Who is playing in Super Bowl 2026? AFC and NFC teams have been determinedWho is playing in Super Bowl 2026? AFC and NFC teams have been determined

While the final AFC and NFC rosters for the NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026 will not be locked in until Super Bowl week, a clear group of star players is already emerging based on recent Pro Bowl selections, 2025 regular-season performance, and positional fit for flag football.

AFC Pro Bowl Stars: Speed, Arm Talent, and Playmaking

The AFC continues to be quarterback-driven, and the Pro Bowl Games’ 7-on-7 flag format only amplifies that advantage.

Quarterbacks to Watch (AFC)

  • Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
    Allen’s arm strength and off-platform throws make him a natural fit for flag football. He has been a frequent Pro Bowl selection and remains one of the AFC’s most marketable stars.

  • Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
    When not playing in the Super Bowl, Mahomes is almost automatic for Pro Bowl consideration. His creativity, no-look passes, and improvisational style are tailor-made for skills competitions and flag football.

  • Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
    Herbert’s combination of size, accuracy, and velocity has consistently earned Pro Bowl buzz, especially in formats that reward pure passing talent.

Skill Position Standouts (AFC)

  • Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals)
    One of the league’s most explosive receivers, Chase thrives in open space—exactly what the Pro Bowl Games emphasize.

  • Tyreek Hill (Dolphins)
    Flag football favors speed more than strength, and few players in the NFL stress defenses like Hill.

  • Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
    Jackson’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the most entertaining Pro Bowl players when healthy and available.

Defensive Playmakers (AFC)

  • Myles Garrett (Browns)
    While pass rush is muted in flag football, Garrett remains a marquee name and a Pro Bowl staple.

  • Sauce Gardner (Jets)
    Elite coverage skills translate directly to the Pro Bowl Games, where turnovers and pass breakups matter more than sacks.

Read more: Patriots vs. Seahawks Odds & Predictions - Super Bowl LX Deep Dive

NFC Pro Bowl Stars: Versatility and Route Precision

The NFC roster often counters AFC firepower with versatility, particularly at wide receiver and running back—positions that shine in space.

Quarterbacks to Watch (NFC)

  • Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
    Prescott’s consistency and leadership have made him a regular Pro Bowl presence when not tied up in Super Bowl preparation.

  • Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
    Hurts’ athleticism and short-area accuracy make him especially effective in flag football concepts.

  • Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
    When available, Purdy’s timing-based passing fits perfectly with quick-hitting Pro Bowl schemes.

Skill Position Standouts (NFC)

  • Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
    McCaffrey is arguably the ideal Pro Bowl Games player—a running back who runs routes like a receiver and thrives in space.

  • Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
    A perennial All-Pro talent, Jefferson’s route precision and body control are perfectly suited for non-contact play.

  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions)
    Reliable hands, quick separation, and high football IQ make St. Brown a frequent Pro Bowl favorite.

Defensive Playmakers (NFC)

  • Micah Parsons (Cowboys)
    Even in a flag format, Parsons’ speed and versatility make him a standout name.

  • Fred Warner (49ers)
    Coverage linebackers like Warner are particularly valuable in flag football, where reading passing lanes is key.

Read more:

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Why These Stars Matter in the Pro Bowl Games Format

Unlike traditional Pro Bowls, NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026 reward:

  • Quick decision-making

  • Route running and separation

  • Ball skills and creativity

  • Defensive anticipation rather than physical dominance

That’s why quarterbacks, wide receivers, cornerbacks, and versatile backs dominate the spotlight.

Final Word on AFC vs NFC Star Power

While official rosters will continue to evolve until days before kickoff, the AFC vs NFC star players listed above represent the core talent fans expect to see when the Pro Bowl Games take the field in San Francisco.

In a flag football era, the Pro Bowl is no longer about who hits hardest—it’s about who entertains, who creates highlights, and who thrives in space.