Super Bowl 2022: Ranking every starting player for Rams and Bengals in Super Bowl LVI

1He might not be just the best player in this game, but in the entire league. He can wreck a game on his own and will be a tough handle for the inside players on the Bengals line.2He is an elite cover player who can match up with Ja’Marr Chase in a lot of one-on-one situations. He has those types of skills.3Coming off a season that could win him Offensive Player of the Year honors, he has continued to roll up big numbers and make big plays in the playoffs. His route running is as good as anybody in the league.4This rookie has provided the big plays this season for an offense that lives by them. He is tough to stop in any man-cover situations.5His cool in the big moments will be vital in this one. His accuracy and ability to navigate the pocket is as good as any young player in the league.6He has proved the doubters wrong with his play in the playoffs. He has made the big throws and hit the big shots. This game will define him for the rest of his career.7This 2021 free-agent signing has proved to be worth the money in his first season. His matchup with Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth will be huge in this game.8Mixon can run and catch the ball, with the latter maybe being just as important in this game if it gets loose. He can make big runs when there isn’t a lot of push in the run game, which tells how good he is as a runner.9If the Bengals defense is to have a big day, they have to get inside pressure from Reader and have him play his usual key role against the run. He is a mismatch against the Rams guards.10Since coming to the Rams, he’s looked like the Beckham of old, the pre-ACL-tear Beckham. Maybe it was the offense in Cleveland because he’s rejuvenated in this system.11He isn’t Chase, but he’s had a heck of a postseason. He sees single coverage a lot more than Chase, which he can take advantage of with his big body.12He started slowly when he first came to the Rams this season, but he’s picked up the pace down the stretch. His ability to get pressure off the edge was the perfect complement for this defense.13He plays opposite Hendrickson and gives the Bengals a nice 1-2 punch. They move him around and rush him from different spots, which creates issues for an offensive line.14This free-agent signing from 2021 has proven to be a quality cover corner this season as the Bengals best. He’s had good games against top receivers like Tyreek Hill, which shows his growth this season.15The third receiver on the Cincinnati roster might play a big role in this game in the slot. He can create real problems for the middle of the Rams defense.16He teams with Von Miller to give the Rams a nice pair of edge rushers. Floyd has the speed to really influence the quarterback, which has to be a concern for the right side of the Bengals line.17The veteran left tackle will be key against Trey Hendrickson in this game. He spent most of his career with the Bengals, so this one will have added meaning.18He came into the season off an impressive 2020 season, but he didn’t play as well for much of this season. He said he let his contract issues get into his head, but that hasn’t been the case in the playoffs. He’s been outstanding.19This veteran nickel corner has proven to be an important part of the Cincinnati defense in his first season since signing from Pittsburgh as a free agent. He can cover and he’s a good at blitzing from the slot.20Playing on the same line with Aaron Donald really helps the rest of the down players and Gaines takes advantage of that. He’s an active inside player next to Donald.21The starting left tackle for the Bengals will play an important role in this game against the edge rushers for the Rams. He’s been inconsistent in the playoffs, but played well against the Chiefs.22The right tackle came into the league as a mauler in the run game, but he’s improved in pass protection as well. He gives the Rams a nice 1-2 tackle combination.23This veteran safety was a big part of how the Bengals slowed down Patrick Mahomes last week. He’s a smart player who has seen a lot in his six seasons, which is why he’s improved greatly in coverage this season.24This 6-4, 320-pound third-year player has emerged as a power run player in their defense. He is coming off a good game last week against the 49ers and should be able to hold up against the run against a weak right side of the Bengals line.25He’s a smart, heady center who keys their run game with his ability to move in their zone scheme. He isn’t great in pass protection, which will be something to watch in this game.26This seven-year veteran is a solid player, but he is has had some pass-protection issues this season. He is a solid run blocker.27When Larry Ogunjobi went down a few weeks ago, Hill stepped in as the starter and has played just as well. He is known for his run defense, but he’s been much better at rushing the passer this season.28His status is up in the air for the game after suffering an MCL sprain. But I ranked him in case he does play. His backup, Kendall Blanton, had a good day against the 49ers in the title game, but he would be ranked lower if he played.29Early in the season, he looked like he might be on his way to the Pro Bowl. But he had a rough go in the middle part. He has played well the past two weeks.30This veteran came out of retirement before the playoffs to become a big part of their defense. He was impressive in the victory over the 49ers, getting nine tackles and he was especially good in the run game31He’s a solid corner, who fits perfectly in their defense. He has become a good player in the run game and has matured as a cover player.32He has gone from a good special-teams player to a big part of their defense in the second half of this season after injuries forced him into the lineup. He’s a good tackler who will be key in the run game.33After injuring his knee early in the title game, his status is uncertain for the Super Bowl. If he plays, he gives them a good additional weapon in the middle of the field. If not, it’s Drew Sample,who isn’t as good a receiver.34Getting him back after an Achilles’ tendon tear this summer is an amazing story. He has done some good things, but he still isn’t as explosive yet as he will be next season. Even so, he does have the big-play ability.35He is the other starting corner opposite Jalen Ramsey. Williams had an outstanding 2020 season, but didn’t play quite as well this season. He has really come on late in the season to look more like the 2020 version of himself.36The Rams third receiver is capable of having a big day if the Bengals pay too much attention to Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham. Jefferson has big-play ability.37He’s a power player who has had some issues in pass protection over the final five weeks. That could show up in this one.38This rookie has emerged as a big part of their defense this season. He is an athletic linebacker who can sometimes be too aggressive, but he’s cut down on those types of mistakes as the season has moved along.39He is the weak link on the Rams line. Like fellow guard David Edwards, he has struggled over the final five weeks in pass protection. He was better in the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.40He is a better run player than coverage player, which could make him big against the Rams zone-running scheme. He is a big linebacker at 240 pounds.41He is solid in the run game, but he has issues in pass protection. That can be an issue against Aaron Donald and this group of good down players.42He struggles at times in coverage, which could be a big problem against the Bengals. He’s a decent enough run player, but he can be exploited in the passing game.43He’s played solid as their third corner in the postseason and he will be tested against the Bengals three receivers. Long can sometimes have issues with his tackling.44He isn’t on the field that much since they are in the nickel most of the time. He’s played just over 200 snaps this season.45After taking over for Riley Reiff when he went down with an injury, Prince has struggled at times. He has to be able to block Von Miller and Leonard Floyd in this game — or else.46He is a major problem on their line and will have his hands full when Aaron Donald is lined up against him. Right guard is an issue.