A few thoughts on where NFC West teams and players stand -- or do not stand -- in ongoing fan balloting for the Pro Bowl:
The San Francisco 49ers have an NFC-high 17 players ranking among the top five in balloting at their positions. Green Bay (12), Chicago (11), Atlanta (11), Minnesota (9), the New York Giants (8) and Seattle (7) have five or more. Arizona (three) and St. Louis (2) lag.
Fan voting ends Dec. 17. Players and coaches vote Dec. 20-21. The NFL announces Pro Bowl squads Dec. 26. The game is scheduled for Jan. 27.
The 49ers were the only NFC West team with players ranking first at a position. Guard Mike Iupati, inside linebacker Patrick Willis, kicker David Akers and special-teamer C.J. Spillman hold that distinction.
Players ranking second at their positions include tight end Vernon Davis, tackle Joe Staley and defensive tackle Justin Smith of the 49ers, running back Marshawn Lynch and punter Jon Ryan of the Seahawks and inside linebacker Daryl Washington of the Cardinals.
Willis, Washington and the 49ers' NaVorro Bowman are the top three inside linebackers.
Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and kicker Greg Zuerlein are the highest-rated Rams. Each ranks third at his position. Also third from the NFC West: tackle Anthony Davis, running back Frank Gore and center Jonathan Goodwin of the 49ers and strong safety Kam Chancellor of the Seahawks.
The NFC West has eight players ranked fourth: fullback Bruce Miller, guard Alex Boone, outside linebacker Aldon Smith, kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. and punter Andy Lee of the 49ers, defensive end Chris Clemons and free safety Earl Thomas of the Seahawks and cornerback Patrick Peterson of the Cardinals.
Center Max Unger and kick returner Leon Washington of the Seahawks are ranked fifth at their positions. Strong safety Donte Whitner of the 49ers and receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals also rank fifth.
All five of the 49ers' starting offensive linemen rank among the top five at their positions.
Seven members of the NFC West blog's all-division team do not rank among the top five at their positions in voting: defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, cornerback Richard Sherman and special-teamer Heath Farwell of the Seahawks, free safety Dashon Goldson, quarterback Alex Smith and receiver Michael Crabtree of the 49ers and defensive end Calais Campbell of the Cardinals.