Super Bowl LVI Matchups Analysis - Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

*Channels inner Michael Buffer* Brought to you by RotoBaller and today’s commentator Ellis Johnson. Ladies, gentlemen, and NFL fans around the world, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Live, from SoFi Arena in Los Angeles, California, Iiiiiiiit’s time - for the main event of the season, Super Bowl LVI!  

Introducing first, out of the AFC North, a team that entered the season tied with the New York Jets for the fourth-worst odds to win the Super Bowl. A team that has faced adversity and not only took down the AFC #1 seed on the road but followed it up with an overtime victory against the “unbeatable” Kansas City football team in Arrowhead. Led by the coldest man in the nation, introducing the Cincinnati Bengals!

Coming out of the NFC. We have a team that was expected to be here and made it happen. Putting together a rag-tag group of elite NFL talents, this star-studded cast will look to complete what has been their goal all season. After taking down the undisputed GOAT of the NFL, this team grinded their way past Kyle Shanahan’s NFC bullies and showed they have what it takes to win it all. The away team is in their own stadium, introducing the Los Angeles Rams!

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
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• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams

Game time: Sunday, February 13th, 6:30 pm ET
Location: So-Fi Stadium, Los Angeles, California

I hope all of you read that in Buffer’s voice, as I think it is the only suitable way to introduce this matchup. Two teams that have earned the hearts of NFL fans across the country come together to see whose feel-good story will end with a championship. For only the second time in the last eight years, we have a Super Bowl without Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes. Coincidently, for only the second time ever, we have two QBs that were selected first overall facing off in the Super Bowl.

In this article, I am going to break down game narratives, each team as a whole, and give player breakdowns for each position. At the end, I will also discuss each team’s advantages in key matchups and make my pick for Super Bowl LVI. My name is Ellis Johnson, and I am truly honored to bring you RotoBaller's Super Bowl preview. 

The Super Bowl Narratives

Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR): On February 7th, 1988 (happy belated), Matthew Stafford was born. 21 years later, Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall pick in 2009. He then went on to showcase his elite arm talent while being tied down by one of the worst franchises in NFL history. Despite his 74-90-1 record with the Lions, Stafford managed to be the fastest player to reach 20, 30, 40, and 45 thousand career passing yards. He did this despite having to overcome an abundance of injuries, ultimately winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2011. He also threw the iconic game-winning touchdown against the Browns with a dislocated shoulder in 2016. On January 31st, 2021, Stafford was traded to the Rams, and a year later, he had his first three playoff wins and first Super Bowl appearance. Hats off to you, Mr. Stafford. 

Joe Burrow (QB, CIN): Next, we will all be hearing a tale about a scrawny Ohio kid who would soon change the entire city of Cincinnati. After transferring from Ohio State to Louisiana State University, Joseph Lee Burrow went on to post the greatest college season of all time. Passing for over 5,600 yards, 60 touchdowns, six interceptions, and leading the Tigers to the National Championship in 2019. After securing the Heisman trophy that year, he went on to be the first overall pick, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, his rookie season ended early after a torn ACL and MCL halfway through the season. After a grueling rehabilitation process, he was able to take the field with his best friend Ja’Marr Chase in 2021. Although we only saw flashes in 2020, it was clear that this kid was special. One magical season later, the hometown leader has found himself in the Super Bowl and could become the first player ever to win the National Championship, Heisman, and Super Bowl. What a story.

Cam Akers (RB, LAR): The last player I would like to highlight is Cam Akers. Selected by the Rams with the 52nd pick in the 2020 draft, Akers was immediately effective on a high-powered offense. Considering this was the team that lost former star running back Todd Gurley III, he had big shoes to fill. That season, he flashed his elite talent, rushing for the sixth-most yards in a game during the 2020 season (171 yards). After the season, Akers was primed to become one of the NFL’s next elite talents. That’s when he tore his Achilles on July 20th, 2021. With the limited sample size of RBs returning from that injury, the future did not seem bright. Dynasty managers were stuck wondering if he would ever step on the NFL field again as a starting running back. The 22-year-old was up against all odds in only his second season as a pro. So the rehabilitation began, and slowly reports of his recovery started to emerge. Then, it was announced that he may be able to return this season. Then, he did return and helped his team get to the Super Bowl. At 22 years old, the commitment and dedication to overcome the injury he sustained can not be overemphasized.

