The Rams have been speculated to be a contender for the Tremendous Bowl. The Cincinnati Bengals weren't. This may appear an unlikely Massive Sport pairing, however it's the one approaching Feb. 13. The Rams shall be within the pleasant confines of SoFi Stadium with an opportunity to win the franchise’s second Tremendous Bowl victory and first since 1999.
The Bengals, who hadn’t gained a playoff sport since 1990, have by no means gained the Lombardi Trophy, with losses to the San Francisco 49ers in each Tremendous Bowl XXIII for the 1988 season and Tremendous Bowl XVI for the 1981 season. They're an underdog this time round as nicely.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-4, 50)
The betting odds for Tremendous Bowl LVI have been cut up between -3½ and -4 because the Rams accomplished a 20-17 win over the 49ers. Based mostly on early motion, nearly each sportsbook moved to -4. The overall sits at both 49½ or 50, although the opening line from the Westgate Superbook was 51.
The Rams would be the second crew to play the Tremendous Bowl at residence, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from final season’s sport. The Bucs gained 31-9, however that sport was performed with solely 24,835 followers due to COVID-19 protocols.
This yr’s Tremendous Bowl is prone to characteristic a who’s who of Hollywood elites, and it stays to be seen how a lot of a home-field benefit the Rams can have. Bengals followers traveled comparatively nicely to Arrowhead Stadium for a 27-24 win over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the AFC championship sport and would possibly need to get away from the chilly, snowy Ohio winter and heat up in Inglewood.
Each the Bengals and Rams trailed by double digits of their respective convention title video games. The Rams have been down 17-7 going into the fourth quarter and scored the ultimate 13 factors. Cincinnati trailed 21-3 with 5 minutes left within the second quarter and scored 24 of the sport’s ultimate 27 factors, which was nearly a carbon copy of its sport towards the Chiefs in Week 17. In that sport, the Chiefs led 28-14 and took a 28-17 lead into halftime earlier than scoring simply three factors within the second half within the 34-31 loss.
In some methods, Cincinnati was extra spectacular and knocked off a crew increased within the minds of most NFL scribes and bettors. Nonetheless, the Rams are one of many league’s most proficient groups. Tremendous Bowl story traces will heart on how the Bengals plan to cease Von Miller, Aaron Donald and the Rams go rush. Additionally, how will Cincinnati decelerate Cooper Kupp?
The Rams would possibly get the identical questions on Ja’Marr Chase, however having a participant like Jalen Ramsey actually helps counter that. The Rams also needs to be more healthy on the security place by kickoff, as Taylor Rapp has missed time with a concussion.
It is very important level out a number of issues concerning the lifetime of a Tremendous Bowl line earlier than giving a primary impression on the sport. This line is up for 2 weeks. Each angle, story line and narrative concerning the sport shall be mentioned advert nauseam by prognosticators and pundits. The sport will draw an unlimited betting deal with, however the overwhelming majority of the cash won't are available in till Tremendous Bowl weekend.
Preliminary positions shall be taken throughout the first 12 to 24 hours by the stats-based handicapping crowd and by those that need to take a stance, however then the road will sit in purgatory for some time. We’ll get to a degree the place the unfold and complete don’t actually transfer for a number of days, barring a observe damage. Then, as we get nearer to the sport, not solely will exercise choose up on the aspect and complete, however the huge prop betting catalogs shall be launched to the plenty — that can spike further curiosity.
So far as what I like with the early line, I lean with the Bengals +4. Cincinnati has proven the power to make great in-game changes, significantly on protection from coordinator Lou Anarumo. We all know that seemingly each sport for the Rams has been a story of two halves. Kyle Shanahan did every thing worse than Sean McVay within the second half of the NFC championship sport, however the Rams coach had his blunders as nicely, very similar to what we noticed towards the Buccaneers.
McVay additionally has a knack for getting too conservative, which leaves the backdoor open for a potent passing assault — like what the Bengals carry to the desk. There shall be plenty of various things to consider for the sport, so don’t be too hasty together with your assessments. You’ve obtained loads of time.
Early choose: Bengals +4
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