Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Minnesota Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy led the way as the NFL announced its AFC and NFC Players of the Week following the league’s opening weekend.
Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell earned the honors in the AFC. McCarthy, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nate Landman, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Kameron Johnson received the awards in the NFC.
Allen’s Heroics Spark Buffalo Comeback
Allen put on a record-setting performance in Buffalo’s thrilling 41-40 comeback win over Baltimore. The veteran quarterback threw for 394 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for two more scores. In the fourth quarter alone, Allen became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 250 yards and rush for two touchdowns in a single quarter.
It marks the 16th time Allen has claimed AFC Offensive Player of the Week, the most by any player since he entered the league in 2018. He is now one of just eight quarterbacks in league history with 16 or more weekly offensive honors.
Oluokun Delivers for Jaguars’ Defense
Jacksonville’s defense looked sharp in its 26-10 victory over Carolina, and Oluokun was the centerpiece. The linebacker tallied 10 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. He was the only NFL player in Week 1 to force multiple turnovers.
The former Yale standout earned his third career Player of the Week award and his first as a Jaguar. He joins Ryan Fitzpatrick as the only Ivy League alumnus with at least three Player of the Week recognitions.
Boswell Boots Steelers to Victory
Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell came through in the clutch during the Steelers’ 34-32 win over the New York Jets. He connected on all four extra points and nailed two long field goals from 56 and 60 yards. His 60-yarder, the longest kick of his career and the league’s longest of Week 1, gave Pittsburgh the lead in the final minutes.
The award is Boswell’s fifth overall, setting a new franchise record for Steelers kickers.
McCarthy Makes History in Vikings Debut
In the NFC, rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy wasted no time making an impact in his debut. The former Michigan star threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing score as Minnesota rallied past Chicago, 27-24.
McCarthy became the first quarterback to erase a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and win in regulation during his debut since Hall of Famer Steve Young in 1985. He also joined Cam Newton as the only players to record two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in their first game.
Landman, Johnson Round Out NFC Winners
Los Angeles linebacker Nate Landman helped seal the Rams’ 14-9 win over Houston with 10 tackles and a late forced fumble in the red zone. It marked his first career Player of the Week honor.
Tampa Bay’s Kameron Johnson made the most of his special teams snaps, delivering a 54-yard punt return in the Buccaneers’ 23-20 win over Atlanta. The rookie wide receiver, who played at Barton College, became the school’s first-ever NFL Player of the Week.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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