The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 23–20. The championship game took place on February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after catching the go-ahead touchdown.
Detailed Game Summary and Final Score
The 2022 Super Bowl, officially known as Super Bowl LVI, was a historic matchup that pitted the veteran-heavy Los Angeles Rams against the surging, youthful Cincinnati Bengals. Played in the Rams' own home venue, SoFi Stadium, the game was a defensive struggle for much of the second half before culminating in a dramatic late-game comeback.
The Rams opened the scoring in the first quarter with a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Odell Beckham Jr., signaling an aggressive start for the home team. However, the Bengals remained resilient, utilizing a trick play where running back Joe Mixon threw a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Bengals held a 20–16 lead, and the Rams’ offense appeared to be stalling following a mid-game injury to Beckham Jr.
The defining moment of the game occurred during a 15-play, 79-yard drive led by Stafford in the closing minutes. Facing immense pressure, Stafford relied heavily on Cooper Kupp, eventually finding him for a 1-yard touchdown with only 1:25 remaining on the clock. The Rams' defense, spearheaded by All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, then sealed the victory by forcing an incomplete pass from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on a final, desperate fourth-down attempt.
The Path to SoFi Stadium: How the Teams Arrived
The road to Super Bowl LVI for both franchises was marked by bold front-office decisions and unexpected turnarounds. Looking back from the perspective of 2026, the 2021–2022 season remains a case study in two very different styles of team building.
The Los Angeles Rams' "All-In" Strategy
The Rams, led by General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay, famously adopted a "win-now" philosophy. This strategy involved trading away years of high-value draft picks to acquire established superstar talent. The most pivotal move was the offseason trade for quarterback Matthew Stafford, sending Jared Goff and multiple first-round picks to the Detroit Lions.
During the season, the Rams continued to add pieces, acquiring linebacker Von Miller via trade and signing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after his release from the Cleveland Browns. This high-risk, high-reward approach placed immense pressure on the team to deliver a championship immediately, as their long-term draft capital was depleted.
The Cincinnati Bengals' Rapid Ascension
In contrast, the Bengals arrived at Super Bowl LVI as one of the biggest surprises in NFL history. Just two seasons prior, Cincinnati held the worst record in the league, which allowed them to draft quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in 2020.
In 2021, the Bengals paired Burrow with his former college teammate, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. This connection revitalized the franchise. After winning the AFC North, the Bengals navigated a difficult playoff path, defeating the top-seeded Tennessee Titans and overcoming a significant deficit against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. Their appearance in the Super Bowl was the franchise's first since 1988.
Key Performances and the Super Bowl MVP
While football is a team sport, Super Bowl LVI was defined by specific individual performances that have since become legendary in Rams franchise history.
Cooper Kupp’s Historic MVP Performance
Cooper Kupp’s 2021–2022 campaign is often cited in 2026 as the greatest single season for a wide receiver in NFL history. After winning the "Triple Crown" (leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns) during the regular season, Kupp delivered when it mattered most in the Super Bowl. He finished the game with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. His ability to find space in a crowded Bengals secondary during the final drive earned him the Pete Rozelle Super Bowl MVP Award.
Matthew Stafford’s Redemption
For Matthew Stafford, the victory was a career-defining moment. After spending 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions without a single playoff win, Stafford proved he could lead a team to the ultimate prize. He completed 26 of 40 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Despite throwing two interceptions, his composure during the 79-yard winning drive solidified his status as a premiere late-game performer.
Aaron Donald and the Defensive Front
On the defensive side, Aaron Donald provided the exclamation point to the game. Donald finished with two sacks and three quarterback hits. His pressure on Joe Burrow during the final play of the game—spinning Burrow around just as he attempted a desperate shove-pass—ensured the Bengals could not move into field goal range. This performance cemented Donald’s legacy as one of the most dominant defensive players to ever play the game.
Critical Moments and Game-Changing Plays
Super Bowl LVI was a game of inches and momentum shifts. Several key moments dictated the flow of the contest and ultimately determined the winner.
- Odell Beckham Jr.’s Injury: In the second quarter, Beckham Jr. suffered a non-contact knee injury (later confirmed as a torn ACL). Before the injury, he was the Rams' most effective deep threat. His departure forced the Rams to consolidate their passing game, making it easier for the Bengals to double-team Cooper Kupp for much of the third quarter.
