NFL Pro Bowl: Predicting the biggest AFC snubs of 2018

With half the season gone, the NFL Pro Bowl outlook should be starting to take shape with both the favorites and the sleepers lining up.

Yet like every year there will be a long list of names that get snubbed from entry. There are plenty of reasons that go into a player not getting a nod. It could be a long-standing veteran getting it ahead of them even though it probably isn’t as deserved. It could be they’re simply not playing for a good team. Or they may just get overshadowed by a more popular teammate. Knowing all this, who are some potential names in the AFC that are likely to feel that sting?

Deshaun Watson (QB, Houston Texans)

It’s clear that Patrick Mahomes has taken over the AFC with his ridiculous pace in touchdown passes and passing yards. Together with the resurgent Philip Rivers and it’s easy to lose sight of Watson. Despite getting pounded behind a suspect offensive line, he’s thrown for over 2300 yards with 17 touchdowns and just seven interceptions and a 100.8 quarterback rating. Considering he doesn’t have much weaponry outside of DeAndre Hopkins, this should make people appreciate him a little bit more.

Melvin Gordon (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)

A man trapped between two jaws. The first is playing the same offense as Rivers who is constantly viewed as its focal point. The other is fading into the background behind one of the best stories of 2018 in James Conner who is dominating in Pittsburgh in place of the departed Le’Veon Bell. Gordon has 579 yards and seven touchdowns already this season, averaging 5.4 per carry. He also hasn’t fumbled once. It’s just not enough people are noticing.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Another victim of the numbers game. Not only is Smith-Schuster trapped beneath the Conner storyline this year, but he’s also playing in the shadow of Antonio Brown on top of it. That’s rather funny considering JuJu has more receiving yards than his teammate at present. The problem is he’s only scored two touchdowns while Brown has nine. This will overshadow how good he’s become and that he could be the next go-to guy in the long-term.

Dee Ford (EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs)

If you play defense in Kansas City this year? You’re a second-class citizen. It’s an unfortunate truth. The offense has been so dominant and the defense so average that even the really good players are unlikely to get the needed support for a Pro Bowl nod. Combine that with playing in a loaded field with Von Miller, J.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett? Dee Ford never really had a chance. It’s amazing how eight sacks and four forced fumbles can be so overlooked.

Denzel Ward (CB, Cleveland Browns)

Two factors will play into why Ward, who’s been outstanding as a rookie, won’t reach Orlando. The first is he’s playing on the Browns and that makes it challenging. The defense is under a lot of scrutinies for their horrific execution of late. Then there’s the fact he’s been dealing with injuries too. Yet he’s tied for the AFC lead in both interceptions (3) and passes defended (12). His lone benefit could be how limited the conference cornerback crop looks at present.

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