The NFL announced on Tuesday its initial roster of Pro Bowlers based on fan, coach and player voting. There was not a single Vikings player on the list of 86 Pro Bowlers, the first time since 1983 that has occurred. With injury and Super Bowl replacements to be named eventually, it's possible the Vikings will have players selected to participate, but for the time being the Vikings have been left in the cold.

There will not be a complete lack of Vikings representation, though, because two former Vikings – Cris Carter and John Randle – will be coaches in the game.

Were any Vikings snubbed from this year's Pro Bowl? A convincing case can be made for two…

DE Everson GriffenIn his first season as a starter after signing a big contract extension this past offseason, Griffen responded in a big way. His 12.0 sacks are a career high and are the most among all NFC DEs, and the total also ranks eighth best in the NFL and third best among all DEs. Griffen's 68 tackles and 20 tackles for loss are also both career highs. He also has three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a return touchdown off a blocked punt.

S Harrison SmithForget being an all-star at safety. One could argue Smith is one of the better all-around defensive players in the entire League. He is the only player in the NFL this season and just the fourth defensive back in team history to have at least three interceptions and 3.0 sacks. Smith's five interceptions on the season rank tied for third in the NFL, and he also leads the Vikings in tackles with 116. He's filled the stat sheet in other areas, as well, with nine pass breakups, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble.