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Super Bowl 2022 odds, expert picks, live stream: Best bets, predictions, props for Rams vs. Bengals today

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The 2022 Super Bowl is just hours away, and if you haven’t locked in your bets and chosen your player props, it’s about time you did. With how wild and unpredictable the playoffs have been, why shouldn’t we expect madness Sunday on the NFL’s biggest stage? This is the first Super Bowl in NFL history that does not feature any of the top three seeds in either conference, and it’s the second matchup in Super Bowl history that features two former No. 1 overall quarterback picks facing off. It’s Sean McVay vs. his former quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow vs. Matthew Stafford, Ja’Marr Chase vs. Jalen Ramsey. Who you got? 

If you’re looking for advice on where to place your money for Super Bowl Sunday, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we will examine the different betting angles for this matchup. We will provide picks from both CBS Sports and SportsLine experts on this final NFL showdown, as well as a few player props that we view as enticing. 

All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.

How to watch 

Date: Sunday, Feb. 13 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
TV: NBC | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Odds: Rams -4, O/U 48.5

Rams vs. Bengals spread picks

“The key to the game will be how the Bengals handle the Rams defensive front. Can they block Aaron Donald and Von Miller and Leonard Floyd? The Bengals have a bad offensive line, especially the right side. That will be make it a premium for Joe Burrow to speed up his clock and get the ball out. Look for a lot of quick throws, something Burrow did in the second half against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

“The Bengals and Burrow operate well in the quick game out of empty sets, so look for a lot of that. Against the Chiefs, they didn’t do enough of it on early downs. My gut is they will in this one, which will lead to big plays in the passing game. They will dictate tempo. 

“As for the Rams, they will get theirs as well. The Bengals defense played well against Patrick Mahomes, dropping eight and changing up their looks. I think Cincinnati will do much of the same to Matt Stafford to try and slow him down. The difference is the Rams will run the ball against that look. They will use Cam Akers and Sony Michel to patiently move the ball down the field if that’s what the Bengals decide to do. Then Stafford will hit his shots down the field off play-action.

“I see a lot of points in this one. Both teams can score. Both quarterbacks are capable of putting their teams on their right arms and letting it rip. In the end, I am going to go with Burrow to outplay Stafford to get his first ring in what will truly be an amazing ending to their season. Burrow will drive the Bengals to a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson in the closing seconds as the theme of the playoffs continues.”

— CBS Sports Senior NFL Columnist Pete Prisco is taking the underdog to win straight up in Super Bowl LVI. To read his full explanation, click here.

Before you make any Rams vs. Bengals picks, you need to see which side R.J. White is backing. CBS Sports’ Fantasy and gambling editor, White ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It’s no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world’s most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. In addition, White has gone an impressive 40-28-2 on his last 70 picks involving Cincinnati, returning more than $900 for $100 bettors.

We can tell you White is leaning Under when it comes to the total, but to check out his against the spread pick, head on over to SportsLine. 

“The Bengals are the underdog in this game, which might actually be a good thing, because underdogs are on a roll in the Super Bowl. Since 2010, underdogs of three or more points are 5-1 in the Super Bowl with the only loss coming from a Falcons team that BLEW A 28-3 LEAD (I am required by law to mention that blown lead in every Super Bowl pick I make for the rest of time). 

“I think this game ends in one of two ways: Either the Bengals win a close one in the fourth quarter or this turns into a replay of last year’s Super Bowl where one team’s quarterback gets so dominated by the other team’s defense that it turns into a blowout. 

“I’m going with option A. 

“As the son of a former Bengals kicker, I feel like the only way for me to go with this pick is to predict that it ends on a field goal by the current Bengals kicker, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

— Bengals expert John Breech wrote a great column on this year’s Super Bowl and explained his pick to win it all. Check it out, here.

“I’ve picked the Rams in every round, but have struck out on the Bengals. My lean is to the Rams again, BUT, I’m not betting on them to cover the spread. I’m taking the points with the Bengals +3.5. Out of six games since the divisional round, five have been decided by exactly three points. The only game that was not was the Buffalo Bills vs. Chiefs matchup — and that went to overtime! Why should we not expect a close game in the Super Bowl? I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if the Bengals win, but I’m more comfortable taking the points. Give me a cover, Cinderella.”

— CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani is taking the points with the Bengals. To read his full explanation, click here.

“With the combination of Aaron Donald and Von Miller rushing the passer and the likes of Jalen Ramsey in the secondary making Burrow hold the ball longer and go through his progression, I have my doubts that the Cincinnati O-line will be able to fend them off for four quarters. 

“While this isn’t a traditional home game for the Rams (actually considered the visiting team), the fact that this is being played at SoFi Stadium should play to their advantage. They are 7-3 straight up at home this year (including playoffs) and while they are just .500 ATS at SoFi Stadium, they have an average margin of victory of 7.3 points. That would get us to comfortably cover the spread in this game.”

— CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan is laying the points with the Rams. To read his full explanation, click here.

