The 2021 NFL Season officially ends tonight. One team will emerge victorious and one team will fall short of achieving the ultimate goal. Tonight, we have a very interesting matchup. The team of destiny vs. the powerhouse. Did I also mention, the powerhouse happens to be playing in their own stadium? That said team is technically not the home team, which is another thing in itself, but nevermind. It’s a crazy matchup, but I think we’ll be in for an exciting game tonight. Both teams have had similar game results in most of their playoff games, but their road to get here has been completely different. So, my best advice for tonight is to get your favorite food, snacks, and drinks, pick a good place to sit and gear up for a good matchup.

The Rams are currently favored by 4 points in this contest and I honestly expected it to be around 5-6 points because they’re playing in their home stadium. They join last year’s Tampa Bay Bucs as the only 2 teams to play on their home turf in the history of the Super Bowl. It’s crazy to think that a team never played on their home field in 55 years, but we’re seeing it in back-to-back years. Most people would expect the Rams to outmatch the Bengals in everything by a somewhat sizable margin, but the gaps are a lot closer than you would think. In terms of total offensive yardage, the Rams are 9th, Bengals are 13th. Passing, Rams 5th, Bengals 7th. Defensive YPG allowed, Rams 17th, Bengals 18th. PPG allowed, Rams 15th, Bengals 17th. During the regular season, they were tied at 7th in offensive PPG. The margins are close, very close. We’ve all been hearing how much the Rams defense is elite and how they overpower everyone. Stats don’t tell the whole story, but they certainly don’t lie. The stats tell me that both teams are an evenly matched, average defenses compared to the rest of the league. However, this doesn’t mean that the defensive side of things won’t be the most crucial part of the game. It always comes down to defense, no matter what. The Bengals gave the 3rd most sacks this year in the league. The Rams were 26th. The Rams sacked their opposing QBs at the 3rd highest rate in the NFL. I think these stats speak for themselves. The Rams will look to get to Burrow early and often.

Despite the sack stats that I have thrown out in favor of the Rams, we have seen time and time again, that Joe Burrow is as cool as a cucumber when it comes to tense situations. Despite having and underperforming Offensive Line, Burrow has remained calm under pressure and has led his team to the Super Bowl. Neither team are known for their high-powered rushing attacks, but it could be a big factor in this game. The Bengals are favored in the RB department. Joe Mixon hasn’t been great in the postseason, but they really didn’t need for him to be. It will a much-needed bonus if they can get Joe Mixon the ball more. He has been one of the more underrated RBs in the NFL over the last few years and with a slew of great WRs on the Bengals, he often gets overlooked. Both teams have a stiff defense against the run, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of carries for either side, but it could come down to the running game in the end. With all of that being said, the Bengals O-Line have to play the game of their lives. I’m rooting for the Bengals, but they will have a tough time tonight.

Prediction

The Super Bowl is always a tough prediction. The Rams are favored by 4 points at home but are technically the road team. If you are a big believer in the record Against the Spread, the Bengals are your team. They’re 13-7 ATS, while the Rams are 50/50 at 10-10. My prediction, however, will be a Rams cover. The Rams get to the QB easily and the Bengals allow defenses to get to Burrow at an alarming rate. This will be a huge concern and I think it will ultimately decide the outcome. Aaron Donald is my prediction to win the MVP. I think he’ll have 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. I think we’re due for a Defensive MVP. The last defensive player to win the SB MVP was in Super Bowl 50. It was the former Denver Bronco and current LA Ram, Von Miller.

Los Angeles Rams 30 Cincinnati Bengals 19

Yacs

Here are some more predictions from the Sports Chief staff

AustYn:

Rams: 34 Bengals: 13

The fairy tale season the Bengals are having will quickly become a nightmare. Rams D will be too much for Burrow. Ramsey shuts down Chase, Burrow gets sacked 5 times. Matthew Stafford will be the MVP with 3 TD’s and 315 yards passing. Take the 4 points all day long.

Thanny:

Rams 28 Bengals 17

Garett:

Rams 34 Bengals 24

Matthew Stafford MVP

J Scott:

Bengals 37 Rams 31

Joe Burrow MVP

Odell Beckham Jr. First TD

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