If you’re competing in a FanDuel DFS tournament or searching for 50/50 picks for Sunday’s Super Bowl 56 slate between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve run through dozens of potential scripts for today’s big game to arrive at the most likely scenarios and how these scenarios would impact fantasy football production. Here is our recommended Bengals vs. Rams DFS lineup, with the picks based on FanDuel pricing.
Top NFL Super Bowl DFS FanDuel picks for Bengals vs. Rams | Lineup No. 1
This lineup assumes the Rams’ passing attack runs through their best player. It also assumes the Bengals’ top two receivers struggle against the Rams’ pass defense, forcing Joe Burrow to focus on talented secondary options.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams ($16,000)
The priciest DFS option also has the highest upside — not a bad tradeoff for an in-his-prime receiver wrapping up one of the greatest campaigns by any NFL player ever. Cooper Kupp has racked up 90+ yards and/or at least 1 touchdown in all but one game this season. The Bengals’ middling-at-best pass defense sets up Kupp nicely. He belongs in this lineup’s Captain slot.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams ($15,500)
If these teams combine for more than 7 touchdowns, Matthew Stafford would need at least 3 to realistically merit a DFS spot. He’s the second-most-expensive option. Plenty of $8,000-$12,000 players could rival his production. That said, Stafford’s ultra-high floor and favorable matchup should help ensure 20+ fantasy points, which would be enough if his backfield struggles.
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals ($12,500)
On the downside, Joe Mixon has averaged less than 3.5 yards per carry in his last eight games, while the Rams’ defense has given up the second-fewest 20+ yard rushing plays in the league. That’s a pretty bad combination. However, his 26 catches across the last five games have elevated his floor while increasing his scoring potential. The team also has looked to him repeatedly in the red zone, despite recent scoring difficulties. If this game remains competitive, Mixon should earn plenty of opportunities.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($8,500)
If we started Tee Higgins ($10,500), we’d have only $5,500 remaining. Hello, Chris Evans! So, no, we need to select two solid-upside guys to complement the slate’s three high-upside players. During the regular season, Tyler Boyd did the most damage while trailing, netting 49% of his receptions and 51% of his receiving yards. Both of these percentages were higher than Ja’Marr Chase’s and Tee Higgins’. In fact, Boyd caught more balls in the fourth quarter (22) than Chase (17) or Higgins (14).
If we believe the game script slightly favors the Rams, and if we trust Jalen Ramsey and this defense to at least partially subdue the Bengals’ passing attack, then Boyd has an opening for a 5-55-1 receiving line. That would make him a significant DFS bargain.
C.J. Uzomah, TE, Cincinnati Bengals ($7,500)
Knocked out of their last game with an MCL sprain, C.J. Uzomah nonetheless appears poised to resume his usual role as Cincinnati’s No. 4 or 5 offensive option. Pairing him with Boyd offers a nice hedge. At least one of them has scored in nine of 20 games this season. If Chase or Higgins struggles, Uzomah could be a DFS steal.
Top NFL Super Bowl DFS FanDuel picks for Bengals vs. Rams | Lineup No. 2
Our second lineup assumes the Bengals’ running game struggles, while the Rams’ prized preseason acquisition continues to step up. Higgins replaces Boyd, while Odell Beckham Jr. takes over for Mixon.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($10,500)
We understand Boyd could wind up with a 2-25-0 receiving line. Consequently, by making another lineup adjustment, we have the capacity for Higgins. While Chase has the higher ceiling, both possess solid floors. We like Burrow’s recent attention on Higgins (19 targets in their last two games), who has proven elite upside, including when defenses have locked down Chase.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Los Angeles Rams ($10,500)
While we’re neutral on picking favorites (there are plenty of great stories going into Super Bowl 56), it would be objectively fascinating if OBJ helped lead the Rams to victory. Few young wideouts have gone from elite to irrelevant in such a short time. Had he remained in Cleveland, we might never have seen “great” OBJ again. Instead, he’s come on strong in the postseason while finding the end zone in six of his last 10 games. Beckham won’t disappoint. The question is how good he’ll be.