Zac Taylor (HC, CIN): On January 30th, 2022, the Rams booked their ticket to their second Super Bowl in four years. During their run in 2019, do you know who their QB coach was? Zac Taylor. That’s right, the Bengals' head coach went right from the Rams to the Bengals and now gets to face his former team in the Super Bowl. The former Winnipeg Blue Bomber started his NFL head coaching career 6-25-1 in his first two seasons. As a result, Taylor was presumed on the hot seat if he didn’t find success in 2021. Turns out, Burrow isn’t the only one who performs under pressure. Joining the shortlist of coaches to start their playoff career 3-0, Taylor has proved himself to be one of the better coaches in the NFL. He now gets to face his mentor with both of their hand-picked QBs under center.

Team Analysis for Super Bowl LVI

Los Angeles Rams

From taking down the GOAT to breaking an 0-6 streak against their divisional rival 49ers, this team feels destined for glory. Not only does Sean McVay mirror the swagger of Michael McDermott in the famous movie Rounders, but he also must be counting cards to pull off this season. That’s right, this head coach is always willing to push his chips in the middle. Going into this season, this team had pocket aces in defensive stars, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Aaron Donald, usually a quiet leader on the team, stepped up against the 49ers. He collected the entire defense and gave what appeared to be an inspiring speech. He then followed it up by pressuring Jimmy Garappolo to throw the game-clinching interception. If Donald is on a mission for a title, I wouldn’t want to be the lineman standing in his way. 

Even with his aces, McVay didn’t want to risk the flop. Trading away six years' worth of first-round picks and fending off salary-cap devastation, this team is truly the definition of “the future is now”. This comes as a relief since this team doesn’t seem to have a future in terms of draft capital. Thankfully, the draft picks did not go to waste. It’s not often you see a team move away from a QB who led them to a Super Bowl only to bring in someone who has never won a playoff game. Well, that’s exactly what McVay did bringing in Stafford. This in turn revealed that McVay had another card up his sleeve, Cooper Kupp. In his first year with Stafford, Kupp had arguably the greatest season of all time by a WR. It’s no coincidence that Stafford has been the QB for both Calvin Johnson and Cooper Kupp as they set the top two season totals in receiving yards. At this point, McVay is playing with house money. Thankfully, that was enough to bring in elite misfit talents Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. This star-studded team has seemed destined for a championship all year. Sitting with one card left on the river, McVay holds his poker face, knowing the table has provided every opportunity for him to take home the pot. 

Cincinnati Bengals

In a time of classic film remakes, it would be no surprise if Hollywood decided to do a rendition of Dodgeball. If they do, I know just the person to play Peter La Fleur. Zac Taylor perfectly fits the role of a local gym owner who is trying to stay afloat, especially for a gym named “Average Joes”. I know, it’s perfect. Call him what you will, Joe Brr, Joe Shiesty, Joey Franchise, or Joe Cool, Joe Burrow is THE guy and anything but average. Already becoming the first, first overall pick to make it to a Super Bowl in his first two seasons, Burrow looks to become the first player ever to win the National Championship, the Heisman, and the Super Bowl. Thankfully, in what was a heavily debated pick, Burrow gets to play the Super Bowl with his sidekick and rookie sensation Ja’Marr Chase. Outside of these two, the Bengals can’t compare to the star power of the Rams. Thankfully, we have witnessed the emergence of rookie kicker Evan McPherson and the depth of talent that makes up this receiving core. But that’s only one side of the ball. 

This defense stopped Patrick Mahomes in overtime, has six interceptions in their three playoff games and is very different from the star-studded Rams squad. Besides the Bengals drafting star safety Jessie Bates III, linebacker Logan Wilson, and defensive end Sam Hubbard, their defense has been pieced together through free-agent acquisitions. For example, safety Vonn Bell was drafted by the Saints and spent four seasons there, Eli Apple was a first-round pick by the Giants in 2016, D.J. Reader was drafted by the Texans, Trey Hendrickson was drafted by the Saints in 2017, and Mike Hilton is on his fourth NFL team. This group of misfits combined for the ninth most sacks on the season and allowed the eighth fewest rushing yards per game. Despite lacking the star power of the Rams, this team has had debatably the hardest road to the Super Bowl. Being the underdogs in each of their last two games, this team continues to prevail. It’s a hard team not to root for, as they fight off underdog odds for the third consecutive playoff game with hopes of reaching the promised land.

Player Breakdowns for Super Bowl LVI

Quarterbacks

Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR): Take any negative narrative you might have heard about this guy and toss it out the window. Stafford has been a baller his whole career and has now proven that he is a winner as well. In one of the most fascinating careers in the NFL, Stafford has made the most of his opportunity this season. Finishing third in the league in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns, he looked like a Super Bowl-winning QB all season. The playoffs haven't fazed his performance, either. In his three playoff games, he has a 6:1 touchdown to interception ratio, averaged over 300 yards per game, and a 73% completion percentage. The Bengals have allowed nearly 270 passing yards per game this playoffs, but they have managed to secure six interceptions in three games. Stafford is known to make some errant throws, but if he can have a clean game, it will be hard for the Bengals to slow him down. 

Joe Burrow (QB, CIN): Joe Brrr has had ice in his veins in the postseason. How many people can say they have never lost a playoff game in both college and the NFL? Joe Burrow can. Burrow has been a true leader both on and off the field this season. While he has restored Bengals’ fans' hopes, he has also spent copious amounts of time battling hunger in the Cincinnati area. He is a true standup guy that walks the line between confident and cocky perfectly. That’s a tough line to walk, especially with a surgically repaired knee. Speaking of, Burrow has the second-best odds to win Comeback Player of the Year. He was also PFF’s highest-graded QB on the season and has carried his performance into the playoffs. All this despite being sacked 12 times in three games during the playoffs. Facing Aaron Donald and company provides a massive challenge for the offensive line that needs to keep Burrow upright. If they can do that, Burrow has enough ice in his veins to put this Rams team to bed. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Tie. This is a toss-up, and usually, that means I would side with the veteran. However, I think Burrow possesses the talent and poise to be the more likely to play a clean game in this one. I can’t decide between these two and it might come down to if Stafford shows up with his hat backward or if Burrow has those slick shades on again.

Wide Receivers

Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR): I’m personally calling this the greatest WR season of all time. This season, he led the league in yards (1947), receptions (145), and receiving touchdowns (16). Clearly, his breakfast dates with Stafford paid off, as these two have a serious mind-meld. Whether it’s in the red zone or between the ’20s, these two find each other. Just look at that final drive against Tampa Bay two weeks ago. Everyone knew Kupp was getting the ball and in two plays, the two of them marched the field. In the playoffs, Kupp is averaging a ridiculous 129 yards, 11 targets, and 1.3 touchdowns per game. Kupp has stepped up when the team has needed him most all season. I’m sure Kupp has been waiting for this moment ever since his injury prevented him from playing during the team's 2019 Super Bowl run. As great as Chidobe Awuzie has been all season, the Bengals do not have a single corner that can cover Kupp and will need to rely on a team effort to have any chance of slowing him down. 

Ja'Marr Chase (WR, CIN): So you’re telling me, we get to see Ja’Marr Chase against Jalen Ramsey in the Super Bowl? I’ve already started making my popcorn. Rookie sensation Chase hasn’t stopped being amazing all year. He steps up when Burrow needs him most and doesn’t mind letting Tee Higgins take the reins when the opposition focuses on him. Although his playoff stats have not been as explosive, he has done exactly what the team has needed each game. In the first two games, he surpassed the century mark in receiving yards, and against Kansas City, he caught a crucial third-down touchdown to tie the game. What was incredible about that touchdown is that Burrow ran the same play right before and they were unable to connect. The next play, they ran it back and got the score. If this sounds familiar, you’re not wrong. Flashback to Week 5 of the 2017 season where Rodgers repeated the same play and threw the game-winning touchdown to Davante Adams against the Cowboys with 11 seconds left (here’s the video). If the Bengals need a play, they need Chase to take on one of the best corners in the league. This is no small feat, but Chase has been doing it all season long. This is lining up to be an iconic Super Bowl player matchup. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Rams. The answer to this one would be Chase if it was almost any receiver not named Kupp, Davante Adams, or Deebo Samuel on the other side. Both are top-end talents; however, I have to give the advantage to the player who secured the receiving triple crown last season.

