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The AFC West representatives (three of the four teams, at least) for the Madden ’13 cover chase have been announced.

The four players who survived the intra-team play-in round are: Kansas City’s Dwayne Bowe, Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski, San Diego’s Antonio Gates and … Tim Tebow of Denver.

Awkward.

Denver’s representative is a player who is involved in a trade the team is trying to finalize with the New York Jets.

Tebow beat Denver linebacker Von Miller. Bowe beat Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson, Janikowski beat Oakland punter Shane Lechler and Gates beat San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.

The winners are now in the final 32 and they will compete against players on other teams. The results from that round will be announced next Wednesday.

EA Sports and ESPN are partnering for the second straight season to let fans decide on who will be the "Madden NFL 13" cover player.

There are 64 eligible players. In the first round, players from the same team will compete in a play-in round. The competition starts Wednesday as fans can vote on the SportsNation Facebook page. The winners of the play-in round will be announced March 21. The next round’s voting will then begin.

In addition to the SportsNation Facebook page, fans will be able to vote in the play-in round through widgets embedded on blogs, websites and more.

Here are the AFC West play-in round matchups:

Denver: Von Miller vs. Tim Tebow

Kansas City: Dwayne Bowe vs. Derrick Johnson

Oakland: Sebastian Janikowski vs. Shane Lechler

San Diego: Antonio Gates vs. Philip Rivers

INDIANAPOLIS – I was able to catch up with ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay on one key draft question on each AFC West team. Let’s take a look at his thoughts:

Denver Broncos

Should Denver draft a quarterback at No. 25?

In his most recent mock draft, McShay had Denver taking Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. However, McShay said Saturday that he now thinks Tannehill will be taken within the first 20 picks, and that Denver won't take a quarterback at No. 25. Denver could take a quarterback in the second round, though by the time the Broncos' pick rolls around, McShay thinks several other signal-calling options will be gone. Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins could be the best available quarterback — and McShay would advise the Broncos to pull the trigger, because Cousins has a brighter future than current Denver starter Tim Tebow.

Kansas City Chiefs

Is Boston College middle linebacker Luke Kuechly a good fit at No. 11?

“I love him,” McShay said, noting that if the Chiefs see a greater need at middle linebacker than at any other position, Kuechly will be a good value pick at No. 11 — a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense. McShay can see Kuechly fitting in well with Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Justin Houston, with Kuechly playing weakside middle linebacker in the Chiefs’ system. McShay called Kuechly an instinctive tackling machine who could flourish under Crennel.

Oakland Raiders

Can the Raiders get any impact players with a small draft class?

The Raiders currently have just their fifth- and sixth-round picks. They will get some compensatory picks next month, but No. 97 (near the end of the third round) will be the highest possible comp pick. McShay said the draft is fairly strong in the middle rounds and the Raiders will get a chance to add a decent player or two. He is unsure if Oakland can get an immediate impact player, but thinks there are some good cornerbacks (the position is Oakland’s biggest need) in the middle of the draft. Among the cornerbacks who could be available in the middle rounds are South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore, Virginia Tech’s Jayron Hosley, West Virginia’s Keith Tandy and Maryland’s Cameron Chism.

San Diego Chargers

Can the Chargers get a pass-rusher at No. 18?

McShay thinks South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram will be gone when the Chargers pick, but that Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw may be available. McShay is not sure Upshaw will be an instant, dynamic pass-rusher. But because Upshaw is such a strong power rusher, McShay said, he would help the Chargers immediately — an NFL-ready linebacker who has a big upside.

Let’s wrap up the 2011 AFC West season by giving our annual awards:

MVP: Denver running back Willis McGahee

He was the best player on the surprise division champions. Denver’s running game was ranked first in the NFL and the biggest reason was the terrific season by the 30-year-old, who was one of the best free-agent signings of 2011. The Tim Tebow offense worked best when McGahee was leading the way. He finished the season with 1,199 yards on the ground and he showed great leadership.

