Quick Facts

When – Sunday Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Where – SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

Channel – NBC

National Anthem Singer – Mickey Guyton

Halftime Show Headliners – Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar

This year’s NFL playoffs started off disappointing, but the Divisional round made up for it. Each game went down to the wire and both #1 seeds were knocked out. This was the first time in NFL history that all four games went down to the last play. The Conference Championships also went down to the wire.

AFC Championship: Bengals vs. Chiefs

The Bengals entered the game as underdogs, despite their week 18 win over the Chiefs. The Chiefs started the game on a tear, taking a 21-3 lead. Shortly before halftime, the Bengals would march down the field and score a touchdown, making the game a manageable 21-10.

The Bengals defense was the X-factor, shutting down the explosive Chiefs’ offense. The defense then reinvigorated the offense. Patrick Mahomes quarterback rating in the first half was 149.9, near perfect. In the second half it dropped all the way to 34.0, and in overtime it was 0.0.

Due to Mahomes’s stardom, most of the blame for the lack of offensive production is being put on him. However, the Bengals defense is criminally underrated. They had 2 interceptions, including one in overtime. They also forced 2 fumbles.

The offensive line would be another key factor in the Bengals’ victory. They only allowed 1 sack and 3 tackles for a loss. This is a dramatic improvement compared to the 9 sacks they gave up to the Titans in the divisional round. By comparison, the Chiefs’ O-line gave up 4 sacks.

Bengals’ kicker Evan McPherson hit another game winning field goal, nailing a 31-yard field goal to seal the Bengals’ ticket to the Super Bowl.

NFC Championship: Rams vs. 49ers

The Rams went into this game losing their last 6 games against the 49ers. The Rams were still favorites despite this, and they performed. The game was surprisingly close, as the 49ers held a 17-7 lead going into the 4th quarter. The Rams would ultimately come back and win 20-17, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Matt Stafford would lead the Rams, throwing for 337 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp would record 11 receptions, 142 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

The 49ers offense continued their inconsistent ways. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would record 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, he threw a game-losing interception in the waning moments of the 4th quarter. Star receiver Deebo Samuel only recorded 4 receptions, but he still had 72 yards and a touchdown.

Super Bowl

The Rams have every advantage in this matchup. Their offense, defense, special teams, Super Bowl experience, and coaching are all better than the Bengals’. The game is even at their home stadium. The Bengals have proven that they love being the underdogs.

The Bengals’ underdog mentality is what has driven them for the whole season. It has become almost impossible to dislike Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase. They also have had a much harder road to the Super Bowl, beating the #1-seeded Titans, #2-seeded Chiefs, and the Raiders.

However, the Rams had a tough schedule too, beating the Cardinals and Tom Brady’s Bucs. Almost every season for the past 19 years has had the Super Champ go through Tom Brady.

The Rams defense will be the best the Bengals have faced this postseason. Edge Rusher Von Miller and D-lineman Aaron Donald will surely terrorize Burrow any time he drops back. The Bengals’ O-line couldn’t slow down the Titans’ average pass rush, so with two future hall-of-famers rushing, they are sure to fold.

The result of this game may seem obvious, but the Bengals make every game close. This Super Bowl will be the cherry-on-top of one of the most entertaining postseasons ever.