The Rams have been imagined to be a contender for the Tremendous Bowl. The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t. This may appear an unlikely Large 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 recreation 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.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Rams (-4, 50)
The betting odds for Tremendous Bowl LVI have been break up between -3½ and -4 because the Rams accomplished a 20-17 win over the 49ers. Primarily based 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 house, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from final season’s recreation. The Bucs gained 31-9, however that recreation was performed with solely 24,835 followers due to COVID-19 protocols.
This yr’s Tremendous Bowl is more likely to function a who’s who of Hollywood elites, and it stays to be seen how a lot of a home-field benefit the Rams could have. Bengals followers traveled comparatively nicely to Arrowhead Stadium for a 27-24 win over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the AFC championship recreation and would possibly wish 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 recreation in opposition to the Chiefs in Week 17. In that recreation, 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 larger within the minds of most NFL scribes and bettors. Nevertheless, the Rams are one of many league’s most gifted groups. Tremendous Bowl story strains will middle on how the Bengals plan to cease Von Miller, Aaron Donald and the Rams cross 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 definitely helps counter that. The Rams must also 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 couple of issues in regards to 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 in regards to the recreation 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 is not going to 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 wish to take a stance, however then the road will sit in purgatory for some time. We’ll get to some extent the place the unfold and whole don’t actually transfer for a number of days, barring a observe harm. Then, as we get nearer to the sport, not solely will exercise choose up on the facet and whole, however the monumental prop betting catalogs shall be launched to the lots — 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, notably on protection from coordinator Lou Anarumo. We all know that seemingly each recreation 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 recreation, however the Rams coach had his blunders as nicely, very like what we noticed in opposition to 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 quite a lot of various things to consider for the sport, so don’t be too hasty together with your assessments. You’ve bought loads of time.
Early choose: Bengals +4
VSiN’s morning present “Comply with The Cash” with Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard is now on Spectrum SportsNet Monday-Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. PST. Tune in or pay attention anytime at VSiN.com.
— by way of www.latimes.com
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