Super Bowl LVI kicks off on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET, but this is definitely not your typical Super Bowl.
In a season that always kept us guessing, it is only fitting that we cap it off with a showdown between two of the NFL’s most unlikely candidates; The Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams.
While even the most seasoned NFL fan could not have predicted this Super Bowl matchup at the start of the season, both teams have proven that they deserve to compete for the Lombardi Trophy and cement themselves in NFL history. Neutral fans can’t help but smile at the thought of a Joe Burrow led Cincinnati team competing for the first Super Bowl in Bengals franchise history. Even better, the only obstacle standing in the way of Bengals greatness is a Rams team made up of Matt Stafford, Aaron Donald and Odell Beckham Jr.
“I’m rooting for the Bengals and Joe Burrow, but I just don’t think they can handle the Rams defense…”
By now you’ve heard it from Sports Center analysts, you’ve heard it from your talkative coworkers, you’ve heard it from your annoying neighbor who is for some reason always in his yard.. But that’s ok, because this is America and talking about the Super Bowl is one of the things that makes us great. So without dressing it up anymore, here are the official Student Union Sports Staff Picks for Super Bowl LVI.
StudentUSports Twitter Poll
Typically, the smartest people on our website are our readers and followers… So we decided to run a quick poll on Friday morning to collect their thoughts on Super Bowl LVI! The people have spoken and give the Los Angeles Rams a slight edge, as the dominant Aaron Donald led defense snags 54.8% of the vote.
While our reader poll gives the Rams an edge, it is showing more love to the Bengals than “Vegas”, seeing as they are listed as 4-4.5 point under dogs on most sports books.
Who do you think will win #SuperBowl ?
— Student Union Sports (@StudentUSports) February 11, 2022
Results will be used for one of our Super Bowl LVI preview articles!
Alright, now let’s get to our team’s picks!
Patrick Norton | Student U Sports Editor-in-Chief | Noted Bears Fan
Fudge, man. Joe Burrow and Matt Stafford sit on opposite ends of the QB likability spectrum for me. But does my Detroit disdain outweigh my belief in LA’s superior roster and coaching staff? Nope. Cincinnati, 34-26.
Cody Goggin | Student U Sports President | Social Media for @FTNBets & @BetsMedia
The Bengals are absolutely outmatched here. Los Angeles has the advantage in both trenches and that should shine through on Sunday. Overall, the Rams are just the stronger roster and better team at every single level. The only way this is close is if McVay is too conservative and this plays out like the last time he was here, which I don’t see happening as Belichick isn’t walking through that door.
Picks: Rams -4, Under 48.5
Bonus prop: Rams first drive FG attempt +400
Luke “Big Takes” Maiers | Host of Hawkeye Tailgate Report
As much as I want the Bengals to win, I’m thinking the Rams pull a 28-17 win out. Plain and simple, Aaron Donald is going to murder Cinci’s offensive line. They will force Burrow to make snap decisions, and the secondary will capitalize.
Although, Joey B doesn’t seem to lose big games. I’ll be cheering my ass off for the swag god, Daddy Burrow.
Luke Owens | Student U Alumni | Producer for ESPN Syracuse | Co-host of Watling & Owens Show
I’m taking the Rams to win and cover. That pressure is going to be too much for the Bengals o-line to handle and while they feel like a team of destiny, give me perhaps an even better story with Matt Stafford winning a ring.
Big Hoppa | Student Union Sports Contributor & Podcast Host
The Rams defense will steal the Bengals lunch, specifically at the line of scrimmage. I would be shocked and appalled if the Rams gave up more than 21 points. Even at 5’9”, 215 LBs with a swim move that makes freshwater fish jealous, I could probably get a sack and a half on Sunday. Pick: Rams
Keith Landry Jr. | Student U Contributor & Picks Expert | @BayouBets225
Bengals are 13-7 ATS this season over the Rams 10-10 ATS record. Cincinnati has beaten a gauntlet of powerhouses in the AFC’s 1 seeded Titans and slayed the almighty dragon in Patrick Mahomes of KC. The Rams have the better defense with a rush defense that’s only allowed 2 100+ yard rushers this season and should be able to hold Joe Mixon in check. I’m not worried about that though because I believe Cincy has the overall better core of WR weapons and I trust Joe Sheisty over Matt Stafford in the biggest game of the year any day of the week.
Give me points, give me destiny, and give me Joe Brrrr to bring the Lombardi back to Ohio to cement his legacy.
The Pick: Cincy ML +165
Mike Ostrowski | Student U Contributor | NunesMagician Contributor
The Bengals are only here because the Chiefs got way too cute with their 2nd half play calling. Besides, the script is too well written for Matt Stafford to not get a Hollywood ending to his LA season. LA beats Cinci in just about every factor, and while I think it’ll be closer than most, the loaded Rams defense of Donald, Ramsey, Miller and more will be too much for Joey B to overcome. Pick: Rams
Frank Fanelli | Student Union Sports Director of Social Media
I would love to see both teams win tomorrow because I love Burrow and Stafford. But there’s no way that OL can stop LA’s defense. I’m going Rams 28-23. I need to see Stafford win a ring
Liam Smith | Student Union Sports Owner & Overall Good Guy
The Los Angeles Rams are the logical choice when you look at both of these teams on paper.. BUT this season has been anything but logical. While casual fans are rooting for the Bengals, there is an overwhelming amount of support for the Rams on “Sharp” Twitter. In my opinion, the people on the internet acting like a Rams cover is a done deal are the same people who tout a new form of crypto currency every other week…. It just seems TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. And for that reason, I like the Bengals to win on Sunday.
JP Hovey | Student U Alumni | Producer For Bussin’ With The Boys
JP’s Official Super Bowl Pick: EXPOSED
Gray Robertson | Student U Alumni | Alabama Softball Analyst | SEC Network Play-by-Play
Everything in my brain says to go with the Rams, so I’m picking the Bengals 31-27. Joe Burrow is a winner. From the 2019 season at LSU to now, Burrow has won every single “win or you’re in trouble/eliminated” games in which he’s played. I’ve seen him up close and personal, and I believe in his leadership and ability. The pieces around him are there and, while not as good as the Rams, the defense isn’t a slouch. Give me Cincinnati.
Jacob Cisneros | Contributor for @StudentUSports, @HaloHangout and @DodgersTailgate
I’m taking Rams 28-21. I think being there a second time is going to motivate them more. While the Bengals have been impressive this season. I just think their magic has to die out at some point.
Jackson Fields | Student Union Sports Video Editor
Short and simple. Rams to win and cover the 4-4.5 points. Also bonus prop I like Evan McPherson to score over 7.5 total points.
Intern Lou | Student Union Sports Intern
“I wanna say the Bengals will win but I really think the Rams overall have the better team.”
Intern Lou Official Pick: Conflicted