Now that we are about halfway through the regular season, it is time to start considering which players are deserving of the Pro Bowl. For this series, we will look at the three most deserving candidates for each team. Obviously, some teams will have more or less than three players selected to the Pro Bowl, but for simplicity purposes, we will discuss the top three either way.
Top Midseason Pro Bowl Candidates: New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. is looking to make his second Pro Bowl after reaching the Pro Bowl during his sensational rookie season. He is on pace for 100 receptions, 1,308 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns right now, despite being limited with hamstring issues during multiple games. He is currently tenth in the league in receiving yards with 654 and tied for first in the league with 7 receiving touchdowns. Now that he is fully healthy, look for more explosive games like his performance against New Orleans. Since Beckham is a well-known personality and there are eight slots for wide receivers in the Pro Bowl (potentially more for replacements), he should have no problem if he continues to put up big numbers.
Eli Manning
Eli Manning is looking to make his fourth Pro Bowl, and so far he has the highest Quarterback Rating of his career (99.9). He is currently seventh in the league in passing yards with 2,126 and fourth in the league in passing touchdowns with 17. His completion percentage of 66.0 would also be a career high if it stands and he has led his team to first place in the NFC East. However, perhaps the most important number for Eli Manning this season is that he has only thrown four interceptions. Only three starting quarterbacks who have played the majority of their teams’ games have thrown less interceptions. If he continues to put up similar numbers for the last eight games of the season, he will almost definitely be in the Pro Bowl (as a replacement at worst).
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been a bright spot on a struggling Giants defense, especially since the injury to Prince Amukamara. He is looking for his second career Pro Bowl, as he has not reached one since 2009. He is tied for fifth in the league with five interceptions and he is tied for fourth in the league with three forced fumbles. He has also scored two touchdowns (one after an interception and one after a fumble recovery). He will face some stiff competition for one of the eight cornerback slots, but he has a very good chance to make it as a replacement. However, no cornerback has forced more turnovers (interceptions and forced fumbles combined) this season, so if he continues to wreak havoc, he will definitely earn a spot.
I was seriously considering Dwayne Harris for one of these slots because he leads the league in average yards per kick return, but since there are only two Pro Bowl slots for returners and many talented returners, I left him off.
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