Steve Starr
- The Los Angeles Rams opened as a 4-point favorite over the Cincinnati Bengals
- Cincinnati is in its first Super Bowl since the 1988 season while Los Angeles returns to the big game after a two-year absence
- Super Bowl 56 will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022
The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 56 after both teams overcame double-digit deficits on Championship Sunday.
Joe Burrow looks to add a Lombardi Trophy to a mantel that already includes a Heisman and a National Championship while Matthew Stafford hopes to rewrite his career narrative with an “only in Hollywood” ending.
Before we review the opening odds for the big game in two weeks, here’s where you can find the top betting sites for NFL football in 2022, as well as tips for how to wager on Super Bowl 56.
Super Bowl 56 – Rams vs Bengals
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +4.0 (-110) | +163 | Un 50 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Rams | -4.0 (-110) | -183 | Ov 50 (-110) |
Bengals upset the Chiefs
Cincinnati opened as a 4-point underdog to the Rams – but, hey, that’s not too shabby considering they were 125-1 preseason longshots to win the Lombardi Trophy. In fact, the Bengals are just the third team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl two years after having the league’s worst record.
Down 21-3 midway through the second quarter on Sunday, the Bengals defense held the Chiefs to six straight scoreless possessions and picked off Patrick Mahomes twice. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow stayed cool and calm in the pocket, throwing for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 27-24 overtime victory.
Only QBs to beat Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs:
Tom Brady
Joe Burrow pic.twitter.com/96RY13G4ZD— PFF (@PFF) January 30, 2022
Rams finally top the 49ers
Matthew Stafford threw for 337 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the 49ers for the first time since the 2018 season. With the 20-17 victory in the NFC Championship Game, the Rams can now become the second team in as many years to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
After defeating his former boss Kyle Shanahan for the first time in seven tries, Sean McVay will now get a chance to correct the other blemish on his resume – a 13-3 Super Bowl 53 loss to the Patriots where his offense mustered only three points despite averaging 32.9 in the regular season.
Rams vs Bengals
Joe Burrow has been unflappable throughout the postseason, surviving a playoff-record nine sacks against Tennessee in the Divisional Round and escaping the Chiefs pass rush for 25 yards on the ground in the AFC Championship win.
However, Aaron Donald leads the NFL in pressure over the past five seasons and pressured Jimmy Garappolo into the game-clinching interception on Sunday. The ability of the Bengals’ much-maligned offensive line to stop Donald and Von Miller will be a key storyline over the next two weeks.
Jan. 30, 2021: Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams.
Jan. 30, 2022: Matthew Stafford and the Rams play for the NFC title and a berth to the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/93SwvegSXx
— ESPN (@espn) January 30, 2022
Stafford’s otherworldly connection with Cooper Kupp was on display on Sunday (11-142-2 TDs) as it has been all season, but Odell Beckham Jr. snagging nine balls for 113 yards was key to the victory over San Francisco.
Similarly, Tee Higgins went 6-103 in the win over KC, complementing Ja’Marr Chase’s 6-54-1 line. The weapons on both sides could be a wash, but Joe Mixon gives Cincy the edge in the run game.
Early Prediction
Both these franchises have No. 1 overall picks at quarterback – but each is at a very different part of their careers. While Burrow has proved to have ice water in his veins, we think Stafford will set ablaze to his career narrative and take home his first career Super Bowl trophy.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Bengals 20.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
