Continuing our countdown to Super Bowl 56

Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams: Super Bowl LVI

By Tomás Herlihy

AS the dust settled following an explosive Conference Championship weekend a fortnight ago, NFL fans were immediately looking ahead to – and eagerly anticipating – ‘The Big One’ between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tomorrow’s Super Bowl LVI, to be played in the Los Angeles Ram’s SoFi Stadium, is sure to be a contest that keeps the millions of fans around the world entertained.

The Cincinnati Bengals, led by hotshot quarter-back Joe Burrow and their explosive offence, will have their toughest matchup to date, as they take on the Los Angeles Rams, led on defence by juggernaut defensive lineman Aaron Donald.

Los Angeles are looking to repeat what Tampa Bay did last year, by winning a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

A pass-heavy offence lead by gunslinger quarter-back Matthew Stafford and the best receiver in football, Cooper Kupp, the Rams will seek to spread the ball out in a similar fashion to the NFC Championship game, getting Odell Beckham involved in several ways while also relying on Cam Akers to absorb the majority of carries in their run game.

Many believe this is the biggest game of Matt Stafford’s career, as it is his first time in this stage of the playoffs in his entire career.

When appearing on Good Morning Football on the NFL Network, former Rams receiver Torry Holt said: “If [Stafford] wins the Super Bowl with the LA Rams, his legacy will change forever. We will begin to talk about Matt Stafford in another light if he can win the Super Bowl. We already think of him as a top-tier quarter-back, we will look at him in the upper echelon of quarter-backs if he can add a ring to his resume”

Defensively, they are star-studded. Alongside Aaron Donald are edge rusher extraordinaire Von Miller and lockdown corner Jalen Ramsey, both of whom set the tone through physical play in both pass rushing and stopping the run. Interior pressure from Donald, outside pressure from Miller and suffocating coverage by Ramsey, a real triple threat.

The Bengals offence is truly something to behold. Burrow commands this group like a veteran, despite only being 25 years of age, and the talent he has alongside him is spectacular.

Jamarr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are an elite receiver group. Each player has impeccable route running, the ability to make people miss with their crafty footwork and bundles of big play ability.

Joe Mixon has proven that, when healthy, he is one of the most productive running backs in the NFL. A truly dynamic offence that can put points on the board in no time.

On defence, the Bengals are in serious form. After giving up 21 points in the first-half against Kansas City, they only coughed up three points in the second. The Bengals do an excellent job at stopping the run and showed last week that they can eliminate players from the game, as they were able to contain Tyreek Hill to zero catches in the second half of the Kansas tie.

When speaking to Cris Collinsworth on his podcast about their secondary, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said: “They have the right character, they love football, and they have a high football IQ. A great group of guys.”

If they can replicate their last performance, it should be an interesting Super Bowl.

Matthew Stafford playing for the perception around him to change, Joe Burrow playing to create his own legacy. A team built for Hollywood like the Rams versus a young team with hunger and confidence like the Bengals. The perfect combination for what hopes to be a great game of football.

A quarter-back is about to win their first Vince Lombardi trophy, but which one will it be?

•Super Bowl LVI kicks off at 11.30pm GMT Sunday night and will be broadcast on Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Main Event and BBC Two.