Now that we know the matchup, it’s time to take a look at some of the early lines, NFL odds, and props for the big game. We all know by now that America’s favorite quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals will be taking on Mathew Stafford and the Rams.
The Cincinnati Bengals shocked everyone this past Sunday, taking out the Superbowl favorite Kansas City Chiefs in an exciting fashion. Nobody really thought this team would come this far, but they are one win away from a ring with a stellar defensive style and a solid quarterback.
Early Lines
Los Angeles Rams -4 (-112) | ML (-198) | O/U 48.5
Cincinnati Bengals +4 (-108) | ML (+166) | O/U 48.5
Instant thoughts are the under. Two quarterbacks that have never been this far in the playoffs, two stout defenses, and a young coaching staff that may take some time to get comfortable.
The Bengals have been great all postseason wearing that underdog tag. The Rams, however, seem to be firing on all cylinders and could be getting even better with new additions Von Miller, Eric Weddle, and Odell Beckham Jr getting more integrated with the team.
If you are confident in your pick and feel like you don’t need the points when it comes to the Bengals, the money line could be pretty lucrative if you parlay the ML and under for the Bengals; you’re looking at $88.65 off a $25 bet.
LVI props
Ja’Marr Chase and Cooper Kupp to Combine for 200+ Receiving Yards – (+115)
If you are looking for a safe bet, I think this might be the safest of them all. Kupp has been Stafford’s main target all season and brought in two touchdowns against the 49ers last week. Mcvay schemes up plays for him early and often.
Now for Chase, it isn’t as much of a lock, but it’s apparent he’s going to get his targets. Last week vs. Kansas City, they used him as a decoy coming across the formation in motion setting up room for Joe Mixon. That might have been a setup, and he could see a lot of short targets with room for yards after the catch.
Score in the Final 2:00 of 1st Half | Yes (-370) No (+260)
This one is very intriguing. Los Angeles has shown the ability to score at a premium whenever they want. On the other hand, the Bengals have a systematic approach, running the ball and feeding off that with their play-action passing.
Yes, is probably the way to go if you’re just looking to win a bet, especially if the team with the ball is down prior to heading into the half.
First Offensive Play of the Game | Rush attempt (-144) Pass attempt (+118)
Although some teams come out and try to make a statement right out of the gates with a big pass, chances are either team will look to establish the line of scrimmage with a run play. It really comes down to who gets the ball; first, the Bengals would likely run it as the Rams would probably pass.
This one is basically a coin flip.
Super Bowl MVP Odds
Matthew Stafford +115
Joe Burrow +230
Cooper Kupp +650
Ja’Marr Chase +2200
Aaron Donald +1700
Odell Beckham Jr. +2500
Cam Akers +3400
Tee Higgins +4000
Joe Mixon +4000
Von Miller +5000
Sony Michel +7000
Kendall Blanton +10000
Tyler Higbee +8500
Van Jefferson +7000
Tyler Boyd +8000
Trey Hendrickson +10000
Samaje Perine +10000
Evan McPherson +10000
Jalen Ramsey +8500
Sam Hubbard +15000
Eli Apple +15000
Obviously, the quarterbacks are at the top of the list for a good reason. Now the value picks are what popped out pretty quickly.
Aaron Donald +1700, it has been a while since a defensive player won Super Bowl MVP (Von Miller vs. the Panthers in Super Bowl 50). However, Donald can turn a game on its head pretty quickly.
