Pro Bowl – NFC vs. AFC

Line: NFC -2

Over/Under: 56.5

Commissioner Roger Goodell said he's pleased by the attention the Pro Bowl has received this year and that the first game played on the U.S. mainland in 30 years is getting more press than ever. Colts president Bill Polian, one of the many critics of the move, has gone on record calling the setup - which requires players from the Super Bowl teams to make ceremonial appearances - as "stupid", but you can’t please everyone.

Polian is obviously upset that his prize player Peyton Manning is being taken away from his team at a critical stage of gameplanning for next weekend’s Super Bowl XLIV, also in Miami, and while Polian does have a beef, I’d like the rest of the players to pipe down. If they really want to go to Hawaii with their families I’m sure they all earned just enough money to splurge on a trip next weekend.

For handicapping the game, let’s compare key positions and see if there’s an advantage.

AFC: Vince Young will make a few plays and Matt Schaub will want to show-off his chemistry with No. 1 wideout Andre Johnson.

NFC: Aaron Rodgers will set new record for getting sacked in the Pro Bowl, Donovan McNabb will get hurt and Tony Romo will be caught in the press box flirting with a Dolphin cheerleader.

AFC: CJ and MJD will carry the load and as long as the competition stays healthy, they should rack up a few yards each.

NFC: Don’t count on Adrian Peterson for much (sounds like a broken record for Fantasy players) but look for Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams to put on a show auditioning for a new team.

Advantage: NFC

AFC: Other than Johnson there are question marks with this side. Ocho is only here as a third-string choice after Welker and Moss declined and WR Jackson and TE Gates couldn’t out-score the Jets.

NFC: Philly’s DeSean Jackson and Dallas WR Austin could both have big days but it will hinge on who’s under center (see “QBs” above). TE combo of Vernon Davis and Jason Witten settle the tie.

Advantage: NFC

It’s a tight race but my Pro Bowl pick is on the NFC laying less than a field goal.

Prop Department

The Pro Bowl prop sheet at online sportsbooks is only slightly more exciting than that of an intra-squad lineup during preseason.

My advice is to save your fun-money and bet more props on the Super Bowl but if you have to, consider the “Will a special teams or defensive TD be scored” and take ‘Yes’ (+150).

Philadelphia Eagles big-play specialist DeSean “Action” Jackson is expected to get double-duty as both a WR and a returner this week and no one made something out of nothing this season more times than Jackson. Besides, how many special teamers are really going to risk pulling something to try and run this guy down once he’s turned the corner?

Enjoy Pro Bowl betting and get ready for Super Bowl picks and all the real hype to kick in on Monday!