Written by: Chaim Cohen
Bengals 4.5 point underdogs, Why?
It's because of these two right here. Especially the man on the right, Aaron Donald. Over these playoffs the Bengals have been winning games but there has been one clear flaw with them, their offensive line. The main game that comes to mind has to be the divisional round vs. the Titans. Burrow got sacked a playoff high, 9 times. This Rams defensive line led by Aaron Donald is arguably the best in the league. What makes their defensive line even better is how strong their secondary is. While the Rams have undoubtedly the best all around defensive player in the league, Aaron Donald, they also have the best coverage player in the league in Jalen Ramsey. The Rams defense is simply a cheat code. They get the same pressure rushing 3 that most teams do rushing 4, so they are able to have an "extra" player in coverage. Also they have such a good secondary that it could hold up having only 7 guys in coverage so they can rush 4 whenever. Especially after witnessing what happened last year with the Chiefs weak offensive line, we can confidently predict a tough day for Joe Burrow and he may just be running for his life like Patrick Mahomes last year. Offensively I expect nothing but elite football from the Rams offense. Matthew Stafford has played well enough these playoffs and throughout his career to the point where we should hold him to a very high standard. Anything less than 250+ yards and 2 touchdowns is disappointing unless there is some insane performance from the run game. I also expect a monster game from Kupp but there is always a chance the Bengals all out commit Kupp which in that case I can very well see Odell Beckham jr. stepping up. So yes, on paper this Rams team should win and this is their game to lose, but football is a 60 minute game where almost anything can happen so there is no guarantee.
How the Bengals can beat the Rams
Although on paper the Rams seem to have the upper hand, there is still a large possibility the Bengals could pull this off. It all starts with Joe Burrow. He will most likely be under a lot of pressure due to the Rams defense but he has to stay composed if he wants to win. Once that defensive line starts to creep up on him he can not be afraid to throw the ball away. If he tried to do too much he will get penalized, if he prematurely throws a deep ball he will get picked off by Jalen Ramsey, but if he holds on the ball too long he will get stripped by Aaron Donald. The Bengals will also have to control the clock. Although we are expecting a bad game from the Bengals, they will have to do their best to assert themselves in the run game. I am not saying we need a Mixon masterclass but we will allow him to show up and play some of his best and most efficient football. The second thing the Bengals are going to need is for either Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins to pop off. My philosophy when it comes to all sports is when in your most important moments put the ball in your best players' hands. In this case for the Super Bowl this Sunday that is Ja’Marr Chase. The one problem is all pro corner, Jalen Ramsey. Even if the deep ball isn't there for Ja’Marr just get him involved whether it's screen passes or slants. As long as he gets the ball in his hands he will reward you. If the second scenario pans out and Ramsey is holding it down with Chase I expect a big game from sophomore receiver Tee Higgins. During this year whenever Ja’Marr was struggling Tee Higgins really stepped up. A prime example of this was in last week's game against the Chiefs. Although Chase did have a touchdown he was underwhelming for the most part, composing a 6 receptions 54 yard statline, while Tee Higgins stepped up with 6 receptions for a team high, 106 yards. In conclusion I would expect the Bengals defense to collapse so the only real chance the Bengals have of winning this game is if the Bengals offense clicks. So if they play some of their best football Joe Shiesty might just bring the Lombardi to Cincinnati for the first time in NFL history.
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