Super Bowl 56: Early pick, score prediction for Bengals vs. Rams

Following four months of twists and turns, we’ve finally got our matchup for Super Bowl 56 — the Cincinnati Bengals are set to square off with the Los Angeles Rams.

After the rollercoaster ride that was the 2021 NFL season, this is what it comes down to — a showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI for all of the marbles.

All things considered, this is a rather surprising matchup. Coming into the season, expectations weren’t high for the Bengals. It wasn’t until the final few weeks of the season that they were even seen as legitimate contenders. Expectations were higher (and remained so) for the Rams, but they were also seen as a flawed team for much of the year.

There’s obviously a lot of intrigue at the quarterback position. Stafford, in his first year with the Rams, is finally realizing his full potential after escaping a disastrous situation with the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, the Bengals are quickly reaping the rewards of spending the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Joe Burrow. It’ll be interesting to see the two square off in what should be a hard-fought battle.

So what should we be expecting on Feb. 13? Can Stafford add a ring to his Hall of Fame resume? Will Joe Burrow assert himself as another dominant force in the annual AFC championship race? Can the Rams be the second team in a row to capitalize on Super Bowl home-field advantage?

For now, let’s take a look at the two contenders, see what they bring to the table, and then I’ll give you my pick and score prediction for Super Bowl LVI.