Rams vs. Bengals picks on the total

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, and is up over $7,500 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. The model enters the Super Bowl on a 137-97 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. To see its against the spread pick and thoughts on the Total, head on over to SportsLine.

“There’s too much skill on these offenses to think this game will stay Under: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon on Cincinnati; Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. on Los Angeles. These teams both averaged 27.1 points a game in the regular season, which tied for seventh in the league. Also, unless you’re expecting a game in the teens, there are very few score combinations that stay Under. We win with 23-23 or 24-24 in regulation. We also win with 26-23 or 28-21. I think this is pretty simple. Take the Over.”

— Hammerin’ Hank Goldberg likes the Over on Sunday, but that’s not all he’s excited about in this matchup. For his against the spread pick and a player prop he likes, head on over to SportsLine. 

Player props

Joe Burrow total passing yards: Under 274.5 (-115). The SportsLine Projection Model has this as one of their top five player props this week. To see the others, head on over to SportsLine.

Samaje Perine total receptions: Over 1.5 (-110). The Over was actually plus money earlier this week! Perine has been active in the receiving game as of late and caught three of four targets against the Chiefs. I think he gets exactly two receptions. — CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani

Matthew Stafford Over 0.5 interceptions (-160): “Matthew Stafford is going to throw an interception. It’s funny — there’s been this shift in the narrative around Stafford. There’s talk about how winning this game might get him into the Hall of Fame, and while I’m not interested in a debate about that, I do want to point out that Stafford is the same player he’s always been. The only thing that’s changed is he’s on a much better team than any he’s ever been on.

“In the end, though, he’s still the same QB with a fantastic arm capable of making throws few others can make. He’s also the same guy that throws a few passes every game that leave you wondering what the hell was running through his mind when he decided, ‘oh yeah, this is the one.’

“He takes a lot of unnecessary chances, and while Stafford’s 6.8% TD rate this season is a career-high (the previous was 6.5% in 2019), his interception rate of 2.8% is the second-highest of his career outside of his rookie season. It turns out having better players around him has only made Stafford more willing to take chances he shouldn’t. That’s why he’s thrown at least one interception in 12 of 21 games this season and in five of the Rams’ last seven.

“He’s going to take them against Cincinnati too.” — CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli

Other Super Bowl props

Will there be a second-half lead change: Yes (+130): In Championship Weekend, both the Bengals and Rams came back from double-digit deficits to win their respective games. That’s just the second time that has happened on Championship Sunday in both games since 1970. There was no second-half lead change in Super Bowl LV when the Buccaneers smacked the Chiefs, but there certainly was one in Super Bowl LIV, when the Chiefs came back from down 10 in the fourth quarter against the 49ers. I’m not predicting a miraculous comeback next Sunday, but in a close game, we should get a lead change in the second half.  

Will any quarter be scoreless? Yes (+300): “This has happened in four of the last seven Super Bowls. That includes Chiefs-Bucs last year, as well as the last time Sean McVay was coaching in the big game, when the Rams put up three total points against the Pats three years ago. With McVay likely to be conservative and the Rams boasting a strong defense, a scoreless quarter should be in play here, and we’re getting 3-1 odds.” — CBS Sports’ Brett Anderson.

To check out other fun SportsLine expert props, click here. 

Super Bowl MVP: SportsLine expert R.J. White has studied Super Bowl LVI and the MVP odds from every possible angle to give his MVP pick. We can tell you he’s not picking Cooper Kupp at +700 even though he’s projected to rack up more than 100 yards in the Super Bowl. To see his MVP pick and his best longshot play, head on over to SportsLine.

Cross-sport props: These are some of my favorite props. Increased attention is paid every season to the prop market surrounding the biggest game in sports, with hundreds of options on offer from each major sportsbook, giving bettors countless ways to get action on not just the Super Bowl, but also other sporting events happening this weekend on the same wager. These cross-sport props allow for interesting matchups pitting player props in different sports against each other (for example, Joe Burrow’s pass attempts vs. Karl-Anthony Towns’ points plus rebounds), or potentially against other aspects of the Super Bowl (Rams’ points scored vs. Trae Young’s points scored). To see what R.J. White has to say about these special props, head over to SportsLine. 

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Entertainment

Who is singing the national anthem at Super Bowl 2022? Performer this year, average length, time, date, how to watch Rams vs. Bengals

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Super Bowl LVI is just hours away and this year’s pregame entertainment including the performance of the national anthem is set. Grammy Award-nominated country music artist Mickey Guyton will sing the national anthem ahead of kickoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Super Bowl 2022 will take place on Sunday, February 13 on NBC and Peacock.

