Harrison Smith, S, second Pro Bowl selection: Despite missing the Vikings' last two games with a sprained left ankle, Smith already had established himself as one of the league's best safeties. He has a pair of sacks as part of the Vikings' blitz packages this season, and though he doesn't have an interception, he has recovered a pair of fumbles.
Everson Griffen, DE, second Pro Bowl selection: Griffen has eight sacks this season, after posting double-digit sacks each of the past two seasons, and largely has been solid against the run. He's also forced two fumbles and recovered two others.
Xavier Rhodes, CB, first Pro Bowl selection: The fourth-year cornerback is being rewarded for his best season, in which he's been asked to control a number of big-name receivers and has displayed improved ball skills. His four interceptions are twice as many as he had in his career before this season and he's tied for third in the NFC in interceptions. His 100-yard return for a touchdown against the Cardinals on Nov. 20 helped the Vikings post one of their two wins since Oct. 9.
Cordarrelle Patterson, return specialist, second Pro Bowl selection: Patterson leads the NFL in kick return average for the third time in his career and would set a NFL record by leading the league three times in his first four seasons. He has one return touchdown and a 31.5-yard average this year, and has embraced a role as a gunner on the Vikings' punt coverage teams.
SNUBS
Kyle Rudolph, TE: The 2013 Pro Bowl MVP was left off the roster, despite setting career highs in catches (66) and yards (670). He has six receiving touchdowns, which are the second-most of his career, and has clicked with quarterback Sam Bradford in his first season with the Vikings.
Danielle Hunter, DE: The 22-year-old was likely going to need another year to raise awareness about his play around the league, and he was left off the roster despite posting 10.5 sacks in a rotational role. Hunter also has a safety this season and returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in the Vikings' season-opening win over the Titans.