Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams – Super Bowl 56 Predictions

Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams – Super Bowl 56 Predictions

We have finally arrived at Super Bowl 56! The Rams ended the regular season at 12-5, whereas the Bengals ended with a 10-7 record. The Rams have covered the spread in just 50% of their games with a 5.9 margin of victory. Cincinnati has a more respectable ATS record covering in 65% (3rd best in NFL) of their games with a 4.9 margin of victory. Let’s get into this year’s Super Bowl 56 predictions.

 

Super Bowl 56 Prediction: Which Offense Has the Advantage?

Numbers show the Rams with the advantage in both passing and rushing. Los Angeles is ranked 7th in passing DVOA and 12th in rushing DVOA. Cincinnati is ranked 15th in passing DVOA and 20th in rushing DVOA. Both teams have a 59% passing play percentage this season. When it comes to explosiveness both teams rank in the top ten.

It is no secret that Cooper Kupp is Los Angeles’ main source of production. Regular season and postseason combined; the Rams produced 59 touchdowns. Of the 59 Kupp accounted for 20 of these touchdowns. As if that was not enough, Kupp ended up leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns becoming the fourth player since 1970 to secure the triple crown.

Cincinnati’s offensive juggernaut is Ja’Marr Chase. Chase produced 14 of Cincinnati’s 57 touchdowns this season. Chase is the third best receiver when it comes to yards after catch. When it comes to big catches (>25 yards) Chase accounts for 16 this season ranking him fifth in the league. Jalen Ramsey has requested shadowing Chase. This season Ramsey is tied for sixth in passes defended with 16. However, Chase and Burrow’s chemistry goes back to the days at LSU, and I believe Zac Taylor will find ways to involve his stud receiver.

 

Super Bowl 56 Prediction: Will the Rams Defense be too much?

A key factor in Sunday’s game will be if the Bengals can provide Joe Burrow with protection. This season Cincinnati was second worst in protecting the quarterback. The Rams defense ranks 11th in pressuring the quarterback. The Rams defense totaled 50 sacks this season ranking third best in the league. In a clean pocket Burrow has a 115.5 quarterback rating, however, under pressure this drops to a 75.6 quarterback rating.

 

Super Bowl 56 Prediction

Remember Super Bowl 53 when the Patriots beat Rams 13-3? I do and I am sure Sean McVay does as well.

I see McVay taking a Belichick approach and force feeding his triple crown winner Cooper Kupp. I do not think it is crazy to think Kupp sees 15 targets. Also look how Kupp’s targets have increased from 7 (wildcard weekend) to 14 (NFC Championship) throughout this playoff.

I am predicting a 27-20 Rams victory!

Bet: Rams -4 (-110); Cooper Kupp MVP (+600); Cooper Kupp over 8.5 receptions (+110)