SELECTIONS
Jamaal Charles, RB, fourth Pro Bowl selection: Charles isn’t having a vintage season. He still needs 21 rushing yards to get to 1,000 and his production as a receiver is far down from where it was last year. But Charles is still gaining 5.1 yards per carry and is tied for second in the league in touchdowns with 14.
Dontari Poe, NT, second Pro Bowl selection: Poe won this spot more by reputation than with his play. He, by a lot of measures, hasn't played as well as he did last season, when he first played in the Pro Bowl. He is the 35th-rated defensive tackle by Pro Football Focus. Still, Poe has a career-high five sacks.
Justin Houston, OLB, third Pro Bowl selection: If the Chiefs had a no-brainer selection, it's Houston. He is the NFL leader in sacks with 18, giving him a very remote chance at the league's single-season record of 22.5. But Houston is a superb all-around defender. He is far and away the highest-rated 3-4 outside linebacker by Pro Football Focus.
Tamba Hali, OLB, fourth Pro Bowl selection: Unless Hali has a big game on Sunday, he will finish the season with his lowest sack total since 2008. He has six, putting him far down the statistical list. But Hali has also been a strong all-around player. He also has played well against the run and is having a solid season in pass coverage.