Hello readers! The last game of the season will soon be upon us next Sunday as the Super Bowl will happen in Los Angeles. Super Bowl LVI will feature the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals and the NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams. In this post I'll talk about, a season recap for both teams, historical series between the two teams where I pick a game between the two teams, the keys for both teams and my pick to who wins it all. Let's get to work!
Season Recap
Los Angeles Rams
On January 31st, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams made their trade to a possible Super Bowl berth. The trade would involve dealing with fifth-year starter Jared Goff to the Lions in return of veteran Matthew Stafford. It would be a fresh start for Stafford after spending the last 12 years in Detroit where the quarterback would go to the playoffs only twice and lose both times.
The 2021 Rams were fairly picked by many a playoff contender in a NFC West that was filled with others that looked to be in Super Bowl contender spot. The Cardinals, 49ers and Seahawks all had a shot to get to a playoff spot. It would be the Rams that would get out of the mess as division champions.
With their all-star team and their quarterback at hand, the Rams would win their first three of four games. The Arizona Cardinals would snap the hot start beating the Rams 37-20. Sean McVay's Rams would rebound from the defeat and would win their next four games by averaging 32 points a game. They would hit a 7-1 record through eight games.
In what would've been a possible Super Bowl matchup the Titans would beat the Rams without Derrick Henry 28-16. Their toughest loss would be against the rival 49ers on the road in a 31-10 thrashing. With a bye week and a 7-3 record, the Rams were struggling and a turnaround was needed. The Rams would make trades that would bring in Odell Beckham Jr from the Browns and Von Miller from the Broncos. With two stars on offense and defense the Rams looked to get back on track.
The hope of a rebound would be torpedoed after a back and forth affair against the Green Bay Packers by a 36-28 loss. With a 7-4 record staring at them and the Cardinals and 49ers looking at their struggles as an advantage. The Rams would unleash their offense on an inept Jaguars team that would give them momentum. The win would catapult them to win their next four games including a revenge win against the Cardinals. With a 12-4 record and a possible division championship at stake, a win over the rival 49ers would put them with a 13-4 record. They would ultimately lose to them in an 27-24 overtime loss. They would end up as division champions but they looked vulnerable.
The Rams would open the playoffs against a familiar foe, the Arizona Cardinals. In a win or die situation the Rams would rout the Cardinals and beat them 34-11 and gave Matthew Stafford his first playoff win in his career. The next opponent would be a tough one. Against the defending champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Rams would put up a 27-3 margin before Tom Brady would lead his team back to a 27-27 tied game. Instead of going into overtime, Matthew Stafford would find his favorite target Cooper Kupp on consecutive throws and would lead them to field goal range that would end the Buccaneers hope of a comeback win.
In the NFC championship, they would have to face their rivals yet again, the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers had won six straight games, dating back to the 2019 season. In a defensive contest the Rams would exact a measure of revenge over the 49ers by a 20-17 to get to their 5th Super Bowl appearance.
Cincinnati Bengals
The story of a Super Bowl berth starts with a beginning. On December 22nd, 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals would lose to the Miami Dolphins and clinched the rights to the #1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft. They would use the pick on LSU product Joe Burrow. The 2020 Bengals would go as far as Joe Burrow would take them. A loss to the Washington Football Team would sting worse as Joe Burrow was lost for the season due to injury. The Bengals would finish the season at the cellar of the AFC North with a 4-11-1 record.
Changes were needed for the 2021 Bengals as they revamped their defense with such free agent signings like Eli Apple from the Panthers or Larry Ogunjobi from the rival Browns. The Bengals also added to their roster via the draft . They used their #5 overall pick on wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase who played with Burrow at LSU. In an odd move, the Bengals drafted a kicker in the fifth round by the name of Evan McPherson. With an improved team on hand, the Bengals looked to get back to relevance.
The expectations of the 2021 Bengals were modest. If they could keep Joe Burrow healthy and upright they had a shot to do some work. The Steelers, Browns and Ravens were expected to do well in the AFC North. All three teams were playoff teams the previous year so it was expected of them.
At the start of the season the Bengals looked like more of an average team then a contender as they would beat the Vikings by a field goal in overtime 27-24 by an Evan McPherson. Kind of ironic that he would be key to wins later in the season. The Bengals would lose their first game in a 20-17 contest against the Chicago Bears.
