Super Bowl LVI: Bengals vs. Rams
Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Rams by 4, 48.5
HANK’S HONEYS: All the important matchups favor the Rams, especially up front where Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd go up against a rubbery O-line, especially the right side. Joe Burrow was sacked 5 1 times in the regular season, more than any other quarterback, and it’s continued in the playoffs. Consistent pressure up the middle from an inspired Donald is a recipe for disaster. Yet Burrow is fearless and keeps on making plays. He was 7 -for-1 2 when the Chiefs pressured him in the AFC Championship Game and he has a sense of escaping pressure and keeping his poise. You won’t see him in a panic as Kyler Murray was against the Rams in the wild card round.
The Bengals have been outgained in all three playoff games and to win, they’re going to have to continue to force turnovers. And as efficient as Matthew Stafford has been in his long-awaited run to the Super Bowl, and as unstoppable as
Cooper Kupp has been and as wonderfully complimentary Odell Beckham has been, Stafford still has a penchant for making the bad throw. We actually trust Burrow more to take care of the football. He’s hotter and healthier than Stafford.
Admittedly, the Bengals had no right beating the Chiefs but a rare Patrick Mahomes meltdown led to the upset. They made a nice halftime adjustment by rushing three and keeping everyone in zone, but if they do that against the Rams, L.A. has the ability to run the ball. Don’t, however, underestimate Sean McVay’s ability to screw up game management. For sure, one of the biggest personnel matchups of the game has Ja’Marr Chase against Jalen Ramsey. Tee Higgins, though, has been providing Burrow with another option and even with Ramsey in coverage the Bucs and 4 9 ers found ways to get their top receivers open. Ramsey’s shoulder injury is also important to watch. Cincy is going to need something from Joe Mixon to keep the Rams honest, as well.
The Rams deserve to be favored but the Bengals keep believing in destiny. We’ve seen it before. The Giants ruined the Patriots’ unbeaten season in 2 0 0 7 and to a lesser extent, the Bucs kept getting better and better until they peaked in last year’s Super Bowl.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Bengals and the under.