On to Super Bowl: Bengals versus Rams, who will host game
On to Super Bowl: Bengals versus Rams, who will host game
(AP) - Two years ago, the Cincinnati Bengals were the NFL’s worst team. Now they’re headed to the Super Bowl to play the Los Angeles Rams — in the Rams’ home stadium.
Matching the biggest comeback in an AFC championship game, the Bengals rallied from an 18-point hole to stun Kansas City 27-24 in overtime Sunday for their first trip to the big game since the 1988 season. The team that won only two games in 2019, earning them the top overall draft pick that they used on quarterback Joe Burrow, pretty much dominated the Chiefs after the first quarter.
Rookie Evan McPherson made a 31-yard field goal to win it.
Then the Rams overcame a 10-point second-half deficit and took the NFC crown with a 20-17 victory over San Francisco when Matt Gay made a 30-yard field goal with 1:46 remaining. Los Angeles (15-5) had lost six consecutive times to the 49ers (12-8), but the visitors couldn’t slow All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp. Safety Jacquiski Tart dropped a certain interception in the fourth quarter that helped LA tie the game.
Kupp finished with 11 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
2022 NFC Championship Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, middle, holds up the George Halas trophy after the Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams won 20-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Los Angeles Rams' Van Jefferson, left, and Ben Skowronek celebrate after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams won 20-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo scrambles during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams won 20-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2022 NFC Championship San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo, right, throws a pass that is intercepted during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo walks off the field after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams won 20-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Ben Skowronek can't catch a pass in the end zone during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Elijah Mitchell, top, is stopped by Los Angeles Rams' Nick Scott during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game The Chainsmokers perform during halftime of the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk is stopped during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game The Chainsmokers perform during halftime of the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Ambry Thomas, bottom, stops Los Angeles Rams' Odell Beckham Jr. during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford throws as he is hit during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo throws during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel, right, cannot catch a pass after being hit by Los Angeles Rams' Nick Scott during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo, top, throws the ball as he is being hit during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle can't catch a pass during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, argues a call during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Kendall Blanton, middle, is tackled between San Francisco 49ers' Ambry Thomas, bottom, and Azeez Al-Shaair during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp reacts after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel, bottom, dives into the end zone in front of Los Angeles Rams' Jalen Ramsey (5) for a touchdown during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp (10) catches a touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers' Jaquiski Tartt during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp, right, catches a pass during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo (10) tries to get away from Los Angeles Rams' Leonard Floyd (54) during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Jimmie Ward (1) celebrates with teammates after an interception during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game Fans cheer during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson/AP)
2022 NFC Championship Game San Francisco 49ers' Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
In a brutally physical game also highlighted by some clutch plays from Kupp and fellow All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel of the 49ers, Matthew Stafford went 31 for 45 for 337 yards passing to get to his first Super Bowl. The Rams got there in the 2018 season, but lost to New England.
“We got one more at the home stadium, let’s get it done,” Stafford said.
Samuel wound up with four receptions for 72 yards and a 44-yard score. He rushed for an additional 26 yards.
The Rams have been to four previous Super Bowls, going 1-3; the only victory came in the 1999 season while they were based in St. Louis.
Los Angeles is an early 3 1/2-point favorite according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
“I’m blessed to be part of this team, with this group of guys, this coaching staff,” added Stafford, who spent his first dozen NFL seasons in Detroit. “You can’t write the story any better. I’m at a loss for words. I’m just having a blast playing ball with these guys ...”
AFC
The Bengals (13-7) reached their third Super Bowl; they lost to the 49ers in 1982 and 1989. Kansas City (14-6) hosted its fourth straight AFC championship contest, and is 2-2 in those. The Chiefs won the NFL title two years ago.
Cincinnati, winner of the AFC North, hadn’t won a postseason game since 1991 before beating Las Vegas, then earned a road victory in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history when it eliminated top-seeded Tennessee. The AFC West champion Chiefs routed Pittsburgh and then won a classic in overtime against Buffalo to get to their fourth consecutive conference title game.
“We’ve been a second-half team all year,” said Burrow, who missed six games in his rookie season with a knee injury. “You don’t really want to be that way, but that’s kind of how it’s worked out. Our defense really stepped up in the second half and on offense we made plays when we had to. ... It was just a great overall team effort.”
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) kicks a 31-yard field goal during overtime in the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34) scores on a 41-yard touchdown reception between Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Nick Bolton (54) and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 31-yard field goal during overtime in the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals players celebrate at the end of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24 in overtime. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 31-yard field goal during overtime in the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) celebrates after kicking a 31-yard field goal during overtime in the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals players celebrate at the end of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals won 27-24 in overtime. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs onto the field before the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) holds a towel to his face as he is carted off the field after after suffering an unknown injury during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) calls a play in the huddle during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs mascot KC Wolf motivates fans during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game between the Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) evades a tackle attempt by Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill (22) during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) catches a 3-yard pass for a touchdown during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass to running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, right, after catching a 3-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) breaks a tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) after catching a pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks off the field during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) tries to break a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) after catching a pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, center, celebrates with teammates after kicking a 32-yard field goal during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) tries to break a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell, left, during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) celebrates after catching a 3-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs middle linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (50) celebrates during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34) runs from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during a 41-yard touchdown reception in the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, center, catches a pass short of the end zone between Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and cornerback Eli Apple, right, during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Chiefs offensive tackle Andrew Wylie (77) congratulate Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) after his touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of the NFL AFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo.. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann) (Reed Hoffmann/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after catching a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)
2022 AFC Championship: Chiefs-Bengals Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34) celebrates after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) (Ed Zurga/AP)
On Sunday, Burrow led them back and McPherson, making like a 10-year veteran, kicked four field goals in the game, including the winner after Vonn Bell’s interception of Patrick Mahomes on the opening series of overtime got Cincinnati the ball.
“We’re made for this moment. We never quit,” Bell said. “Never quit fighting. We’re a resilient group.”
The other 18-point rally in the AFC championship game came in the 2006 season when Indianapolis beat New England 36-34. Burrow can take note that the quarterbacks in that contest were Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
“We’ve overcome a lot of deficits this year,” coach Zac Taylor said. “We always believe in all three of our phases. Everyone stepped up. We’re not done yet.”
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.
