Top Players to Watch at the NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026
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| 2026 Pro Bowl Games |
The NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026 are more than just an All-Star showcase. As the NFL continues to refine its flag football format, the event has become a fast-paced, skill-focused celebration of the league’s brightest talent.
Held during Super Bowl week, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games bring together elite veterans, emerging stars, and fan favorites. With no full-contact tackling and an emphasis on speed and precision, individual skill shines brighter than ever. Here are the top players fans should keep an eye on.
Quarterbacks Who Drive the Show
Joe Burrow (AFC)
Even in limited appearances during the season, Burrow’s accuracy and decision-making remain elite. In a flag football setting, his quick release and anticipation make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks on the field.
Dak Prescott (NFC)
Prescott thrives in structured, short-field situations. His leadership and ability to spread the ball efficiently suit the Pro Bowl format perfectly, especially in two-minute-style drives.
Read more:
- NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026: Date, Time, Location, Format, and How to Watch
- AFC vs NFC Star Players to Watch at the NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026
Elite Playmakers at Skill Positions
CeeDee Lamb (NFC)
Few receivers are better in space than Lamb. His route running, body control, and yards-after-catch ability make him a constant mismatch in flag football.
Ja'Marr Chase (AFC)
Explosiveness defines Chase’s game. With no heavy contact allowed, defenders struggle to contain his burst off the line and deep-threat capability.
Travis Kelce (AFC)
Kelce’s football IQ separates him from the rest. His chemistry with quarterbacks and elite zone awareness turn short passes into major gains.
Defensive Stars Built for Flag Football
Micah Parsons (NFC)
Speed matters more than brute force in Pro Bowl Games, and Parsons excels here. His closing speed and instincts disrupt passing lanes and force quick throws.
Sauce Gardner (AFC)
In a format that favors offense, lockdown coverage stands out. Gardner’s length and anticipation allow him to challenge receivers without relying on physical contact.
First-Time and Breakout Selections to Watch
C.J. Stroud (AFC)
Stroud’s rapid rise continues. His poise, accuracy, and comfort in spread concepts make him a natural fit for the Pro Bowl’s modern style.
Puka Nacua (NFC)
A breakout star with relentless energy, Nacua’s ability to find soft spots in coverage could make him one of the event’s surprise standouts.
Why These Players Matter in the Pro Bowl Format
Unlike traditional games, the Pro Bowl Games emphasize:
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Route precision over physicality
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Quick reads over deep drops
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Speed and agility over strength
Players who excel in space, timing, and creativity naturally rise to the top. That’s why quarterbacks, receivers, and coverage defenders dominate the spotlight each year.
AFC roster
Key:
* indicates a starter
+ indicates a replacement
– indicates a player who is not playing in the Pro Bowl
Offense:
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills*
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots-
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns+
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts*
De'Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
Patrick Ricard, FB, Baltimore Ravens*
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals*
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans*
Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders*-
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts+
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills+
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs-
Garrett Bolles, OT, Denver Broncos*
Dion Dawkins, OT, Buffalo Bills*
Joe Alt, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Quinn Meinerz, OG, Denver Broncos*
Quenton Nelson, OG, Indianapolis Colts*
Trey Smith, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
Creed Humphrey, OC, Kansas City Chiefs*
Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Baltimore Ravens
Defense:
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans*
Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns*
Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs*
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans*
Zach Allen, DT, Denver Broncos
Nik Bonitto, OLB, Denver Broncos*
Devin Lloyd, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars+
Tuli Tuipulotu, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers
T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers*-
Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens*
Azeez Al-Shaair, LB, Houston Texans
Derek Stingley, CB, Houston Texans*
Pat Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos*
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Houston Texans+
Denzel Ward, CB, Cleveland Browns
Christian Gonzalez, CB, New England Patriots-
Calen Bullock, FS, Houston Texans+
Jalen Ramsey, FS, Pittsburgh Steelers*-
Kyle Hamilton, SS, Baltimore Ravens*
Derwin James Jr., SS, Los Angeles Chargers
Special Teams:
Ross Matiscik, LS, Jacksonville Jaguars*
Jordan Stout, P, Baltimore Ravens*
Cameron Dicker, K, Los Angeles Chargers*
Chimere Dike, KR, Tennessee Titans*
Ben Skowronek, SPT, Pittsburgh Steelers*
NFC roster
Offense:
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams*
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions+
Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks-
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions*
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Juszczyk, FB, San Francisco 49ers*
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams*
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks*-
George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys+
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals*
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys+
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers-
Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions*
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Smith, OG, Dallas Cowboys*
Joe Thuney, OG, Chicago Bears*
Chris Lindstrom, OG, Atlanta Falcons
Drew Dalman, OC, Chicago Bears*
Cam Jurgens, OC, Philadelphia Eagles
Defense:
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions*
Micah Parsons, DE, Green Bay Packers*
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Seattle Seahawks-
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles*
Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks*-
Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets
Brian Burns, OLB, New York Giants*
Jared Verse, OLB, Los Angeles Rams*
Byron Young, OLB, Los Angeles Rams
Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions*
Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles*
Jaycee Horn, CB, Carolina Panthers*
Nahshon Wright, CB, Chicago Bears+
Keisean Nixon, CB, Green Bay Packers+
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks-
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles-
Kevin Byard, FS, Chicago Bears*
Antoine Winfield Jr., FS, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Budda Baker, SS, Arizona Cardinals*
Special Teams:
Jon Weeks, LS, San Francisco 49ers*
Tress Way, P, Washington Commanders*
Brandon Aubrey, K, Dallas Cowboys*
Kavontae Turpin, KR, Dallas Cowboys+
Rashid Shaheed, KR, Seattle Seahawks*-
Luke Gifford, SPT, San Francisco 49ers*
Final Thoughts
The NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026 offer fans a different way to appreciate elite talent. Without the grind of full-contact football, creativity and pure skill take center stage. Whether it’s a veteran superstar or a first-time selection, these players represent the future-facing vision of the NFL.
As flag football continues to grow globally, performances in the Pro Bowl Games may carry more significance than ever before.
FAQs
What are the NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026?
The NFL Pro Bowl Games 2026 are the NFL’s official All-Star event, featuring AFC vs NFC players competing in skill challenges and a non-contact flag football game during Super Bowl week.
Where are the Pro Bowl Games played in 2026?
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games are held in San Francisco, California, as part of the broader Super Bowl Experience events surrounding Super Bowl LX.
Is the Pro Bowl still full-contact football?
No. The Pro Bowl Games now use a 7-on-7 flag football format. Full-contact tackling has been removed to reduce injury risk and highlight speed, skill, and creativity.
Which players participate in the Pro Bowl Games?
Players are selected through a combination of fan voting, player voting, and coach voting. The rosters include star quarterbacks, elite skill-position players, defensive standouts, and first-time Pro Bowl selections.
Who are the top players to watch at the Pro Bowl Games 2026?
Top players typically include elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and coverage defenders. In 2026, fan favorites and breakout stars such as Joe Burrow, CeeDee Lamb, and Ja'Marr Chase headline the event.
Do Pro Bowl performances affect a player’s career?
While Pro Bowl Games statistics do not impact regular-season records, strong performances can enhance a player’s reputation, marketability, and visibility among fans and media.
