The Cincinnati Bengals were thought to be an offensive-minded team when they entered the NFL Playoffs a few weeks ago, but their defense has stepped up during the postseason as well.
Cincinnati’s defense ranked 17th in points allowed and 18th in yards allowed during the regular season, indicating a slightly below-average unit. However, that same group is now allowing just 19.7 points per game and has generated seven takeaways over its last three games.
It’s been an impressive stretch, to say the least, although another difficult test awaits them in the Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams are averaging 28 points per game in the playoffs behind a consistent Matthew Stafford, who has thrown just one postseason interception.
Will the Bengals’ defense be able to stand up to LA’s potent offense? Let’s take a look at our favorite Cincinnati defense props for Super Bowl 56.
Please note that all Super Bowl 56 odds are current as of 6 p.m. ET on Friday, February 11.
Bengals Defense Super Bowl Prop Bets
Matthew Stafford OVER 0.5 Interceptions (-145) at Caesars
Wager: 2 Units
Stafford is no stranger to turnovers. The veteran quarterback threw 17 interceptions during the regular season, tying rookie Trevor Lawrence for the most in the NFL. Stafford also had the most interceptions returned for a touchdown this season with four.
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He’s cleaned things up lately, however, throwing just one interception so far in the playoffs. This comes immediately after he threw eight picks in the final four games of the regular season.
Stafford’s relatively turnover-free play is going to come to an end at some point, however, and we should expect the Bengals to be aggressive when it comes to playing the ball.
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Cincinnati has already recorded six interceptions over their first three playoff games, including two in the AFC Championship against Patrick Mahomes, who hadn’t been picked off twice in the same game since Week 6.
Given the pressure and circumstances at play here, I’d bank on Stafford throwing at least one interception against this Bengals’ defense.
Rams UNDER 23.5 Points (+155) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
The Rams’ total points line is currently set at 26.5, and we can get (-105) odds by taking the Under on that number. However, we can get even more value by choosing an alternate line and bumping their total down to 23.5, which gives us (+155) odds.
As mentioned above, the Bengals have been surprisingly sound on defense during the postseason and have held all three of their opponents to 24 points or less.
Despite the talent these two teams feature on offense, I’m anticipating a low-scoring Super Bowl with a final score that more closely resembles the outcomes of Cincinnati’s previous playoff games.
All things considered, capping the Rams at 23 points seems like a fair play given the value, making this our NFL bet of the day.
Bengals OVER 1.5 Sacks (-150) at Caesars
Wager: 2 Units
In the first three rounds of the postseason, the Bengals picked up eight total sacks. Three of those came against the Raiders, one against the Titans, and four against the Chiefs.
That’s not just by luck, either — Cincinnati employs an impressive group of pass-rushers, headlined by Pro-Bowler Trey Hendrickson who logged 14 sacks during the regular season. After Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard and Larry Ogunjobi each recorded 7+ sacks over the course of the year.
Stafford was sacked 30 times throughout the regular season and has been sacked at least twice in two of his three playoff games. These might not be the most favorable odds, but it seems fairly likely that the Over hits here.