READ MORE: Who is broadcasting the 2022 Super Bowl? TV channel, announcers, analysts, live stream

Mickey Guyton released her debut album Remember Her Name to critical acclaim in September 2021 and it earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album of the Year, the first-ever for a Black artist. Guyton also received nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

The national anthem will be preceded by a performance of “America the Beautiful” by six-time Grammy-nominated artist Jhené Aiko just before kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET. Actress Sandra Mae Frank will perform the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” in American Sign Language. In addition, American urban contemporary gospel duo Mary Mary will perform “Lift˜ Every Voice and Sing” alongside the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Zedd will act as the official pregame DJ during player warmups and the Air Force will conduct a first-of-its kind flyover during the national anthem. Plus, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will headline this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about this year’s Super Bowl halftime show

According to OddsShark, the average length of time it takes to perform the national anthem is 1:55. Last year, Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church’s rendition of the national anthem ran for 2:17.

Whitney Houston famously performed the national anthem in 1991. Keep reading for a list of past performers who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at previous Super Bowls.

Recent Super Bowl national anthem singers

2022: Mickey Guyton

2021: Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church

2020: Demi Lovato

2019: Gladys Knight

2018: Pink

2017: Luke Bryan

2016: Lady Gaga

2015: Idina Menzel

2014: Renée Fleming

2013: Alicia Keys

2012: Kelly Clarkson

2011: Christina Aguilera

2010: Carrie Underwood

How to Watch Super Bowl 2022


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Sports

Super Bowl 2022 odds, expert picks, live stream: Best bets, predictions, player props for Rams vs. Bengals

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The 2022 Super Bowl is just hours away, and if you haven’t locked in your bets and chosen your player props, it’s about time you did. With how wild and unpredictable the playoffs have been, why shouldn’t we expect madness Sunday on the NFL’s biggest stage? This is the first Super Bowl in NFL history that does not feature any of the top three seeds in either conference, and it’s the second matchup in Super Bowl history that features two former No. 1 overall quarterback picks facing off. It’s Sean McVay vs. his former quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow vs. Matthew Stafford, Ja’Marr Chase vs. Jalen Ramsey. Who you got? 

If you’re looking for advice on where to place your money for Super Bowl Sunday, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we will examine the different betting angles for this matchup. We will provide picks from both CBS Sports and SportsLine experts on this final NFL showdown, as well as a few player props that we view as enticing. 

All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.

How to watch 

Date: Sunday, Feb. 13 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
TV: NBC | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Odds: Rams -4, O/U 48.5

Rams vs. Bengals spread picks

“The key to the game will be how the Bengals handle the Rams defensive front. Can they block Aaron Donald and Von Miller and Leonard Floyd? The Bengals have a bad offensive line, especially the right side. That will be make it a premium for Joe Burrow to speed up his clock and get the ball out. Look for a lot of quick throws, something Burrow did in the second half against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

“The Bengals and Burrow operate well in the quick game out of empty sets, so look for a lot of that. Against the Chiefs, they didn’t do enough of it on early downs. My gut is they will in this one, which will lead to big plays in the passing game. They will dictate tempo. 

“As for the Rams, they will get theirs as well. The Bengals defense played well against Patrick Mahomes, dropping eight and changing up their looks. I think Cincinnati will do much of the same to Matt Stafford to try and slow him down. The difference is the Rams will run the ball against that look. They will use Cam Akers and Sony Michel to patiently move the ball down the field if that’s what the Bengals decide to do. Then Stafford will hit his shots down the field off play-action.

“I see a lot of points in this one. Both teams can score. Both quarterbacks are capable of putting their teams on their right arms and letting it rip. In the end, I am going to go with Burrow to outplay Stafford to get his first ring in what will truly be an amazing ending to their season. Burrow will drive the Bengals to a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson in the closing seconds as the theme of the playoffs continues.”

— CBS Sports Senior NFL Columnist Pete Prisco is taking the underdog to win straight up in Super Bowl LVI. To read his full explanation, click here.

Before you make any Rams vs. Bengals picks, you need to see which side R.J. White is backing. CBS Sports’ Fantasy and gambling editor, White ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It’s no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world’s most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. In addition, White has gone an impressive 40-28-2 on his last 70 picks involving Cincinnati, returning more than $900 for $100 bettors.

We can tell you White is leaning Under when it comes to the total, but to check out his against the spread pick, head on over to SportsLine. 

“The Bengals are the underdog in this game, which might actually be a good thing, because underdogs are on a roll in the Super Bowl. Since 2010, underdogs of three or more points are 5-1 in the Super Bowl with the only loss coming from a Falcons team that BLEW A 28-3 LEAD (I am required by law to mention that blown lead in every Super Bowl pick I make for the rest of time). 

“I think this game ends in one of two ways: Either the Bengals win a close one in the fourth quarter or this turns into a replay of last year’s Super Bowl where one team’s quarterback gets so dominated by the other team’s defense that it turns into a blowout. 

“I’m going with option A. 

“As the son of a former Bengals kicker, I feel like the only way for me to go with this pick is to predict that it ends on a field goal by the current Bengals kicker, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

— Bengals expert John Breech wrote a great column on this year’s Super Bowl and explained his pick to win it all. Check it out, here.

