NFL 2022: Ranking the top 20 players in Super Bowl LVI

The top 20 NFL players in Super Bowl LVI

4. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals simply would not be in this game if it weren’t for Joe Burrow.

After tearing his ACL last season, it was hard to know what to expect from this Bengals team in 2021.

When the team started 7-6, that was about what everyone expected. A better team, but certainly not an AFC Championship-winning team.

Burrow and the Bengals have the feeling of a team of destiny thanks to his remarkable comeback season. He completed over 70 percent of his passes this season with 34 touchdowns and he has been outstanding in the playoffs.

One of the plays Bengals fans won’t soon forget was Burrow’s scramble while avoiding pressure from Chiefs pass rusher Chris Jones.

Burrow’s escape-ability is a sight to behold.

3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams

With the Los Angeles Rams, Matthew Stafford tied his career highs of 41 touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 67.2.

Under Sean McVay, Stafford proved all of the people right who have said for the last decade that if he could just get out of Detroit, he could take a team to the Super Bowl.

And here we are.

Stafford played at an MVP level for most of the 2021 season and he’s been clutch in the playoffs. One of the signature plays of Stafford’s career up to this point is his throw deep downfield to Cooper Kupp in the Divisional Round against the Buccaneers to set up the game-winning field goal.

Although he still had 17 interceptions this season, Stafford is one of the best players on the field and a major difference-maker.