In 2015, after sharing running back duties with DeAngelo Williams the past seven seasons, Jonathan Stewart finally had the backfield all to himself. He used the opportunity to help lead a rushing game that was the fifth most efficient unit in the league according to our NEP metrics.

Boasting an above-average -0.02 Rushing NEP per attempt -- the historical average for all running backs since 2000 is -0.03, for those wondering -- Stewart rushed for the second most yards (989) and third most touchdowns (6) of his career despite missing three games due to injury.

And though the Broncos own the fifth most efficient rushing defense in the league, Stewart has already demonstrated the ability to run on a top-ranked defense in the playoffs. He returned two weeks ago from his foot injury that held him out of the last three games of the regular season to rush for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries against Seattle and their sixth-ranked rushing defense.

Stewart's success in the ground game will go a long way to slowing down the Broncos incessant pass rush and aiding the Panthers in their quest for a Super Bowl 50 victory.