For the eighth time in his young career, Patrick Mahomes has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. The Chiefs quarterback has once again shown that it will be necessary to count on him this year.
On the other side of the ball, it is a Steelers who is rewarded but not necessarily the one we would have thought. Despite another very strong performance, TJ Watt is overtaken by his teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick. With an interception returned to touchdown, the safety weighed heavily in Pittsburgh’s success at Cincinnati. By scoring the winning field goal for Cleveland, rookie Cade York not only allowed his team to win, he also won the first award of his very young career.
It allows the Giants to have a positive record for the first time since 2016, and for that alone, Saquon Barkley deserves this award. After two difficult seasons, well rotten by injuries, the former first round seems to be back on track. On the other side, Uchenna Nwosu comes to reward the excellent defense of the Seahawks in their surprise victory against the Broncos. Zech McPhearson, for preventing the Lions from getting their onside kick early in the second half, is rewarded for the special teams.
NFC Conference:
– Offensive: Saquon Barkley (RB, Giants), 18 carries, 164 yards, 1 touchdown; 6 receptions, 30 yards.
– Defensive: Uchenna Nwosu (LB, Seahawks), 7 tackles including 1 sack and 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended.
– Special teams: Zech McPhearson (CB, Eagles), covered onside kick
AFC Conference:
– Offensive: Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs), 30/39 for 360 yards and 5 touchdowns.
– Defensive: Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Steelers), 14 tackles, 1 interception returned for touchdown.
– Special teams: Cade York (K, Browns), 2/2 on extra points, and 4/4 on field goal including the victory at 58 yards.