“I’ve picked the Rams in every round, but have struck out on the Bengals. My lean is to the Rams again, BUT, I’m not betting on them to cover the spread. I’m taking the points with the Bengals +3.5. Out of six games since the divisional round, five have been decided by exactly three points. The only game that was not was the Buffalo Bills vs. Chiefs matchup — and that went to overtime! Why should we not expect a close game in the Super Bowl? I wouldn’t be the least bit shocked if the Bengals win, but I’m more comfortable taking the points. Give me a cover, Cinderella.”

— CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani is taking the points with the Bengals. To read his full explanation, click here.

“With the combination of Aaron Donald and Von Miller rushing the passer and the likes of Jalen Ramsey in the secondary making Burrow hold the ball longer and go through his progression, I have my doubts that the Cincinnati O-line will be able to fend them off for four quarters. 

“While this isn’t a traditional home game for the Rams (actually considered the visiting team), the fact that this is being played at SoFi Stadium should play to their advantage. They are 7-3 straight up at home this year (including playoffs) and while they are just .500 ATS at SoFi Stadium, they have an average margin of victory of 7.3 points. That would get us to comfortably cover the spread in this game.”

— CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan is laying the points with the Rams. To read his full explanation, click here.

Rams vs. Bengals picks on the total

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, and is up over $7,500 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception six-plus years ago. The model enters the Super Bowl on a 137-97 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. To see its against the spread pick and thoughts on the Total, head on over to SportsLine.

“There’s too much skill on these offenses to think this game will stay Under: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon on Cincinnati; Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. on Los Angeles. These teams both averaged 27.1 points a game in the regular season, which tied for seventh in the league. Also, unless you’re expecting a game in the teens, there are very few score combinations that stay Under. We win with 23-23 or 24-24 in regulation. We also win with 26-23 or 28-21. I think this is pretty simple. Take the Over.”

— Hammerin’ Hank Goldberg likes the Over on Sunday, but that’s not all he’s excited about in this matchup. For his against the spread pick and a player prop he likes, head on over to SportsLine. 

Player props

Joe Burrow total passing yards: Under 274.5 (-115). The SportsLine Projection Model has this as one of their top five player props this week. To see the others, head on over to SportsLine.

Samaje Perine total receptions: Over 1.5 (-110). The Over was actually plus money earlier this week! Perine has been active in the receiving game as of late and caught three of four targets against the Chiefs. I think he gets exactly two receptions. — CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani

Matthew Stafford Over 0.5 interceptions (-160): “Matthew Stafford is going to throw an interception. It’s funny — there’s been this shift in the narrative around Stafford. There’s talk about how winning this game might get him into the Hall of Fame, and while I’m not interested in a debate about that, I do want to point out that Stafford is the same player he’s always been. The only thing that’s changed is he’s on a much better team than any he’s ever been on.

“In the end, though, he’s still the same QB with a fantastic arm capable of making throws few others can make. He’s also the same guy that throws a few passes every game that leave you wondering what the hell was running through his mind when he decided, ‘oh yeah, this is the one.’

“He takes a lot of unnecessary chances, and while Stafford’s 6.8% TD rate this season is a career-high (the previous was 6.5% in 2019), his interception rate of 2.8% is the second-highest of his career outside of his rookie season. It turns out having better players around him has only made Stafford more willing to take chances he shouldn’t. That’s why he’s thrown at least one interception in 12 of 21 games this season and in five of the Rams’ last seven.

“He’s going to take them against Cincinnati too.” — CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli

Other Super Bowl props

Will there be a second-half lead change: Yes (+130): In Championship Weekend, both the Bengals and Rams came back from double-digit deficits to win their respective games. That’s just the second time that has happened on Championship Sunday in both games since 1970. There was no second-half lead change in Super Bowl LV when the Buccaneers smacked the Chiefs, but there certainly was one in Super Bowl LIV, when the Chiefs came back from down 10 in the fourth quarter against the 49ers. I’m not predicting a miraculous comeback next Sunday, but in a close game, we should get a lead change in the second half.  

Will any quarter be scoreless? Yes (+300): “This has happened in four of the last seven Super Bowls. That includes Chiefs-Bucs last year, as well as the last time Sean McVay was coaching in the big game, when the Rams put up three total points against the Pats three years ago. With McVay likely to be conservative and the Rams boasting a strong defense, a scoreless quarter should be in play here, and we’re getting 3-1 odds.” — CBS Sports’ Brett Anderson.

To check out other fun SportsLine expert props, click here. 

Super Bowl MVP: SportsLine expert R.J. White has studied Super Bowl LVI and the MVP odds from every possible angle to give his MVP pick. We can tell you he’s not picking Cooper Kupp at +700 even though he’s projected to rack up more than 100 yards in the Super Bowl. To see his MVP pick and his best longshot play, head on over to SportsLine.

