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Rams vs. Bengals is hardly the Super Bowl 56 matchup football fans predicted way back in the 2021 preseason.

In fact, Los Angeles carried the sixth-best odds to win the Super Bowl (+1500), according to the FanDuel Sportsbook’s odds going into Week 1, while Cincinnati was a true longshot at +12000, ahead of only the Jaguars, Lions and Texans (which make up the top three picks in the 2022 NFL Draft order). 

Fast-forward five months and a Joe Burrow-led crusade established the Bengals as a true championship contender after upsetting the top two seeds in the AFC. And according to two of Sporting News’ NFL experts, it will end with Burrow and Co. hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in 2022.

Los Angeles (12-5) opened as a 3.5-point favorite to beat Cincinnati (10-7). That line has continued to shift toward the Rams, resting at -4 as of Monday, as the “home team” awaits the underdog challenger at SoFi Stadium. The SN staff also sees an offensive showcase surpassing the Vegas point total (49), with four of six writers projecting the over.

Below are all of our expert picks for Super Bowl 56, complete with explanations for each pick and score predictions for Rams vs. Bengals.

MORE SUPER BOWL PICKS: Against the spread | Straight-up predictions

Super Bowl 2022 predictions: Expert picks for Rams vs. Bengals

• Location: Los Angeles
• Kickoff time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Point spread: Rams -4
• Over/under: 49
• Moneyline: Rams -194, Bengals +162

Vinnie Iyer: The Bengals are in Super Bowl 56 because of their good fortune in landing Joe Burrow No. 1 overall in the NFL draft. His breakout second season and smashed expectations and beyond his excellent passing, his leadership, smarts and gritty playmaker have a great energetic effect on the entire team.

Cincinnati’s youth will serve it well to take down the Rams, who will make a few more mistakes with Matthew Stafford as Burrow’s opposite No. 9. The Bengals’ defense gets key takeaways to support Burrow, while Burrow makes the clutch plays vs. the Rams D late.

Prediction: Bengals 30, Rams 27

Bill Bender: The Bengals can pull off this upset, especially if the defense holds up. Cincinnati allowed just one play of 20 yards or more against the Chiefs, and if the Rams can’t find some success on the ground the pass rush will tee off. Joe Burrow, meanwhile, must continue to play mistake-free football against the Rams’ pass rush, which will be problematic up the middle with Aaron Donald. Which team wins the rushing battle? Even if they are modest numbers, it matters in a game of this magnitude.

Burrow will offer a glimpse of the future with Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals will lead at halftime.

That’s when Matthew Stafford, who is completing 72% of his passes in the postseason, will have his moment. Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. continue to stress the Bengals’ secondary, and Stafford throws a TD to each in the second half. The Bengals have a last-chance drive, but the Rams come up with the stop in the clutch in yet another three-point game to cap off a memorable postseason.

Prediction: Rams 27, Bengals 24

Matt Lutovsky: The Bengals have a “Team of Destiny” feel, but it’s tough to block out their one glaring weakness: Offensive line. They were able to overcome nine sacks in the divisional round against Tennessee, then handled Kansas City’s pressure with comparative ease in the AFC Championship game. The Rams, who finished third in the league with 50 QB takedowns this year, will be their toughest test yet. 

With Aaron Donald and company consistently in Joe Burrow’s face, the Bengals’ talented trio of WRs will have a more difficult time ripping off chunk plays. Cincinnati could certainly grind out another win with well-timed screens and Joe Mixon’s tough running, but L.A. should be able to move the ball a little easier with its own stellar receiving corps and more creative playcalling.

As is often the case, turnovers will be key. If Matthew Stafford can avoid the big mistake in the biggest game of his life, the Rams should be able to hold down the Bengals just enough to earn their second Super Bowl title.

