Defensive Line: Both defensive lines have been strong throughout the year. They are the driving forces for both of these defenses. However, one defensive lines has a man named Aaron Donald. Maybe you have heard of him? That alone gives the Rams a distinct advantage at this position if you ask me. The Bengals have a strong defensive front themselves, but this goes one way for me.
Advantage: Rams
Linebacker: Neither team is strong at linebacker if I’m being honest here. For Cincinnati, teams attack their group of linebackers each game because they don’t have the range to cover anyone. They are built to stop the run. All year long, I’ve said the Rams linebacker group has been their weakness. Again, this can go either way.
Advantage: Bengals, slightly.
Secondary: Both these secondaries are hard to attack when they’re both playing well. As I said with the defensive line, in this secondary, only one team has a man named Jalen. Since Raheem Morris became the Rams defensive coordinator, he’s used Jalen throughout the year in many different ways as a safety, in the box as a linebacker and wherever he is, he’s impactful. On the Bengals side, Jessie Bates is one of the better safeties in the league. The corners are good, but the Rams are simply better.
Advantage: Rams
