Fantasy Pro Bowl rosters: Who makes the cut from each conference?
With the Pro Bowl just days away, let's take a look at how the rosters would be filled out if they were based solely on players' 2018 fantasy performances.
AFCQuarterback
Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / GettyPatrick Mahomes, Chiefs
In his first year as a starter, Mahomes had one of the best fantasy seasons of all time, nearly matching Peyton Manning's lofty totals from 2013. You might as well reserve his spot on both the real-life and fantasy Pro Bowl rosters for the next decade.
Honorable mention: Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck
Running Back
Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyMelvin Gordon, Chargers
Even though he was limited to just 12 games due to injury, Gordon still emerged with more fantasy points than any other back in the AFC.
James Conner, Steelers
Conner also had his season cut short by injury yet still finished as a top-seven back in both standard and PPR formats.
Joe Mixon, Bengals
Despite playing in an offense plagued by injuries, Mixon refused to have his breakout delayed any longer. He finished with the fourth-most fantasy points among AFC rushers, behind only Gordon, Conner, and the exiled Kareem Hunt.
Honorable mention: Phillip Lindsay, Derrick Henry
Wide Receiver
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDeAndre Hopkins, Texans
Hopkins ended the year second in receiving yards (1,572), third in receptions (115), and fifth in receiving touchdowns (11). He was the only player in the league to crack the top five in all three categories.
Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
Hill, who's still playing on his rookie contract, erupted for 87 catches, 1,479 receiving yards, 151 rushing yards, and 14 combined touchdowns. His transformation from gadget player to true No. 1 receiver is complete.
Antonio Brown, Steelers
It's unfortunate that Brown's stellar season has been overshadowed by his rift with the Pittsburgh Steelers and rumors of him being traded in the offseason. Don't forget, this was his sixth straight year with over 100 receptions and 1,200 yards. And he just happened to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2018 with 15.
Honorable mention: JuJu Smith-Schuster, T.Y. Hilton
Tight End
Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images Sport / GettyTravis Kelce, Chiefs
Not only was Kelce fantasy's No. 1 scoring tight end, but his stats would have made him a top-nine fantasy wide receiver as well.
Eric Ebron, Colts
After compiling 12 total touchdowns in his four seasons with the Detroit Lions, Ebron put up 14 in just one campaign with the Indianapolis Colts. He also set career marks for receptions (66) and receiving yards (750), vaulting him to TE4 on the year.
Honorable mention: Jared Cook, Rob Gronkowski
Defense
Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / GettyHouston Texans
The AFC really didn't have an impact defense in 2018, but the Texans took advantage of an extremely easy schedule to stand above the pack.
Honorable mention: Baltimore Ravens
Kicker
Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyKa'imi Fairbairn, Texans
Fairbairn led all kickers in fantasy points, thanks in part to a pair of five-field goal games down the stretch that helped his owners at the most crucial time of their seasons.
Honorable mention: Justin Tucker
NFCQuarterback
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyMatt Ryan, Falcons
While he was well behind the pace set by Mahomes, Ryan was the top scoring fantasy quarterback from the NFC. He averaged nearly 40 more passing yards per game than Drew Brees and outlasted Cam Newton, whose season was ended early due to injury.
Honorable mention: Drew Brees, Cam Newton
Running Back
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyTodd Gurley, Rams
Gurley averaged over three points more per game than any other back in standard leagues and two points more in PPR formats during the regular season.
Saquon Barkley, Giants
It didn't take long for Barkley to secure a spot among the elite at his position. At just 21 years old, the New York Giants' first-round pick posted at least 100 yards from scrimmage in 13 of his 16 rookie outings.
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
Many questioned McCaffrey's ability to hold up to a full workload in the pros. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back put those doubts to rest with a 326-touch campaign, third most in the NFL.
Honorable mention: Alvin Kamara, Ezekiel Elliott
Wide Receiver
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDavante Adams, Packers
Adams posted the most fantasy points of any NFC pass-catcher while setting career highs in receptions (111), receiving yards (1,386), and touchdowns (13). His weekly production featured at least 81 yards or a touchdown.
Julio Jones, Falcons
Even when he's not scoring touchdowns, like in the first half of the campaign, Jones is still racking up yardage at an unprecedented rate. The Falcons star led the league with 1,677 receiving yards in 2018 and has eclipsed 1,400 yards in each of the last five seasons.
Michael Thomas, Saints
Thomas hauled in the most passes league-wide this season with 125. It's hard not to give the nod to Adam Thielen, who started the year with eight consecutive 100-yard games, but Thomas maintained a more consistent pace throughout the campaign.
Honorable mention: Adam Thielen, Mike Evans
Tight End
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyZach Ertz, Eagles
Ertz remained an elite fantasy option and his value was highest in PPR leagues given his 116 receptions, which were the most ever by a tight end and second to only Thomas in 2018.
George Kittle, 49ers
Kittle set the single-season record for yards by a tight end with 1,377, finishing as a top-three fantasy player at his position in his sophomore campaign. If he can increase his touchdown total, he'll rival Kelce as fantasy's best tight end.
Honorable mention: O.J. Howard, Evan Engram
Defense
Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / GettyChicago Bears
The Khalil Mack trade took the Bears' defense from a top-10 unit and turned it into a week-winner in fantasy. It averaged just under three fantasy points per game more than the next closest defense.
Honorable mention: New Orleans Saints
Kicker
Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyWil Lutz, Saints
Targeting a kicker on a team with a high-scoring offense is always the best approach, especially when 11 of his 16 games are played indoors.
Honorable mention: Greg Zuerlein
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