MIAMI — It was supposed to be a night off for the Pro Bowl players who'll compete in next Sunday's Super Bowl. Come to Miami a day ahead of schedule, mingle with the NFL's other superstars, get another look at the stadium where a champion will be crowned.

That wasn't good enough for league MVP Peyton Manning.

"On our way down," Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne said, "he was watching film."

Super Bowl week doesn't officially begin until Monday, but for Manning, New Orleans' Drew Brees and about a dozen other players, it started early. Some of the Colts' and Saints' best hung out on the sidelines in Miami on Sunday night, watching the AFC beat the NFC 41-34 in the Pro Bowl.

This year the Pro Bowl precedes the title game, so Manning, Brees and the rest were reduced to Super Spectators instead.

"It's fun to be here," Manning said during ESPN's telecast of Sunday's game. "It's always fun to play in the game. Obviously I'm excited tonight, knowing I have a real game next week."

For the Saints, this is all new, and they're still basking in the joy of winning the NFC title.

"It's just been euphoria," Brees said. "So obviously we're excited to be here, but we definitely have a job to finish."

Both of the Super Bowl clubs had seven players tabbed for the Pro Bowl. Manning and Brees combined for 8,888 yards passing this season.