Cross-sport props: These are some of my favorite props. Increased attention is paid every season to the prop market surrounding the biggest game in sports, with hundreds of options on offer from each major sportsbook, giving bettors countless ways to get action on not just the Super Bowl, but also other sporting events happening this weekend on the same wager. These cross-sport props allow for interesting matchups pitting player props in different sports against each other (for example, Joe Burrow’s pass attempts vs. Karl-Anthony Towns’ points plus rebounds), or potentially against other aspects of the Super Bowl (Rams’ points scored vs. Trae Young’s points scored). To see what R.J. White has to say about these special props, head over to SportsLine. 

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Eric Dickerson may skip Super Bowl 2022 over Rams tickets drama

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At a time when excitement and goodwill concerning the Rams should be the highest, they may have angered one of their legends.

Eric Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back who starred with the Los Angeles Rams from 1983-87, said he probably will not be watching Super Bowl 2022 from SoFi Stadium after the team offered him “tickets in the rafters.”

Eric Dickerson
Getty Images, AP

Dickerson has had a few spats with his former team, but the relationship seemingly had healed in the past few years. Maybe not.

“In the 480 section,” Dickerson said during a Radio Row interview this week with CBS Sports. “I said, I’d rather stay at home and watch it.”

Dickerson, whose No. 29 is retired by the Rams, battled the team during the Jeff Fisher era, when Dickerson was banned from the sidelines on game days. After Fisher was fired in 2016, Dickerson signed a one-day contract — more than 20 years after his last down — with Los Angeles as a way to mend the relationship.

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The Rams list him as their Vice President of Business Development, which apparently comes with some ticket perks but not overwhelming ones. Dickerson said he gave the tickets to his assistant.

When interviewer Maggie Gray said she was “in shock” at the news, Dickerson’s response was telling.

“I’m not,” he said.

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Cincinnati is the happiest city on earth as its Bengals face the L.A. Rams in the Super Bowl

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“Took him 30 years to predict it right. Now that statement is true,” said Grant, 36, a Cincinnati entrepreneur.

Then they laughed and laughed.

This sports-crazy, blue-collar city on the banks of the Ohio River didn’t have much to celebrate until recently, when the Bengals’ young quarterback Joe Burrow — the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick in 2020 — led the team in a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a trip to Sunday’s Super Bowl.

The city and state have rallied behind the team in a big way, celebrating the Bengals’ “surreal” journey to Los Angeles with outbursts of joy, spontaneous hugs with strangers and chants of “Who Dey?” — the team’s rallying cry. Paul Brown Stadium, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, is blazing orange, as are other buildings across the skyline. Schools will be closed the day after the game. And do they dare even dream of a victory parade?

It still seems hard to believe. Last season, the Bengals won four games, the season before, two. They hadn’t won a playoff game since 1991. This is the team’s third trip to the Super Bowl, but the first in 33 years. Their first two appearances — after the 1981 and 1988 seasons — ended in losses to the San Francisco 49ers.

But no one is calling them “the Bungles” anymore.

“Whenever a team is winning there is excitement and giddiness and joy, but what’s different here is that there’s disbelief,” said Mo Egger, a local sports radio announcer and lifelong Bengals fan. “I’ve heard the word surreal used more in the last week than I have in my life. People can’t believe the Bengals are in the Super Bowl.”

This city of 301,000 has had a rough couple of years, trying to find its way out of an economic downturn that hit it hard, and other parts of Ohio even harder as the coronavirus pandemic has stubbornly persisted. The omicron variant sent the state’s hospitalization levels to an all-time high in December, and Gov. Mike DeWine (R) sent in the Ohio National Guard to help overwhelmed hospitals.

On Monday, DeWine temporarily renamed three state parks in honor of the Bengals, including Burr Oak State Park in southeastern Ohio to “Burrow Oak State Park” in honor of Burrow, who grew up in nearby The Plains and went to Athens High School.

“We are incredibly proud of the Bengals and everything they have accomplished this season,” DeWine said in a statement announcing the honor. The whole state will be rooting for them on Sunday, he said.

“We’re here in this moment on the heels of 24 months of a global pandemic with an economic downturn that’s disproportionally affecting our Black and Brown communities; it’s been a really, really difficult time,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval (D), who took office in January. “Despite that, the people here in Cincinnati, in part because of this team, have so much optimism, so much joy, so much hope for the future, that it’s overwhelming.”

The Bengals presented the city with the game ball from their first playoff victory in 31 years, against the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 15, and the mayor has been toting it around since.

Everywhere he takes it, he says, “I’m swarmed. The fact that ‘Joey Brrr’ held this ball, they want to be close to him and touch that excitement. It was like a religious experience.”

The Bengals are quickly emerging as fan favorites to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, even though the Las Vegas oddsmakers disagree — they have the Rams as a nearly five-point favorite. After the Bengals’ unlikely run, their devoted fan base — which stuck with them even during the worst times — deserves its first Super Bowl win, the thinking goes.

The contrast between the teams couldn’t be more striking. The itinerant Rams play before celebrities like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar while their moneyed fans sip at the champagne bar in the new SoFi stadium. Bengals fans, who have been cheering for their hometown team since 1968, guzzle beer and eat Cincinnati chili while singing along to Guns N’ Roses “Welcome to the Jungle,” their de facto anthem.

