The Kansas City Chiefs are a few hours away from finding out who will be in the 2011 Pro Bowl. The NFL will announce the 2011 Pro Bowlers on NFL Network this evening at 6:00 p.m. (Arrowhead time). The Chiefs didn't have anyone atop the fan voting released last week but that was (partially) to be expected considering their market and where they've been the last few years.
Last week the players and coaches issued their Pro Bowl votes so those combined with the fan vote will determine the final vote.
So which Chiefs will make it? Here are my predictions on who gets in:
QB Matt Cassel -- He has the numbers to merit consideration but I imagine guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers will get in first. I will predict that Cassel is an alternate because Brady and/or Manning could miss the game if they're in the Super Bowl, or simply not play.
RB Jamaal Charles -- He's second in the NFL right now in rushing and he's been among the most efficient in league history. Charles deserves this more than anyone. He's the best back on a playoff team (by a large margin).
WR Dwayne Bowe -- I'm really hoping Bowe makes it but I'm not completely confident that he will. As with all the other positions, there's great competition. Bowe had an amazing streak where he put up 13 touchdowns in seven games and he currently leads the NFL with 15 touchdown receptions.
CB Brandon Flowers -- The torch will be passed and Flowers will get his Pro Bowl vote. Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha will be up there as well but Flowers should get in, too.
LB Tamba Hali -- He's been consistent throughout the year and does a lot of things that coaches would notice that don't show up on your typical stat sheet. Fans may not know who he is (partly because he doesn't talk much) but coaches and players should.
Others: I could see an offensive lineman -- Ryan Lilja, Brian Waters or Casey Wiegmann -- as well as a safety (Eric Berry) or another linebacker (Derrick Johnson).