NEW YORK — The Oakland Raiders lead the NFL with seven players selected for the Pro Bowl.

Quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper, center Rodney Hudson, defensive end Khalil Mack, safety Reggie Nelson, guard Kelechi Osemele and tackle Donald Penn were picked from the Raiders, who are in first place in the AFC West going into Week 16.

The Raiders had three players selected from their offensive line, a big reason the team has finally ended its long playoff drought.

“It means a lot. It’s a great honor to be recognized for what you do,” Hudson said. “It’s very humbling. I give a lot of thanks to our teammates because you can’t do any of it by yourself.”

Six members of the Atlanta Falcons were selected, most among NFC teams. Outside linebacker Vic Beasley, kicker Matt Bryant, running back Devonta Freeman, wide receiver Julio Jones, center Alex Mack and quarterback Matt Ryan were chosen from the NFC South leaders.

Despite missing the first four games of the season because of his suspension, New England quarterback Tom Brady was picked for the 12th time in his career. He was joined by three Patriots teammates: linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Devin McCourty and special teams specialist Matthew Slater. It was the sixth straight selection for Slater, while McCourty is on the team for the third time and Hightower his first.

Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas and Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were selected for the 10th time.

Twenty-six of the 32 teams had at least one player picked. Twenty players were chosen for the first time, including three rookies: Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott from Dallas, and Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill.

Among the notable omissions was Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. The first-place Lions did not have a single representative.

Carolina’s Cam Newton, last season’s NFL MVP, was not picked, either. Other star quarterbacks left out were New Orleans’ Drew Brees and Indianapolis’ Andrew Luck.

After the Raiders and Falcons, the Cowboys, Steelers and Titans were next with five players selected each.

The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 29, in Orlando, Florida, and return to the NFC vs. AFC format after three years.