The Super Bowl LVI matchup has been set. The Cincinnati Bengals, against all odds, will be playing on Super Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, who are the second team in NFL history (and the second team in a row) to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
In the spirit of conjecture and conversation, here are some Super Bowl LVI picks and predictions from the TGH Staff.
Ben Hendricks (VP of Sports Content, Head of Video Production)
The Cincinnati Bengals just won their toughest possible playoff matchup. The Los Angeles Rams needed multiple instances of good luck and had to mount a double-digit comeback to beat a team that should never have been there in the first place.
Los Angeles has absolutely mortgaged their future in order to be in this position, and the high-priced acquisitions are going to be feeling the pressure. Cincinnati is still in the midst of a rebuild, and is very much playing with house money.
Joe Burrow is not scared of Aaron Donald, Von Miller or Jalen Ramsey. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor came from Sean McVay’s coaching tree, so the air of familiarity with the way the Rams operate should provide extra comfort.
There is really only one path to a Rams victory in Super Bowl LVI; that defensive line needs to make Joe Burrow uncomfortable early and often. Although, not even nine sacks on Burrow was enough to give the Tennessee Titans a win against him.
Prediction: Bengals – 30, Rams – 21
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Burrow (Bengals)
Joe Burrow (Vice President, Head of Sports Content)
The Bengals have gone on a crazy playoff run that has been bolstered by timely defensive performances and Joe Burrow making plays. Their offensive weapons have created matchup problems.
Los Angeles is totally bought in for this Super Bowl. They have arguably the best player in football, Aaron Donald, and arguably the best receiver in football in Cooper Kupp. Their defense has risen to the occasion in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the disparity in the trenches is why the Rams will win this game. Donald and Co. will be able to pressure and sack Burrow just enough to win the game. The Rams will win by one field goal.
Prediction: Los Angeles Rams – 27, Cincinnati Bengals – 24
Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Donald (Rams)
Justin Miller (Islanders writer)
It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals biggest weakness is the play of their offensive line. They’ve been able to win despite that one flaw, but the Rams prove to complicate that matter. The duo of Aaron Donald and Von Miller are going to make things very difficult for Joe Burrow.
Matt Stafford and Cooper Kupp will capitalize on that duo slowing the Bengals offense down and jump to an early lead. The Bengals will make it close late in the game due to the immense talent of Joe Burrow. But the Rams will manage to weather the storm and hold on for a close win.
Prediction: Los Angeles Rams – 27, Cincinnati Bengals – 24
Super Bowl MVP: Cooper Kupp (Rams)
Matthew Brown (Eagles/Dolphins writer)
Quarterback Joe Burrow has brought the Bengals out of irrelevance and has elevated Cincinnati to being a championship team. He has lots of weapons at his disposal such as stand out receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Furthermore, the Bengals running back Joe Mixon who has been a crucial component to the Cincinnati running game.
On the other hand, Stafford has always been a great quarterback, but he never had an offense around him when he was with the Lions. Detroit is in the past though; he now has everything he could ask for with the Rams. He has one of the best receivers in the league in Cooper Kupp, who was just shy of a 2,000-yard receiving year and a great defense led by Aaron Donald.
The Rams will win this game because of Matthew Stafford’s experience and the explosiveness of that Rams offense. The Bengals will make it close as the game will come down to the last couple of possessions.
Prediction: LA Rams – 30, Cincinnati Bengals -27
Super Bowl MVP: Matthew Stafford (Rams)
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