’s 18th season in the NFL, which so happens to be his number. The team plays on February 7th, which was Elway’s number as well.

Also, John Elway decided that the team would wear white uniforms for Sundays game due to superstition. “We’ve had Super Bowl success in our white uniforms, and we’re looking forward to wearing them again in Super Bowl 50,” Broncos General Manager, Elway, said on the team website. 

The weirdest part of this, the Broncos had the same record as the team did in the 1997 season, the first Super Bowl victory for the franchise. Both teams went 12-4, losing to the exact same teams. 

On the other hand, a lot of fans don’t believe in superstition, but instead put their confidence in the facts. Yes, Carolina’s offense is incredible, but they have yet to face Denver’s defense. The Broncos defense is ranked #1 in all of the NFL, being the teams “saving grace” during many points this season.

If any defense can stop Cam Newton and the Panthers, Denver has the best chance.  

4. Bitter-sweetness

There have been many allegations that Peyton Manning will announce his retirement after the game this Sunday. Manning has endured incredible injuries throughout his career in the NFL, and they have started to catch up with the 39 year old. After the Patriots game, according to sources from ESPN, and Belichick himself, Manning told Bill Belicheck “This might be my last rodeo.”

For a player that has made such an impact on Denver, and the rest of the nation, it is hard to see him possibly go. Denver was lucky to receive Manning in the timing that he came. Manning became the NFL’s record holder for career passing touchdowns, as well as breaking several other major records in his time with Denver.

Although it is hard to think about the legend possibly hanging up his cleats, back up quarterback, Brock Osweiler, emerged this season showing that he is the right guy to step up as the next starter. After starting 7 games due to Manning’s injuries, Osweiler has to be given credit in helping put the Broncos in the position that they are in now.

If the Broncos have the lead on Sunday at the end of the fourth quarter, will fans see a repeat of the 1998 Super Bowl where Elway exited the game with just a couple minutes left, passing down the baton to his backup quarterback , just as Manning would do with Osweiler?  If it happens, what a truly iconic and bittersweet moment that will be.