NFL Pro Bowl 06/02/2022: AFC and NFC set to resume hostilities

So, we know who will be heading to the Super Bowl next weekend. But the precursor to that showpiece occasion will be the Pro Bowl game, which sees the best of the AFC and NFC players collide in an annual game. How do we think this one will pan out? Check out our full preview below.

AFC looking to take the honours for the fifth straight time

After returning to the AFC-NFC format four years ago, the AFC have dominated this fixture. Although the 2021 game was cancelled due to COVID, the AFC have proved to be too strong for their NFC counterparts. However, this year it could be a lot closer.

There will be eight NFL teams sending at least five players to the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, and the Indianapolis Colts will be very well represented, as there will be seven stars taking part. These include running back Jonathan Taylor, and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.

Tom Brady calls time on amazing NFL career

In the past few days, the build-up to the Pro Bowl has been overshadowed by the news that Tom Brady is retiring. The 44-year-old called time on an amazing career. He is the widely proclaimed GOAT (greatest of all time) after winning seven Super Bowl titles. He’ll be lining up this weekend, and it will be a great way for him to bow out.

Matt LaFleur makes himself clear on Aaron Rodgers situation

Matt LaFleur will lead Team NFC, and he will be desperate to end his side’s Pro Bowl rot. However, the Green Bay Packers coach still has a delicate matter to resolve — Aaron Rodgers. The quarterback’s future remains uncertain, but LaFleur insists the Packers will be decided on what to do. He said: “We’re all on the same page there. There is no debate.”

Pro Bowl to feature new rule for this year

As we know, the Pro Bowl has become part and parcel of the postseason traditions. And now it seems like there will be a new rule introduced. It is called ‘Spot and Choose’. It revolves around whoever wins the toss. They will be able to choose where to start offensive or defensive positions from any spot of their choosing.

Justin Herbert explains the significance of his first Pro Bowl outing

Justin Herbert will become the first Los Angeles quarterback to be selected to start a Pro Bowl since Dan Fouts in 1983, which is nearly 40 years ago. And Herbert admits he still speaks to Fout, and he is a big fan of his. He said: “I was always a big Dan Fouts fan, so that’s really cool to hear.”

“We’ll text from time to time. Just a great guy, and I got to learn a bunch from him.” Herbert is one of the many first-time selections appearing at the Pro Bowl. Herbert’s passing yardage was just behind that of Brady, and it will be interesting to see how he fares.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs will send six players to this year’s Pro Bowl. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are expected to take part, and they will be hoping to make amends after they lost the NFL Conference Championship match against the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend.

Mike Vrabel gets the call for the AFC

Mike Vrabel got the nod to take charge of the AFC side, and he will have his entire coaching staff with him there. Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans were the highest-remaining seed to be knocked out in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and he will be hoping to see his side put on a good show.

There will be a handful of Titans taking part, bar running back Derrick Henry. As we have seen down the years, the AFC have usually got the better of the NFC in the Pro Bowl. Vrabel will have his side well drilled, and they could end up winning this fixture again.