As we trend toward the start of January, the playoffs draw closer, and the weather grows colder. Week 15 became the first week of the season where teams could clinch playoff spots. On the other side of the coin,
there have already been multiple groups eliminated from postseason contention. No matter the record, there’s one big push around the league, and that’s Pro Bowl voting. While some fanbases are waiting for the offseason, others are gearing up for the playoffs. This week, we’ll take a break from projecting the future or projecting the playoff field and focus on one player from each team who deserves a Pro Bowl nod.
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3) Previous Week: 2
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: QB Matthew Stafford
When the Rams made the bold move to trade for Stafford in 2021, most believed that if they could get three good years out of him, the blockbuster deal would be worth it. Not only has Los Angeles already won a Super Bowl with him under center, but he’s firmly in the MVP race, and on pace to put up career highs in multiple categories. It’s hard to believe that the 37-year-old’s status heading into the regular season was up in the air due to chronic back issues, isn’t it? The Rams are loaded with talent, but it’s hard to deny that he’s their best player.
2. Denver Broncos (12-2) Previous Week: 3
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: LB Nik Bonitto
Like any team at (11-2), Denver has plenty of deserving players that should get a nod, but this is all about the “most deserving,” which would be their stud pass rusher. Bonitto broke out last season, received an extension, and has followed up on that with another fantastic season. The Broncos’ defensive front as a whole is flat-out dominant, but the former Oklahoma product is the best of the bunch. Although Broncos fans are focused on winning the Top seed in the AFC, there’s plenty of talent that should be honored at the end of the season.
3. Seattle Seahawks (11-3) Previous Week: 4
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba
Year 2 of Mike MacDonald has been as transformative as many Seahawks fans were hoping it would be. If it weren’t for the fact that they were in the deepest division in football, Seattle would be a sure-fire division-winner. They took a big gamble when swapping out Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf for Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp, yet it has worked out tremendously, even if Kupp hasn’t delivered top production. A big reason why is Smith-Njigba’s meteoric rise into the league’s elite receivers. Although he’s no longer tracking to break the single-season receiver yards record, he has a comfortable lead at the top for yards this season.
4. New England Patriots (11-3) Previous Week: 1
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: QB Drake Maye
Let’s be honest here, a Pro Bowl nod isn’t enough. Maye has been one of, if not the best, quarterbacks in the league. He’s firmly in the MVP race and deservedly so. Anytime a team can completely flip the script from one year to the next, it takes far more than one player. That said, it’s impossible to deny the second-year quarterback’s impact on this young team.
5. San Francisco 49ers (10-4) Previous Week: 6
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Christian McCaffrey
Although the 29-year-old is averaging under four yards per carry, he’s on pace for 2,000-plus scrimmage yards for the third time in his nine-year career. For all of the injuries that the 49ers have had, McCaffrey has been the most steady presence on the team. It’s hard to imagine that no matter what he does over the final three games of the year, this won’t be considered a “career year”, but it goes to show how good a player he is, even nine years into his impressive career.
6. Buffalo Bills (10-4) Previous Week: 7
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB James Cook
Despite the Bills being loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, including the 2024 MVP at quarterback, it’s been their newly extended running back who has had the best season. Cook, who is in his fourth year, is on pace to eclipse 2,000 scrimmage yards. Although he hasn’t been quite the same factor as a receiver as McCaffrey, he’s averaging over five yards per carry and has been the steadiest presence in the Bills’ offense in 2025. That extension is looking like quite the bargain right now.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) Previous Week: 5
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: DE Micah Parsons
Every front office and fan in the NFC North groaned when the Packers pulled off the most significant trade of the offseason. Landing a pass rusher is one thing; acquiring someone like Parsons is another. After all, he’s the only pass rusher in NFL history to start the first five years of his career with 12 or more sacks in each season. Not only has he been elite to begin his career, but he’s on pace to set a new single-season career high in sacks during his first year in Green Bay. The Packers had a talented defense before his arrival, but his presence has taken them to a new level, making them a Super Bowl contender almost overnight. Unfortunately for Parsons, he was lost for the year with a torn ACL, but it does not take away from his stellar first season in Green Bay.
