2019 Pro Bowl Preview
2019 Pro Bowl Preview
On January 27th, the 2018 Pro Bowl will be taking place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This game is the NFL’s version of the all-star game, where the top players in the sport showcase their talents in an exhibition game. Last year, the AFC won 24-23. Delanie Walker and Von Miller won Pro Bowl MVP. Let’s look at this year’s matchup and who has the advantage.
NFC
With a running back led offense, the NFC is going to look to dominate the game on the ground. Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Alvin Kamara is the three-headed monster for the NFC and will look to put on a show for the fans in Orlando. As for the passing attack, Jared Goff and Russell Wilson lead the way with targets such as Zack Ertz, Davante Adams or Adam Thielen to create big plays down the field.
As for the defensive side of the ball, big names like Bobby Wagner, Patrick Peterson, and Demarcus Lawrence will look to stop the highly talented AFC offense. The NFC defense has a lot of new blood to it also. Rookie Leighton Vander Esch for the Dallas Cowboys and Bears Safety Eddie Jackson are among the players attending their first pro bowl. This defense is a balanced attack, and it should be tough to move the chains with the combination of the interior line attack and the linebacking core of this squad.
AFC
As for the AFC, this offense is led by no other than Patrick Mahomes, the likely NFL MVP for the 2018 season. Mahomes had a monster first year as a starter as he threw for 50 TD and showed his ability to shine when the lights are brightest in the playoffs against the Colts and the Patriots. Mahomes will have a lot of options to throw to, as he has receivers with the names of Juju Smith-Schuster, Keenan Allen, and Jarvis Landry. He also has fellow teammate Tyreek Hill, who is always a deep threat down the field and can change a game with his speed alone. As for the rushing attack, it is led by the great story of James Conner, Melvin Gordon, and Lamar Miller, who had a bounce-back season for the Houston Texans.
The AFC, opposite of the NFC, is led by a dominant defense. Big stars like Myles Garrett, Melvin Ingram, CJ Mosley, and Jurell Casey look to dominate the line of scrimmage versus a very aggressive rushing attack. A secondary that features Denzel Ward, Derwin James, and Jamaal Adams will look to shut down the balanced NFC passing attack and make the offense one dimensional.
Player to Watch: Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley had a special rookie season. One that might earn him the nod for Rookie of the Year. He finished 2nd in scrimmage yards behind division foe Ezekiel Elliott and became the focal point of a New York Giant offense that needed a spark. It would only be fitting if Barkley put on a showdown in Orlando. Look for the Penn State product to make a big play and break out his dazzling moves.
Prediction
8 carries 58 yards 1 TD
2 catches 45 yards 1 TD
NFC 20
AFC 35
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, Jamaal Adams
-By: Richie Dordas