The end of the 2021 NFL season is soon upon us, as Super Bowl 56 is just a couple of days away.
The parity of the NFL is on full display, as the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals square off. The Rams were in the Super Bowl in 2018, so this game isn’t new to them, but the Bengals are in uncharted territory and are enjoying a magical 2021 season.
The final game of the NFL season is going to be a close one, keeping with the theme of the entire playoffs.
I think this is a matchup that is truly 50/50. Both the Bengals and the Rams have high-powered offenses that can score at will, and their defenses have proved to be plenty good enough to shut down some of the best teams and players in the league.
I think the Rams have the edge here, given that they have the stronger team overall, along with a much stronger coach.
However, the Bengals have few weaknesses. Their offensive line is their biggest weakness, and the Rams defensive line and pass rush should feast.
What are some bold predictions for Super Bowl 56?
Bold Predictions for Super Bowl 56
Rams sack Joe Burrow 8 times
The Rams have one of the best pass rush units in the entire NFL, highlighted by future Hall of Famers Von Miller and Aaron Donald. They also have Leonard Floyd, who is above average himself.
With the Bengals porous offensive line, Donald and co. should feast. The Rams pass rush will be one of, if not the best pass rush unit the Bengals will see this season, and I’m not sure Cincy has enough talent on offense to keep the Rams out of the backfield.
I think the Rams sacking Burrow 8 times, which would set an all-time Super Bowl record. The Broncos, Bears, and Steelers are all tied with 7 sacks in Super Bowl games.
There is no reason why the Rams can’t eclipse that number on Sunday and make Joe Burrow run for his life.
Bold Predictions for Super Bowl 56
Cooper Kupp has 216 receiving yards
The most receiving yards in Super Bowl history came from Jerry Rice, with 215 receiving yards in Super Bowl XXIII against, guess who, the Bengals.
Kupp led the league this season in receiving and won the triple crown, leading in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Why can’t he enjoy another historic performance in the Super Bowl?
His chemistry with Matthew Stafford is off the charts, and the Rams are playing at home, so everything is set for Kupp to have a massive game.
No cornerback in the NFL has been able to run with Kupp, and while the Bengals secondary is decent, it’s nothing special.
Look for the Rams offense to involve Kupp early and often.
Even if Kupp doesn’t have a huge game, I still think the Rams can win, but getting Kupp 15+ targets will give Los Angeles their best chance at winning.
Bold Predictions for Super Bowl 56
A wide receiver throws a touchdown pass
How about a crazy trick play? If any teams were to pull one off in the big game, it’d be the Rams or Bengals. Both teams feature exceptional athletes on the offensive side of the ball, so why not allow Odell Beckham or Ja’Marr Chase to throw a touchdown pass?
The Philly Special comes to mind, along with all of the trick plays the Patriots used to pull during their Brady-Belichick dynasty.
I’m sure both teams are practicing some of them, and it would be a good idea to run one to catch the other defense off guard.
Momentum is a real thing, and being able to grab some with a huge trick play would be a great boost in winning the game.
Odell Beckham has been in the middle of a plethora of trick plays in his career. He does have a very strong arm and seems to be accurate. He’s already thrown a 40-yard pass this postseason and threw two touchdown passes in 2018 with the Giants.
Look out for one team to pull out a fancy trick play, and don’t be surprised if it leads to 6 points.