Teams in Super Bowl LVI
Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, matched the Los Angeles Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This page provides a durable, evergreen explanation of who played in the 2022 Super Bowl, with verified details on each team’s path to the game, key players, and context that remains useful over time.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2022 season following a Super Bowl LIII appearance (2019 season) and aimed to build on their earlier success. The Rams secured their spot in Super Bowl LVI by winning the National Football Conference (NFC) and defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game. Their roster combined veteran leadership and emerging playmakers, which positioned them for a repeat championship run.
Key Rams Players and Roles
- Matthew Stafford — Starting quarterback; led balanced offense capable of deep shots and sustained drives.
- Cooper Kupp — Primary wide receiver; consistent target and reliable in critical red-zone situations.
- Puka Nacua — Wide receiver; high-volume receiver who shared the workload while showing route precision.
- Pedro IV — Running back; contributed both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
- Andrew Whitworth — Offensive lineman; veteran presence on the blindside protecting Stafford.
- Nick Scott — Safety; special-teams contributor and secondary leader.
- Jalen Ramsey — Cornerback; playmaking defender in coverage and pass rush situations.
- Aaron Donald — Defensive tackle; dominant interior presence generating pressure and disruption.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals pursued a deep playoff run during the 2021 season, reaching the AFC Championship Game before falling short. The Bengals earned a return to major January football by winning the AFC and defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Their fast-paced offense and developing defensive unit made them a compelling opponent for a Rams squad seeking to defend its title.
Key Bengals Players and Roles
- Joe Burrow — Starting quarterback; steady hand in the pocket and effective decision-maker under pressure.
- Ja’Marr Chase — Primary wide receiver; route runner capable of creating separation and making contested catches.
- Tee Higgins — Wide receiver; complementary receiver who delivered crucial third-down conversions.
- Samaje Perine — Running back; power runner who set the edge and contributed receiving out of the backfield.
- Joe Mixon — Running back; versatile runner and receiver who shared carries and targets.
- Trent Brown — Offensive lineman; strong anchor at tackle enabling interior run lanes.
- Sam Hubbard — Edge rusher; consistent pass-rush threat applying pressure from the defensive line.
- Jessie Bates — Safety; playmaker in the secondary with ball skills and tackling reliability.
- Denzel Jackson — Safety; physical tackler and leader of the defensive backfield.
Game Result and Context
Super Bowl LVI concluded with a final score of Rams 23, Bengals 20. Los Angeles overcame deficits in the second half to secure the win on the road, earning their second Super Bowl championship. The game underscored the importance of veteran quarterback play, disciplined offensive execution, and special teams contributions. For the Rams, it represented sustained excellence; for the Bengals, it highlighted progress and the competitiveness of a resurgent franchise.
Key Matchup Themes
The 2022 Super Bowl showcased complementary contrasts: veteran quarterback leadership versus developing franchise momentum, disciplined offensive line play against creative edge-rush tactics, and methodical red-zone execution compared with explosive transition opportunities. These themes remain instructive for understanding how teams can compete at the sport’s highest level and how rosters are constructed for sustained success.
Roster and Starting Lineup Summary
| Team | Position | Player | Role in Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | Quarterback | Matthew Stafford | Led balanced offense and managed clock |
| Los Angeles Rams | Wide Receiver | Cooper Kupp | Primary target in critical situations |
| Los Angeles Rams | Defensive Tackle | Aaron Donald | Generated pressure and interior disruption |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Quarterback | Joe Burrow | Managed drives and limited turnovers |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Wide Receiver | Ja’Marr Chase | Created separation and contested catches |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Edge Rusher | Sam Hubbard | Consistent pass-rush threat |
Why These Details Matter
Understanding who played in the 2022 Super Bowl helps contextualize how modern NFL teams balance veteran expertise with emerging talent. It illustrates how championship windows can align through quarterback durability, defensive versatility, and coaching continuity. For long-term analysis of team building, playoff execution, and positional evaluation, the Super Bowl LVI participants and their contributors serve as a durable reference point.