Who could have predicted that Sean Tucker (RB, Buccaneers) would be player of the week? Certainly not many people. And rightly so. Over the first five games of the season, the running back (not drafted in 2023 by the way) only touched five small balls and caught 1 pass. But Sunday in the Saints' debacle against Tampa Bay, Sean Tucker had a field day: 136 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns, 3 passes caught for 56 yards. A major performance which earned him the first great reward of his career.
Alongside Sean Tucker in the NFC, Brian Branch (S, Lions) captured his first trophy. His three caused turnovers allowed the Lions to humiliate the Cowboys at home. Cole Kmet (TE, Bears) caught two passing touchdowns in the Bears' victory against the Jaguars in London. But it is for having acted as a long snapper that he is rewarded. He passed the ball to five extra points (both of which converted his touchdowns) and a field goal.
Sean Tucker isn't the only one to let his legs do the talking. In the AFC, another running back is rewarded in the person of Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens). The runner found color in Maryland and won the player of the week title for the second time this season. His 24 balls carried for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns helped Baltimore get rid of the Commanders. Will Anderson (DE, Texans) was happy to spoil the first of Drake Maye (QB, Patriots). 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss and a deflected pass. This is the first time in his young career that he has been rewarded. Rigoberto Sanchez (P, Colts) is named to the special teams for his three essential punts at the end of the match between the Colts and the Titans. The last one in particular, a 57-yard kick, forced Tennessee from its 3 yards. Almost impossible mission.
NFC Conference
– Offensive: Sean Tucker (RB, Buccaneers) – 14 balls carried, 136 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 balls caught, 56 yards, 1 touchdown
– Defensive: Brian Branch (S, Lions) – 5 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 caused turnover
– Special teams: Cole Kmet (TE/LS, Bears) – 6 balls snapped
AFC Conference
– Offensive: Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens) – 24 balls carried, 132 yards, 2 touchdowns
– Defensive: Will Anderson (DE, Texans) – 6 tackles including 4 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 deflected pass
– Special teams: Rigoberto Sanchez (P, Colts) – 5 punts, 54.2 yards average
