The longest NFL season in history is coming to an end. Luckily, Super Bowl LVI promises to be an exciting matchup to cap off the season.
Super Bowl betting odds have the Cincinnati Bengals listed as underdogs, with the Los Angeles Rams favored by 4.5 points. But before we look at whether the Bengals can cover the Super Bowl spread, here’s what you need to know.
Super Bowl 56 Info
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 13th
- Time: 6:30 P.M. EST
- Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
Almost Identical on the Stat Sheet
Even though the Rams are favored to win this game, a closer look shows some similarities between these two teams. Both Cincinnati and Los Angeles averaged 27.1 points per game in the regular season. On defense, the Bengals finished the season ranked 17th in points against (22.1), while the Rams were 15th (21.9). Cincinnati finished fifth in rushing yards allowed per game, while Los Angeles finished sixth. They were also both in the league’s bottom half in passing yards allowed.
There are some areas where the teams are drastically different, though. Cincinnati finished the season twelfth in time of possession (50.95%), while the Rams were 25th (48.33%).
On the other hand, Los Angeles edges out the interception and sacks statistics. The Rams are 3rd in both, and the Bengals are 15th in interceptions and 11th in sacks. However, the Bengals have improved in regards to forcing turnovers in the playoffs. They have a +5 turnover ratio in the postseason.
Roster Breakdown
The Rams and the Bengals have number one draft picks at quarterback, but each team built their rosters differently.
Matthew Stafford came to Los Angeles after twelve seasons with the Detroit Lions, while Joe Burrow was the 2020 number one draft pick by the Bengals. Cincinnati used the draft to build a roster of emerging stars like Ja’Marr Chase. Other key players like Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon have played their entire careers with the Bengals.
The Los Angeles Rams used free agency and trades to bring established stars into the locker room. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was a mid-season acquisition from the Cleveland Browns, and linebacker Von Miller got traded from the Denver Broncos.
History suggests that experience is on the Rams’ side. Both Beckham Jr. and Miller have played in Super Bowls. The Bengals will play Super Bowl LVI with several skill position players who have never been on a stage this big.
Cincinnati Bengals (+4.5)
Both teams needed to beat last year’s Super Bowl contestants to get this far. The Cincinnati Bengals have proven they aren’t afraid of the spotlight. If the Bengals’ offensive line can protect Joe Burrow, I believe the Bengals should keep pace for scoring.
This could be another game decided in overtime or on a last-minute drive, so I’m taking the Bengals with the 4.5 points.
Place Your Super Bowl Spread Bets
The Rams and Bengals have two of the highest-scoring offenses, and both defenses have struggled against the pass. That’s why I like the 4.5 points I’m getting with the underdog Cincinnati Bengals.
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