Super Bowl LVI Predictions and Playmakers  

By Garrett Helmers

From the start of the NFL preseason in early August until now, front office personnel, players, and coaches have been working towards raising the Lombardi trophy. 

For the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, that journey culminates on Sunday in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. On the line, an opportunity for the Bengals to win their first Super Bowl in franchise history and the Rams to win just their second.  

If Blazer fans are having a tough time choosing who to root for, they should probably side with the Los Angeles Rams, whose defense is highlighted by former UAB Blazer Darious Williams. 

Both teams have relied on some of the sport’s biggest names to reach this point in the season. Stars like Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp will have a chance to shine on football’s biggest stage. 

Playmakers 

The Cincinnati Bengals have relied heavily on the dynamic duo of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to lead the way offensively.  

Burrow and Chase, who both came to Cincinnati as first-round draft picks from LSU, have already defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, the Tennessee Titans and the almighty Kansas City Chiefs en route to a Super Bowl appearance. 

“Joe Cool,” as the Bengals fans refer to their star quarterback, has amassed over 4600 yards through the air this season. If the Bengals are going to pull this one out, Burrow will have to prove once again that he is able to smoothly operate in the game’s most crucial moments.  

In terms of an unexpected “X-factor,” look for Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson, who is a perfect 12-12 on field goal attempts and has already hit two game winners in the playoffs.  

They say Los Angeles is the city of stars, and for the Rams, this statement reigns true on their roster. After making a series of both offseason and in-season trades over the past year, the Rams have positioned themselves to win their first Super Bowl in over two decades thanks to the help of some big-name talent. 

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was traded to the Rams from the Detroit Lions last January, has taken Los Angeles to a Super Bowl and thrown 41 touchdowns in his first season with the team. His performance will be crucial for the Rams’ offensive success. 

Cooper Kupp, who led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns this season, is the driving force behind a Los Angeles receiving core that is one of the best in the game. Kupp was recently named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year and certainly has the numbers to back it up.  

While defensive tackle Aaron Donald is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, he might be an unexpected choice for possible Super Bowl MVP. If the Rams’ defense can keep Joe Burrow and the Bengals in check, Donald will probably be a big reason why.  

Predictions 

This game will be a close one, but the magic with Burrow, Chase and the Bengals should be enough to overcome the star power of the Los Angeles Rams. Don’t be surprised to see Burrow with an opportunity in the final minutes of the game to drive the Bengals down the field, place Evan McPherson in a position to make another game-winning field goal, and put the Rams’ hopes of winning a second Super Bowl to rest. Expect to see Burrow and the Bengals take home their first Super Bowl win in the team’s 50-year history. 

The Rams and Bengals are set to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13. The game will be broadcast on NBC.