It is a light week in the world of football as the suspense continues to build before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles compete to be crowned the champion next week. However, the Pro Bowl will continue with several intriguing events as the NFL attempts to provide some intrigue to the weekend.
With the traditional game model being scrapped, the NFL’s most talented players will compete in a variety of skills challenges airing from 7:00-8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30th before the flag football event and a few other competitions take place on Sunday.
The skills challenges will include ‘Pass the Test’ which judges the quarterback’s accuracy and ability to hit targets, a relay race, dodgeball, a satisfying catch competition, and ‘Helmet Harmony’ which is a game show style of events taking place on Thursday. DraftKings Sportsbook is offering some unique betting options to get involved in the action—check it out here!
Preview & Prediction: Satisfying Catches
Looking at the outlook for the satisfying catch competition, the odds for each conference to win are split evenly at -115 each.
The completion is officially described as follows:
“One wide receiver, tight end and defensive back from each conference will compete in a challenge obstacle course, including catches from a jugs machine at three different distances, to test every aspect of catching a football. Each teammate will complete the course back-to-back with the lowest combined time winning the challenge.”
We here at DraftKings Network won’t pretend like there is too much of a sharp view of this type of event. This is especially the case with the players set to compete in this challenge being decided on the day of.
NFC Roster Options: Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Malik Nabers (Giants), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), George Kittle (49ers), Trey McBride (Cardinals), Jaylon Johnson (Bears), Byron Murphy (Vikings), Jaycee Horn (Panthers), Devon Witherspoon (Seahawks), Xavier McKinney (Packers), Budda Baker (Cardinals), and Brian Branch (Lions)
AFC Roster Options: Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals), Nico Collins (Texans), Jerry Jeudy (Browns), Brian Thomas Jr (Jaguars), Brock Bowers (Raiders), Jonnu Smith (Dolphins), Derek Stingley Jr (Texans), Patrick Surtain II (Broncos), Marlon Humphry (Ravens), Denzel Ward (Browns), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers), Kyle Hamilton (Ravens), and Derwin James (Chargers)
The Pick: AFC (-115): You do not make it to the NFL without having some sort of extreme level of competitive nature and whichever side carries this over to this event is likely to come out victorious. I like the AFC’s chances of this being the case. Ja’Marr Chase has had plenty of time off after failing to reach the playoffs. Jerry Jeudy, Brian Thomas Jr, Brock Bowers, Jonnu Smith and Derek Stingley Jr are each also attending their first Pro Bowl which should help the fire in their guts.
While there are plenty of first-timers on the NFC roster as well look for Brock Bowers to put the icing on the cake of his impressive rookie season and lead the charge in this competition. Ja’Marr Chase is also plenty capable of carrying the competition after his triple-crowns season and will be a factor as well. If these two are the choices for the AFC it will be difficult for the NFc to match.
Have fun with this competition and be open-minded as the NFL changes the format in an attempt for a more exciting weekend. The Satisfying Catch competition has the potential to be one of the highlights of the entire event if things play out as planned.
