Rams-Bengals clash in historic, unpredicted Super Bowl LVI
The stage has been set. We have finally arrived at the mountain top of the 2021 NFL season, so it’s only fitting that in one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in recent memory, the teams at the top have been just as up in the air.
Just two years ago, the Cincinnati Bengals were the worst team in the league, posting an embarrassingly bad 2-14 record. Even though they improved, almost everyone saw them sinking to the bottom once more.
They started out hot, but after back to back losses to the Jets and Browns, the Bengals looked like their old selves again heading to the bottom of the division, but with the help of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Jamaar Chase, the Bengals shocked the world by not just winning the AFC North, but proving that they are contenders against some of the best teams in the NFL. Now, the Bengals are looking for their first Super Bowl win in franchise history in their first appearance since 1982.
Across the country, the Los Angeles Rams haven’t been quite as shocking, but they still weren’t a very popular pick. Since the Rams’ loss in Super Bowl LIII in 2019, they haven’t made it back to the NFC Championship game.
For them to get back to the Super Bowl, the Rams needed a change at quarterback, so this past off-season, they went out to get Matthew Stafford: a great quarterback, but a consistent loser.
After obtaining Stafford, the Rams were dubbed a super team and primed to make another Super Bowl run. They shot out ahead to start the season but quickly slowed down as they were trailing behind in their division during the final weeks of the season.
After squeaking out a division title, they pulled off a shocking upset, beating the Bucs in Tampa, then beating the 49ers to make the Super Bowl. Although the Rams have won a Super Bowl before, this would be a long-awaited happy ending for the lovable loser, Matthew Stafford.
With two unpredictable teams in this year’s Super Bowl LVI, it only makes sense that this Super Bowl is almost a 50-50 chance. While most Super Bowl teams have been fairly predictable in recent years, this year has flipped that narrative on its head as two underdogs battle it out to decide who is the best team in football. This should be an exciting matchup to watch.
Who will win Super Bowl LVI?
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Zack is a senior at Niles North high school. He likes sports, video games, and socializing with friends.
Mark Egofske • Feb 11, 2022 at 11:28 am
Great article Zach! I especially liked your quote regarding Matthew Stafford: “Matthew Stafford: a great quarterback, but a consistent loser.” Hopefully, Matthew can change his title to: “A great QB and a winner!”