After what can only be described as the most exciting collection of post-season games in NFL history, it all comes down to this.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams were both No. 4 seeds in the playoffs, but fought their way to the top and will enter one last battle, this time for the Lombardi Trophy, in Super Bowl LVI.
Should the Bengals win, it will be the first time in franchise history. The Rams haven’t won the Big Game since 1999, though they most recently had a chance in 2019.
The two teams didn’t face each other this year, so there’s no history to draw from. In fact, the two teams haven’t played on the same field since October 2019 (when the Rams won 24-10).
As Omicron eases across America, more people are likely to throw a Super Bowl party. But regardless of whether you’re gathering with a small crew or a big gathering of fans, it can be hard to keep up with everything surrounding the Big Game (especially when NBC is also broadcasting the Olympics).
We’ve got you covered.
Which NFL teams are playing in the 2022 Super Bowl? And what channel is airing the games?
Pre-game broadcasts for Super Bowl LVI officially begin 5.5 hours before kickoff this year on NBC at 1:00 p.m. ET. (The network will begin airing Super Bowl-themed programming an hour earlier, however.) If you’re looking for the Olympics during that time, the network will be broadcasting that on CNBC and USA Network.
As the big game draws closer, keep your eye open for a few memorable commercials, which are warm ups for the multi-million dollar ads that air after kickoff. NBC’s Lester Holt will interview President Joe Biden at some point during the pre-game show.
What time is kickoff for Super Bowl 56?
Sunday, February 13. Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals, kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC
Who’s singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVI?
Mickey Guyton, who combines elements of country and R&B into her music, will sing the National Anthem this year. She’s best known for the song “Black Like Me,” released in 2020 in wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The song speaks to her experiences as a Black woman in country music.
Who’s performing at halftime for Super Bowl LVI?
It’s a who’s who of hip-hop at halftime this year. Dr. Dre will lead the show, with support from Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Expected songs include “Still D.R.E.,” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “Lose Yourself,” “Family Affair” and “Humble.”
Where is this year’s Super Bowl being held?
The Rams will have home field advantage this year, as the game will take places at SoFi Stadium, in Los Angeles. This is only the second time one of the participating teams in the Super Bowl is playing in its own stadium. The first was last year, when Tampa Bay played (and won) at Raymond James Stadium.
LA was actually originally scheduled to host the 2021 Super Bowl and Tampa Bay was going to host this year, but the NFL flipped the two after some construction delays at SoFi.
How can I watch Super Bowl LVI for free—even if I am out of market?
The Super Bowl, naturally, isn’t blacked out in any market, so you shouldn’t have to worry about finding the game. Regardless, the best way to watch any NFL game for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. Super Bowl 56 will be broadcast by NBC—meaning you’ve got a good chance of capturing the game over the air, which costs nothing beyond the equipment prices. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
How can I stream Super Bowl LVI live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
There are loads of online options to watch NFL games, including the Super Bowl, some completely free and others with free trial periods. If you’re not near a TV, you can log onto Peacock, which will carry the game live. Prefer another method? Here are a few alternatives.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service is, of course, the preferred streaming method for the game. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $5 or $10 monthly charge. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports, including the Super Bowl.)
Hulu with Live TV
You can try the service free for a week. Once that’s up, you’ll pay $65 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $65.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower tiered “Orange” plan will run you $35 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $50-per-month. You’ll have a 7-day free trial first—and right now, the cord cutting service is dropping the first month’s bill to $10.
AT&T TV
Formerly known as DirecTV Now and AT&T TVNow, AT&T’s streaming service will run you $70 per month and up. There is no longer a free trial option.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ can be enjoyed for free for seven days, after which you’ll pay $13.99 per month for all three combined
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $65-$80, depending on the channels you choose.
Which Super Bowl commercials are expected to be the best?
The debate over which commercials were the best is one for the day after the game. But if you want an early peek at the ads that will be airing (so you can refresh your drink or hit the bathroom when they air), here are a few.
Amazon
SNL’s Colin Joost and Scarlett Johannsen muse what would happen If Amazon’s Alexa could read your mind.
Bud Light
Budweiser will bring back the Clydesdales, but Bud Light is more focused on promoting its Hard Seltzer—and it brought along Guy Fieri to help out.
Doritos/Cheetos Flaming Hot
A sloth, a deer and a bear experience flaming hot Doritos—and, well, a musical number breaks out.
Lays
Paul Judd and Seth Rogan take a walk down memory lane.
Sam’s Club
Kevin Hart pushes the chain’s new Scan & Go technology
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the Super Bowl?
It does.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream the game, wherever you’re located.
NFL Game Pass
There are couple hitches with this service that make it less than ideal for Super Bowl fans. You can’t use it to watch live games, but you can watch anything once its main broadcast ends, so you CAN revel in the winning team’s victory. There’s a seven-day free trial, after which you’re looking at a $50 charge.
(Note: NFL Sunday ticket, a package offered by DirectTV, does not include the Super Bowl.)
Which team is the favorite to win Super Bowl LVI?
Oddsmakers (as of Feb. 6) had the Los Angeles Rams as the favorite, with -200 odds. The Bengals, at +165, were the underdogs.
Where is the 2023 Super Bowl being played?
Super Bowl LVII is scheduled to take place on Feb. 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. Subsequent games will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, NV (2024) and the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA (2025).
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