Prediction: Rams 24, Bengals 20

MORE: Myth-busting the seven worst narratives for Super Bowl 56

Joe Rivera: The Bengals have done the near impossible to get to this point: Knocked off the AFC’s No. 1 seed, beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs IN Kansas City and overcome some serious offensive line woes to get to their first Super Bowl in over three decades. That movie-cliché-type run comes to an end in Hollywood.

While SN’s Vinnie Iyer labels the Rams defensive line vs. the Bengals OL a myth, I don’t see it that way: If Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd and the rest of the Rams D can put together a disruptive second half like they did vs. the 49ers (7 second-half points allowed), then Burrow may have another hill to climb, akin to the Tennessee game. The difference: Stafford and the LA offense have more than enough firepower to capitalize on that type of defensive dominance — even if Stafford throws a few “WTF?” balls like he’s done at different points this offseason.

Not to take away from what the Cincinnati Cinderfellas have done in the playoffs, but a lot of things had to break their way for them to get to this point. The clock will strike midnight in Super Bowl 56, and Matthew Stafford will shatter the glass slipper to get his first ring in his first Super Bowl appearance.

Prediction: Rams 30, Bengals 21

Jacob Camenker: Look, the Bengals have been a nice story and Joe Burrow seems highly likely to win a Super Bowl at some point in the future. It’s not coming this year.

The Bengals simply don’t match up well with the Rams. Los Angeles has one of the most fearsome pass rushes in the league, headlined by Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd. Cincinnati’s offensive line allowed Burrow to be sacked 51 times during the regular season and another 12 times in the playoffs, so he will be under pressure a lot.

Cincinnati should still move the ball enough to keep this close, but ultimately, the Rams will make enough plays on defense to get the win. Matthew Stafford and the offense will have to start a bit quicker than they did against the 49ers, but Sean McVay should find a way to get Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. open often enough to win.

Prediction: Rams 26, Bengals 21

MORE: Biggest longshots to make the Super Bowl in NFL history

Edward Sutelan: The legend of Joe Burrow continues to grow. In his second season in the NFL, he has taken the Bengals from a four-win team to a Super Bowl team, now with a chance to bring home the franchise’s first title. But to complete the miraculous season, he’ll have to get past a team that has been built with one goal in mind: winning it all.

The clear mismatch in this game is the defensive line of the Rams vs. the offensive line of the Bengals. Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo make up the most formidable pass rush Cincinnati has faced this postseason, and Burrow won’t have as easy of a quick out to Ja’Marr Chase with Jalen Ramsey likely to be on the top corner. And the Rams have one of the best passing games in the league, having finished second in the league in total yards behind Cooper Kupp’s historic season and a resurgence from Odell Beckham Jr.

But the Bengals have more weapons than Chase and seem better prepared to cover the Rams’ passing game than vice versa. Cincinnati allowed the 15th-fewest passing yards to wide receivers this season, and have contained Tyreek Hill to under 80 yards in both games they played against the Chiefs. The Rams, on the other hand, have allowed the fourth-most yards to receivers this season, and they’ll be facing perhaps the deepest group of receivers in the NFL with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd behind Chase. That’s to say nothing of Joe Mixon in the backfield, who has made more of an impact in the passing game as of late and has shown the ability to break out with big runs.

The Rams take a first-half lead over Cincinnati, but falter in the second half as Boyd and Chase each catch touchdowns to deliver the Bengals’ first Super Bowl title.

Prediction: Bengals 31, Rams 24

For a second consecutive year, we’ll get Team LeBron vs. Team Durant at the NBA All-Star Game, as LeBron James and Kevin Durant were again the leading vote-getters in their respective conferences.

But who will be manning the sidelines?

As in years past, coaches for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game will be decided by the standings. The head coach of the team with the West’s best record on Sunday, Feb. 6 will be tabbed to coach Team LeBron while the head coach of the team with the East’s best record on Sunday, Feb. 6 will coach Team Durant.

Per NBA rules, last year’s All-Star Game coaches are ineligible to coach this year, disqualifying Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and 76ers head coach Doc Rivers.

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Who will coach in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game?