“It’s the gritty underdogs going out to L.A. to take these pretty boys out,” said Grant, who runs a bar, art gallery and barbershop in town. He’s been wearing his “Ohio Against the World” jacket all week. “Bengals fans have been Bengals fans forever. The Rams just got there two days ago.” (Actually the team returned to L.A. in 2016, but you see his point.)

“Now the whole country is rooting for us,” said Jen Henschen, 46, a nurse who attended a pep rally for the team this week.

Jim Moehring, 54, owner of the Holy Grail sports bar downtown, said this January was the first in a decade that he hadn’t had to lay off any of his kitchen staff, with business up 200 percent during the Bengals’ playoff run. He once feared he might have to close down, he said, even though the bar is just yards from home plate of the city’s other cathedral of sport, the Cincinnati Reds’ stadium.

Moehring was at the Bengals’ playoff game against the Raiders and said he wept as the clock hit zero. Mostly, he was missing his best friend and business partner, Tom Heitker, who died of cancer in 2017. He, Heitker and two other high school buddies had season tickets to Bengals games for years even though “everybody would make fun of us,” Moehring recalled. They held onto the seats, and a rotating cast of friends takes Heitker’s seat in his honor.

Grant said he has been moved watching those like his dad who have supported the team from the beginning finally being able to feel the winning energy.

“This town is deeply rooted in family and tradition,” Grant said. “There’s a saying: ‘Cincinnati is not a city, it’s a town.’ People who grow up in Cincinnati rarely leave, and if we do, we don’t go far. So it’s a prideful thing. There was a great pride in not giving up.”

Now Cincinnati has set its hopes for Sunday and beyond on Burrow, 25, the son of a football coach and a high school principal who grew up a little more than two hours away in Athens County, in the Appalachian foothills. Burrow led his high school team to the state playoffs and was such a great performer in high school that his legend endures — they named the football stadium for him a few years back.

He endeared himself to his home state during his speech the night he won the Heisman trophy in 2019 en route to winning the national championship as the quarterback at Louisiana State University.

“Coming from southeast Ohio, it’s a very impoverished area,” the then-23-year-old Burrow said, tearing up. “The poverty rate is almost two times the national average, and there’s so many people there that don’t have a lot.

“I’m up here for all those kids in Athens and in Athens County that go home to not a lot of food on the table, hungry after school,” he said. Nearly half-a-million dollars poured into the local food bank after his speech.

Now the Joe Burrow Hunger Relief fund at the nonprofit Foundation for Appalachian Ohio has grown to $1.5 million, with fans donating nearly $100,000 in the days since the Bengals clinched their Super Bowl berth. Fans often donate in multiples of nine — Burrow’s jersey number, the foundation said.

People say they like Burrow because he’s humble and tough, with just the right amount of swagger. He managed to overcome a serious knee injury in a late-season game against the Washington Football Team in 2020 to take his team to a 10-7 record this season, surviving a playoff game against the Tennessee Titans where he was sacked nine times. Asked by reporters Monday which of his many nicknames he prefers — “Joe Brrr” is one, also “Joe Cool” — he said simply, “Just call me Joe.”

At a Monday night pep rally at Paul Brown Stadium before the team left for Los Angeles, fans draped themselves in fuzzy tiger-stripe blankets, braved a wind chill of 25 degrees and chanted “Who dey? Who dey? Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?” (Answer: “Nobody!”) The noise level in the stadium rose to a dull roar when the team entered through a cloud of fake smoke. Burrow got the loudest cheer, along with the chant for “MVP, MVP,” which is what they hoped he would be named. (He was named “Comeback Player of the Year” Thursday.)

“Burrow was looking fragile, broken, but he came back from injury and now we’re in the Super Bowl,” said fan Brittany Scruggs, 22, a personal trainer and Cincinnati resident. “It’s definitely the year of the tiger.”



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Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee, backup lineman Joe Noteboom out of Super Bowl LVI with injuries

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4:45 PM ET

  • Brady HendersonESPN

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams will be without starting tight end Tyler Higbee and backup offensive lineman Joe Noteboom in Super Bowl LVI, as both players were placed on injured reserve Friday.

The team activated running back Darrell Henderson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day off IR in corresponding moves.

Higbee was the Rams’ most significant injury question for Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals, though his chances of playing never looked good, as he had yet to practice since spraining an MCL in the NFC Championship Game.

Noteboom (chest) was listed as a limited participant Thursday, his only practice of the past two weeks.

With Higbee and Noteboom on IR, every player on the Rams’ 53-man roster was listed as a full participant Friday.

Higbee caught 61 passes (second on the team) for 560 yards (third) and five touchdowns (tied for third) in 15 regular-season games. He played 14 snaps in the conference title game against the San Francisco 49ers, catching two passes for 18 yards, before leaving with his knee injury. Backup Kendall Blanton caught five passes for 57 yards in the Rams’ 20-17 win over San Francisco. Blanton scored a touchdown in the Rams’ divisional-round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Sports

Will Los Angeles Rams or Cincinnati Bengals win Lombardi Trophy?

