For the record: The Panthers are 10-3 and first in the NFC South.
Last game: Beat division rival Tampa Bay 38-23 on Monday night.
Who’s hot: The Panthers’ running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams (1,141 yards, 13 TDs) and rookie Jonathan Stewart (699 yards, 8 TDs) has combined to rush for 1,840 yards this season. Each rushed for more than 100 yards and had two touchdowns against the Bucs.
Who’s not: Quarterback Jake Delhomme has been proficient with 2,600 passing yards this season, but he threw two interceptions against Tampa Bay and has 11 interceptions this season, tied for ninth-most in the NFL.
Key stat: Wide receiver Steve Smith surpassed 1,000 receiving yards with his 117-yard performance against Tampa Bay. He has had more than 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons and has done it this season despite missing the first two games because of a suspension.
FYI: This will be the Broncos’ first game at Charlotte. Denver is 2-0 against the Panthers, with both games played in Denver.
Coachspeak: “People remember what you do in December. This was a big stage, and I like the way our guys met that challenge.” — Carolina coach John Fox, on his team’s victory Monday night
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
