NFL Pro Bowl 2025 Odds: Who Prevails in Flag Football?

AFC Roster Analysis

As has been customary in the Pro Bowl over the last three years, Kansas City Chiefs’ players will not be participating. Seeking a three-peat, the Chiefs are busy preparing for Super Bowl 59.

Nevertheless, the AFC still has plenty of talent in the absence of the Chiefs. Flag football is driven primarily by the quarterbacks, and they have some solid options in their rotation. It could have been a whole lot better, though.

Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen both decided to skip the Pro Bowl in Orlando. After failing to go to the Super Bowl, it’s probably for the better. Motivation would be at a minimum. Instead, Joe Burrow, Drake Maye, and Russell Wilson are representing the AFC.

Although Maye probably didn’t deserve a trip to Orlando, he should have some motivation to perform well. I’m more concerned with how interested Wilson will be in a flag floor matchup. He’s likely the weak link more so than Maye, who is expected to be happy to be here.

.@Real10jayy__ with the one-handed catches 😮‍💨

Watch #ProBowlGames on ESPN pic.twitter.com/HyPSW0o8WL

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 31, 2025

The strong point for the AFC will undoubtedly be the Burrow to WR Ja’Marr Chase connection. Burrow and Chase excelled in the skills competitions, so I like these two to establish a rapport quickly in flag football. The Bengals’ chemistry is where the AFC can put a pile of points on the board.

However, the rest of the receiving core is mediocre in my opinion. Jaguars’ WR Brian Thompson Jr. replaced Zay Flowers, which leaves WR Nico Collins and WR Jerry Jeudy with Chase. Look for fireworks when Burrow and Chase are on the field, but otherwise, the AFC roster doesn’t pack as much of a punch as the NFC!

NFC Roster Analysis

After losing in five consecutive Pro Bowls, the NFC has won back-to-back titles. They rode the hot arm of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ QB Baker Mayfield to a 64-59 victory in the flag football showdown last year. The NFC will have Mayfield back under the gun after Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels passed on the All-Star festivities.

Like Jackson and Allen, Daniels isn’t up for playing flag football after coming so close to the Super Bowl. It’s probably a good thing, because Mayfield typically plays the “gym class hero” role well in these games. He tends to be excited about having the opportunity to show off to his peers.

The Pro Bowl is the perfect opportunity to do so, as the defenses don’t play much defense at all. Mayfield is an accurate passer when given time to pass in the pocket. There won’t be any pressure here in Orlando, so Mayfield will let it rip for the NFC.

He will seek out Buccaneers teammate WR Mike Evans in this one. Evans and Mayfield should provide a nice dose of entertainment for the fans in attendance.

As a whole, the NFC receiving core is rock solid in the Pro Bowl. In addition to Evans, Malik Nabers, Justin Jefferson, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba provide the NFC with a stronger core over the AFC.

.@JaredGoff16 secures the W with 44 points 🎯

#ProBowlGames | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/xIU56CeMBE

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 31, 2025

I am also confident that Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff will have some fun in this offense. Like Mayfield, Goff can shred defenses when has time to pass. Pocket pressure is a non-concern in flag football, so expect Goff to throttle the AFC’s defense. He is coming off a win in the pass accuracy competition on Thursday night.

I don’t know how motivated Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold is for the Pro Bowl, but Mayfield and Goff should do more than enough damage to aid the AFC All-Stars.