This year, the NFL has eliminated the AFC/NFC distinction, and just selected Pro Bowlers at each position. The results:
Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots; Drew Brees, Saints; Peyton Manning, Broncos; Cam Newton, Panthers; Philip Rivers, Chargers; Russell Wilson, Seahawks.
No surprises here. With a full season, Nick Foles and Aaron Rodgers would have made this a more competitive race.
Running back: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs; Matt Forte, Bears; Frank Gore, 49ers; Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks; LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Adrian Peterson, Vikings.
Six of the seven rushing leaders, with Gore jumping ahead of Alfred Morris (fifth in rushing yards).
Fullback: Marcel Reece, Raiders; Mike Tolbert, Panthers.
Clear-cut picks if you read my Fullback Report.
Wide receiver: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Dez Bryant, Cowboys; Josh Gordon, Browns; A.J. Green, Bengals; Andre Johnson, Texans; Calvin Johnson, Lions; Brandon Marshall, Bears; Demaryius Thomas, Broncos.
Six of the top 7 leaders in receiving yards made it, with Alshon Jeffery missing out. Marshall is 11th in receiving yards but in the top seven in both receptions and receiving touchdowns, while Bryant ranks 15th in receiving yards but is tied for the lead among wide receivers in touchdowns.
Tight End: Jordan Cameron, Browns; Vernon Davis, 49ers; Jimmy Graham, Saints; Julius Thomas, Broncos.
If Cameron had 16 more receiving yards, these would be the top four tight ends in fantasy points. Instead it’s four of the top five, overlooking Tony Gonzalez. There’s a good chance Gonzalez makes his 14th Pro Bowl by the time the game comes around.
Tackle: Branden Albert, Chiefs; Jason Peters, Eagles; Tyron Smith, Cowboys; Joe Staley, 49ers; Joe Thomas, Browns; Trent Williams, Redskins.
Guard: Jahri Evans, Saints; Ben Grubbs, Saints; Mike Iupati, 49ers; Logan Mankins, Patriots; Louis Vasquez, Broncos; Marshal Yanda, Ravens.
Center: Ryan Kalil, Panthers; Alex Mack, Browns; Mike Pouncey, Dolphins; Max Unger, Seahawks.
I’ll be honest, I’m still a little surprised Maurkice Pouncey didn’t manage to sneak in here.
4-3 Defensive End: Greg Hardy, Panthers; Robert Quinn, Rams; Cameron Wake, Dolphins; Mario Williams, Bills.
The Pro Bowl ballot does not know how to handle the front seven, but I decided to break it down in the way that makes the most sense. Hard to argue much with these selections.
3-4 Defensive End: Cameron Jordan, Saints; Justin Smith, 49ers; J.J. Watt, Texans.
Calais Campbell and Muhammad Wilkerson left out in the cold.
Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle: Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers; Haloti Ngata, Ravens; Dontari Poe, Chiefs; Ndamukong Suh, Lions; Kyle Williams, Bills.
Hard to argue with these picks, although the Ngata selection was a bit reputation-based. Jurrell Casey left out despite 10.5 sacks.
Outside linebacker: John Abraham, Cardinals; Ahmad Brooks, 49ers; Tamba Hali, Chiefs; Justin Houston, Chiefs; Robert Mathis, Colts; Terrell Suggs, Ravens.
Not a single 4-3 outside linebacker? Von Miller was dominant when he played, but I can understand leaving him out. It’s less clear why none of Lavonte David, Thomas Davis, and DeAndre Levy made the list, other than #SACKS.
Inside linebacker: Navorro Bowman, 49ers; Vontaze Burfict, Bengals; Luke Kuechly, Panthers; Patrick Willis, 49ers.
Apparently, if you play weakside linebacker and record a ton of tackles, you are now an inside linebacker. Kuechly was a lock for this team, and the 49ers duo appears here a year after taking the two first-team All-Pro spots.
Cornerback: Brandon Flowers, Chiefs; Brent Grimes, Dolphins; Joe Haden, Browns; Patrick Peterson, Cardinals; Darrelle Revis, Buccaneers; Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Aqib Talib, Patriots; Alterraun Verner, Titans.
The average fan might be surprised by the presence of Grimes and Verner, but this list seems to fit with expectations.
Free safety: Jairus Byrd, Bills; Earl Thomas, Seahawks; Eric Weddle, Chargers.
Strong safety: Eric Berry, Chiefs; Kam Chancellor, Seahawks; Troy Polamalu, Steelers.
Three of the members of the Legion of Boom make the list, which makes sense when you consider how dominant the Seattle pass defense has been this year. Five Kansas City defensive players made the list.
Punter: Brandon Fields, Dolphins; John Hekker, Rams.
Placekicker: Matt Prater, Broncos; Justin Tucker, Ravens.
Punt returner: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Dexter McCluster, Chiefs.
Special teamer: Justin Bethel, Cardinals; Matt Slater, Patriots.
I’m done caring.