Running Backs

Cam Akers & Sony Michel (RB, LAR): We’ve already discussed Akers’ miraculous return this season; however, he only makes up half of this backfield. After bringing in Sony Michel during the season, McVay specifically said he wanted a back who has played in big games and has the experience. There is no hiding the “big game” McVay was referring to. During the 2019 Super Bowl, Michel ran for 94 yards on 5.2 yards per carry and scored the only touchdown as the Patriots took down McVay’s Rams. Although Akers has proved to be the more explosive and effective runner this postseason, he has also coughed up the ball a couple of times. I expect McVay to use both backs situationally, which most likely means using Michel on the goal-line. It is also important to note that Darrell Henderson could potentially return for this game. However, even if he does, I can’t see him getting a large workload in his first game back.

Joe Mixon (RB, CIN): For years, we heard about Joe Mixon’s talent, yet we never saw it fully unleashed. Sure, we saw a few explosive games, but overall his seasons were overshadowed by mediocre yards per carry and weekly disappearing acts. Many draft analysts had the Oklahoma back graded as a first-round talent; however, he fell to the Bengals in the second round. This was a result of an incident that happened in 2014 on his 18th birthday. In an altercation caught on camera, Mixon hit a fellow female student breaking her jaw, eye socket, and cheekbone. As a result, the talented back plummeted down draft boards and was controversially selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. Since then, he has slowly progressed to become one of the better running backs in the NFL. This season, he finished with the third-most fantasy points, rushing yards, rushing attempts, and rushing touchdowns. Mixon finally added the ground attack that had been missing from this team over the previous years. Whether you choose to cheer for him or not, he is an important piece to this Bengals offense. If he can find success on the ground, it may take some pressure off of Burrow and open up the passing game. The Rams know the Bengals can be lethal through the air, making it all the more important to establish a balanced attack. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Bengals. Mixon is the most talented of these backs and has proven it all year. In another year or two, Akers could make this a different conversation, but as of now, the clear answer is Mixon. 

Second Receivers

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LAR): One of the NFL’s biggest stars has found himself in a Super Bowl during his eighth season. After locking down a Madden cover with his spectacular catch, he soon left the Giants to join former college teammate Jarvis Landry in Cleveland. Paired with Baker Mayfield, this team did string together some of the best seasons the Browns had seen in a while, but still, something was missing. That’s when the rumors of OBJ losing his elite ability started to come in. To be fair to the media, statistically, there was no reason to say OBJ was still elite. Thankfully, he managed to get himself out of Cleveland and show that maybe the Browns just aren’t a great team after all. Not only does OBJ scream Los Angeles, but his timely arrival helped make up for the loss of Robert Woods. Losing Boreal Bobby was a big hit to this offense, and without OBJ, it could have easily derailed their entire season. That’s when OBJ started to heat up and gain Stafford’s trust. In what is reminiscent of playoff Leonard Fournette, OBJ managed to have his first 100-yard game in over 30 games against the 49ers. We’ve known OBJ is an elite talent and welcomes the spotlight, so it only seems right that he may play a key role if the Bengals can manage to slow down Kupp.

Tee Higgins (WR, CIN): These teams are fascinating head to head. Burrow and Stafford, Chase and Kupp, and now OBJ and Tee Higgins. Two of the best “second fiddle” WRs in the league may be forced to be THE guy if the defenses can stall their elite teammates. Thankfully, both of these receivers are up to the task. Although Higgins does not carry a household name like OBJ, he is an excellent WR (take a quick look at this video if you need convincing). Drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2020 draft, Higgins teamed up with Burrow for an excellent rookie campaign. In his first season, Higgins had over 900 yards and six touchdowns on 67 receptions. He did this on a team that played with a second and third-string QB for the second half of the season. As a result, the numbers don’t tell the full story. All season, Higgins has been making big plays that showcase his contested-catch ability. He has the athletic ability, physical measures, and draft capital to be a true WR1 in the NFL. All eyes may be on Chase this weekend, but I think Higgins could be the one with the bigger game of the two. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Rams. I think Higgins is the real deal, but I think Beckham's experience under pressure takes this one. 

