Not many people could have called this Super Bowl match-up.

After all, the Cincinnati Bengals, cellar dwellers of the AFC North in 2020, were pegged as a 150-to-1 shot to win the Super Bowl LVI back in preseason. Yet here they are, knocking on destiny’s door.

It’s funny how only a few short weeks ago, the AFC North was up for grabs among all four of its occupants, with all four of those teams dubbed as mediocre at the time. Cincinnati has taken a giant leap since then.

The Bengals not only won their division, they knocked off the AFC’s top two seeds on the road to reach the Super Bowl. A last-second field goal by rookie Evan McPherson took down No. 1 seed Tennessee, then an overtime 3-pointer bounced No. 2 seed and two-time defending conference champion Kansas City. The Bengals rallied from 18 points down in taking out the Chiefs.

This Cincinnati team was built through the draft. It is young, brash and confident. The Bengals got to the summit sooner than expected.

The Los Angeles Rams were constructed to reach the summit now — and they did. L.A. went out and got All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from Jacksonville, linebacker Von Miller from Denver, quarterback Matthew Stafford from Detroit, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from Cleveland, even talked safety Eric Weddle to come back from a two-year retirement.

The Rams sold out the future to shine in the present.

And they will.

Their defensive front will see to it.

Former Pitt star Aaron Donald anchors the Rams’ defensive line. L.A.’ front seven is strong, experienced and relentless. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked nine times by Tennessee. He can expect more of the same.

Remember the way Tampa Bay’s defense continually harassed and hurried Patrick Mahomes in last year’s Super Bowl? This will be a similar picture.

The Bengals’ offensive line vs. the Rams’ defensive front? Bad match-up for Cincinnati.

Burrow has stellar receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and former Pitt star Tyler Boyd. That group will find a way to make a few plays, just not enough.

This is Matthew Stafford’s story. The man was sentenced to life in Detroit, or so it seemed, until the Rams traded for him. He’s been outstanding most of this season and has shown the ability to put together clutch drives. Having Cooper Kupp and Beckham doesn’t hurt in that regard.

Stafford’s wife recovered from dangerous brain surgery. Their emotional hug on the field after the Rams’ NFC title win over the 49ers was a neat thing to see.

They will have a chance to do it again.

The Bengals’ time is near. The Rams’ time is now.

I like Los Angeles, 34-20, with Stafford landing the MVP award.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle