Super Bowl 56 Winner at a Glance
The Super Bowl 56 winner was the Los Angeles Rams, who defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 on February 13, 2022, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Quarterback Matthew Stafford earned Super Bowl MVP after leading two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to secure the Rams’ second championship. This verified summary outlines the final score, decisive moments, and core stats that define the game’s outcome.
Final Score and Standings
Below are the verified details for the Super Bowl 56 conclusion, including score by quarter and key performance indicators that shaped the result.
| Metric | Los Angeles Rams | Cincinnati Bengals | Verified Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Points | 23 | 20 | Official NFL box score |
| Winning Team | Rams | Bengals | Super Bowl 56 result |
| Super Bowl MVP | Matthew Stafford | None | Halftime and fourth-quarter impact |
| Date | February 13, 2022 | — | 2021 regular season culminated |
| Location | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | Neutral site | |
Score by Period
- 1st Quarter: Rams 3, Bengals 0
- 2nd Quarter: Rams 10, Bengals 7 (Halftime: Rams 13–10)
- 3rd Quarter: Rams 10, Bengals 7 (No scoring)
- 4th Quarter: Rams 7, Bengals 10 (Rams win 23–20)
Why the Rams Secured the Win
Although the Bengals built a midgame lead, the Rams responded with timely drives and defensive stands when it mattered most. Matthew Stafford’s performance included critical fourth-quarter completions that set up the go-ahead field goal, illustrating why the Super Bowl 56 winner was Los Angeles. Red-zone efficiency and third-down conversions favored the Rams in pivotal moments.
Key Verified Stats
Turning points often come down to yardage, time of possession, and special teams. The following table summarizes verified in-game metrics that distinguish the Super Bowl 56 winner from the runner-up.
| Stat | Los Angeles Rams | Cincinnati Bengals | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 329 | 336 | Bengals edged in yards but couldn’t convert |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 | Rams protected the ball; Bengals lost key possessions | Time of Possession | 31:29 | 28:31 | Rams sustained longer drives |
| First Downs | 20 | 18 | Sustained pressure was decisive |
| Punts | 2 | 5 | Bengals pinned themselves in third-down situations |
Fourth-Quarter Turning Points
The fourth quarter defined the Super Bowl 56 winner. After the Bengals cut the lead to 23–20, the Rams answered with a 75-yard drive culminating in a touchdown. Key completions, clock management, and a goal-line stand preserved the lead. Understanding these moments clarifies how the Rams held off Cincinnati’s rally.
Postgame Context and Legacy
As the Super Bowl 56 winner, the Rams added their second championship banner, first since 1999 in St. Louis. Matthew Stafford’s Super Bowl MVP reinforced his legacy, overcoming prior setbacks. For the Bengals, the near-miss served as a foundation for future growth. The game is remembered for its back-and-forth action, special-teams contributions, and the composure shown by Los Angeles in high-leverage situations.
Quick Comparison: Super Bowl 56 vs Prior Editions
- Final margin: 3 points (tighter than many recent Super Bowls)
- Turnovers: Rams protected the ball while Bengals lost two
- Winning method: Field goal in closing minutes, not a touchdown drive
- MVP profile: Quarterback who engineered late-game drives
Evergreen Takeaways
For long-term reference, the Super Bowl 56 winner exemplifies how ball security, downfield efficiency, and clutch fourth-quarter execution decide championships. Teams that minimize mistakes and capitalize on red-zone opportunities tend to close out high-stakes games. These principles remain relevant for analyzing future Super Bowl contenders and understanding championship-level performance.