Everything would change for the Bengals as they shocked the football world and beat their bully the Pittsburgh Steelers by a 24-10 thrashing on the road. They would win again against the Jaguars before losing by an overtime field goal against the Packers. They would go on two win the next two games by scoring 34 points against the Lions and 41 against the Ravens.
The Bengals would struggle to beat the Jets on the road and the Browns at home and would go into the bye with a 5-4 record. Cincinnati's offense would rebound and beat the Raiders 32-13 and sweep the Steelers 41-10 at home. The Bengals would once again go on a 2-game losing streak as the Chargers and 49ers would beat them and send them back to a 7-6 record.
In a defensive contest in Denver, the Bengals would stave off a loss by beating the Broncos 15-10. Against the Ravens, the Bengals would add another season sweep as the Bengals beat the Ravens 41-21. They would also beat the defending AFC champion Chiefs in a shootout 34-31. With the starters resting, the Browns would hand the Bengals their 7th loss of the season with a 21-16 defeat. Despite finishing the season with a 10-7 record, the Bengals would survive the rough AFC North as division champions for the first time since 2015.
The playoff prospects for the Bengals weren't rosy. Not winning a playoff game since 1990 didn't help the Bengals cause either. Nevertheless, the Bengals would hang on and beat the Raiders 26-19 to give them their first playoff win since Sam Wyche's Bengals beat the Oilers. Their journey had begun.
Against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, the Bengals would hang with the Titans and capitalized on Titans mistakes. The Titans however would get nine sacks on Joe Burrow. The tight contest would come down to an Evan McPherson field goal that would send the Bengals to their first AFC Championship since 1988.
In a hostile environment of Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs, the Bengals would find themselves with the better sack total than their competition. With a 21-10 deficit at halftime, Joe Burrow would guide his Bengals on a 14-3 run to get the game to overtime. Cincinnati would make life inhospitable for Patrick Mahomes as he would be pressured more in the first half while playing more zone defense. The deciding score would come down to a Evan McPherson field goal that would send the Bengals to their 3rd Super Bowl appearance.
Bengals-Rams Series History
In the history of the Bengals-Rams series, the Bengals hold a 8-6 record over the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams. The Rams would win the first contest in 1972 by a 15-12 margin. The Bengals would win the next five of the six games in the series. The Rams would win the next three games, including a 38-10 win as the Greatest Show On Turf in 1999. Cincinnati would win the next three of the four games. The most recent game in the series was a Rams 24-10 win in 2019.
One of the more entertaining games in the series was a Bengals win in overtime by a 34-31 margin in 1990. The Bengals were two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance while the Rams were a year removed from an appearance in the NFC championship.
Boomer Esiason and Jim Everett would combine for 862 passing yards and five touchdowns in one of the biggest offensive showdowns of the 1990 season. The halftime score would be a 21-7 lead in favor of the Bengals as the Rams would storm back and put up 14 points in the 3rd quarter. The game would come down to a Mike Lansford field goal that would put the Rams at a 31-31 tie going into overtime. It would end up being a waste as Bengals kicker Jim Breech would hit a 44-yard field goal that would give the Bengals their 4th win of the season. Here's a video of the offensive contest.
At the end of the 1990 season, the Rams would finish the year with a 5-11 record and failed to make it back to the playoffs. The Bengals would be on the opposite side of the spectrum and finish the 1990 season with a 9-7 record and would beat the Oilers in the playoffs but would lose to the Raiders in what would be the Curse of Bo Jackson as the Bengals would lose eight straight playoff games until the 2021 season.Keys to the Game
Looking at both teams, they seem to be fairly even on paper with one having a better player in one position and another in an other. On offense the two teams have two great passing attacks with wide receivers that can go deep. Their rush offense I would somewhat give an advantage to the Bengals a bit as they have Joe Mixon that can go down the middle and go outside. On defense I might give the nod to the Rams as they really have a defensive line that can really rush the passer with three with Aaron Donald and Von Miller attacking the offensive line. Here are my keys to a win for either team.
Los Angeles Rams
Protect the ball: The ability to keep the ball out of your opponent's hands will be key to this one. Matthew Stafford may be a veteran but he is vulnerable to throwing interceptions. In the game against the Buccaneers in the Divisional round, they lost four fumbles which might've been the reason why the Bucs almost came back and won. It'll be key to not give any opportunities to the Bengals.
