Pro Bowl Betting Preview

Before we can give the Super Bowl meeting between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers our full attention, we can’t forget the Pro Bowl Sunday in Orlando, Fla. With players from the Chiefs and 49ers no longer able to participate, there have been some late roster changes during the week, potentially swaying things one way or another.
The NFC is currently listed as a slim one-point favorite, as it hopes to snap a three-game losing streak to the AFC. The over/under for the game is set at 51 points.
Rule Changes
Before looking at the players on each side, it’s important to consider some of the rule alterations in place for the Pro Bowl. For starters, there are no kickoffs, which reduces the chance of one team changing the game on special teams.
There is also no blitzing allowed, giving quarterbacks more time in the pocket. Also, quarterbacks aren’t penalized for intentional grounding, making them more likely to throw the ball away at the first sign of trouble rather than risk taking a hit.
Finally, tight ends are required in all formations, so expect less spread looks and more traditional sets.
AFC Stars
The AFC is losing Patrick Mahomes from its roster, but presumed MVP Lamar Jackson is still around to lead the way in his first Pro Bowl appearance. Deshaun Watson makes for a good backup as well.
The question is whether Jackson will be inclined to show off his speed and running ability in a glorified exhibition game or whether he’ll play it safe in the pocket.
The AFC is losing DeAndre Hopkins and Tyreek Hill, so depth at receiver is a little questionable behind Keenan Allen.
The good news for the AFC is that the Titans lost in last week’s AFC Championship Game, giving it the services of Derrick Henry. Most teams failed to slow down Henry late in the season, so it’ll be interesting to see if a team of defensive all-stars has better luck.
The key to the game could be whether the NFC chooses to stack the box to slow down Henry, Nick Chubb, and Mark Ingram and if Jackson and Watson can beat the NFC defense over the top with a somewhat diminished set of receivers.
NFC Stars
The likes of Russell Wilson and Drew Brees highlight the NFC roster. Wilson, in particular, will be happy to no longer be playing behind Seattle’s offensive line.
It’s also worth noting that the AFC defense won’t have the services of Joey Bosa or Frank Clark, so its pass rush isn’t as strong as it could be, especially if outside linebackers Von Miller and T.J. Watt aren’t able to blitz.
While the AFC has great corners, the NFC will counter with wide receivers like Michael Thomas and Julio Jones, who aren’t easy for anybody to cover.
The NFC also has a strong backfield consisting of Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, and Ezekiel Elliott. Those backs have complementary skill sets and could be tough to slow down.
If the NFC can get those guys going, it could open up the play-action game for Wilson, who could be lethal with deep threats like Jones and Mike Evans at wide receiver.
Coin Flip
With the spread at one point, this game is essentially a coin flip. Jackson is the X-factor in this game because he’ll probably be the best athlete on the field. However, the NFC has superior talent to the AFC. Bet on the NFC to cover the one-point spread in the Pro Bowl.