Panthers advance to Super Bowl showdown with Patriots

THE surprising Carolina Panthers continued one of the most remarkable turn-arounds in NFL history on Sunday, advancing to their first Super Bowl and a showdown with the New England Patriots.

While the Patriots, who are headed to the championship for the second time in three years, were rated Super Bowl contenders right from opening day, Carolina snuck up on their first title game. League laughing stocks just two years ago after stumbling through a 1-15 season, the Panthers will now have an opportunity to complete their transformation from chumps to champs after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 in the NFC championship game.

The Patriots, riding a 14-game unbeaten streak, who will roll into Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII as the prohibitive favourites following a 24-14 dissection of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game.