8. Chicago Bears (10-4) Previous Week: 8
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: G Joe Thuney
Just days before the legal negotiation period opened, the Bears executed a pair of trades in back-to-back days to rebuild the interior of their offensive line. The second of those moves was none other than the four-time All-Pro. As a whole, Chicago retooled all three spots on their interior line, and although it took some time for them to gel, Thuney continues to be one of the league’s elite offensive linemen. According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney is the top-rated pass-blocking guard. He’s given up just one quarterback hit, committed two penalties, and given up no sacks. He’s been everything and more than the Bears could have hoped for.
9. Houston Texans (9-5) Previous Week: 9
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: DE Will Anderson
Rewinding to the 2023 NFL draft, Anderson was widely regarded as the best overall player in the class. Like usual, two quarterbacks went before him, but so far, it’s easy to argue that he’s been the best of the players taken in the Top 3. His third NFL season has led to his best performance, and he doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon. For as good as Danielle Hunter has been, it’s fair to argue that Anderson is the Texans’ best pass rusher. He’s one of, if not their best overall defender, which is high praise considering how talented their entire defense is.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) Previous Week: 12
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: LB Devin Lloyd
After a couple of failed seasons under former head coach Doug Pederson, the Jaguars are back on track and in complete control of the AFC South with just three weeks remaining. They’ve always had plenty of offensive talent, but last year’s uncharacteristic defensive performance appears to be in the rear-view mirror. The defensive line is getting after the quarterback more, but Lloyd has been the biggest difference-maker. Although he hasn’t played a full complement of snaps, he’s second in the league in interceptions, and grades out as PFF’s second-highest graded linebacker.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) Previous Week: 10
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: K Cameron Dicker
Just so we are clear: This is the most deserving, not the only deserving. With that in mind, Dicker is my pick, simply for how good he has been this season. Quarterback Justin Herbert has had a good season, as have other players on the defensive side of the ball, but if we’re going by the best season (no matter the position), it’s Dicker. Outside of Nick Folk, he’s been the most accurate kicker in the league. Even more impressive, he’s done it with 30-plus attempts, which most at the positions cannot claim.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) Previous Week: 13
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: LB Zack Baun
This was one of the hardest teams to make a definitive answer for. The Eagles are a vastly talented group, but they’ve had quite the season behind the scenes, and it’s starting to bleed into their play. That said, I focused on the defensive side of the ball (thanks to offensive injuries). It was between cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but ultimately Baun won out. Since coming over from the Saints, he’s been one of the best linebackers in the game, and despite the big payday during the offseason, he’s still producing at a high level.
13. Detroit Lions (8-6) Previous Week: 11
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Even in somewhat of a “down” season, this is still a team with plenty of talent. On the offensive side of the ball, there are receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, plus quarterback Jared Goff. Defensively, some of their stars in the secondary have missed time, but Aidan Hutchinson has 8.5 sacks and a 14% Pass Rush Win Rate. In the end, the best player on the team has been their third-year running back. Gibbs has been incredible, and in my estimation, he’s been what has kept this offense running so efficiently, even with the ups and downs. He’s continued to split the backfield with David Montgomery, but his explosiveness has been a huge difference-maker.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) Previous Week: 16
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: OG Isaac Seumalo
Pittsburgh was another tough team to circle as the most deserving. They have plenty of quality players, but none are really having big years. Seumalo is having the best year on the offensive line, and when all else fails, going to the trenches is always a safe bet. We’ll see how their stars perform over the final three games of the season, but losing T.J. Watt for the time being was not something they wanted to have to deal with.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) Previous Week: 14
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: OT Tristian Wirfs
Despite their hot start, the Bucs have been very hot and cold for much of the season. A big reason for that is the large number of injuries they’ve experienced, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Because of that, the usual suspects (Mike Evans, etc) didn’t play enough to qualify for this “honor”. Instead, I decided to go with a good-ole, steady presence at their elite left tackle. Wirfs is putting up another great season, and most importantly, has been available more often than not. The Bucs are a good team, but this was a tough one to pinpoint because of their health issues. Cornerback Jamel Dean was the runner-up, with a career-best season at age 29.
