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NFL

Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals: DAZN predicts Super Bowl LVI

DAZN Staff
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals: DAZN predicts Super Bowl LVIDAZN
Members of the DAZN team make their predictions for Sunday's big game.

The big game at SoFi Stadium is nearly here with the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Cincinnati Bengals at Super Bowl LVI.

Both teams go into this showpiece event under huge amounts of pressure.

For the Rams, this will be their second chance to win the Vince Lombardi since moving back to Los Angeles in 2016 and now Sean McVay's team has the added pressure of trying to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium.

The Bengals meanwhile have enjoyed a history making playoff run on their road to the Super Bowl.

It all started with the wildcard win against the Las Vegas Raiders which was the franchise's first postseason win in 33 years and now they are potentially four quarters away from their first Super Bowl championship.

But will it be the Rams or the Bengals who triumph on Sunday, here's what members of the DAZN News team think. 

Matt Astbury - Burrow set for a barrage

AaronDonald

Cincinnati's playoff run has provided some memorable moments, but unfortunately the fairytale is going to come to an end at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Rams defence is simply too dangerous with the likes of Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Jalen Ramsey amongst its ranks. Donald will be relishing the chance to batter his way through a Bengals offensive line which has struggled to protect quarterback Joe Burrow this season.

While Burrow is a player who has shown plenty of resilience depite the heavy punishment he can often be subject to, it will prove too much on the biggest stage of them all.

I expect the Rams to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy come Sunday in a defence led performance. 

Tom Benthall - Rams defence could have a field day

VonMiller_LARams_Jan2022

The Bengals’ story has been a great one this season, but I’m backing the Rams to go one better than they did three years ago, and lift the Lombardi Trophy. In Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford, we have two of the league’s elite quarterbacks on display, while Ja’Marr Chase and Cooper Kupp arguably cancel each other out in the wide receiver stakes.

Joe Mixon’s threat on the ground could give Cincinnati an edge, but I believe this game will come down to the Bengals’ O-Line against the Rams’ devastating pass rush. If Cincinnati can protect Burrow and give him time in the pocket – as they did against the Chiefs – they've got a real shot.

If we see the O-Line that gave up a league-leading 51 sacks this season, Donald, Miller, Floyd and co. could have a field day.

I’m predicting a Rams win by two scores, with Donald winning MVP. 

Calum Scotland - The makings of a classic

BurrowBengals_Dec2021

This Super Bowl has all the makings of a classic. Two first overall draft picks at very different stages of their careers. A preseason favourite vs. a plucky underdog. One offensive juggernaut vs. a star-studded defence.

And I think it will play out as such, nip-and-tuck from minute one, with big plays from both teams, and from Cooper Kupp and Ja’Marr Chase in particular. Normally I love putting myself out there with a prediction but I genuinely don’t know which way this one will go.

Something is telling me that I shouldn’t bet against the elite winning mentality of Joe Burrow though, so I’ll side with the Bengals, but it won’t be by much.

Rudi Schuller - LA's to lose

Matthew-Stafford-013022-GETTY-FTR

The stars are aligning for a Los Angeles Rams championship, and with good reason. After falling at the final hurdle three years ago, the Rams are back in the Super Bowl a more complete team, bolstered by the additions of Matthew Stafford, Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. Add in the fact that the game is being played in their home stadium and the Rams are favourites for a reason.

As good a story as Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are, this Super Bowl is LA's to lose.