Kendall Blanton will score a touchdown– When Tyler Higbee went down in the NFC Championship due to a knee injury, backup tight end Kendall Blanton stepped up big-time in his place. While 5 catches and 57 yards might not sound too flashy, he nearly doubled his previous season-high in receptions and yards. Now, even though he only has one touchdown on the year, I am expecting Blanton to find the end zone on the biggest stage of his young career. With Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr., the Bengals defense will have their hands full, leaving the door open for Blanton to score.
Evan McPherson will break Adam Vinatieri’s postseason field goal record– Rookie kicker Evan McPherson out of the University of Florida has been incredible all season, culminating it with an improbable 12-12 on field goal tries thus far in the playoffs, including multiple game-winning field goals. I am expecting McPherson to get at least three field goals in the Super Bowl, breaking the legendary Colts and Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri’s previous record of 14 makes in a single postseason.
The Rams defense will record 6+ sacks– This prediction actually goes hand-in-hand with my previous one, as I believe the Bengals will be able to move the ball, they are too talented not to be able to, but the Rams’ elite defensive front will hold up in the red zone against a suspect Bengals offensive line. After the Titans were able to sack Joe Burrow 9 times in the divisional round, expect Aaron Donald and Von Miller to come through in a big way on Sunday.
The game will be decided by 3 points or less– Following the last 6 postseason games that have all ended with a difference of a field goal (aside from the Chiefs winning by a touchdown in overtime versus the Bills), what better way to end an epic 2022 playoffs than with another one- score game in the Super Bowl. The Rams have a better roster than the Bengals across the board, but there is just something about this Cincinnati team that will keep this game close to the very end.
There will be more points in the 4th quarter than in the first half– This may be the boldest prediction that I have, and I have no real analysis on this pick aside from a gut feeling. After a two-week break from playing, I think both defenses will be extremely prepared for the opposing offensives, and the first half will be a field goal battle. However, there is too much offensive firepower on these two teams to keep it low scoring all game, and I believe two of the best receivers in the NFL, Cooper Kupp and Jamarr Chase, will explode in the 4th quarter to make for a thrilling finish.
The 2021-22 NFL season is wrapping up, and football season will be sorely missed by fans. Hopefully, this underrated Super Bowl matchup can cap off a wild postseason with a bang.