Mix it up on defense: the Bengals offensive line is a glaring weakness. They gave up nine sacks to the Titans. While they did improve on the offensive line against the Chiefs, they could possibly have a tough time controlling the line of scrimmage against the likes of Aaron Donald and Von Miller. While I wouldn't put a lot of blitzes on Burrow I feel some zone defense would be necessary to win.
Embrace the pressure: The Rams will be playing in their home stadium, this time with a crowd as the Buccaneers had very little in terms of attendance because of COVID-protocols. The all-in approach for the Rams will also put pressure on them as the Rams are the favorite by 4.5 to win the game. If they don't win the game then their season will be a failure so embrace the pressure and play like the team they are capable of.
Cincinnati Bengals
Be fearless: Let's be honest, the Bengals have some chance to win this game but not a very good chance. In truth, most people weren't expecting them to be even at this spot. They are the underdog, the unexpected visitor to the Rams home stadium, the world expects them to lose. Zac Taylor needs to take some chances if they're in a 4th and short situation, a trick play or two, or even an onside kick. Take some chances.
Offensive line needs a big day: The Bengals offensive line has become a punching line in the NFL for the last month and quite frankly, its warranted. They gave up nine sacks in the game against the Titans. They played a better game against the Chiefs but with the likes of Aaron Donald and Von Miller lurking in the defense, they will need to play a stellar game in the run and pass protection game. Everything hinges on keeping Joe Burrow upright and healthy.
Keep an eye on Cooper Kupp... and everyone else: Let's be fair, Cooper Kupp doesn't get a lot of attention he cares more often about winning than being in the spotlight. With that being said the Bengals pass defense will have to communicate and be on top of Cooper Kupp and everyone else. The Bengals pass defense was 27th in the NFL, giving up 264.6 yards/game. Fortunately the Rams running game doesn't have a very good unit so they will have to focus their attention on pass defense.
My Super Bowl Pick
LA Rams (15-5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (13-7) (NBC; 6:30 pm):
The 2021 season has now come down to these two teams. You have the Rams that are in their own home stadium trying to win their first championship since they were the St. Louis Rams in 1999, or their first championship as the Los Angeles Rams since 1951. You have the Bengals trying to win their first championship in franchise history. The game itself could be a good one with two fun offenses that feature two quarterbacks that are trying to go for their first ring. You also have two defenses that can rush the passer and have playmakers. I personally don't have any hatred or love for either team as the Rams are a fun team to watch. While they really tried to buy their team to win a championship, they look like a really tough out for the Bengals. I have no hatred for the Bengals either as Joe Burrow was a local Fargo kid for a couple of years as his dad was a defensive coordinator for the North Dakota State University Bison for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. As much as I would root for the underdog in the situation I don't really see how the Rams can possibly lose this game with the talent on the sides of the line of scrimmage. Sorry Bengals fans but I'm going with the Rams. I also have a bet going with Cardinal Viking and he picked the Bengals so if they win I have to pay up.
TW: Rams; CV: Bengals
Super Bowl Record
I had been doing picks for the Super Bowl roughly since Super Bowl XXXII when the Packers and the Broncos played (yeah I have a good memory fairly). Safe to say there was a long stretch when I had lost three straight Super Bowls and then five straight Super Bowls.
Super Bowl XXXII: Packers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XXXIII: Broncos vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams vs Titans (won)
Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens vs Giants (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVI: Rams vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVII: Raiders vs Buccaneers (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl XXXIX: Patriots vs Eagles (won)
Super Bowl XL: Steelers vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl XLI: Colts vs Bears (won)
Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs Cardinals (lost)
Super Bowl XLIV: Saints vs Colts (won)
Super Bowl XLV: Steelers vs Packers (won)
Super Bowl XLVI: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs 49ers (lost)
Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl 50: Panthers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl LII: Eagles vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl LIII: Rams vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl LIV: 49ers vs Chiefs (lost)
Super Bowl LV: Buccaneers vs Chiefs (won)
All-time record: 10-13
2021 Pick'em Records:
My record:
Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5
Total: 173-98-1
Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4
Conference Championship: 1-1
Cardinal Viking's record:
Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8
Total: 167-104-1
Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2
Conference Championship: 1-1
Previous Picking Records:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
