7 Raiders picked for Pro Bowl
NEW YORK — After more than a decade as the NFL’s black hole, the Oakland Raiders are back in the playoffs and filling up the Pro Bowl.
The Raiders, enjoying their first winning season in 14 years, lead the league with seven players selected for next month’s all-star game to be played in Orlando, Fla.
Quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper, center Rodney Hudson, defensive end Khalil Mack, safety Reggie Nelson, guard Kelechi Osemele and tackle Donald Penn were picked from Oakland.
Six members of the Atlanta Falcons (9-5) were selected, most among NFC teams.
Despite missing the first four games of the season because of his “Deflategate” suspension, New England quarterback Tom Brady was picked for the 12th time in his career. Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas and Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were honored for the 10th time.
Fitzgerald’s 10 Pro Bowl selections are the second-most in NFL history by a wide receiver. Only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (13) has more.
Twenty-six of the 32 teams had at least one player picked. Twenty players were chosen for the first time, including three rookies: Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott from Dallas, and Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill.
Among the notable omissions was Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. The first-place Lions, who lead the NFC North at 9-5, did not have a single representative.
Carolina’s Cam Newton, last season’s NFL MVP, was not picked, either.
After the Raiders and Falcons, the Cowboys, Steelers and Titans were next with five players selected.
In addition to Prescott and Elliott, offensive linemen Travis Frederick, Zack Martin and Tyron Smith were picked from Dallas.
GIANTS: The NFL has fined New York, coach Ben McAdoo and moved the team’s fourth-round pick in next year’s draft to the end of the round because the rookie coach used a walkie-talkie for about five plays during the fourth quarter of a game against Dallas a little more than a week ago.
The league notified the Giants on Tuesday that the franchise was fined $150,000 and McAdoo was fined $50,000.
McAdoo used the walkie-talkie early in the fourth quarter after his communications system malfunctioned.
JETS: New York QB Bryce Petty said his bruised chest is feeling better and he expects to play Saturday at New England. POWER RANKINGS: New England (12-2) was the unanimous choice for the top spot in the AP Pro32 poll released Tuesday. Dallas (12-2) remained No. 2.