Offensive player of the year: San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers

It wasn’t Rivers’ greatest season of his career, but he straightened out toward the end of the season and ended up putting up solid numbers. If Oakland running back Darren McFadden didn’t get hurt in October, when he was on his way to this honor (or perhaps the division MVP), he would have been serious candidate. But it goes to Rivers, whom I still believe is the best overall player in the division.

Defensive player of the year: Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson

He is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. He is a tackling machine and a timely playmaker. Johnson was brilliant in 2011 as he had a career-high 131 tackles. Along with fellow Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali, Johnson is the centerpiece to a potentially standout defense.

Coach of the year: Denver coach John Fox

Fox made his impact felt immediately in Denver. A player’s coach, Fox’s easy personality was exactly what the team needed after the Josh McDaniels disaster. The Broncos went from 4-12 to 8-8 and winning the AFC West. Fox helped guide a defensive resurgence and he adjusted well to playing with Tebow. This is a growing program and Fox is a big reason why.

Comeback player of the year: Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil

There were concerns that Dumervil would be rusty and unable to make an impact in Fox’s 4-3 defense. No worries. After overcoming several inquires early in the season, Dumervil finished strong and he ended up with 9.5 sacks. Dumervil missed all of the 2010 season with a pectoral injury. But he came back strong and teamed with rookie Von Miller to become one of the best pass-rushing pairs in the NFL.

Most improved player of the year: Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey

Heyward-Bey deserves a lot of credit for the progress he made in 2011. I think he was one of the most improved players in the NFL. After catching just 35 passes in his first 26 games, Heyward-Bey had 64 catches for 975 yards in 2011. He still showed he has some issues with dropped passes, but his strides were huge and he took over some games. I can’t wait to see if can continue to make big progress.

Offensive rookie of the year: Oakland guard Stefen Wisniewski

Wisniewski looked like he was a 10-year veteran as a rookie. He is a natural player who is both athletic and intelligent. Born to be a Raider as the nephew of former Raiders great offensive lineman and current assistant coach Steve Wisniewski, Stefen Wisniewski upheld his family name well. There were times in the season when he simply took over. He was a steal at the No. 48 overall pick.

Defensive rookie of the year: Denver linebacker Von Miller

This was an easy one. Miller won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The No. 2 overall pick in the draft was dominant before he broke his thumb in late November. He finished with 11.5 sacks. Miller needs to improve as a run-stopper, but he appears to have limitless potential and is already a team leader. Denver has to be thrilled with this pick.

Executive of the year: Denver’s John Elway

It’s early, but the results have been promising. Elway doesn’t seem to be one of those playing legends, front-office-disaster types. He has proven to be humble and hard working in his new role. Elway’s choice of Fox as coach was a winner and Denver had success in the draft and in free agency. No one expected Elway’s first year as Denver’s football leader ending up in the second round of the playoffs.

Specialist of the year: Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski

This is a significant award because I believe this may be the premier special-teams division in football. Janikowski stuck out as the best specialist in a division of specialist stars. He opened the season in style by tying the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in Week 1 at Denver and he showed great consistency all season. He is a true weapon.

There have been several changes to the AFC Pro Bowl team since the team was announced originally last month. Here is an updated list of AFC West players who will be playing in the game Sunday in Honolulu:

DENVER

CB Champ Bailey

LT Ryan Clady

S Brian Dawkins

LB Elvis Dumervil

RB Willis McGahee

LB Von Miller

KANSAS CITY

LB Tamba Hali

LB Derrick Johnson

OAKLAND

LS Jon Condo

K Sebastian Janikowski

P Shane Lechler

DL Richard Seymour

SAN DIEGO

TE Antonio Gates

WR Vincent Jackson

RB Ryan Mathews

QB Philip Rivers

S Eric Weddle

Two AFC West players made all All-Pro honors.

Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson and San Diego safety Eric Weddle were honored by The Associated Press for their performances this season.

Both players were outstanding in 2011. Johnson had 133 tackles and he was a consistent playmaker for the Chiefs. Weddle was tied for the NFL league with seven interceptions and he was always around the ball. Both players have recently signed contract extensions and should be in the AFC West for a long time.

