Who else in the NFC than Kirk Cousins (QB, Falcons)? Captain Kirk delivered a masterful performance to snatch victory against the Buccaneers after a comeback. The quarterback finished with 509 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception all at 72% completion. The icing on the cake? A 45-yard touchdown for the victory in overtime. More than enough to earn the former Viking his 8th player of the week award, the first in the NFC.
Alongside Kirk Cousins, Xavier McKinney (S, Packers) is rewarded on defense. The safety justifies the Packers' investment at the start of the season with an interception in each game. His latest performance to date with 2 deflected passes, 1 interception and a covered ball in the victory against the Rams earned him the title of player of the week. Isaiah Simmons (S/LB, Giants) is awarded on special teams. His blocked kick attempt in the final moments of the game allowed the Giants to seal their victory against the Seahawks.
Another conference, another quarterback. After Kirk Cousins in the NFC, Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) is rewarded in the AFC. The reigning MVP showed himself at his best to get an important victory against the Bengals. His 348 yards, 4 touchdowns and 55 yards on the ground were not too much for Baltimore. On defense, Pat Surtain II (CB, Denver) continues to prove that he is one of the best players in his position. He notably distinguished himself by returning an interception for a touchdown of more than 100 yards in Denver's victory against the Raiders. Ka'imi Fairbairn (K, Texans) takes his second special teams award of the season. Among other things, he scored the winning field goal from 59 yards for Houston against the Bills.
NFC Conference
– Offensive: Kirk Cousins (QB, Falcons) – 42/58, 509 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception
– Defensive: Xavier McKinney (S, Packers) – 3 tackles, 2 passes deflected, 1 interception, 1 fumble covered
– Special teams: Isaiah Simmons (S/LB, Giants) – 1 tackle, 1 blocked field goal (for equalization with 1:05 remaining)
AFC Conference
– Offense: Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) – 26/42, 348 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 55 yards rushing
– Defensive: Pat Surtain II (CB, Broncos) – 3 tackles, 2 interceptions including one returned for a 100-yard touchdown
– Special teams: Ka'imi Fairbairn (K, Texans) – 3/3 field goals including the winner at 59 yards