16. Baltimore Ravens (7-7) Previous Week 18
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Derrick Henry
2025 has been an odd season in Baltimore, and despite being a Super Bowl favorite, things haven’t really clicked for them. Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed some time and hasn’t looked the same since returning. The defense has been a disaster for most of the season. That said, this came down between two players.—one on each side of the ball. Safety Kyle Hamilton continues to be one of the league’s best defenders, but Henry has been the ultimate difference-maker on the offense side of the ball; thus, he gets the nod here.
17. Indianapolis Colts (8-6) Previous Week: 15
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Jonathan Taylor
Earlier in the season, quarterback Daniel Jones would have had something to say about this. Still, his play started to dip a little, and following a torn Achilles, Taylor is the unquestioned best player in Indianapolis for 2025. What’s there really to say about Taylor’s 2025 campaign? He’s averaging over five yards per carry and leads the league in rushing. On top of that, he has more total touchdowns than any other non-quarterback in the league. It’s a much easier case to make after the Jones’ season-ending injury.
18. Carolina Panthers (7-7) Previous Week: 17
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Rico Dowdell
In a league of surprising teams, the Panthers are right there in the mix for their first playoff spot since 2017. With two games remaining against the Bucs, that’s a division race to follow. As far as most deserving players, Dowdell has come out of virtually nowhere to have some of this season’s most prolific rushing performances. Despite not opening the season as the starter, he’s taken the job and run with it… Literally, he’s averaging close to five yards per carry.
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-8) Previous Week: 23
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: OT Brian O’Neill
To say that 2025 has been a tough year for the Vikings would be an understatement. Following up a 14-win season with whatever this has been hasn’t been easy on the eyes and hasn’t inspired much confidence in the future of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The defense has been good, but not as dominant as we expected. In the end, there’s plenty to figure out this offseason without a ton of cap flexibility. The plus side is that they have a pair of stud tackles, and that’s why O’Neill gets the nod here.
20. Miami Dolphins (6-8) Previous Week: 21
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: De’Von Achane
Teams always have to be wary in a free-agent season, but that said, Achane is having a career year and has been the most steady part of a very up-and-down offense. Not only is Achane going to get paid this offseason, but he’s also well within reach to finish in the Top 5 in rushing yards this year. The most impressive aspect of his game is that he continues to average close to six yards per carry behind a so-so offensive line.
21. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1) Previous Week: 20
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: QB Dak Prescott
The Cowboys are having one of those seasons where nothing can go right for too long. The defense has been a disaster for the most part, but their offense has been keeping them in most games. CeeDee Lamb has struggled with injuries despite having a productive year. George Pickens has been a revelation, as has Javonte Williams. In the end, this goes to the star quarterback, who has been playing lights out for almost all of the year. Even in a down year, Dallas has shown plenty of offensive stars.
22. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) Previous Week: 19
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: QB Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs are yet another team with plenty of talent that has been pretty disappointing. Any time a team makes the Super Bowl in three straight years, expectations will always be sky-high, but for the first time since 2017, they haven’t lived up to those. A talented roster is one thing, but Mahomes has been the best of the best on this roster, especially in a year where so many key players are underperforming. It’s unfortunate to see him go down with a knee injury, but the honor is still deserved.
23. Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) Previous Week: 22
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: WR Ja’Marr Chase
With a fully healthy season, this honor likely goes to quarterback Joe Burrow, but following his turf toe injury and a disastrous season, Chase is the true stand-out player on this roster in a tough season. Even with a rotating circus at quarterback, he’s up at the top in both receptions and receiving yards. I guess that’s what happens when you’re the most targeted pass catcher in football by a wide margin… Now we’ll see how many changes are made during the offseason.
24. Atlanta Falcons (5-9) Previous Week: 24
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: RB Bijan Robinson
The Falcons are in the midst of another disappointing season, but on the plus side, some of their highly drafted offensive weapons have shown up in significant ways. Tight end Kyle Pitts stole the headlines on Thursday night, but Robinson has been their most consistent (and best) player all season. Coming out of Texas, the Top 10 pick was one of the more promising offensive prospects. It hasn’t always been consistent, but he’s broken the 1,000-yard rushing mark for a second straight season. Not only is he a Top 5 rusher, but he’s also on pace to break the 800-yard receiving mark. It’s safe to say that he’s living up to his lofty draft status from 2023.
