No Lions selected to Pro Bowl

Allen Park — Despite a 9-5 record and being first place in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions have been shut out of the Pro Bowl.

The Lions didn’t have many strong candidates for the NFL’s annual All-Star game, with quarterback Matthew Stafford, cornerback Darius Slay, kicker Matt Prater and punter Sam Martin being the team’s top options.

Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Dallas’ Dak Prescott were selected ahead of Stafford. All three rank ahead of the Detroit signal-caller in passer rating and QBR.

Martin and Prater have been named first alternates, if Falcons kicker Matt Bryant or Rams punter Johnny Hekker aren't able to play in the game. Stafford and Slay are second alternates at their positions. 

Players are selected to the Pro Bowl by a combination of fan, coaches and player votes, with each counting for one-third of the process.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @justin_rogers

Lions' Decker focused on line's issues, not Elliott's success