Just two games remain on the NFL schedule; one means everything, but the other, while enjoyable, is inconsequential. The latter happens tonight as some of the NFL's biggest stars take the field for the 2011 Pro Bowl. The annual all-star gathering is scheduled to kickoff at 7:00pm ET at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii (FOX). 2011 Pro Bowl Spreads have the game listed as a Pick and Over/Under set at 66.5.
The AFC scored a 41-34 win in last year's Pro Bowl, which took place in Miami the weekend prior to Super Bowl XLIV, to even the
all-time record between the two conferences at 20-20.
The two teams combined for 48 first downs and 987 yards in the game as the Packers Aaron Rodgers and the Texans Matt Schaub lit up their opposing secondaries. Rodgers, who was not elected to this year's Pro Bowl, completed 15-of-19 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Schaub earned MVP honors after connecting on 13 of his 17 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
The AFC snapped a two game NFC win streak with its victory; it also improved its record to 6-5 in the last 11 Pro Bowl contests.
This year's showdown will feature the usual horde of ultra-talented personnel, including starters Philip Rivers, Michael Vick, Arian Foster, Roddy White, Julius Peppers, Ray Lewis, Darrelle Revis, and DeMarcus Ware.
The Patriots Bill Belichick and the Falcons Mike Smith, the losing coaches in this year's Divisional playoff games, will serve as coaches.
While there is no shortage of star power on the respective conference rosters, a number of big name players selected to the Pro Bowl will not participate this evening either due to injury or participation in next weekend's Super Bowl XLV.
Among those not playing are Tom Brady, DeSean Jackson, James Harrison, Tramon Williams, Charles Woodson, Troy Polamalu, Brian Urlacher, Dwight Freeney, Antonio Gates, and Ed Reed.
Three former Pro Bowl MVP's, the Colts Peyton Manning (2005), the Vikings Adrian Peterson (2008), and the Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald (2009), will take the field at Aloha Stadium tonight.
AFC Pick (-110), Over 66.5 (-110)
AFC Pick (-110), Under 66.5 (-110)