25. Washington Commanders (4-10) Previous Week: 29
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: OT Laremy Tunsil
2025 has been nothing short of a disaster in Washington. Just one year after shocking the entire league with a trip to the NFC Championship game, the questionable roster construction and aging players caught up to them in a big way. The good news is that Washington has plenty of cap flexibility, but keeping quarterback Jayden Daniels healthy will be the tricky part. With so many players coming back down to earth, Tunsil gets the nod here. He’s still one of the better left tackles in the league, even if he’s over the age of 30.
26. New Orleans Saints (4-10) Previous Week: 28
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: LB Demario Davis
New Orleans is very much in a much-needed transition, and although they still have a lot to sort through, it’s good to see them finally picking a direction (at least to a certain extent). Chris Olave was the runner-up here, but with such an inconsistent offense this year, Davis stood out as the most deserving player on the team. It’s still hard to believe that he was somewhat of a flier free agent, and has consistently played like one of the best linebackers in the league. Something tells me that a year from now, there will be much more competition on this front.
27. Cleveland Browns (3-11) Previous Week: 25
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: DE Myles Garrett
Was there a more obvious call to make than Garrett? He’s 1.5 sacks away from tying the NFL record with three games remaining. The Browns have plenty of young talent to be excited about, but having the league’s best edge rush helps keep their defensive unit in the Top 10 in the league. Breaking the record feels like a foregone conclusion, but he’s a great building block to have on such a young team that could see quite the breakout in 2026.
28. Arizona Cardinals (3-11) Previous Week: 26
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: TE Trey McBride
The trend at the bottom of this list is all about disappointment. The Cardinals are no different, and it hasn’t helped that Arizona’s quarterback situation has been challenging to follow most of the year. Even so, McBride has continued to be the most consistent force on the offensive side of the ball and has proven to be one of the best tight ends in football. With Marvin Harrison Jr. missing time on and off this season, McBride’s presence in the passing game has been a must.
29. New York Giants (2-12) Previous Week: 27
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: DE Brian Burns
Complete disasters for football teams in New York City (or East Rutherford, New Jersey)… Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so. Even with the young, promising players they have, the second half of the season hasn’t gone as planned with quarterback Jaxson Dart. Despite the impressive bevy of defensive linemen, the defense has not delivered many quality performances this year. That said, Burns has been worth everything and more since they traded for him, and 2025 has been no different.
30. New York Jets (3-11) Previous Week: 30
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: K Nick Folk
Not a lot has gone right for the Jets in Year 1 of a new regime, and after trading away two of their best players, nominating a kicker just feels right. To be fair, Folk has been outstanding this year, but any time a team loses this many games and lacks standout players, it shows how far away they are from contention. First-year general manager Darren Mougey sensed that and decided to sell off his valuable pieces at the deadline. For that, he deserves plenty of credit. We’ll see how things look this time next year. For now, the Jets should be sending their kicker to the Pro Bowl and nothing more.
31. Tennessee Titans (2-12) Previous Week: 31
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: OG Peter Skoronski
Not much has gone right for the Titans, including the fumble of yet another highly drafted quarterback. Firing their head coach in-season hasn’t paid off, but they’ll be banking on the upside of this roster to land them one of the top head coaches. On the plus side, Skoronski has rounded into one of the better guards in the league, which was much-needed when they took him so high in the 2023 NFL draft. We’ll see if rookie quarterback Cam Ward can experience a big Year 2 jump next season.
32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) Previous Week 32
Most Deserving Pro Bowler: DE Maxx Crosby
The Raiders are a mess and might be looking at another reset this offseason. If they were smart, they’d rip the band-aid off and do what the Jets did and trade their star players for value. For now, their team is headlined by Crosby, and 2025 has been no different. Crosby’s numbers aren’t quite as impressive as they have been, but he doesn’t have much talent to work with. He’d get back quite the haul for Vegas.
