NFL Football Pro Bowl - AFC (-4, 64.5) vs. NFC 6:00 PM EST
The series is tied at 18-18 all-time, although the AFC has won seven out of the last 10. Last year was a sloppy 23-17 affair that was won by the NFC. There were 10 total turnovers in that game, six by the AFC. Peyton Manning was responsible for three of those via interceptions.
Last year was also the lowest scoring Pro Bowl game since 1999. In the six years from 2000-2005, the teams combined to average a total of 73.7 points per game. That is the big reason why the Over / Under in this game is a whopping 64.5 points.
There are a few other interesting story lines for this game. New England's Bill Belichic is coaching for the AFC and that means San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson is on his squad. Tomlinson made derogatory comments about the Patriots and Belichick after their loss to them in the playoffs. Apparently, they have kissed and made up.
Another item of note is that this is Tiki Barber's last game in uniform. The Giants' great is hanging them up for a television career, and you can be sure that he will be avoiding a lot of head-on collisions. After all, he has to look pretty for the camera next year.
There is an ongoing feud between Miami's Jason Taylor and San Diego's Shawne Merriman. Taylor criticized Merriman earlier this year for failing an NFL drug test. Reportedly, Merriman is still not very happy with his fellow AFC linebacker, so they will not be hanging around the pool together.
Indianapolis' Peyton Manning will again be the starting quarterback for the AFC. Manning holds several career Pro Bowl records, including most touchdown passes and yardage thrown. The big difference with Manning this year is he has won the Super Bowl, and he will be less motivated to win this game.
Manning's two receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, are both in Hawaii, and they may also be experiencing a Super Bowl hangover.
Manning may also play less snaps than normal. That means more time for AFC backups, Carson Palmer and rookie Vince Young. The NFC quarterbacks match-up pretty well this year with Drew Brees, Marc Bulger and Tony Romo. Just don't ask Romo to hold any field goals.
As far as picking a winner, it is hard in this kind of game, but let's just say that the NFC is tired of being called the weaker conference, and they have a little more motivation as they try for their second consecutive Pro Bowl victory.
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