Pro Bowl Predictions 2016: Rosters For NFL Game Include 5 Players On Patriots, Seahawks, Vikings And Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have bulldozed the entire NFL for a 14-0 record, and as a result as many as seven members of the Super Bowl favorite should be named to the 2016 Pro Bowl. Based on our predictions below, the Panthers should lead the NFL with seven players named to the league’s all-star game, including the three-headed attack of quarterback Cam Newton, running back Jonathan Stewart, and tight end Greg Olsen, as well as linebacker Luke Kuechly and cornerback Josh Norman.

After Carolina, five members of the defending champion New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks, and the upstart Minnesota Vikings make our roster on both sides of the ball. Other teams expected to receive multiple invitations include the Bengals (4), Cardinals (4), Cowboys (4), Packers (4), Steelers (3), Broncos (3), Texans (3), Falcons (3), Rams (3), Buccaneers (2), Browns (2), and Saints (2).

Typically there’s little turnover at most skill positions year-over-year, but injuries played a major role at running back this year. Not a single running back from 2014’s Pro Bowl class made it on this year’s list, largely due to season-ending injuries rather than poor play.

This was, however, a year for a solid rookie class. Rams running back Todd Gurley leads the way, followed by Seahawks receiver and returner Tyler Lockett, and Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters.

The full, official rosters will be announced Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on the NFL Network. In a repeat of last year, a full draft will be held on Jan. 27 with Hall of Fame receivers Michael Irvin and Jerry serving as NFL Legends Captains dividing the league’s best players into two super squads.

The game kicks off on Jan. 31, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Quarterbacks

Cam Newton, Panthers; Carson Palmer, Cardinals; Tom Brady, Patriots; Ben Roethlisberger; Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Russell Wilson, Seahawks

Running backs

Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Jonathan Stewart, Panthers; Doug Martin, Buccaneers; Devonta Freeman, Falcons; Todd Gurley, Rams; DeAngelo Williams, Steelers

Wide receivers

Julio Jones, Falcons; Antonio Brown, Steelers; Odell Beckham Jr., Giants; DeAndre Hopkins, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Jets; Allen Robinson, Jaguars; Doug Baldwin, Seahawks; Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

Tight ends

Greg Olsen, Panthers; Rob Gronkowski, Patriots; Tyler Eifert, Bengals; Gary Barnidge, Browns

Fullback

Patrick DiMarco, Falcons; John Kuhn, Packers

Tackles

Tyron Smith, Cowboys; Joe Staley, 49ers; Joe Thomas, Browns; Trent Williams, Redskins; Jared Veldheer, Cardinals; Terron Armstead, Saints

Guards

James Carpenter, Jets; Zack Martin, Cowboys, Josh Sitton, Packers; Trai Turner, Panthers; Mike Iuapti, Cardinals; Jahri Evans, Saints

Center

Travis Frederick, Cowboys; Nick Mangold, Jets; Ryan Kalil, Panthers; Joe Berger, Vikings

Defensive Ends

J.J. Watt, Texans; Khalil Mack, Raiders; Ezekiel Ansah, Lions; Chandler Jones, Patriots; Carlos Dunlap, Bengals; Michael Bennett, Seahawks

Defensive Tackles

Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets; Geno Atkins, Bengals; Aaron Donald, Rams; Kawann Short, Panthers; Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers; Jabaal Sheard, Patriots

Outside Linebacker

Von Miller, Broncos; Tamba Hali, Chiefs; Julius Peppers, Packers; Justin Houston, Chiefs; Anthony Barr, Vikings; K.J. Wright, Seahawks

Inside Linebacker

Luke Kuechly, Panthers; Derrick Johnson, Chiefs; Lawrence Timmons, Steelers; Jerrell Freeman, Colts

Cornerback

Adam Jones, Bengals; Josh Norman, Panthers, Ronald Darby, Bills; Patrick Peterson, Cardinals; Darius Slay, Lions; Chris Harris, Jr., Broncos; Marcus Peters, Chiefs; Johnathan Joseph, Texans

Free Safety

Tyrann Mathieu, Cardinals; Harrison Smith, Vikings; Kurt Coleman, Panthers; Reggie Nelson, Bengals

Strong Safety

Reshad Jones, Dolphins; Mike Adams, Colts

Punter

Pat McAfee, Colts; Johnny Hekker, Rams

Placekicker

Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots; Dan Bailey, Cowboys

Return Specialist

Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings; Tyler Lockett, Seahawks

Special Teamer

Darren Sproles, Eagles; Omar Bolden, Broncos