As the calendar moves into the new year, the NFL is preparing for the final week of the regular season. Players are looking to cash in on incentives, and some teams will be fighting for playoff positioning in the last game on the schedule.
The switch to a new year also brings the reveal of the season’s Pro Bowl rosters, as the best players from the NFC and AFC are honored for their individual performances.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been the best team in the NFL this season, losing only once in their first 16 games. They’ve wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and will host each playoff game they play.
Five Chiefs players were selected to the Pro Bowl, but for the first time since his inaugural season as a starter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was not among them.
Fans on social media are reacting to Mahomes, a six-time Pro Bowler, being left off this year’s list.
“The Pro Bowl voting system is a JOKE! Not having Mahomes or McDuffie on the roster after leading a back to back Super Bowl team to a 15-1 record w/16 players designated to IR this yr is flat out EMBARRASSING & shows the overall lack of football knowledge by the general public,” said one fan, also advocating for Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie.
“Told you about Mahomes. No way he belongs on this Pro Bowl roster,” said Skip Bayless, who has been critical of Mahomes’ play this season.
“Yes! Patrick Mahomes didn’t make it to the Pro Bowl this year…last thing the league wants is a pissed off Patrick come playoff time,” one Chiefs fan said, hoping that the snub would lead to motivation.
“Wow…Pat Mahomes shut out of Pro Bowl. No respect for his accomplishments and a 15-1 season,” another fan said.
“Keeping Mahomes of the pro bowl just in time for the playoffs doesn’t seem the wisest idea for AFC defences,” said one fan.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Mahomes was not selected for the Pro Bowl, but Kansas City is well represented with five players on the AFC roster. Travis Kelce was selected for the 10th time in his career, joined by offensive linemen Creed Humphrey, Joe Thuney and Trey Smith as well as defensive lineman Chris Jones.
The Baltimore Ravens led the way among NFL teams this year with nine Pro Bowl selections, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry.
We’ll see if the Pro Bowl snub adds an extra chip on Mahomes’ shoulder come playoff time. The Chiefs will end their regular season on Sunday at 4:25 ET against the Denver Broncos.
