Super Bowl LVI is set for February 13, and it will be a matchup that almost no one predicted before the regular season began. It will be the Los Angeles Rams playing in their home stadium, and the Cincinnati Bengals will be coming to town.
Cincinnati was predicted to finish in fourth place in the AFC North this season, but the Bengals were able to win that division to reach the postseason. The Bengals then pulled off two straight playoff upsets, including a stunning comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Los Angeles was on the shortlist of Super Bowl betting favorites, and they seemed to get better as the year moved along. The Rams upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs and then beat the 49ers to win the NFC Championship Game.
The Rams have opened up as 4.5-point betting favorites over the Bengals in the Super Bowl.
Bengals Beating Teams With Offense
The Bengals have been getting good work from the defense at times during the postseason, but this team wants to win games on offense. Cincinnati has a superstar quarterback and wide receiver combination, and running back Joe Mixon has been terrific as well.
Joe Burrow threw for over 4,600 yards during the regular season, and he just continued to get better as the season went along. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been terrific as a rookie, and he racked up nearly 1,500 receiving yards during the regular season.
The Cincinnati defense gave up 21 first-half points to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, but then that unit completely shut down Patrick Mahomes and company. The secondary of the Bengals will have to play well in the Super Bowl, especially trying to find a way to slow down Cooper Kupp.
Cincinnati is a young team that is riding the momentum wave at this time. If the Bengals can take care of the ball, then they will have a chance.
LA Loaded With Talent
The Rams are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and the roster is full of players looking for their first title. Aaron Donald leads a relentless defense, and quarterback Matthew Stafford has been terrific when leading the offense.
Stafford threw for nearly 4,900 yards and 41 touchdowns this season, but taking care of the football is sometimes an issue for the veteran. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is the best in the NFL, and he just continues to find ways to get open against defenses.
The Rams don’t always run the ball well, and that can present some issues against a strong defense. Los Angeles will need to mix in some runs if they want to keep the Bengals honest in the Super Bowl.
Donald leads a defensive line that can get pressure on Burrow, and that is going to be a huge key in this matchup. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey will be matched up against Chase, and that matchup could ultimately determine the outcome of this game.
Rams Roll to Victory
The Cincinnati Bengals have been on a remarkable roll in the postseason, but that momentum is going to run out eventually. Cincinnati is going to have a tough time scoring enough points to win this one as they are facing a relentless defense.
The Rams are attempting to win this Super Bowl with hardly ever running the football, but that strategy has been working out well for them up to this point. Stafford to Kupp continues to be a combination that is impossible to slow down, and then the Rams defense will do its job as well.
This game will be entertaining for a half, but the home team will take complete control in the second half. Take the Rams -4.5 as they roll over the Bengals at home in Super Bowl LVI.
Stay tuned for more NFL sports betting content over at sportsgambling.us!