Who are the coaches for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game?

Team LeBron: Monty Williams, Suns

Fresh off of an appearance in the 2021 NBA Finals, Williams has gotten the Suns out to a historic start in his third season at the helm.

Because of their historic pace, Williams and his staff earned the right to lead Team LeBron by clinching the West’s best record through games played on Feb. 6, doing so a week ahead of time. With a win over the Spurs on Jan. 30, the Suns picked up their 10th consecutive win to move to 40-9 on the season, reaching a win total that no other Western Conference team could reach in the next week.

Williams will coach in the All-Star Game for the first time in his career and becomes the first Suns head coach to coach an All-Star Game since Mike D’Antoni in 2007. He will be joined by his coaching staff, which features Kevin Young, Mark Bryant, Bryan Gates, Brian Randle, Randy Ayers, Michael Ruffin, Steve Scalzi and Jarrett Jack.

Suns guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul will also be on hand at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

Team Durant: Erik Spoelstra, Heat

It came down to the final day, but the nod went to Spoelstra, whose Heat hold the East’s first seed through games played on Feb. 6.

As the top coach in the Eastern Conference, Spoelstra will coach the team selected by Nets superstar Kevin Durant.

The achievement is especially impressive for Spoelstra, as Miami has struggled to stay healthy throughout the first half of the 2021-22 campaign. That the Heat are at the top of the East standings despite barely having their full rotation this season speaks to the coaching job that Spoelstra has done.

2022 marks the second time that Spoelstra has coached the All-Star Game, with his first coming in 2013 as the coach of the Eastern Conference All-Stars.

Spoelstra, the second-longest tenured coach in the NBA, will be joined by Heat assistants Chris Quinn, Malik Allen, Caron Butler, Octavio De La Grana, Anthony Carter and Eric Glass in Cleveland.

In addition to Spoelstra, forward Jimmy Butler will represent Miami at the All-Star Game.

The United States women’s hockey team is getting an early start in Beijing ahead of the official opening of the 2022 Winter Olympics. 

Team USA, which won gold four years ago in Pyeongchang, faced off in its first preliminary-round game against Finland a day before the Feb. 4 opening ceremony. 

Thirteen players from the team that defeated Canada 3-2 in the 2018 final have returned. They’ll be joined by two players from the 2014 squad and eight newcomers. 

The Sporting News has you covered with all the information on women’s hockey during the 2022 Winter Olympics, including all game schedules, TV channels and more. 

MORE: Watch the 2022 Olympics live with fuboTV

Team USA women’s hockey Beijing Olympics schedule 

How to watch Olympic women’s hockey games

The 2022 Winter Olympics will air live on USA Network and NBC. The women’s hockey competition began Feb. 3 in Beijing.

Viewers will be able to watch Team USA on multiple platforms. Other games will also be available to live stream on NBC’s Olympics website, the NBC Sports app and fuboTV, which offers a free trial. 

USA women’s hockey roster, coaching staff

Roster

Coaching staff

Women’s Olympic hockey schedule 2022

Wednesday, Feb. 2

Thursday, Feb. 3

Friday, Feb. 4

Saturday, Feb. 5

Sunday, Feb. 6 

Monday, Feb. 7

Tuesday, Feb. 8

Thursday, Feb. 10: Quarterfinal

Friday, Feb. 11: Quarterfinals

Saturday, Feb. 12: Quarterfinal

Sunday, Feb. 13: Semifinal

Monday, Feb. 14: Semifinal

Wednesday, Feb. 16: Medal game

Thursday, Feb. 17: Medal game

With the conference championshp round of the 2022 NFL playoffs complete, two more teams, the losing 49ers and Chiefs, know where they would be picking in the 2022 NFL draft. Kansas City will settle for No. 30 without a third consecutive Super Bowl trip, while San Francisco give up No. 29 to Miami.