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Joe Thomas: Bengals 24, Rams 21

Why the Bengals will win: Joe Cool Burrow is the difference in a close game. He leads his team down the field to set up the winning field goal, giving the franchise its first Super Bowl win.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Joe Burrow

Bold prediction: The Bengals’ defense holds Cooper Kupp to under 100 yards receiving.

Kurt Warner: Rams 28, Bengals 17

Why the Rams will win: The Rams have the more balanced team and, in turn, have more ways to beat the opponent. I think Cincinnati’s O-line will have trouble vs. the Rams’ front four, and Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp will stay hot!

Super Bowl LVI Co-MVPs: Matthew Stafford AND Cooper Kupp

Bold prediction: No TDs for Kupp, Odell Beckham or Ja’Marr Chase.

Judy Battista: Bengals 24, Rams 21

Why the Bengals will win: The Bengals beat the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the “best” team in the league. They are battle-tested, well-balanced and have the feel of a team of destiny. And I’m spooked by the lulls the Rams have gone through in their playoff games.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Joe Burrow

Bold prediction: Bengals rookie kicker Evan McPherson becomes a Super Bowl legend with a last-minute field goal.

Maurice Jones-Drew: Rams 38, Bengals 31

Why the Rams will win: Football games are won in the trenches, and the Rams take advantage of the mismatch between their defensive line and the Bengals’ O-line. Stopping one pass rusher may be doable, but accounting for Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd is another story.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Cooper Kupp

Bold prediction: Rams sack Joe Burrow 12 times.

Dan Parr: Rams 27, Bengals 18

Why the Rams will win: My heart is leading me toward the Bengals, but the Rams have too much of an edge in the trenches for me to pick Cincinnati. Only some Matthew Stafford miscues can stop L.A.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Matthew Stafford

Bold prediction: The Rams build an early lead and don’t look back, setting a Super Bowl record by sacking Joe Burrow eight times.

Marc Ross: Bengals 31, Rams 30

Why the Bengals will win: The young, talented Bengals have arrived sooner than anyone expected, and they have the attitude and magic working in their favor. Joe Burrow has been on a historic run since his final season at LSU, and it continues as he leads the Bengals to victory, becoming the first player to win the Heisman Trophy, a national championship and a Super Bowl.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Joe Burrow

Bold prediction: Ja’Marr Chase will set a Super Bowl rookie receiving record with two TD receptions vs. Jalen Ramsey.

Ali Bhanpuri: Bengals 27, Rams 24

Why the Bengals will win: Burrow dissects the Rams’ secondary with patience, pinpoint passes and efficient scrambles, mitigating L.A.’s relentless pass rushers and earning the Bengals their first Super Bowl title. Hollywood’s upstaged old guard ushers in a new generation of unapologetically cool cats.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Joe Burrow

Bold prediction: The Bengals force more sacks than the Rams.

Steve Mariucci: Rams 30, Bengals 24

Why the Rams will win: The Rams’ pass rush will be too overwhelming for the Bengals.

Super Bowl LVI MVP: Cooper Kupp

Bold prediction: Kupp and Ja’Marr Chase each have over 150 receiving yards.

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

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1
He 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. 2
He 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. 3
Coming 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. 4
This 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. 5
His 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. 6
He 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. 7
This 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. 8
Mixon 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. 9
If 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. 10
Since 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. 11
He 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. 12
He 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. 13
He 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. 14
This 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. 15
The 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. 16
He 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. 17
The 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. 18
He 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. 19
This 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. 20
Playing 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. 21
The 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. 22
The 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. 23
This 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. 24
This 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. 25
He’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. 26
This seven-year veteran is a solid player, but he is has had some pass-protection issues this season. He is a solid run blocker. 27
When 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. 28
His 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. 29
Early 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. 30


Eric Weddle


Los Angeles Rams FS

This 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 game 31
He’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. 32
He 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. 33
After 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. 34
Getting 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. 35
He 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. 36
The 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. 37
He’s a power player who has had some issues in pass protection over the final five weeks. That could show up in this one. 38
This 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. 39
He 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. 40
He 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. 41
He 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. 42
He 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. 43
He’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. 44
He 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. 45
After 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. 46
He 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.

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Suspect Arrested In SoFi Stadium Attack Which Left 49ers Fan In Coma – CBS Los Angeles

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INGLEWOOD (CBSLA) – A suspect has been arrested in connection with a violent assault outside SoFi Stadium during the NFC Title game last weekend which left a San Francisco 49ers fan in a coma.

An undated photo of Daniel Luna. (Facebook)

In a news conference Friday, Inglewood Mayor James Butts identified the suspect as 33-year-old Cifuentes Alexis, a resident of Los Angeles. He is charged with one felony count of assault by means to produce great bodily injury.

He was arrested Thursday, but was released from jail early Friday morning on $30,000 bail.

