The NFL’s annual showcase of star power is heating up, and the early fan voting returns for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games are already turning heads. With the league’s top talent set to descend on San Francisco for this year’s AFC vs. NFC showdown, fans are making their voices heard-and some of the names leading the pack might surprise you.
Let’s break down who’s generating the most buzz so far, what it could mean for the final 88-man roster, and how the early leaders reflect both fan sentiment and on-field performance.
Drake Maye Leads the Charge
At the top of the leaderboard? None other than New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who’s pulled in a league-high 31,452 votes.
For a first-year player to lead all vote-getters is rare air, and it speaks volumes about how quickly Maye has captured the imagination of fans. Whether it’s his poise in the pocket, his ability to extend plays, or the flashes of brilliance he’s shown in a rebuilding Patriots offense, Maye’s Pro Bowl buzz is more than just hype-it’s a reflection of a young QB making serious noise.
Right behind him is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seattle Seahawks wideout who’s become a go-to target in a crowded receiver room. With 27,162 votes, Smith-Njigba is the NFC’s top vote-getter at wide receiver and has clearly made a leap in his second season. His route running and yards-after-catch ability have helped him stand out in a league overflowing with elite pass catchers.
Defensive Stars Getting Their Due
In third place overall is Micah Parsons, now suiting up for the Green Bay Packers and continuing to wreak havoc off the edge. With 25,155 votes, Parsons leads all defensive players and is the top NFC vote-getter at defensive end. His transition to Green Bay hasn’t slowed him down one bit-he remains one of the most feared disruptors in the game.
Just a few votes behind is Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, who’s having a resurgent season at running back. With 25,134 votes, Taylor leads all AFC running backs, showing that when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the most dynamic runners in football.
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions rounds out the top five with 24,951 votes. Gibbs has brought a different gear to Detroit’s backfield-his explosiveness and versatility make him a perfect fit in the Lions’ offense, and clearly, fans are taking notice.
Notable Names in the Top 10
San Francisco’s own Christian McCaffrey is sitting just outside the top five with 24,636 votes, and you can bet the Bay Area faithful will be pushing hard to get him into the starting lineup for a game being played in his backyard. McCaffrey remains a matchup nightmare and a central figure in the 49ers’ offense.
Veteran quarterbacks Matthew Stafford (Rams, 24,335 votes) and Josh Allen (Bills, 23,238 votes) are also in the mix, joined by defensive stalwart Myles Garrett (Browns, 23,831 votes), who continues to dominate as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
And don’t overlook Kyle Juszczyk, the 49ers’ Swiss Army knife fullback, who’s pulled in 22,982 votes-a testament to how fans appreciate the unsung heroes who do the dirty work.
Position-by-Position Leaders: AFC vs. NFC
Let’s take a closer look at who’s leading the vote at each position across both conferences:
Quarterbacks
- AFC: Drake Maye (Patriots)
- NFC: Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Running Backs
- AFC: Jonathan Taylor (Colts)
- NFC: Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions)
Fullbacks
- AFC: Adam Prentice (Broncos)
- NFC: Kyle Juszczyk (49ers)
Wide Receivers
- AFC: Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)
- NFC: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks)
Tight Ends
- AFC: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
- NFC: Trey McBride (Cardinals)
Offensive Line
- Tackles: Dion Dawkins (Bills, AFC); Penei Sewell (Lions, NFC)
- Guards: Quenton Nelson (Colts, AFC); Joe Thuney (Bears, NFC)
- Centers: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs, AFC); Drew Dalman (Bears, NFC)
Defensive Line
- Defensive Ends: Myles Garrett (Browns, AFC); Micah Parsons (Packers, NFC)
- Defensive Tackles: Zach Allen (Broncos, AFC); Byron Murphy II (Seahawks, NFC)
Linebackers
- OLB: Brian Burns (Giants, AFC); Nick Bonitto (Broncos, NFC)
- ILB: Jack Campbell (Lions, AFC); Jordyn Brooks (Dolphins, NFC)
Secondary
- Cornerbacks: Derek Stingley Jr.
(Texans, AFC); Jaycee Horn (Panthers, NFC)
- Strong Safeties: Kyle Hamilton (Ravens, AFC); Kam Curl (Rams, NFC)
- Free Safeties: Calen Bullock (Texans, AFC); Kevin Byard (Bears, NFC)
Special Teams
- Kickers: Cameron Dicker (Chargers, AFC); Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys, NFC)
- Punters: Jeremy Crenshaw (Broncos, AFC); Jack Fox (Lions, NFC)
- Long Snappers: Julian Ashby (Patriots, AFC); Matthew Orzech (Packers, NFC)
- Return Specialists: Chimere Dike (Titans, AFC); KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys, NFC)
- Special Teamers: Evan Williams (Packers, AFC); Ben Skowronek (Steelers, NFC)
What’s Next?
Fan voting remains open through December 15, giving supporters a couple more weeks to push their favorite players into the spotlight. After that, it’s over to the players and coaches, who’ll cast their votes on December 19 to help finalize the roster.
With rookies making waves, veterans holding strong, and a few surprise names climbing the ranks, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing yet. And with the event returning to San Francisco, expect a high-energy celebration of the league’s best-both the household names and the rising stars ready to stake their claim.