The draft order is now set from No. 1 through 30 in the first round. There will be some big adjustments ahead for what teams are thinking as this week’s Senior Bowl practices will change perspectives on several prospects, with the Jets and Lions’ coaching staffs and many of the top QBs present.

For now, here’s an updated look at the Sporting News’ Round 1 projections:

BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 100 prospects for 2022 NFL Draft

NFL Mock Draft 2022

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14)

• Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (6-6, 265 pounds)

The Jaguars should think about offensive line, especially if left tackle Cam Robinson leaves as a free agent, but with wholesale changes looming minus Urban Meyer and maybde Trent Baalke, it’s hard to pass on a cornerstone defensive disruptor. Hutchinson plays with great energy and power and is still developing his already-strong pass-rush moves. He’s ideal for a 4-3 end, so his availability might push Jacksonville toward that kind of scheme with a new coach.

2. Detroit Lions (3-13-1)

• Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (6-5, 258 pounds)

The Lions might be tempted should Hutchinson be available, given the local angle, but they should also be thrilled to get Thibodeaux at No, 2. On top of the being the more athletic and disruptive pass rusher, Thibodeaux is more versatile. He could thrive in Aaron Glenn’s front seven and GM Brad Holmes should see him as a key cornerstone.

3. Houston Texans (4-13)

• Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (6-7, 350 pounds)

The Texans should be thinking about Davis Mills as a potential franchise QB to replace Deshaun Watson after he showed steady development down the stretch with his strong arm and accuracy. Mills’ improvement should prompt Houston to try to move a fading and now-injured left tackle Laremy Tunsil to create major salary cap space for their rebuild. Neal would be a young upgrade who could dominate as a pass protector and run blocker for a decade.

MORE:  Each team’s worst NFL Draft regret

4. New York Jets (4-13)

• Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (6-1, 195 pounds)

The Jets got good cornerback play in the first year of Robert Saleh’s defense, but in a zone scheme that connects to Seattle’s “Legion of Boom,” they need more effective playmaking. Stingley is a do-everything impact defensive back who can cover a lot of ground and different types of receivers. 

5. New York Giants (4-13)

• Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (6-3, 290 pounds)

The Giants have their braintrust in place with coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, both formerly of the Bills. Like they did early for Josh Allen, they would be smart to consider offensive line upgrade to help out their quarterback of choice and Saquon Barkley. Linderbaum, an intelligent rock of an interior blocker and a perfect long-term line leader, would be a great fit as a major upgrade from Billy Price.

6. Carolina Panthers

• Ikem Ekwonu, T/G, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds)

The Panthers will think about quarterback but could go in a different veteran direction witih an aggressive trade from Scott Fitterer. Should they not part with this pick as part of the package, it would be make sense to a potential left tackle with the athleticism to hold up well in pass protection. Ekwonu also ia a powerful run blocker with the type of nasty streak that’s needed to dominate. 

7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)

• Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (6-1, 215 pounds)

Don’t put it past Schoen and Daboll to replace Daniel Jones with someone who can provide the physical upside of Allen downstate in New York. They should on Willis watch with two top-10 picks. He has a cannon for an arm and great speed. He has the potential to make scouting jaws drop in the predraft process (like Allen did) and make teams less concerned about his small-school status (like Allen had) given his career-ending awesome play.

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

• Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (6-4, 220 pounds)

When he was the Titans’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith got to see Kevin Byard make a big-time impact as a playmaking safety. Smith needs that kind of player in Atlanta to support top-flight young corner A.J. Terrell. The Falcons had some of the worst play at the position in the league in 2021.

9. Denver Broncos (7-10)

• Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (6-0, 200 pounds)

The Broncos have a quarterback decision to make, and they can’t afford to ignore the position in the first round should they not pursue Aaron Rodgers for their new head coach, former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Remember former coach Vic Fangio’s final lamentation about not having a reliable passer. Denver’s shrewd GM, George Paton, must target a franchise QB to clean up the Teddy Bridgewater-Drew Lock mess. Corral is a dynamic athlete and confident runner who also shows aggressiveness with a big arm. He quickly refined his raw skills under Lane Kiffin.

