Surprise Picks For The Pro Bowl: Part One AFC Offensive Edition

Hey everybody! Thank you for tuning in to read my predictions for the AFC Pro Bowl. Yes, I am aware that this is a bit early.

But, I wanted to write this article BEFORE it became glaringly obvious who would make it and who wouldn't.

I am counting players who may pass on their Pro Bowl ticket, including the big man in the photo to the left.

But anyway, thank you for reading my first slide, and let's get on with the article!

Starting Quarterback

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants and Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts embrace following the Colts 38-14 win at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Im

Who did you seriously expect to come in at top dog in the AFC? Peyton Manning of course. He has everything in his favor.

Great receiving corps with all of his receivers having crisp route running and great hands.

Great offensive line built just for defending the pass.

Great offensive scheme. Personal philosophy: includes having fewer than ten rushes per game being a possibility.

Peyton Manning has everything going his way this year, and it shows in his stats, which include leading the league in yards and touchdowns. Also, let's not forget he has no interceptions yet. Very nice considering he had 16 last year.

Quarterback Second String

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after defeating the New York Jets during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andre

Just kidding. The new Broadway Joe is leading the league in interceptions with six. Also, he has a passer rating hovering around 40. Who would have expected this kind of season with such fantastic receivers?

Anyway, please continue.

REAL Second String Quarterback

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Ima

Phillip Rivers has played very well so far considering his lack of Pro Bowlers Vincent Jackson (Wide receiver) and Marcus McNeill (starting left tackle).

He has played second best in the AFC so far this season and I think you can expect him to continue. The injury to Ryan Matthews hurts, but realistically, it is not a huge hit to the team.

As long as the receivers can keep their hands made of glue, and the defense can try and play stingy, the Chargers have a successful season.

Starting Running Back

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs against the New York Jets during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Ray Rice, despite the Ravens mediocre offense, has been playing very well. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry against the Bengals and probably would have had a few touchdowns if they gave him the ball more than a handful of times.

He has great speed, quickness, and strength. He is a very good blocker and has a lot going his way.

With how badly Flacco has been playing, the Ravens will have to hand it off to Rice more, increasing his fantasy value and overall stats.

Also, let's not forget how great the offensive line is...

And he is looking at a great season to come.

Second String Running Back

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 12: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers high fives fans on his way to the locker room after running for the game winning 50-yard touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL season opener game on September 12,

Rashard Mendenhall has shown to be an excellent player throughout the last 14 games.

He has the speed to break away from the defense, the acceleration to hit the hole at full speed and the strength to just shake off who and whatever he wants. If not for the atrocious offensive line, he could be leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. He is fourth in the NFL in yards and has nearly 200 yards so far.

He has good hands as far as receiving the ball goes, he is a team play and a great blocker, and he just does everything you want. He is a legitimate back and you can expect a lot from him.

Running Back Honorable Mentions

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tackles Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers won 19-11. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Yes, I am aware that Chris Johnson was not there. It was not an accident. I am also not grading based off of the Pittsburgh game.

I think that the Steelers left a blue-print on how to stop Chris Johnson. Teams will stack the box against him and force Young/Collins to pass on them. odds are that they can, but Chris Johnson will not be the main cog of the team.

Also, LaDainian Tomlinson is very deserving of some respect. he had seven yards per carry against the Patriots and if he had more than 11 carries, he was destined for a 125+ yard game.

Starting Wide Receiver

Larry French/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans makes a catch against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins lead Texans 20-7 at the half. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

DUH! Andre Johnson is easily the best wide receiver in the NFL and he juts had a game-tying catch on fourth down against the Redskins. That eventually led to the Texans winning the game.

He has the speed, strength and amazing hands you want from a receiver. He is the prototype NFL wide receiver without a doubt.

He has played great up to this point and you can expect him to continue. He isn't leading the league in yards yet or anything, but he missed a lot of the Redskins game and I think he would have undoubtedly gotten to 200 yards.

Second, Third, and Foruth Receiver

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Wide receiver Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Reggie Wayne is without a doubt the safest wide receiver in the NFL. He is quiet, and makes big catches. He just doesn't have drops. He has arguably the best route-running in the NFL and as I mentioned...just...does not drop the ball. That is something that is a necessity in a wide receiver.

Wes Welker- I know. I know he usually is not lighting it up from a Yards Per Catch perspective, but he makes more than 100 every year. He too has extremely safe hands and he is extremely quick.

Chad Ochocinco. He will even out as far as his performance goes and won't average 100 yards per game forever. But, that being said, I don't see anyone else making it in the AFC. He has a lot of skill and Terrell Owens makes everything easier for him.

Starting Tight End

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets reacts after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsa

Normally, this spot is reserved for Antonio Gates, but this year is different.

I am not calling Mark Sanchez a great quarterback, but he has a 96 passer rating and lit up the Patriots. Also, who is his favorite target? This guy, right here.

He is a decent blocker and has fantastic hands, especially at tight end. I think he has an excellent future ahead of him and it is starting this year.

Second String Tight End

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Antonio Gates #85 of the San Diego Chargers jumps into the endzone to score a touchdwon in front of Sean Considine #37 and Russell Allen #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on September

No, Dallas Clark is not on here. I am aware of this. Clark gets all of the yards, but Gates gets touchdowns.

So far this year, Antonio Gates has there touchdown and looks to expand on that number more. You can definitely count on him to do so.

He is known for his receiving, but has become a decent blocker.

But, obviously, his strength is on the plays where he makes catches. He holds the record (tied with Vernon Davis) for the most touchdowns in one season by a tight end, as 13!

He will definitely make the Pro Bowl.

Starting Offensive Linemen

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 01: Tommie Harris #91 of the Chicago Bears is double-teamed blocked by Joe Thomas #73 and Eric Steinbach #65 of the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field on November 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Browns 30-6. (Photo b

You know a guy is underrated when he is 11 pages into Getty Images. Joe Thomas is the most underrated lineman in the NFL, but is in reality the best left tackle in the NFL. He has the great ability to stop players from getting through him with his strength, and has the speed to stop the Freeney's and Abraham's of the NFL.

Left Guard-Kris Dielman. His pass blocking ability is superb, and while he is less than unbelievable against the run, his pass blocking makes up for it. He allows very few sacks, and I know that Phillip Rivers can attest to that.

Center-Come on dude....obviously it is Nick Mangold. He is the best center in the league and arguably the best lineman outside of Joe Thomas and Jake Long. He is a fantastic player and a great locker influence. He has great leadership and works hard every play. He is arguably my favorite lineman.

Right Guard-Chris Kuper. He is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NFL and has great skill all around. He is very good with his pass blocking, run blocking, and is extremely athletic. Also, let's not forget that the NFC dominates the right side of the line. Three or four of the top five at both positions are NFC.

Right Tackle-D'Brickashaw Ferguson. The guy is a beast. The 6'6" 310 right tackle from the Jets is the best right tackle int he NFL. He has the speed and strength to outmatch every defensive end he faces, and the skill too.

The Conclusion

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 02: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the preseason game on September 2, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Here is my first AFC offensive Pro Bowl roster.

Quarterback-Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers

Running Back- Ray Rice, Rashard Mendenhall

Wide Receivers- Andre Johnson, Wes Welker, and Chad Ochocinco

Tight Ends- Dustin Keller, Antonio Gates

Offensive lineman from left to right- Joe Thomas, Kris Dielman, Nick Mangold, Chris Kuper, and D'Brickashaw Ferguso

Contact

Pool/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 7: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in the Oval Office of the White House September 7, 2010 in Washington, DC. According to reports, Rasmussen said September 7, that NATO forc

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