Who Competed in Super Bowl LVI and the Final Score
Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, matched the Los Angeles Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams won 23–20, securing their second Super Bowl title. This game featured steady offensive execution from both teams, special teams contributions, and key defensive plays in the fourth quarter. Below is an enduring breakdown of the matchup, the scoring summary, and the players who defined the outcome.
Teams and Head Coaches
Los Angeles Rams
- Head coach: Sean McVay
- Regular season record: 12–5
- Playoff path: NFC Wild Card win vs. Arizona Cardinals (34–11), NFC Divisional win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30–27), NFC Championship win vs. San Francisco 49ers (20–17)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Head coach: Zac Taylor
- Regular season record: 10–7
- Playoff path: Wild Card win at Las Vegas Raiders (19–16), Divisional win at Kansas City Chiefs (27–24), AFC Championship win over Kansas City Chiefs (27–24)
Super Bowl LVI Score and Play-by-Play Highlights
The scoring unfolded across four quarters with key moments shaping the final margin.
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Team | Scoring Play | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIN | Evan McPherson field goal (33 yards) | 3 |
| 1 | LAR | Cooper Kupp 6-yard touchdown reception from Matthew Stafford, two-point pass good | 8 |
| 2 | CIN | Joe Mixon 1-yard touchdown run, McPherson kick good | 10 |
| 2 | LAR | Matthew Stafford 2-yard touchdown run, two-point run good | 18 |
| 3 | CIN | McPherson field goal (24 yards) | 18 |
| 3 | LAR | Stafford 1-yard touchdown run, two-point pass incomplete | 22 |
| 4 | CIN | McPherson field goal (35 yards) | 22 |
| 4 | |||
| LAR | Matt Gay field goal (38 yards) | 23 | |
| 4 | CIN | Joseph Ossai defensive two-point conversion no score | 23 |
Key Performers and Turning Points
Los Angeles Rams
- Cooper Kupp: 7 catches, 108 yards, TD (named Super Bowl MVP)
- Matthew Stafford: 22-of-31 passing, 2TD, 1 rush TD
- Prophet Bolden and Courtney Lindsey: critical third-down and late-game defensive stands
Cincinnati Bengals
- Joe Mixon: 17 carries, 71 yards, 1TD
- Joe Burrow: 25-of-38 passing, 233 yards, 2INT
- Defensive near-comeback in fourth quarter; special teams’ fair catch and coverage shaped field position
Game Statistics at a Glance
| Statistic | Los Angeles Rams | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 19 | 17 |
| Rushing Yards | 99 | 114 |
| Passing Yards | 195 | 233 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 31:23 | 28:37 |
| Punts | 3 | 5 |
| Penalties | 6 | 5 |
| Yards Penalty | 45 | 40 |
Why These Teams Met and Season Context
Both teams earned their spot through dominant divisional playoff wins. The Rams prevailed in a high-scoring NFC Championship against San Francisco, while the Bengals survived two tight AFC contests against Kansas City. Each club balanced veteran leadership with emerging talent, setting the stage for a competitive but decisive Rams victory driven by red-zone efficiency and field position management.
Legacy Takeaways and Frequently Asked Questions
Super Bowl LVI reinforced how special teams and fourth-quarter execution can decide a championship game. The win contributed to a narrative of steady growth for the Rams under Sean McVay and offered the Bengals a lesson in closing out a big game. Below are concise answers to common questions about this matchup.
- Where was the game played? SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California.
- Who was the MVP? Cooper Kupp (WR, Los Angeles Rams).
- Which team won the coin toss? Cincinnati Bengals; they deferred to the second half.
- Key turning point? A fourth-quarter field goal and defensive stand that sealed a 23–20 Rams win.
Evergreen Context and Definitions
For newer fans or those revisiting the game, understanding the roles of red-zone efficiency, turnover avoidance, and special teams is essential. The Rams’ success on short-field opportunities and the Bengals’ challenges protecting a late lead highlight how modern NFL championships are won and lost in condensed, high-leverage situations.
Tags: super bowl 2022 teams, super bowl lvi score, los angeles rams cincinnati bengals 2022