Oakland punter Shane Lechler and Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski were also first-team candidates, yet San Francisco punter Andy Lee and San Francisco kicker David Akers were named to the All-Pro Team.

In other AFC West news:

A big playoff run by Tim Tebow and the Broncos would be shocking, but ESPN Stats & Information shows unlikely playoff success has happened before.

Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones is staying in school so there is one less quarterback available in the draft if Denver tries to replace Tebow in the first round.

The Raiders and Chiefs had trouble with penalties on special teams, while the Chargers committed the fewest penalties on special teams in the NFL. After being awful on special teams last year, the Chargers made good strides this season.

TebowMania lives … in Chicago.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final power ranking: 22
Preseason Power Ranking: 18

Biggest surprise: The Chiefs’ resiliency. Some may be surprised a team that went 10-6 last year and won the AFC West title and followed it up with a 7-9 season is trending up. But the Chiefs showed a lot of guts. First, they fought back from an avalanche of injuries and an 0-3 start to become competitive. Then, after coach Todd Haley was fired following the Week 14 loss, the Chiefs responded by going 2-1 under interim coach Romeo Crennel, including giving Green Bay its only loss of the regular season. Kansas City was a blocked field goal at the end of regulation in Week 16 against Oakland from repeating as division champion. Crennel is expected to be the permanent head coach. This is a young team getting key players back. The future is bright.

Biggest disappointment: The injuries. The Chiefs played the entire season with standout second-year tight end Tony Moeaki. They lost star second-year safety Eric Berry in Week 1 and star running back Jamaal Charles in the second week. Quarterback Matt Cassel suffered a season-ending injury in November. It could have been a much different season.

Biggest need: Kansas City still needs some help in many areas, including the defensive line, linebacker and at safety. But I think it needs to look at a tackle. Right tackle Barry Richardson is the type of player you look to upgrade from; I think tackle will be a focal point for the Chiefs in the first round, where they will have either the 11th or 12th pick in the first round. That will be decided by a coin flip with Seattle.

Team MVP: Linebacker Derrick Johnson. He is an underrated player and deserved his Pro Bowl berth. He is a playmaker and is always around the ball. Kansas City finished the season strong on defense and it began with Johnson.

Who’s the quarterback? After Sunday’s game, Kyle Orton, who started the final three games of the season after being claimed off waivers from Denver, said he believes it is Cassel’s team. I agree. I think the Chiefs will move forward with Cassel and Orton will look for a starting job elsewhere as a free agent.

The Chiefs named linebacker Derrick Johnson their MVP and linebacker Justin Houston their top rookie. He was a third-round pick. The players vote on the awards.

• Former Denver coach Josh McDaniels is currently the only St. Louis assistant being retained. That could change down the road, depending on who is hired as the Rams’ next head coach. If he is let go as offensive coordinator, McDaniels will likely be an offensive coordinator candidate in Kansas City if interim coach Romeo Crennel is promoted to permanent coach.
• Standout San Diego guard Kris Dielman talked about the risks of playing again after suffering a season-ending concussion.
• There were plenty of interesting nuggets in Hue Jackson’s season-ending press conference.
• The Chiefs’ three key injured players are all on schedule and should not miss any practice time in 2012.

Here is a look at the division leaders in some key statistical categories after Week 16:

Passing yards

Player: Philip Rivers, San Diego

Yards: 4,314

Comment: Rivers is 397 yards from a career high.

Rushing yards

Player: Ryan Mathews, San Diego

Yards: 1,091

Comment: He leads Wills McGahee by 37 yards.

Receptions

Player: Vincent Jackson, San Diego

Yards: 1,077

Comment: Jackson leads Dwayne Bowe by 11 yards.

Tackles

Player: Derrick Johnson, Kansas City

Total: 126

Comment: This man is a star.

Sacks

Player: Tamba Hali, Kansas City

Sacks: 12

Comment: Hali leads Von Miller by a half sack.

