This year’s midseason squad of All-Pros is dominated by the NFC — not surprising considering that conference’s general superiority this season. Nine of the 12 defenders on this list — we chose four linemen and four linebackers to cater to both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses — play for NFC teams, with the only AFC defenders being selected on the defensive line. The offense has six players apiece from the two conferences and 3-of-4 specialists are from the NFC. The head coach is Atlanta’s Mike Smith.

To reflect today’s emphasis on the passing game, PFW’s editors selected three receivers and didn’t select a fullback. Additionally, players chosen for the offensive line were selected based on their normal left or right side alignment. Meanwhile, defensive linemen, who move around frequently depending on the situation, were not. We also decided, for the first time, to honor a front-office executive — with the Broncos’ John Elway being the choice.

OFFENSE

QB Aaron Rodgers / Packers — The reigning league MVP got off to a slow start, posting a sub-100.0 passer rating in his first three games after doing so only twice in 2011. Still, any critics were silenced when he eviscerated the Texans in Houston with 338 yards and six TDs. Despite missing his top option (Greg Jennings) for most of the season and being sacked 29 times through nine games, Rodgers remains the league’s best player.