The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s Broncos-Panthers game at Empower Field at Mile High:

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 16, Panthers 13

It’s a rare day when the Broncos are double-digit favorites. But this game has shades of a forgettable Oct. 15, 2017, matchup with the New York Giants. The 3-1 Broncos lost to a 1-4 Giants squad missing its top three wide receivers. Here’s a hunch then-Broncos head coach Vance Joseph emphasized the importance of overlooking no team — even a Panthers squad with first-class seats on the struggle bus.

Klee’s record: 3-4 overall

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 27, Panthers 7

The Broncos are not a team that should look past any opponent. And they won’t this week. The Denver defense dominates and Sean Payton opens up the playbook for Bo Nix to throw two touchdowns to Courtland Sutton. The Broncos head into a tough two-game stretch at 5-3.

Schmaedeke’s record: 4-3 overall

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 31, Panthers 13

The biggest wipeout in the history of the series was the Broncos crushing the Panthers 34-0 at home in 1997. It won’t be that bad, but it still will be ugly. The Broncos should have a chance to give some players reduced snaps as prepare for rugged back-to-back games at Baltimore and Kansas City.

Tomasson’s record: 3-4 overall

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 24, Panthers 16

Happy Halloween, y’all! The Panthers are to football what Raygun is to break dancing. They’re scary, fall down and roll on the floor bad. On the Broncos’ bold journey to the NFL playoffs, this is one of those gotta have it or fuhgetaboutit games.

Kiszla’s record: 2-5 overall

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 24, Panthers 12

The Broncos are favored big at home against a Panthers team seemingly destined for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The Broncos won’t need a perfect effort to beat Carolina. But Denver can’t put itself behind with self-inflicted errors. Bo Nix does just enough in a win.

Fredrickson: 3-4 overall