Can you believe it? It felt like just two days ago when Dak Prescott and Tom Brady were airing it out on Thursday Night Football to start the season. And all of a sudden, we’re less than 24 hours away from the Super Bowl. Unbelievable.
It was an eventful season and an even better playoffs. It surely would not be a hot take to claim that this was the best postseason in NFL history. The two teams that prevailed: The Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. Let’s follow both of the team’s routes that got them to this stage.
For the Bengals, it’s surprise after surprise. Just two years ago, their No. 1 overall pick, Joe Burrow, experienced a scary injury that took him out for the year. Now, he led his team to their first playoff win in 31 years, and obviously, a chance to bring home the Lombardi.
They first played the Raiders at home, eventually winning 26-19. It was a good standoff from the Raiders, but the Bengals prevailed with a game-winning interception in what would be their only home game throughout their run. They then moved onto Tennesse, where they went on the road against a well-rested, No. 1 seed, Titans team that had Derrick Henry returning. As underdogs, Joe Burrow absorbed 9 sacks but rallied to set up Evan McPherson for a game-winning field goal. And two weeks ago, they again traveled out to Kansas City against a Chiefs team that had outdueled an outstanding Bills team the prior week. And again, being down 21-3, Joe Burrow forced the game to OT, allowing Evan McPherson to make ANOTHER game-winning field goal.
Week in and week out, the Bengals were consistent underdogs. We say this about a lot of teams, but to beat the #1 and #2 seeds in the AFC, on the road, while taking 9 sacks in one game and going down 21-3 in another – that’s impressive.
Even while being underdogs, they are still the fan-favorite around America. To be fair, how could one hate the young star-studded team that has a QB nicknamed Joe Shiesty. Or a Wide Receiver that griddy’s. Or a defense full of stars that finally broke out. You get the point.
And after all the Bengals have been through, this final game could not have been more poetic. They will not only travel to the other side of the country for the Super Bowl but will face off at the opposing team’s home stadium. Underdogs again.
The Rams have had themselves an eventful journey as well. They started the postseason with the first-ever Monday Night playoff game. That game can be erased from playoff memory, as it was an absolute joke from the Cardinals. The Rams won 34-11. They then traveled to Tampa to play Tom Brady. They went up 27-3 in what seemed like what would be a blowout, but the Buccaneers somehow got it to a 27-27 game. But in some magical way, Cooper Kupp set up Matt Gay for a winner. And the Rams finally came back home to play their divisional rival 49ers. Prior to the game, Kyle Shanahan had been 6-0 against Sean McVay. But Jimmy Garoppolo happened, and the Rams won off a game-ending interception.
With everyone in the world watching and dreams on the line, let’s go over things that each team must accomplish in order to win.
How the Bengals can win: Maintain the “Nothing to Lose” Mindset
They were 2-15 last season. No one expected them to be here. And they’ve been playing better than ever. That is because the Bengals are playing freely. When the athletes have the ability to play with less pressure and more confidence, they play better. Hence, young guys like Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase are able to perform so well at such a high stage.
If you don’t believe me, listen to the man himself:
The Rams have sold themselves to be in this situation. Draft picks have been traded away for stars like Von Miller. If these guys can’t win it all, the Rams organization will crumble. The fact of the matter is, the Rams will lose many great players this off-season. For many of these guys, like Matthew Stafford and OBJ, it’s win a ring now, or never. There’s a lot of pressure. I feel it. And they feel it too.
In addition, the Bengals may not have the better overall team, but they surely have opportunities among individual matchups. This next statement may sound ridiculous, so brace yourself. Attack Jalen Ramsey. Jamarr Chase has the ability to single-handedly win games. We saw it against the Chiefs during the regular season. Jalen Ramsey has lost some critical matchups throughout the playoff games so far. Mike Evans and Deebo have given him a run for his money. His speed and physicality will be the toughest that Ramsey has faced all season. By directing targets toward Chase’s way, two scenarios may occur:
- Jamarr Chase is able to have a field day as he dominates Ramsey through the air or with his speed.
- OR Jamarr Chase takes Jalen Ramsey practically out of the game, leaving opportunities for Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to feast against inferior corners.
This is easier said than done, but with the offensive mastermind of Zach Taylor, it is possible. Even as 4.5 underdogs, the ability to play high-level football with a strong mindset can lead to a victory for Cinncinati.
How the Rams can win: Play Old-School Football – Blitz and Run
As I’ve constantly mentioned, it’s pretty fair to say that the Rams are the better team in this game. They have a better coaching staff, a better defense, and most importantly, control the line in this game. But what’s important about the Rams is that they will be the first team in this postseason that can match up with the Bengals in the WR group.
The Bengals were just able to slip past the Titans while being sacked 9 TIMES. The Titans, however, were a pretty weak offensive team during the game struggling to score the ball. Unfortunately for the Bengals, I do not see a way the Bengals can win if the Rams record 6+ sacks. The Rams simply have too much firepower on offense to retaliate with if the Bengals have to consistently punt. They have Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Leonard Floyd, and more. For God’s sake, just blitz LA.
I’m a big fan of the Rams running back room. Cam Akers and Sony Michel are great two-punch duos. Akers provides a strong burst of energy that can consistently pick up 10+ yards. Michel has the ability to take the ball 25 times a game and run for over 100+ yards. He is also a great goal-line back.
While the Bengals have fared well against the run, this game isn’t exactly the same. I gave you a 2 option scenario for the Bengals, so here’s one for the Rams:
- The Rams dominate the ground game and consistently control the line
- OR the Rams ability to stay consistent with the run will open up the playbook, allowing for Kupp, OBJ, and Van Jefferson to have big nights.
This again sounds so simple, and it in fact can be. Sean McVay is ridiculously smart and knows exactly where to exploit the Bengals.
So Who Executes? – Score Prediction
- Ishan’s Prediction: Bengals 14, Rams 23
- Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Donald
Let me know your predictions down below!