- The 75-Yard Strike to Tee Higgins: On the first play of the second half, Joe Burrow threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. The play was controversial, as Higgins appeared to grab the face mask of Rams defender Jalen Ramsey, causing Ramsey to fall. No penalty was called, and the touchdown gave the Bengals a sudden lead and shifted the momentum entirely in their favor.
- The Goal-Line Stand and Penalties: During the Rams' final scoring drive, the Bengals' defense held firm near the goal line. However, a crucial holding penalty on linebacker Logan Wilson gave the Rams a fresh set of downs. This was followed by a pass interference call in the end zone, which placed the ball at the 1-yard line, setting up the winning Stafford-to-Kupp connection.
Statistical Comparison of Super Bowl LVI
The following table highlights the key team statistics from the matchup, illustrating how close the contest remained until the final whistle.
| Statistic | Cincinnati Bengals | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 20 | 23 |
| First Downs | 15 | 18 |
| Total Net Yards | 305 | 313 |
| Passing Yards | 226 | 270 |
| Rushing Yards | 79 | 43 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Sacks Allowed | 7 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 29:13 | 30:47 |
The Halftime Show: A Cultural Milestone
Beyond the action on the field, Super Bowl LVI is remembered for its halftime show, which served as a massive tribute to West Coast hip-hop culture. Produced by Dr. Dre, the performance featured a lineup of legendary artists:
- Dr. Dre
- Snoop Dogg
- Eminem
- Mary J. Blige
- Kendrick Lamar
- 50 Cent (Surprise Guest)
The set design utilized a series of interconnected white containers that resembled a quintessential L.A. street scene. The performance was a critical success, eventually winning three Primetime Emmy Awards. For many viewers, it represented the NFL finally embracing hip-hop as a foundational element of American popular culture, particularly fitting given the game’s location in Los Angeles.
Historical Significance and Legacy
In the years following the 2022 game, its significance has only grown. As we look back from 2026, several factors make Super Bowl LVI a landmark event in NFL history.
Home Field Advantage
The Rams became only the second team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who accomplished the feat just one year prior in Super Bowl LV. This back-to-back occurrence was a statistical anomaly that broke decades of "home stadium curses."
The "Rams Model" of Team Building
The Rams' victory validated the aggressive trading of draft picks for veteran stars. This "Rams Model" influenced several other franchises over the following years to pursue short-term championship windows by sacrificing long-term assets. While the Rams faced a difficult rebuilding period shortly after their victory, the Lombardi Trophy remained proof that their strategy succeeded.
The Rise of the Bengals
Although they lost, the Bengals' appearance in Super Bowl LVI signaled the start of a new era in the AFC. Joe Burrow's performance, despite being sacked a Super Bowl record-tying seven times, established him as a legitimate rival to other elite quarterbacks. It proved that the Bengals were no longer the "bottom-feeders" of the league but a perennial contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the MVP of the 2022 Super Bowl?
Cooper Kupp, the wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, was named the MVP of Super Bowl LVI. Kupp finished the game with 92 yards and two touchdowns. His most critical contribution was during the final drive, where he caught multiple passes and the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute left on the clock.
Where was Super Bowl LVI played?
Super Bowl LVI was played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This stadium serves as the home field for both the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. The 2022 game was the first Super Bowl held in the Los Angeles area since 1993, when Super Bowl XXVII was played at the Rose Bowl.
What was the final score of the 2022 Super Bowl?
The final score was Los Angeles Rams 23, Cincinnati Bengals 20. The game was decided in the final two minutes when the Rams scored a touchdown to take the lead, followed by a defensive stop that prevented the Bengals from tying the game with a field goal or taking the lead with a touchdown.
Who performed at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show?
The halftime show featured a collective of hip-hop icons, including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. 50 Cent also made a surprise appearance. The show was widely praised for its choreography and its celebration of the musical heritage of Los Angeles.
How many times were the quarterbacks sacked in Super Bowl LVI?
The Bengals' Joe Burrow was sacked seven times, which tied a Super Bowl record. This pressure from the Rams' defensive line, led by Aaron Donald and Von Miller, was a major factor in the Rams' ability to slow down the Bengals' offense in the fourth quarter. In contrast, the Rams' Matthew Stafford was sacked only twice.
Practical Next Actions for Fans and Researchers
For those looking to revisit this historic game or verify specific details, official NFL archives provide the most accurate data. You can access full game replays and official box scores through the NFL’s digital platforms or the Pro Football Hall of Fame records. If you are interested in the evolution of team-building strategies, comparing the Rams' 2021 roster with their subsequent seasons provides valuable insight into the sustainability of the "all-in" approach.
