The Pro Bowl announcement show is perhaps more popular than the Pro Bowl itself. It begins today at 1 p.m. (I'll be watching, so check here for results), but I fear it will be a disappointment to 49ers fans. The only player likely to make the trip to Honolulu in February is linebacker Patrick Willis. But is he the only one who's deserving?

Patrick Willis
Why he's Hawaii-bound: Sure, his tackle totals are slightly down from last year, but that's a reflection of an improved defense that doesn't spend as much time on the field as it did last season. Besides, Willis is third in the league in tackles and - perhaps most importantly in this popularity contest - he has excellent name recognition from winning defensive rookie of the year in 2007.
Why he's not: Carolina's Jon Beason has more tackles (122 to Willis' 121), more INTs (three) and plays on a better team. Brian Urlacher is 38th in the league in tackles but everyone knows his name.

Eric Heitmann
Why he's Hawaii-bound: He's had an excellent season, is a team captain and fared very well against one of the best nose tackles, Kris Jenkins, in the league. He got some good pub from his offensive coordinator just as votes were being cast.
Why he's not: Next to guard, it's the most anonymous position in the league. The 49ers don't run the ball enough to shine a spotlight on the offensive line. The horrendous sack total from earlier this season hurts the o-line in general. My guess: Olin Kreutz.. ***Update*** The Giants' Shaun O'Hara is in.

Allen Rossum
Why he's Hawaii-bound: Statistically speaking, no one's been a better return man this season. His 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown came on national television.
Why he's not: He's been dinged up this season and does not have the name recognition of someone like Devin Hester. Those damn Bears strike again!

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And a final thought about Miami ... Fantastic town, beautiful people, gorgeous beaches, lovely architecture but WORST. DRIVERS. EVER. The combination of left-lane grannies, Colombian drug runners, Canadians, transients, illegals, illegal transients, stuck-in-the-60s free spirits, Tony Montana wannabes, arrogant German tourists, cell-phone dipwads, disappearing lanes and toll booths every freakin' five miles combines for one interesting ride. Every metropolitan area insists they have the worst traffic conditions. They should all get down on their knees and pay homage to the clusterfudge that is Miami. I felt like I was driving in a Mad Max movie. Touche, Miami. You're No. 1! (A message given to me twice on I-95).

-- Matt Barrows