Kansas City running back Walker, Chicago’s D’Andre Swift and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt headlined the NFL’s Week 1 Players of the Week after standout performances on offense, defense and special teams.
SEO Title: NFL Week 1 Players of the Week: Walker, Swift and Watt Lead Honors
SEO Description: Kansas City’s Walker, Bears running back D’Andre Swift and Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt were among the NFL’s Week 1 Players of the Week.
NFL Week 1 Players of the Week
- AFC Offensive Player of the Week: Chiefs running back Walker
- NFC Offensive Player of the Week: Bears running back D’Andre Swift
- AFC Defensive Player of the Week: Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt
- NFC Defensive Player of the Week: Eagles linebacker Zack Baun
- AFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Bengals kicker Evan McPherson
- NFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Cardinals special teams player Fehoko
Walker and Swift Power Week 1 Offenses
Walker made an immediate impact in his Kansas City debut, driving the Chiefs to a 31-0 shutout of the Denver Broncos. The reigning Super Bowl MVP, who previously won the award with the Seattle Seahawks, set career highs with 173 rushing yards and 191 yards from scrimmage.
On 23 carries, Walker scored on a 60-yard touchdown run and added a receiving touchdown. His 191 scrimmage yards established a new Week 1 mark by a reigning Super Bowl MVP, surpassing Jerry Rice’s 180-yard performance in 1989. It was Walker’s first weekly award since he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 3 of the 2023 season.
Swift earned NFC offensive recognition after Chicago’s 59-37 victory over Carolina. He carried 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Bears pile up points throughout Sunday’s game.
- Swift scored twice from 1 yard out.
- His third touchdown came on a 28-yard run.
- The award is the second of his NFL career and his first since joining the Bears.
Watt and Baun Deliver on Defense
Watt’s all-around performance helped Pittsburgh beat Atlanta, 20-13, and earned him the ninth Defensive Player of the Week award of his career. It was his first such honor since Week 8 of the 2024 season.
The Steelers star produced the first interception-return touchdown of his career, taking a pick back 35 yards for a score. He also finished with four tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and two sacks.
Baun received NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after Philadelphia escaped Washington with a 24-22 win. He recorded 12 total tackles, broke up two passes and added one tackle for loss. The recognition was the second Defensive Player of the Week award of Baun’s career.
McPherson and Fehoko Swing Special Teams
McPherson accounted for 15 points in Cincinnati’s 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. The Bengals kicker made all three extra-point attempts and connected on four field goals, from 20, 55, 58 and 32 yards.
After Cincinnati built a 21-7 advantage, McPherson’s four field goals supplied the rest of the club’s scoring. He has now collected five AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards.
Fehoko’s pivotal blocked punt helped Arizona secure a 26-14 win against the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Cardinals’ lead trimmed to 16-14, Fehoko broke through to block the kick. Arizona scored two plays later on a Trey McBride touchdown to create needed breathing room.
Now in his sixth NFL season and playing for his third team, Fehoko earned the first Player of the Week award of his career.
