So far, the Los Angeles Rams have been successful in living up to the lofty expectations that were set upon their loaded squad for the 2021 NFL season. Surely enough, Matthew Stafford was one of the players who were at the forefront of their attack and helped the team get to where it is today. In this specific post, though, we're looking at Matthew Stafford Super Bowl 56 predictions.
Heading to Super Bowl 56, the veteran is expected to make his debut in the title game at the age of 34 and play in the biggest game of his 13-year career. Despite the lack of championship experience, Stafford will still aim to have a solid outing and overcome a gritty Cincinnati Bengals squad in order to lead his team all the way to the crown this season.
For more insight on the Rams' Super Bowl 56 matchup against the Bengals, listen below:
With that said, let's take a look at three bold Matthew Stafford Super Bowl 56 predictions for the veteran playmaker heading into the biggest game of his career.
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Matthew Stafford Super Bowl 56 Predictions
3. Cooper Kupp will receive the most targets in the game.
There is no denying that Cooper Kupp has been a monster all season long as he emerged to be the No. 1 option in the Rams receiving unit in 2021. In the most important game of the season, Matthew Stafford will surely go to his best pass-catcher who has delivered huge plays all throughout their campaign.
However, it won't be a cakewalk for Kupp as he is set to attract a ton of attention from the Bengals' secondary led by cornerbacks Mike Hilton and Chidobe Awuzie as well as safety Jessie Bates. They will surely gang up on the star receiver and try their best to prevent him from going downfield, especially given the season that he's having right now.
Being the marked man that he is, Kupp might have a hard time getting open but Stafford is still expected to lean on his contributions by sending several balls his way and allowing him to contribute in the scoring department. The Rams' offense will surely get a huge boost if Kupp manages to deliver and maximize the opportunities that he will get on the field.
2. The QB will record an interception or a pick-six against the Bengals.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of this matchup is the caliber of Cincinnati's defense. Since the first round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his men have been getting down and dirty on that side of the ball.
In their Wild Card round battle against the Las Vegas Raiders, linebacker Germaine Pratt picked off Derek Carr which prevented them from potentially tying the game in crunch time. In the following week against the Tennessee Titans, linebacker Logan Wilson intercepted Ryan Tannehill which eventually set up Evan McPherson on the line for a game-winning field goal attempt.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, cornerback Eli Apple almost recorded a pick-six against Patrick Mahomes but failed to hold on to it. Bengals safety Vonn Bell then redeemed his teammate by completing an interception to set up another game-winning field goal attempt by McPherson.
To add to their woes, it doesn't help that Stafford gave away a total of 13 interceptions towards the tail end of the regular season. Additionally, he is also currently leading the NFL in total pick-sixes with four for the season.
Given his susceptibility on the field as well as the Bengals' effective defense, it wouldn't be hard to see why Stafford can potentially commit a crucial error in the Super Bowl stage. Nonetheless, let's continue our Matthew Stafford Super Bowl 56 predictions.
1. Stafford will throw at least 300 yards and two passing touchdowns.
At the age of 34, Stafford surely doesn't have the level of mobility that the younger quarterbacks possess today. With that, he is mainly reliant on his passes in the air which he has been heavily utilizing in subsequent contests.
He recorded at least 300 yards in their last two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers where he threw 366 and 337 yards, respectively. Unfortunately, running back Cam Akers suffered a shoulder injury in the NFC Championship Game which makes his status uncertain for Super Bowl 56.
It only means that Stafford will have to continue passing the ball around in order to gain yardage without his top rusher on the field. On the bright side, they still have several potent weapons that can all serve as significant threats on the field aside from Kupp. Odell Beckham Jr., Kendall Blanton, and Van Jefferson can all provide timely support for Stafford when needed.
Surely enough, the Rams have enough talent that will allow their veteran playmaker to throw at least 300 yards and two passing touchdowns in the title game. If he manages to have an efficient outing while minimizing his passing errors then the Rams can potentially be in a comfortable spot to win the game against the Bengals.
Nonetheless, do you agree or disagree with our Matthew Stafford Super Bowl 56 predictions?
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