Rams' Key Matchups vs. Bengals in Super Bowl 56

If the Los Angeles Rams can beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium, they will win the Super Bowl. And it would mark the franchise's first championship since the 1999 season, when it was based in St. Louis. But it's not going to be an easy task.

Although few people predicted the Bengals to reach Super Bowl LVI, they have had an impressive playoff run. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders at home and then went on the road and took down both the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, the top two seeds in the AFC.

So even though the Rams are the favorites to win the Super Bowl, they can't overlook their opponent. And there are certain matchups within the game that could dictate whether Los Angeles' players will get to celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy on their home field.

Here are three matchups that could determine whether the Rams are victorious in Super Bowl LVI.

Although the Rams have notched three playoff victories, they haven't had much contribution from their running game. They have rushed for only 283 yards on 97 attempts, an average of 2.9 yards per carry. And its only two rushing touchdowns have been courtesy of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Cam Akers (54 carries for 151 yards) and Sony Michel (24 carries for 78 yards) haven't been able to get going this postseason. And if the duo gets off to a slow start in Super Bowl LVI, then the Bengals defense may have a better chance of slowing the Rams offense.

It may be difficult for Los Angeles to move the ball on the ground against Cincinnati, which ranked fifth in the NFL in rush defense (102.5 yards allowed per game) this season. The Bengals also allowed only 88 rushing yards per game in their three postseason wins.

However, if the Rams can get Akers and/or Michel going, it will add another dimension to their offense and make them more difficult to stop. So it could be a huge advantage if Los Angeles' rushing attack picks up solid yardage early in Super Bowl LVI.

The Bengals offensive line has had some issues with pass protection this postseason. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been sacked 12 times in the playoffs, nine of which came in Cincinnati's divisional-round win over Tennessee.

That could be a problem for the Bengals in the Super Bowl, as the Rams have a strong defensive front. Los Angeles has only five sacks this postseason. But with Aaron Donald and Von Miller powering the unit, it may be on the cusp of a big game, especially in a matchup against a less-than-stellar offensive line.

Miller knows what it takes to excel on this stage too considering he was named the Super Bowl 50 MVP following his 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the Denver Broncos' win over the Carolina Panthers. He could put a ton of pressure on Burrow in Super Bowl LVI to help the Rams' defensive front break through.

Burrow has impressed this postseason, but if he struggles to get the ball off and can't get it into his playmakers' hands, it could be a long game for the second-year QB.

This may be the most exciting one-on-one matchup in Super Bowl LVI. Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler, is set to go up against rookie Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, one of the NFL's budding stars.

It's no secret that Chase is Burrow's top target in the receiving game. And although his playoff numbers (20 catches for 279 yards and one touchdown) are down from those he was putting up in the regular season, he's capable of breaking off a big play at any time.

Ramsey is the top cornerback in Los Angeles' secondary, so he typically draws the toughest assignments. Although he hasn't forced any turnovers in the postseason, he can always be counted on to provide stellar coverage, even in difficult matchups.

If Chase can find ways to beat Ramsey, that could be the key to the Bengals having offensive success. However, if Ramsey has the advantage, then it should be much more difficult for Cincinnati to move the ball against Los Angeles' defense, which could be poised for an excellent showing after a week off to rest.