MORE:  The biggest busts in NFL Draft history

10. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)

• George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue (6-4, 275 pounds)

The Jets shouldn’t mind loading up on pass defense for Saleh after getting Stingley to upgrade the back end in a big way. They need to target an ideal 4-3 end who can remind Saleh a little of Nick Bosa (6-4, 266 pounds). Karlaftis possesses elite athleticism for his size and is still tapping into his immense pass-rush potential.

11. Washington Football Team (7-10)

• Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (6-3, 220 pounds)

Washington saw some flashes from Taylor Heinicke in place of Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose bridge season was a total injury washout, but it cannot expect to tap fully into the promise of its passing game without having a confident franchise QB who’s made for a big market. Pickett has surged into first-round consideration while other big-name QBs have faded, thanks to outstanding play that helped to make the Panthers ACC champions. He has natural deep-ball accuracy and football intelligence. He also has that underrated Joe Burrow-like swagger.

12. Minnesota Vikings (8-9)

• Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah (6-3, 235 pounds)

The Vikings, for whoever their next head coach is, will need to address the second level with aging, oft-injured, Anthony Barr heading into free agency along with Nick Vigil. Lloyd is a strong, rangy athlete who stands out making plays. He has the smarts and instincts for their zone scheme.

13. Cleveland Browns (8-9)

• Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 189 pounds)

The Browns need to upgrade their receiving corps big time with a true go-to outside threat. Luckily for Cleveland, there’s a good answer in Columbus. Olave has great speed, quickness and burst. He can emerge as their new No. 1 for Baker Mayfield or whoever’s the quarterback in 2022.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)

• Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida (6-2, 196 pounds)

The Ravens ended the season with an injury-riddled mess at cornerback. They need to rejuvenate their coverage to boost their blitzing scheme. Elam’s strength and length stand out. He is very efficient in coverage because of his athleticism.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins)

• DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M (6-4, 290 pounds)

Leal is a versatile disruptor who can thrive inside or outside in Jonathan Gannon’s four-man front. Tackle Fletcher Cox is fading with age and end Derek Barnett will be a free agent. Leal has shown his interior pass-rushing skills with 8.5 sacks, but he also is a stout run stopper. He will need to answer questions about his recent arrest on marijuana possession charges, but in the end, it shouldn’t affect his stock that much given that weed doesn’t carry the same stigma it once did for a prospect.

MORE:  The biggest steals in NFL Draft history

16. Philadelphia Eagles (from Indianapolis Colts)

• David Ojabo, EDGE, Michigan (6-5, 250 pounds)

The Eagles, beyond Barnett’s pending free agency, also know Josh Sweat was so-so filling in for Brandon Graham, who is entering his Age 34 season and coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon. They need reinforcements for the tone-setting strength of their defense. Ojabo would give them a flashy, freakish edge player who can contribute initially in a situational role. His speed, explosiveness and energy fueled a big rise behind end-mate Hutchinson.

17. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)

• Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia (6-6, 340 pounds)

The Chargers need to upgrade their run defense big time. Their entire front three struggled in that capacity. Coach Brandon Staley was used to having Aaron Donald as his 3-4 linchpin with the other Los Angeles team. Davis is a massive player who disrupts plays with great quickness for his size.

18. New Orleans Saints (9-8)

• Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama (6-2, 189 pounds)

The Saints need to address wideout with Michael Thomas’ future clouded by injury and discontent. Williams profiles like many of the recent top Crimson Tide picks at the position, and he rose fast up boards after getting more showcase opportunities with John Metchie III on the shelf. Williams proved while playing with Heisman-winning QB Bryce Young that he can be a lot more than a route-running technician; he can flat-out make big plays. The big question now is: How will he recover from the ACL tear he suffered in the College Football Playoff title game in early January?

19. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8)

•  Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (6-0, 200 pounds)

The Eagles are getting nice late-career play from Darius “Big Play” Slay and Avonte Maddox has been good, too, but they could use a further boost in the secondary from Booth. He is a strong, active corner who has the speed and ball skills to become a worthy successor to Slay as their top cover man.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7-1)

• Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (6-5, 310 pounds)

The Steelers should think about how best to address quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger set to retire; picking one here, trading up to land Pickett or swinging a blockbuster deal (Russell Wilson? Aaron Rodgers?). Whoever the QB is, they need to upgrade the pass protection for him, given the poor tackle play this past season. Cross is a strong, powerful edge blocker who can develop the footwork to handle the left side for the long term.

21. New England Patriots (10-7)

• Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia (6-0, 225 pounds)

The Patriots need to replace middle man Dont’a Hightower, who will become a free agent ahead of his Age 32 season. Bill Belichick should love a player who can play anywhere and do anything on the second level and quickly emerge as a leader, which is what he was for a dominant Bulldogs defense. Dean can flat-out fly and can make plays from sideline to sideline wherever he’s lined up.

BIGGEST NFL DRAFT STEALS: Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 | Round 7

22. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7)

• Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 188 pounds)

The Raiders need a reliable all-around receiver for Derek Carr instead of additional limited deep threats. That becomes a higher priority for the former Patriots combination of offensive-minded coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler. Wilson is a natural technician with his smarts, quickness, route-running and hands. He also is dangerous in making big plays after the catch.

23. Arizona Cardinals (11-6)

• Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (6-3, 200 pounds)

The Cardinals have gotten flashes at corner with Byron Murphy making plays on the ball and veteran Robert Alford overachieving, but they need more a reliable player. Gardner has great agility with his length and can move around to handle vertical or horizontal coverage.

24. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

• Travon Walker, DE/DT, Georgia (6-5, 275 pounds)

The Cowboys had issues at defensive tackle this season and starter Carlos Watkins is a pending free agent. End Randy Gregory also is unsigned for 2022. Walker joins Davis and Dean in having momentum from the Dawgs’ defense-dominated CFP championship run. He is an explosive, versatile playmaker who can line up at multiple spots up front and can win with athleticism and power.

25. Buffalo Bills (11-6)

• Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (5-11, 195 pounds)

The Bills have a good No. 2 corner to Tre’Davious White in Levi Wallace, but Wallace will be a free agent and White will be coming off a torn ACL for his Age 27 season. With limited weaknesses as Super Bowl contenders, they should look for a direct replacement for Wallace outside. McDuffie can offer great explosiveness and quickness for Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier.

26. Tennessee Titans (12-5)

• Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati (6-4, 215 pounds)

The Titans need to push for a higher ceiling at QB beyond Ryan Tannehill, who’s 33 and has only one “locked-in” year left on his contract. This may be surprise some, but this concept will gain steam should an option this appealing be available. Ridder was a great leader for the Bearcats, and he showed that he’s natural dual-threat NFL prospect with his strong arm and running skills.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)

Antonio Brown quit and Chris Godwin is a pending free agent. Although the Bucs have young depth at receiver, if they’re taking one more shot at a Super Bowl without Tom Brady, they need to upgrade their downfield element to play off Mike Evans outside. Dotson is a speedy vertical threat with the quickness to make big plays after making strong catches in the open field.

28. Green Bay Packers (13-4)

• Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (6-3, 225 pounds)

The Packers should use this pick to upgrade their wide receiver corps, either to better complement Davante Adams outside and please Aaron Rodgers or to protect themselves in case they can’t re-sign Adams, a pending free agent, to a long-term deal after franchise-tagging him. Burks is a huge target with big hands to match. He can dominate smaller, less physical corners and has deceptive speed.

