Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

The Atlanta Falcons are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years, and that means the Detroit Lions should have a representative in next week's Pro Bowl.

Lions kicker Matt Prater was the first alternate at kicker on the NFC Pro Bowl roster, behind Atlanta's Matt Bryant. Bryant won't play in the game now that his team has advanced to the Super Bowl, leaving Prater as his replacement.

Prater made 31 of 36 field goals for the Lions this year, and all nine of his attempts of 50-plus yards (including two in a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks).

He also made six game-winning or game-tying field goals this season.

No Lions were chosen for the original Pro Bowl roster this year, but four players were picked as alternates. Prater, who made his only previous Pro Bowl appearance after the 2013 season, and punter Sam Martin were first alternates, while quarterback Matthew Stafford and cornerback Darius Slay were second alternates.

The Pro Bowl is Sunday in Orlando.

Detroit Lions' Darius Slay hopes for Pro Bowl call for 'great season'

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Download our Lions Xtra app for free on Apple and Android!