Interceptions

Player: Eric Weddle, San Diego

Interceptions: 7

Comment: Weddle is in a three-way tie for first place in the NFL in this category.

» NFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South » AFC Pro Bowl: East | West | North | South

Perfect sense: Kansas City might be in last place, but linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali are top-level players. They both deserve this honor. They are building-block players on a young defense. Johnson is a tackling machine, and Hali, who has 12 sacks, is one of the better pass-rushers in the NFL. Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski made his first Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. It is past due and well deserved. Janikowski, who tied an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal at Denver in Week 1, is a great weapon. Oakland punter Shane Lechler is one of the game’s all-time best punters. He always deserves to go to the Pro Bowl. San Diego safety Eric Weddle is tied for the league lead with seven interceptions. He is earning his $40 million deal he signed this year. Denver linebacker Von Miller also deserves to be a Pro Bowler. He has 11.5 sacks, and he’s been a complete player. The No. 2 overall draft pick has made a bigger impact as a run-stopper and has been a catalyst to a much-improved defense. Kudos to Denver cornerback Champ Bailey, who is still playing at a high level. He is one of five players ever to be named to 11 Pro Bowls and is the only cornerback with 10 or more Pro Bowls. Can you say “first-ballot Hall of Famer”?

Made it on rep: A few AFC West stars made the Pro Bowl in injury-filled years. Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour was banged up and had some games in which he didn’t have much effect. Still, he did have some moments of greatness. He blocked two field goals in an Oakland overtime win at Kansas City on Saturday. San Diego tight end Antonio Gates dealt with a lot of injuries this season and didn't take over many games, but he had 59 catches and is still a premier player despite the injuries. Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil, the first Denver defensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl in nine years, had a great season, but he didn’t enjoy a full season. He has 9.5 sacks, all in the past eight games. He was slowed by injuries early in the season. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers had big yardage numbers (he became the third player in history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in four straight seasons). But he has thrown 19 interceptions and was out of sync for much of the season.

Get robbed: Denver running back Willis McGahee has been the lynchpin to the NFL’s best running offense. A big reason the Tim Tebow offense has worked is because McGahee –- one of the best free-agent signings in the NFL this year -- ran so well. He is enjoying resurgence at the age of 30. McGahee, who has 1,054 yards rushing and has averaged 4.8 yards per carry, is reportedly a first alternate. San Diego running back Ryan Mathews also had a strong season and a case to make the team. He is a second alternate. Kansas City receiver Dwayne Bowe had 75 catches and a nice season. Oakland safety Tyvon Branch and fullback Marcel Reece each had big years, and could have earned spots on the team. Perhaps each player will get his due next season. By the way, Tebow reportedly is a second alternate. Because quarterbacks often bow out, there is a strong chance Tebow will be eating pineapple in Hawaii next month.

Click here for the complete 2012 Pro Bowl roster.

The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the candidates for each team in the division:

Denver Broncos:

Players: Champ Bailey (cornerback), Brodrick Bunkley (defensive tackle), Ryan Clady (tackle), Britton Colquitt (punter), Chris Kuper (guard), Willis McGahee (running back), Von Miller (linebacker), Matt Prater (kicker).

Best bets: Bailey, Miller.

Kansas City Chiefs:

Players: Dwayne Bowe (receiver), Brandon Flowers (cornerback), Tamba Hali (linebacker), Derrick Johnson (linebacker), Casey Wiegmann (center).

Best bets: Bowe, Hali, Johnson.

Oakland Raiders:

Players: Tyvon Branch (safety), Michael Bush (running back), Sebastian Janikowski (kicker), Shane Lechler (punter), Marcel Reece (fullback), Richard Seymour (defensive lineman), Kamerion Wimbley (linebacker), Stefen Wisniewski (guard).

Best bets: Janikowski, Lechler, Seymour

San Diego Chargers:

Players: Antwan Barnes (linebacker), Antonio Gates (tight end), Nick Hardwick (center), Vincent Jackson (receiver), Ryan Mathews (running back), Philip Rivers (quarterback), Eric Weddle (safety).