29. Miami Dolphins (from San Francisco 49ers)

• Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn (6-0, 190 pounds)

The Dolphins, depending on their new coach’s schemes and overall plan, may try to get out of Xavien Howard’s contract given his consistent high demands and given a decline is around the corner ahead of his age 29 season. If McCreary slips, he would be a good choice to replace Howard. He has the size, physicality, fluidity and ability to play well in any downfield coverage scheme.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

• Drake London, WR, USC (6-5, 210 pounds)

The Chiefs got some good contributions from their complementary wide receivers to Tyreek Hill in the playoffs, but there was still letdown in key situations. They could use a different type of young targets to help the speedy, quick hill and the reliable Travis Kelce. London matches a nice catch radius with great hands and quickness, which makes him a big-play and red-zone threat in the Mike Evans mold.

31. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)

• Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State (6-5, 315 pounds)

The Bengals’ pass protection in front of Joe Burrow needs to be addressed despite getting to the Super Bowl. They need to upgrade the right side opposite left tackle Jonah Williams. They can find a good answer in-state. Petit-Frere is a well-rounded blocker with a nice blend of strength, agility and footwork, He stood out while playing both sides.

32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)

•  Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (6-1, 220 pounds)

After getting Thibodeaux as the cornerstone for their defense early in the first round, it’s time for the Lions to address franchise QB. They can wait and still get a potential long-term starter here. Howell is a smart, seasoned and accurate pocket passer. Looking for Howell or Ridder late would be a much smarter play than passing on Thibodeaux for Corral, Willis or Pickett.

The Bengals are Super Bowl-bound.

No matter how strange that sentence may be to read, it’s the truth. To that end, the Bengals won’t have the luxury of picking high like they have the last two seasons, but it’s all good in Cincinnati, especially with their first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades on the horizon.

But, even with the meteoric rise of Joe Burrow, Cincinnati still has big-time needs. It’s apparent that they need big-time help up front to protect Burrow, even if “Joe Shiesty” was more “Joe Superman” throughout his playoff run.

On the other side, the Chiefs have some things to figure out: Do they try to reinforce their pass rush through the draft? Will they address the secondary? While the D wasn’t the only reason Kansas City was handed a stunning loss by Cincinnati, it may be high time to start investing in that side of the ball.

Here’s how the NFL Draft 2022 order stands following championship weekend:

MORE 2022 NFL DRAFT: SN’s latest mock draft | Top 100 big board

NFL Draft order 2022

Here’s how the 2022 NFL Draft order stands heading into the Super Bowl:

* Draft position clinched

Notes:

— The Eagles hold three first-round picks, including the Colts’ first-round pick as part of the Carson Wentz trade. For the pick to turn into a first-rounder, Wentz needed to play 75 percent or more of the Colts’ snaps this season OR play 70 percent or more of the snaps and have Indianapolis make the playoffs, conditions that were essentially satisfied as of Week 16.

— The Giants hold the Bears’ first-round pick, which was sent as to New York part of a draft day trade Chicago made to select quarterback Justin Fields in 2021.

— The Dolphins hold the 49ers’ first-round pick as part of a predraft trade. San Francisco selected quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3 overall in 2021.

— The Jets hold the Seahawks’ first-round pick as part of the Jamal Adams trade in 2020.

Defense is the name of the game in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Highlighted by the top two pass-rushers — Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson — this year’s class of defenders could prove to be foundational pieces for teams looking to bulk up on that side.

After the edge group, NFL squads could salivate over secondary options: LSU cornerback Derek Stingley is a former consensus All-American — which includes earning a nod from Sporting News in 2019 — and could be a top-five pick come April. Scouts and analysts have Stingley pegged as far and away the best CB prospect in this year’s draft.

Joining Stingley in the secondary group is Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton, who could also make for a good bet to be the first DB off the board. The Fighting Irish safety was named a consensus All-American this past season, and for good reason: He notched three interceptions for one of the nation’s top defenses and was a Bednarik Award finalist in 2021.

On the offensive side, teams looking for quarterback saviors will have options, though it remains to be seen whether a bona-fide No. 1 passer will emerge before the draft. North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and Liberty’s Malik Willis have all entered the draft.