Super Bowl 56 predictions: Will Matthew Stafford or Joe Burrow join title-winning club?

Free Press sports writers give their predictions on who will win Super Bowl 56 between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Inglewood, California:

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Dave Birkett

The Bengals have had a remarkable run to reach their first Super Bowl in 34 years and the future is bright for the franchise with Joe Burrow at quarterback and good, young talent throughout the rest of the roster. But the Rams feel like a team of destiny. They’ve been on an all-in binge for years in their pursuit of a championship and have assembled the most talented roster in the NFL by trading draft picks for Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford and Von Miller, and developing stars like Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp. This is the stage where those moves pay off. Donald is primed for a huge game against Cincinnati’s woeful offensive line, and Stafford seems ready for his moment after 12 years in Detroit. Burrow is good enough to will the Bengals to victory, but if Cincinnati gets off to another slow start, it could be a long day for a team that has already exceeded most everyone’s expectations entering the year. The pick: Rams 31, Bengals 23.

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Carlos Monarrez

Most people are looking at this mostly as a Matthew Stafford-Joe Burrow showdown. But the defenses will have a lot more say in the outcome and the Rams’ defense has been strong this postseason, especially against the run. The Bengals have been more resilient in the playoffs with road wins at Tennessee, where Burrow survived nine sacks in a slugfest, and at Kansas City. But the Rams have a more explosive offense and they’re playing at home, which should be a big advantage (as long as Kelly Stafford buys enough tickets). Stafford won’t let this opportunity slip by and will throw for three touchdowns on his way to the MVP award that will secure his gold jacket and a reality show for his wife. The pick: Rams 40, Bengals 28.

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Jeff Seidel

The Rams should win this game. They have the better team. And if they do, it’s going to be because Aaron Donald and the D-line are going to destroy the Bengals’ maligned offensive line. But if the Rams lose, it will be because of Matthew Stafford’s mistakes. Shoot, the Rams wouldn’t even be in this spot if San Francisco’s Jaquiski Tartt didn’t drop a Stafford pick in the NFC championship game. So I’ll go with the Bengals. Because I expect to see some familiar Stafford mistakes. The pick: Bengals 28, Rams 24.

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Shawn Windsor

Matthew Stafford beat Tom Brady. Now he has to beat young Tom Brady. That’s the one of the narratives following Joe Burrow, right? The comparison is easy to see, especially the cool in the pocket. But if you ask me, I’d say his cool and swag evoke Joe Montana and Joe Namath more than a young Brady. Still, this is Stafford’s moment, and he has a slightly better overall team. The pick: Rams 26, Bengals 20.