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The biggest game of the year is here and it brings with it the biggest decision of the year: Do you take a Rams team that seemingly has every advantage, or do you trust Joe Burrow to overcome the odds once again?
The biggest edge that the Rams have is on their defensive line, where Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd are all capable of wreaking havoc on a Bengals offensive line that has been awful at keeping the pressure off Burrow all season, but especially in recent weeks. Donald might be the best football player, period, while Miller already has a Super Bowl MVP under his belt.
It’s going to be a long day at the office or Burrow, but the thing is, it hasn’t bothered him yet. Joe Cool was sacked nine times against the Titans and still won. He was under pressure most of the Chiefs game and escaped time after time. Can he do it again on the biggest stage?
When the Rams have the ball, it seems like the only thing that could hold them back is their own QB, Matthew Stafford. It will be up to him to keep things moving and not make mistakes, which seems to be easier said than done for the former Lion.
Cooper Kupp has had a season for the ages while Odell Beckham Jr. has become reinvigorated as a second option. And with the Bengals missing their top run stopper, Larry Ogunjobi, the Rams also have the option to run the ball when necessary.
Cincy, of course, has their own offensive weapons. Ja’Marr Chase will surely get his targets, but might have Jalen Ramsey draped all over him. Tee Higgins could be in for a big day while Joe Mixon is the best running back in Sunday’s game.
An interesting subplot to watch is how much each team decides to dial up blitzes. After Bengals used a lot of drop-eight coverage to great success against the Chiefs while the Rams can keep more defenders in coverage thanks to their strong front. Both QBs rate well against the blitz, which means we may see a lot of conventional pass rushes and both offences being forced to settle for underneath routes. It won’t create the most exciting football, but you can win with efficiency.
Experience will play a big role in the big game, with the Rams having played in the Super Bowl three years ago, losing to a Patriots team that just plain outsmarted them. On the other hand, Burrow has championship experience of his own, winning the BCS title and now aims to become just the third QB in football history to win a college championship and a Super Bowl.
But that’s the biggest difference that we get hung up on: The Rams’ Super Bowl experience.
Sean McVay has learned his lesson for his previous failure and has become more adaptable. It is also a bonus to know how to handle the week and eliminate those big-game jitters.
While it sucks to bet against Burrow and these Cinderella Bengals, the clock is about to strike midnight on their incredible run. This is a team that just doesn’t have the horses to compete with the star-laden Rams.
Pick: Rams 33, Bengals 27
MVP: Matthew Stafford, LAR
Last round: 1-1
This playoffs: 6-6
This season: 132-139-1