Best bets: Gates, Jackson, Weddle.

Here is a look at the division leaders in some key statistical categories after Week 15:

Passing yards

Player: Philip Rivers, San Diego

Yards: 4,015

Comment: Rivers is the third quarterback in history to register four straight 4,000-yard seasons.

Rushing yards

Player: Ryan Mathews, San Diego

Yards: 1,033

Comment: We very well may see Mathews in the Pro Bowl.

Receptions

Player: Vincent Jackson, San Diego

Yards: 1,036

Comment: Jackson is quietly having a productive season.

Tackles

Player: Derrick Johnson, Kansas City

Total: 119

Comment: Johnson is having a dominant season

Sacks

Player: Tamba Hali, Kansas City

Sacks: 12

Comment: Hali was a monster against Green Bay.

Interceptions

Player: Eric Weddle, San Diego

Interceptions: 7

Comment: Weddle is in a three-way tie for first place in the NFL in this category.

One player to watch for each team in the AFC West in Week 15:

Denver, D.J. Williams, linebacker: Williams has been a key part of Denver’s defense since he was the team’s No. 1 pick in 2004. He is not the biggest name on the revived defense, but he is having a good season and he had a great game against Chicago. If the Broncos are going to slow down Tom Brady and the Patriots, Williams will need another big game.

Kansas City: Derrick Johnson, linebacker: Johnson is having a brilliant season. He had 12 tackles against the Jets last week and he has 112 tackles on the season. He should be headed to the Pro Bowl, and a strong game against the 13-0 Packers in the national spotlight should help him.

Oakland, Tyvon Branch, safety: Branch has 93 tackles and he is having a strong season. He has a chance to make the Pro Bowl. A big game against a strong Detroit offense will go a long way in his push for Hawaii.

San Diego, Eric Weddle, safety: Weddle is another safety in the division who is having a strong season. The Chargers gave Weddle a $40 million deal to stay this summer and it is paying off. The ball hawk has seven interceptions and a big game against Baltimore on Sunday night could cement a Pro Bowl selection.

Here is a look at the division leaders in some key statistical categories after Week 14:

Passing yards

Player: Philip Rivers, San Diego

Yards: 3,745

Comment: Rivers is playing his best ball of the season.

Rushing yards

Player: Ryan Mathews, San Diego

Yards: 943

Comment: Mathews is fourth in the AFC in rushing.

Receptions

Player: Vincent Jackson, San Diego

Yards: 952

Comment: Jackson continues a solid, not speculator, season.

Tackles

Player: Derrick Johnson, Kansas City

Total: 112

Comment: Johnson is playing out of his mind.

Sacks

Player: Von Miller, Denver

Sacks: 11.5

Comment: Miller’s amazing season continues.

Interceptions

Player: Eric Weddle, San Diego

Interceptions: 7

Comment: Weddle very well could be headed to the Pro Bowl.

Here are some areas the Kansas City Chiefs need to focus on after a 37-10 loss at the New York Jets on Sunday:

Recap: The Chiefs were completely manhandled yet again and it was the final straw before they fired coach Todd Haley on Monday. It was the fifth time this season Kansas City has lost by at least 27 points. The Chiefs are 5-8 and virtually out of the playoff picture, a season after it won the AFC West.

Biggest area to fix: The lack of competition is a problem and it led to Haley’s firing. Yes, the Chiefs have been decimated by injuries all season and I think Haley deserved another chance, but when teams get drubbed so often, ownership and fan bases get uneasy.

Biggest area to build on: Linebacker Derrick Johnson is continuing to have a special season. He had 12 tackles, including two tackles for a loss Sunday. Johnson is one of the better linebackers in the NFL, although he may not get the recognition he deserves.

What to watch for: Life doesn’t get easier for Kansas City in the post-Haley era. It hosts 13-0 Green Bay on Sunday, so another lopsided loss could be in the offing. The Chiefs have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL.