AFC Vs. NFC: 2011 Pro Bowl TV Time & Predictions

The 2011 Pro Bowl NFL all-star game between the AFC and NFC is scheduled for January 30 (7 PM EST) at Aloha Stadium. FOX channel will broadcast this exhibition game. The AFC team will be led by New England head coach Bill Belichick. The NFC team is coached by Atlanta Falcons' Mike Smith. The two squads will include the best players from the 2010-11 season; all-star players from the two Super Bowl teams will not attend this game. This article offers predictions and TV time for the 2011 Pro Bowl game between the AFC and NFC.

1) AFC-NFC Matchup

The NFL Pro Bowl (in its current form) has been contested every year since 1971. The two conferences are currently tied at 20 wins apiece. While most of the games were low-scoring affairs, offense has dominated the recent contests. The 2010 edition was won by the AFC by the score of 41-34. Notable MVPs of the Pro Bowl include Peyton Manning, Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Walter Payton, and O.J. Simpson.

2) Philip Rivers vs. Michael Vick

New England's Tom Brady, who was picked to start for the AFC, has pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of injuries. Fortunately, the AFC offense will still be in good hands as San Diego's Philip Rivers will take over the helm; he will be supported by Peyton Manning. For the season, Rivers accumulated 4710 passing yards, 30 TDs, and a strong QB rating of 102. The NFC offense will be anchored by Philadelphia's Michael Vick. For the year, the Eagles' starting quarterback threw for 3018 yards with 21 TDs and a QB rating of 100. Vick will be supported by Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. All in all, the AFC has a slightly better QB lineup this year than the NFC.

3) Bill Belichick vs. Mike Smith

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While this is only an exhibition game, bragging rights are still at stake for both coaches. Their respective teams, New England and Atlanta, were bounced early from the 2011 Playoffs despite having the best record in their conference. The two coaching staffs will look to end their season right by leading their conference to a strong victory. This will be Bill Belichick's third coaching duty at the NFL Pro Bowl; he is undefeated at this event. Mike Smith will be making his first appearance.

It is safe to say that the Pro Bowl no longer means as much as it were twenty or thirty years ago. There used to be a strong rivalry between the AFC and NFC, but the rivalry has eroded through the years. Strangely, TV ratings for this game have actually increased despite its gradual loss of importance. The increase can be attributed to the decision by the NFL to move the game to the week prior to the Super Bowl, and to American insatiable thirst for football on TV. Putting the best and most popular players on the same football field seems to be a fantastic formula for ratings success.

My prediction for the 2011 Pro Bowl NFL all-star game between the AFC and NFC: the AFC wins 42-35. Kickoff time for the game is 7 PM EST. FOX channel will broadcast this exhibition game.

Reference:
NFL.COM