Butts said Alexis was identified with the help of surveillance video from SoFi Stadium. A suspect car that was seen on security video in the stadium parking lot was traced by Inglewood police to its registered owner Thursday. The owner of the car was not a suspect.

“They (investigators) left contact information (with the owner) after indicating we were trying to locate an individual involved in a potential assault on Sunday at SoFi Stadium,” Butts said.

Cifuentes Alexis. (Inglewood PD)

Alexis then called investigators while he was at his place of work in Montebello, Butts said. Officers went to his work, and he voluntarily accompanied them back to Inglewood police headquarters, where he was interviewed and arrested.

The victim, 40-year-old Oakland resident Daniel Luna, who was wearing a 49ers jersey, was found injured in Parking Lot L of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood around 4 p.m. Sunday, about 30 minutes after the start of the Rams’ 20-17 victory over the 49ers that advanced them to Super Bowl LVI.

Luna was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was placed in a medically induced coma with extensive injuries to his face and upper body. He remains in a coma Friday.

“His condition has not improved or degraded,” Butts said.

In a previous news conference Thursday, Butts said that, upon review of surveillance footage, investigators determined Luna was mingling with a group of people primarily wearing red 49ers jerseys when he allegedly shoved a man wearing a Rams jersey from behind.

“The suspect then retaliated by pushing Mr. Luna from behind, and then struck (him) once in the mouth area,” Butts said. “Luna then fell to the ground, where he was later found by security personnel who summoned paramedics.”

The man who punched Luna was seen in the security footage interacting with the occupants of a vehicle following the altercation before he left the scene.

Butts said Friday that following the attack, some fans tried to help Luna.

“There were other fans in that group, and at least one person, in the short clip that I saw, which is only a minute-and-a-half, bent down and tried to turn him on his side,” Butts said.

A family friend said that Luna traveled to Los Angeles and attended the game alone after other friends had canceled their plans to go with him. Luna is a chef and the owner of an Oakland restaurant called Mistura.

Butts deflected suggestions that the city and police delayed reports of Luna’s assault, claiming instead that authorities only learned of a crime occurred after reviewing the security footage.

“To be blunt about it, it looked like a small altercation that went very bad from one punch and someone hitting their head on the ground,” said Butts, a former Santa Monica Police Department chief and a deputy chief with the Inglewood Police Department.

SoFi Stadium officials issued a statement saying, “We are aware and saddened by the incident. Our thoughts are with Mr. Luna’s friends and family during this difficult time. We are working with law enforcement officials in their investigation.”

Former Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Horace Frank said authorities should have been more transparent about the circumstances around Luna’s beating.

“You should have put out that information to the public because the perpetrator is a public safety hazard and a threat to the community,” Frank, who oversaw major game operations, told the Los Angeles Times. “You want to get the persons responsible for this heinous attack into custody as soon as possible.”

(© Copyright 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

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49ers Fan Beaten Into A Coma Outside SoFi Stadium – CBS Los Angeles

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INGLEWOOD (CBSLA) — A San Francisco 49ers fan is in a medically induced coma after he was found outside SoFi Stadium suffering from severe injuries inflicted during the NFC Championship game against Los Angeles Rams.

(Credit: Misturapiedmont)

According to the Inglewood Police Department, the Los Angeles County fire department responded to Parking Lot L of SoFi Stadium where they found the victim, 40-year-old Oakland resident Daniel Luna.

The victim was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where medical staff said that Luna was suffering from severe injuries believed to be sustained during an assault. While in the emergency room, Luna was placed into a medically induced coma.

A 49ers spokesperson released a statement addressing the attack:

“What happened to Daniel Luna is reprehensible, and we strongly condemn all violence. We know local authorities are conducting a full investigation and we’re here to support them however we can. Our thoughts and prayers go to Mr. Luna, his family, friends, and the medical team providing him care.”

Police do not believe any weapons were involved in the beating and believe that Luna’s attacker or attackers used bodily force to assault him.

The medical staff informed Inglewood police and after an investigation officers determined the assault happened at SoFi Stadium. In conjunction, with SoFi security, IPD is working to locate cell phone footage and has begun to review security camera video.

As of Wednesday night, police have not released any suspect description. Luna also remains in a coma.

A family friend said that Luna traveled to Los Angeles and attended the game alone after other friends had canceled their plans to go with him. Luna is a chef and the owner of an Oakland restaurant called Mistura.

A spokesperson for SoFi Stadium provided CBSLA the following statement:

“We are aware and saddened by the incident. Our thoughts are with Mr. Luna’s friends and family during this difficult time. We are working with law enforcement officials in their investigation.”

Antonnel Molett worked at SoFi Stadium as ticket taker and claimed that security was inadequate at times, especially when the Las Vegas Raiders visited. Molett claimed that the fans went “berserk.”

“They don’t have enough security,” Molett said. “They don’t have enough.”

SoFi Stadium said that the parking lots are patrolled by Hollywood Park Security Department, Inglewood Police and private security during major events.

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