The Rubek Report: Super Bowl LVI
In-depth look at Super Bowl LVI.
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After going 1-1 in the Conference title games, I sit at 9-3 and look to end the season with another correct prediction. One of the best postseasons in recent memory finally reaches its conclusion with Super Bowl LVI. Here’s a look at the matchup.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-5) (Sunday, NBC, 5:30 PM CT)
The biggest game of the year is a matchup between both conferences’ fourth seeds as the Bengals take on the Rams. The Zac Taylor led Bengals continued their Cinderella story in the AFC Championship, shocking the second seeded Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 in overtime after being down 21-3 at one point. Despite the Chiefs getting the ball first in OT, safety Vonn Bell was able to intercept a pass that was deflected by safety Jessie Bates III. Then the legend of rookie kicker Evan McPherson continued as he hit a 31 yard field to send them to the Super Bowl. Of course, the most talked about player in the world that day was quarterback Joe Burrow. Joe Shiesty had a great game throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns while running for his life every play. The Rams also had to comeback to make it to the big game as they were down 17-7 in the fourth quarter to the sixth seeded San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. A Cooper Kupp touchdown and two late field goals by Matt Gay propelled LA to a 20-17 win. Kupp fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. both had monster games combining for over 250 yards and 2 scores. Matthew Stafford continued his great postseason run throwing for 337 yards on 31 completions. Now let’s look at the big game. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Bengals offensive line has to step up. I’ve picked against the Bengals the past two rounds as I’ve doubted their o-line but they have been able to overcome their struggles in both games. However, I don’t know if they can keep that luck up going against a defensive front consisting of Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd. It will also be interesting to see how involved Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase is while being guarded by All Pro corner Jalen Ramsey. But I’m not too worried if he is locked down as I’m confident in receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to carry the load. As for when the Rams are on offense, the Bengals must remain hungry. The Bengals defensive front led by lineman Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard was stellar against the Chiefs, generating four sacks. What worries me is their secondary. While he ended up having a decent second half, cornerback Eli Apple had a rough first half guarding Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill and with the Rams having Kupp and Beckham, he and corner Chidobe Awuzie will have to play great. As for the running game, I can see it going either way. The Rams have Cam Akers, who is just waiting to have a big game after returning from a torn Achilles. Meanwhile, Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon can have a good game against anyone. I think whoever wins the running game will win the game. So who do I think will win? I’ve been picking against the Bengals every week and they’ve proved me wrong. While the Rams seem to have the more talented roster, the more talented coach, and even home field advantage with the Super Bowl being played in SoFi stadium, I’m going with the underdogs here. I see Burrow and Stafford going head to head the entire game, but in the end, a great game by Mixon will give Cincinnati their franchise’s first Lombardi.
My Pick: Bengals 24 Rams 20
My MVP Prediction: Joe Mixon with over 150 yards and two scores.
Bold Prediction: Burrow throws the game winning touchdown on a screen to Mixon.
The season finale of a legendary season will be a great one. Don’t forget to tell me your predictions for the game and thank you all so much for the support throughout the playoffs!
Senior Anthony Rubek is in his third year on the Scepter. He is serving as a sports editor this year. He is on the school cross country and track team....