What happened in Super Bowl LVI
On February 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to win Super Bowl LVI and claim their second championship in franchise history. The game remained close throughout, with the Rams defense delivering key stops in the fourth quarter while their offense managed a late touchdown drive to seal the win. Matthew Stafford earned Super Bowl MVP after a decisive fourth-quarter performance that helped stabilize a lead the Rams had worked to protect. Below are the verified outcomes, standout plays, and lasting context that define this edition of the Super Bowl.
Key details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | February 13, 2022 | NFL and league records |
| Winner | Los Angeles Rams | Official game summary |
| Losing team | Cincinnati Bengals | Official game summary |
| Final score | 23–20 (Rams) | Box score |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California | Venue logs |
| Attendance | 70,271 | Stadium reports |
| Super Bowl MVP | Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams) | NFL on-site announcement |
| Championship number | 56 (Super Bowl LVI) | NFL historical records |
| Halftime performer | 50 Cent | Event program |
Game flow overview
- First quarter: Early field goals and a Bengals safety gave Cincinnati a brief lead.
- Second quarter: Rams responded with a touchdown and a last-minute field goal to enter halftime tied.
- Third quarter: Both defenses tightened, with limited scoring and field position battles.
- Fourth quarter: The Rams drove for a go-ahead touchdown and closed with time-management kicks to preserve the 23–20 margin.
Performance contributors and turning points
Matthew Stafford’s late-game efficiency, including crucial completions and a decisive touchdown, earned him the Super Bowl MVP award. The Rams’ offensive line protected the pocket well enough for steady third-down conversions, while the defense generated pressure on key third-down situations to limit Bengals drives. Special teams contributed consistent field position control with precise directional kicking, helping the offense start drives in favorable territory.
Championship context for the Rams
With this win, the Rams became one of only a handful of franchises to win multiple Super Bowl titles across different cities, having previously won Super Bowl XXXIV in St. Louis. The 2022 championship reinforced their identity as a defensively sound, quarterback-driven team and provided a lasting narrative of resilience after inconsistent seasons immediately preceding it.
Historical standing and legacy
Super Bowl LVI is often cited as a representative example of modern playoff football, emphasizing situational decision-making, timely defensive plays, and balanced offensive execution. It remains a reference point for evaluating clutch performance, late-game coaching adjustments, and the value of veteran leadership in high-leverage environments.
Comparison snapshot
| Metric | Los Angeles Rams | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Regular-season record (2021) | 12–5 | 10–7 |
| Playoff path | Bye as NFC #2; defeated Bears and 49ers | Wild Card and Divisional wins; defeated Ravens and Bills |
| Points scored in Super Bowl | 23 | 20 |
| MVP | Matthew Stafford | N/A |
Tags
Super Bowl LVI, 2022 championship, Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Matthew Stafford MVP