Andrew Wilsher
Show Bio
Welcome to The Burning Question, where three of our NFL experts give their thoughts on a big talking point coming out of the past week’s football action.
We’re now less than a week away from the biggest game of the year, as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to battle the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl 56. Only one team can lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and last week our experts gave their picks for who will win the big game. But this week, we’re turning our attention to best bets for Super Bowl 56. There’s an enormous number of markets to bet on in the big game, from the spread to Joe Mixon’s rushing yards to what color the Gatorade shower will be.
It’s time for our experts — Jared Smith, Andrew Ortenberg, and Ricky Dimon — to give their Super Bowl 56 best bets, with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Jared Smith: Joe Burrow over 11.5 rushing yards (-114)
Quarterback rushing props always have more value in the big games, as they are willing to take more risk going for the extra yard. I also expect Burrow to be under constant duress from the Rams pass-rush all game long, and will be forced to make some plays with his legs. I expected this number to be a little higher after Burrow’s 25-yard effort in the AFC Championship game and I see strong value here.
Get the rest of Jared’s best bets and market analysis for Super Bowl 56
Andrew Ortenberg: Under 48.5
I’m looking toward the under here. Let’s start with the Bengals’ offense vs the Rams’ defense. It’s just a bad matchup. By now we’re all aware of the Bengals’ offensive line woes, as Joe Burrow was sacked nine times against the Titans and frequently running for his life against the Chiefs. Cincy’s offense really struggled against Tennessee, and it only worked against Kansas City because the back half of their defense is so bad. The Rams have one of the best pass-rushes in the league, and they’ve already made life miserable for Kyler Murray and Tom Brady in these playoffs.
The Bengals’ best offensive weapon is Ja’Marr Chase, but the Rams have Jalen Ramsey to neutralize him. And Aaron Donald is going to be bearing down on Burrow all game long. On the flip side, I don’t think Cincy’s defense gets enough credit. They made Patrick Mahomes of all people look in over his head in the second half of the AFC Championship game, and I don’t see the Rams lighting it up on offense either.
Read Andrew’s full game preview for Super Bowl 56: Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals
Ricky Dimon: Sony Michel Over 18.5 rushing yards
I mentioned in my 5 players to watch article that Michel could be in line for a productive day at the office. This is one of Jared’s best Super Bowl prop bets, too, so I know he also likes it. The Rams have pretty much always employed a running back by committee in recent years, so it is of little concern that Cam Akers is RB1. Plus, Akers is questionable with a shoulder injury. Even when healthy he has been ineffective in the playoffs — averaging 2.8 yards on 54 carries.
That should open the door for Michel, who had 13 rushes for 58 yards in the wild-card round against Arizona. Keep in mind that Michel has plenty of big-game experience, too — both in college at Georgia and also previously in the Super Bowl. When he was a rookie with New England a few years ago, he went up against none other than the Rams and rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. I expect the Bengals to focus on stopping Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and the air attack. There should be enough opportunities for Michel to soar past this small rushing yards quota.
Make sure you check out our dedicated Super Bowl hub for all our best bets and picks for the big game!
Pickswise is the home of free NFL Picks and NFL Odds. Check out the latest NFL Prop Bets and NFL Parlays as well as expert NFL Underdog Picks and NFL Computer Picks.
