Super Bowl LVI between NFC champions the Los Angeles Rams and AFC champions the Cincinnati Bengals at the SoFi Stadium in California.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals predictions
After another thrilling campaign, we are down to just two teams as the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams prepare to face each other in Super Bowl LVI.
This weekend's Super Bowl is a fixture nobody saw coming. The Bengals have defied the odds to reach the final, which will take place at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which is coincidentally their opponents' home. The Rams are searching for only their second Super Bowl win, having triumped way back in 1999.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals predictions
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Los Angeles Rams |
Cincinnati Bengals |
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65.24% |
34.76% |
Bet: Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals odds
Joe Burrow hoping to make history in California
Joe Burrow's opening campaign in the NFL could not have gone any worse. The youngster suffered a season-ending ACL injury that derailed his rookie season, but 12 months on, he is just one more win away from superstardom.
Joe Burrow threw for 4,611 yards and scored 34 touchdowns during the regular season.
Burrow's confidence is at an all-time high and even when the Kansas City Chiefs looked to be running away with it in the AFC Championship game, the quarterback fired his team back into a winning position.
Over the last five games, he has averaged over 360 passing yards and if the Bengals are to have any chance of victory, Burrow will be at the centre of it. The 25-year-old will be a leading candidate for the Super Bowl MVP if the Bengals win, in what would be their first Super Bowl success.
Rams' roster littered with superstars
Sean McVay has one of the best rosters in the NFL at his disposal and it comes as no surprise to see the Rams reach the pinnacle of the NFL.
Only seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady (43) threw more touchdowns than Matthew Stafford (41) in the regular season.
The Rams gave away numerous first-round picks in order to land quarterback Matthew Stafford, and he has rewarded them with another Super Bowl appearance. Stafford guided his team back from behind in the NFC Championship game, but they are likely to fly out of the blocks in California this weekend.
The Rams have shown signs of weakness when taking the lead, but they will be desperate to take Burrow out of his comfort zone.
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp was unlucky not to win the regular-season MVP award, considering his ridiculous numbers this year. He has scored four touchdowns during three playoff matches, and the Rams star is likely to play a crucial role during Sunday's showpiece.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Who are the favourites?
The Rams' superior roster and previous Super Bowl experience make them the favourites for this week's matchup. Defensively, they also have Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and Jalen Ramsey at their disposal, three players that would secure a place in every NFL squad due to their incredible talent.
The fact that Super Bowl LVI will be played in Inglewood is a huge advantage for the Rams, but the last time they lifted the Vince Lombardi trophy was in 1999.
While we have already discussed the brilliance of Burrow, it cannot be forgotten that the Bengals' offensive line is a worry. Burrow was sacked 51 times during the regular season and then a further 12 times in the playoffs.
With Donald, Miller, Ramsey, and also Leonard Floyd all primed to attack, the Rams will feel they can stop the Bengals' chances by slowing Burrow down.
Burrow has shown he can evade pressure for fun this season, but he faces his biggest challenge of the season when it matters most.