NFC cornerback DeAngelo Hall of the Washington Redskins celebrates with the trophy after being named MVP of the NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii January 30, 2011. REUTERS

HONOLULU, Jan 30 - The NFC raced to a 42-point first-half lead before coasting to a 55-41 victory over the AFC in the Pro Bowl on Sunday.

The NFC stormed to a 42-0 advantage in the second quarter, aided by a 34-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Washington Redskins defensive back DeAngelo Hall.

Hall, who won the game's Most Valuable Player Award, also had an interception while the NFC tied the single-team scoring record, set in 2004, with the triumph.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan added two touchdown passes during the fun-loving annual game that lacks the hard-hitting or intensity of the NFL's regular season.

"It's still man-to-man coverage on the outside, with some of the best (defensive backs) in the world going against the best wide receivers," Ryan told reporters.

"You still have to make plays and our guys did. It was a lot of fun."

Quarterbacks Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers and Matt Cassel of the Kansas City Chiefs threw two touchdown passes apiece for the AFC, which made the game interesting by pulling within 45-28 late in the third quarter.

NFC tight end Tony Gonzalez (C) of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown as AFC safety Eric Berry (R) of the Kansas City Chiefs goes to tackle him during the second quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii January 30, 2011. REUTERS

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason had a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown to help seal the game as the NFC defense forced six turnovers.

Running backs Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings anchored the ground games of their respective teams and scored a touchdown apiece.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was playing in his 11th Pro Bowl while his NFC counterpart, Michael Vick, participated in his fourth and first since 2005, having spent nearly two years in prison on dog-fighting charges.

"This is a great experience to be voted by your coaches and peers," said Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback. "To get back so soon is just a blessing."

The Pro Bowl was played in advance of the Super Bowl for the second straight year after previously being contested after the season, and returned to its regular site in Honolulu following last year's break of tradition in Miami.