Third Receivers

Van Jefferson (WR, LAR): The second-year player had a quiet breakout season this year. Jefferson began his college career at  Ole Miss (yes, the same school as D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown, and Elijah Moore) before switching to Florida for his final two years. After that, he was selected by the Rams in the second round. Jefferson managed over 800 yards, six touchdowns, and 50 receptions this year. While that was a large step forward from his rookie season, he was clearly the third option (arguably fourth when DeSean Jackson was there) both with and without Bobby Trees in the lineup. Although Jefferson does not project as an elite player, he does feature big-play ability and is a great complement to Kupp and OBJ. Plus, the Bengals allowed the fifth-most passing plays of 20 yards or more this season. With these two gunslingers under center, it’s likely we will see a long TD in this game. If that is the case, Jefferson is as good a bet as any to come down with it. 

Tyler Boyd (WR, CIN): Arguably one of the league's elite slot receivers, Boyd is consistently overlooked on this offense. He may not be the star caliber of Chase, but he has been a pillar of this offense for years. Selected in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Bengals, Boyd has consistently improved his game. This season, he had zero drops on 94 targets, catching 64 of them for 828 yards and five touchdowns. Although he is classified as a slot receiver, he managed two 55+ yard touchdowns this year. Throughout his career, he has displayed the athleticism to make teams pay when left open. Much like Jefferson, Boyd could score a long one but is also a prime safety blanket for Burrow. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Bengals. Boyd is the perfect WR3 for an NFL team and is a great complement to Chase and Higgins. Who knows, he could be the Bengals' X factor in this game. 

Tight Ends

Tyler Higbee & Kendall Blanton (TE, LAR): Higbee left last game with an MCL sprain and Blanton was very solid in his absence. After catching his first touchdown against the Buccaneers a week earlier, Stafford has looked at Blanton’s way increasingly this postseason. When it’s not Blanton, Higbee is the go-to TE for this team. While his season stats may not appear to be spectacular, Higbee was the guy Stafford looked to in key third-down situations. He may only catch a few balls this game, but they could be crucial for the Rams' success.

C.J. Uzomah (TE, CIN): You have to love this guy. He is the longest-tenured Bengal on the roster, playing his seventh season with the team this year. Not only is he experienced, but he is also the Bengals' locker room leader. If you watch any postgame-locker room talk, Uzomah is always the one leading the cheer. Unfortunately, he also sprained his MCL last game and is hoping to return this week. Much like Higbee, his statistics this season don’t jump off the page but he has had some huge games this season.

Injuries: It is projected that both Uzomah and Higbee may be inactive for this game. As a result, backups Blanton and Drew Sample would step up. Sample has second-round draft capital but is primarily a blocking tight end. If both players miss, it might make that third WR all the more valuable. However, I am projecting both to play. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Bengals. Higbee may be the more talented of the two at this point in their careers, but I think Uzomah’s experience and leadership are more important in this big game.

Kickers

Matt Gay (K, LAR): Drafted by the Buccaneers in the 2019 draft, Gay was later waived by the team in 2020. He was then signed by the Rams for the remainder of the 2020 season and strung together a 96.1% field goal percentage in 2021. It is important to note that in his two playoff games, he has never missed a kick, making four field goals and four extra points. There’s no denying it, Gay has had a very good season and should not be overlooked.

Evan McPherson (K, CIN): How often is it that a rookie kicker’s jerseys are sold out? Well, McPherson Jerseys were sold out after he kicked the game-winner against Kansas City to send the Bengals to the Super Bowl. Evan “Money” McPherson has broken the rookie kicker mold. Check out this clip of what McPherson said to back up QB Brandon Allen before drilling the game-winning kick against the Titans. Remember, this kid is a rookie. After being the only kicker drafted in the 2021 draft, his fifth-round draft capital has proved to be worth every penny. In his first season, he has not only set a franchise record for the longest field goal (58 yards), but he also is 12 for 12 field goals these playoffs. His playoff performance ties Adam Vinatieri’s career record for most postseason games with four or more field goals. In a position that is often overshadowed, McPherson has been a game-changer for the Bengals.

Ellis’ Advantage: Bengals. I am tentative to side with a rookie kicker in the Super Bowl, but McPherson has proven there is no reason to doubt him. Somehow, we have yet to see the rookie sweat even when kicking the biggest kicks of his career.

