Bengals vs. Rams: The best first half wagers for Super Bowl LVI

Millions of Americans will be watching Super Bowl LVI from beginning to end on Feb. 13, but bettors don’t have to wait until after the final play to cash a ticket.

There are numerous wagering opportunities to be had in the first half of action between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. We’ve highlighted our three favorite sides below.

Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Rams, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC

Rams Over/Under 13.5 first half points

Rams head coach Sean McVay typically comes up with a great game script to help his team both build and keep an early lead. In fact, McVay won his first 45 games in L.A. when holding a lead at halftime before Week 18’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Prior to a seven-point performance in the first half of the NFC Championship Game, the Rams had averaged 19.3 first half points over their last three outings. Odell Beckham Jr. has had plenty to do with L.A.’s first half excellence, as he’s recorded 150 first-half receiving yards on 12 catches (16 targets) during the playoffs.

Don’t be surprised if the Rams tally two touchdowns ahead of the halftime show.

NFL pick: Over (-109)

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First half moneyline (3-way)

L.A.’s ability to score early is just one reason why we also like them to win the first half outright over the Bengals.

In addition to being seventh in first-half points scored in 2021 (13.3), the Rams are third in halftime points against (9.4). Meanwhile, the Bengals’ stoppers tend to be generous early, allowing 12.4 first-half points per game, tied for 24th in the NFL.

Bettors should be willing to sacrifice the security of the first-half tie being a “push” by taking the Rams in the three-way market in the first half in order to extract a little extra value.

NFL pick: Rams -139

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Total successful field goals in first half Over/Under 1.5

Over bettors only need two made field goals in the first half in order to cash, and Evan McPherson of Cincinnati – aka “Money Mac” – may hit them both.

As discussed above, the Bengals could run into some early trouble moving the football. Fortunately for head coach Zac Taylor, he has a place kicker in McPherson who’s quickly becoming a folk hero in southern Ohio.

The Super Bowl is typically not the place where coaches take big risks on fourth down, particularly early in proceedings. If given the opportunity, McVay and Taylor will likely lean on their kickers in Matt Gay and McPherson to get them some easy points.

NFL pick: Over (-120)