Shannon Sharpe: It's going to be a great game

Denver Broncos Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe expects a good game today.

"Everybody’s selling the Broncos short," Sharpe said.

He admitted, "The Panthers have a very good team -- the most explosive offensive, scored the most points in the NFL, they have a very good defense."

But, he says, "I think the Broncos should come and play the game anyway, just in case," he said tongue-in-cheek to those people who say the Broncos are going to lose.

"The game's going to be better than people think," Sharpe told Denver7.

His key to the game? Not letting the explosive Panthers offensive jump out to a big lead.

"The Broncos must make the Panthers play 60 minutes of football, not 29 or 30," Sharpe said. "Because what we’ve seen in the playoffs is they jump out to these big leads and you can’t play catchup with them."

"If they can make them play 60 minutes of football, and don’t turn the football over, don’t be surprised at the outcome," Sharpe said.

Of course, we had to ask Sharpe about quarterback Peyton Manning. Does he think Manning will retire?

"He’s earned the right to play, if he wants to play again after this season," Sharpe said. "He’s earned the right to retire, if that’s what he chooses."

"I know he’ll sit down with his family, after it's all said and done, and he’ll make the decision that’s best suited for him," Sharpe said.

Sharpe played 14 seasons with the Broncos and Ravens.