Defense

Los Angeles Rams: Where to start. This team is loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball. Starting with the third player in NFL history to make seven or more consecutive Pro Bowls, Aaron Donald is both literally and metaphorically the biggest storyline here. Knowing the Bengals have a porous offensive line, Donald is one of the few defensive players that could have a game worthy of being the Super Bowl MVP. Another one of these players already has a Super Bowl MVP under his belt. Von Miller won this award six years ago when the Broncos beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Once again, another star on this defense. On the other side of Donald is Leonard Floyd, who has 9.5 or more sacks in each of the last two years.

In their secondary, they also have star safety Eric Weddle, who came out of retirement for this Super Bowl run. Weddle led the team in tackles against the 49ers and silenced any doubt that a 37-year-old can’t play safety. From the old to the young, the last key star in this matchup is Jalen Ramsey. Arguably the best corner in the game, Ramsey could play a key role in slowing down Ja’Marr Chase. His name may bring fear to Bengals fans, but don’t forget that Mike Evans torched him for Brady’s last career touchdown in the Divisional Round. At the end of the day, there is a reason PFF had this defense ranked first heading into the season (and that was before they added Von Miller and Eric Weddle).

Cincinnati Bengals: I’ve mentioned this defense when breaking down the teams earlier in this article. Comparing these two defenses from a name-value standpoint is a true David and Goliath situation. However, they may be lesser-known names but they have been produced all season. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson finished fifth in the league in sacks (14), which included an 11 game sack streak in the middle of the year. Not only did Hendrickson become a star, but safety Jessie Bates III entered the season as PFF’s eighth-ranked safety. Also in the secondary is Chidobe Awuzie, who had a career resurgence this season, racking up an 83.4 PFF grade. These pieces are also surrounded by the steady talent of linebackers Sam Hubbard and Logan Wilson, D-tackles B.J Hill and D.J. Reader, and the sporadic first-round corner Eli Apple.

One of the key matchups will be nickel-corner Mike Hilton against Cooper Kupp. This doesn’t look good for the Bengals, as Hilton is averaging a 98.8 QBR when targeted in the slot. Say what you will about this group, there is no denying that they have somehow stepped up significantly over their last six games. This includes grabbing six interceptions in their three playoff games, and holding Patrick Mahomes and company to three points in the second half, not only once in Week 17, but a second time in the AFC title game. Oh, and don’t forget Mahomes won the coin toss in overtime and the Bengals got the crucial stop. On paper, it may be illogical, but this defense will cause headaches for Matthew Stafford. 

Ellis’ Advantage: Rams. No matter how much I like the storyline of this Bengals defense, you can’t deny the sheer star power of the Rams. As a result, I have to give it to the team that has more playoff experience and multiple players who have played in a Super Bowl before. 

Game Picks for Super Bowl LVI

For the final time this season, I get to make my picks for this game. Over the season, we did fairly well on Thursday Night predictions, going 12-5 against the spread and 11-6 on the Over/Unders. All that to say, the Super Bowl is a different beast. In one of the most fascinating matchups of the last decade, this game could truly go either way. Which narrative do you like more? The team that has invested its future and doubled down on a Super Bowl run? Or the team playing with a chip on its shoulder and believing it’s their destiny to prove everyone wrong? In one of the most likable QB matchups, it’s easy to root for each team for different reasons. If you’ve been keeping track of this article, I’ve given the Bengals four advantages and three to the Rams. Obviously, some advantages hold more weight than others, but even then, I have to go with my gut and my heart. 

I think the Lombardi trophy is heading to Who Dey Nation! This team is remarkable. Beating all odds all season, not only bringing them the AFC North title but also ending a 31-year playoff win drought and bringing them to their second Super Bowl appearance. Let’s not forget they walked into Arrowhead and won against Kansas City after the Chiefs pulled off a win against the Bills in what has been touted to be the “best playoff game of all time”. This team oozes confidence and is led by a true winner. Let’s see if Zac Taylor has one more miracle up his sleeve. WHO DEY!!!

Ellis’ Picks: CIN +4.5, Over 48.5, BONUS CIN ML +170

Thank you all for reading my work this season. I am honored to bring you the Super Bowl preview and hope you all enjoyed the season. Huge thanks to RotoBaller for supporting my work and giving me the opportunity to do what I love. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to my brothers at True North Fantasy Football, who provide great football analysis up here in Canada. Lastly, thank you @Danmadegraphics for the picture edits. You can follow me and my work on Twitter @YoitsEllis_FF (“Yo it's Ellis”).  #WhoDeyNation

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