Week 2’s NFL honors were highlighted by dominant quarterback play, a pair of two-interception defensive performances and several late-game special teams moments that helped decide close contests.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after accounting for five touchdowns in the Bills’ 41-31 Thursday victory over the Detroit Lions, the first game at the new Highmark Stadium. Allen threw for 248 yards and three scores, then added 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He has opened the season with five touchdown passes and four rushing touchdowns in two games.
The award is Allen’s 19th AFC Player of the Week recognition. That total is tied for 14th in NFL history and ranks second among active players behind Aaron Rodgers, who has 27.
San Francisco’s Brock Purdy earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week after an exceptionally efficient showing against Miami. Purdy completed 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns as the 49ers routed the Dolphins 35-13. His 90.9% completion rate led a Week 2 slate that included major performances from other NFC West standouts.
Through two games, Purdy leads the league at 80.4% completions and has produced 492 passing yards with five touchdown throws. The division also saw the Rams’ Matthew Stafford throw for 327 yards and four touchdowns, Davante Adams catch eight passes for 195 yards and two scores, and Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba post nine receptions, 155 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive and special teams winners
Raiders rookie Masses collected AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following Las Vegas’ 26-14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss, two passes defended and two interceptions. His first career pick came on a deflected ball during the opening quarter, while his second interception late in the fourth sealed the Raiders’ victory.
Carolina’s Lloyd was selected as NFC Defensive Player of the Week after the Panthers overwhelmed Atlanta 34-3. The former Pro Bowler filled the stat sheet with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit and three pass breakups. He also intercepted two passes, returning one 16 yards for a touchdown.
Browns kicker Szmyt received AFC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition for his role in Cleveland’s 23-19 upset of Tampa Bay. Szmyt accounted for 11 points while making each of his five kicks: two extra points and three field goals, including a 50-yarder.
Minnesota’s Rodgers took NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after a game-changing field-goal block helped the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 9-3. With fewer than 6:30 remaining, Rodgers blocked a Chicago attempt that would have tied the game at six. He also recovered a fumble, made four tackles and broke up a pass in the division win.
