Taylor, Smith-Njigba, Parsons Earn October Honors,

The NFL named its Players of the Month for October on Wednesday, recognizing six standouts who helped drive unbeaten stretches and pivotal wins across the league. Jonathan Taylor, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Micah Parsons led the way with statement performances in the AFC and NFC.

AFC: Taylor, Jones, and Lutz Lead Perfect Runs

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 26: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after his team’s 38-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Jonathan Taylor powered Indianapolis to a 4-0 month, leading the NFL with 10 total touchdowns — nine rushing and one receiving — while topping the AFC in scrimmage yards (529) and rushing yards (436). He scored three touchdowns in three separate games and became the fifth player since 2000 to record at least three scrimmage touchdowns in four games in a season, joining LaDainian Tomlinson, Marshall Faulk, Shaun Alexander, and Priest Holmes.

It was Taylor’s third career Player of the Month award, placing him alongside Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James as the only Colts running backs to win multiple monthly honors. He is also the first Wisconsin running back to earn the award.

In New England, cornerback Marcus Jones keyed a 4-0 October with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and a league-high-tying eight passes defensed and two interceptions. He became the third defensive back since 2000 to post a tackle for loss and a pass defensed in four straight games, joining Jalen Ramsey and Jalen Pitre.

Jones earned his first career monthly honor and became the fifth Patriots defensive back to receive it, following Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Devin McCourty, and Eugene Wilson. He also joined linebacker Simon Fletcher as the only former Houston players to win a Defensive Player of the Month award.

Denver kicker Wil Lutz was perfect in October, converting all 15 of his attempts (six field goals, nine extra points). Two of those were game-winners in Weeks 6 and 7. The performance earned Lutz his third career Player of the Month honor and his first with the Broncos. He became the fifth Denver kicker to receive the award and the first Georgia State player ever recognized.

NFC: Smith-Njigba Breaks Out, Parsons Dominates, Piñeiro Perfect

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 20: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after a catch against the Houston Texans during the second quarter at Lumen Field on October 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba fueled Seattle’s offense throughout October, recording 24 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns in three games. He was the only player in the league to post at least 100 receiving yards in three contests from Weeks 5–8.

It was Smith-Njigba’s first career monthly honor and the second ever by a Seahawks wide receiver, joining Tyler Lockett. He is also the fourth former Ohio State wide receiver to win the award, following Cris Carter, Ted Ginn Jr., and Michael Thomas.

Micah Parsons continued his impact in Green Bay, leading the NFC’s only unbeaten team (3-0) with four sacks and five tackles for loss in October. His three-sack performance in Week 8 at Arizona was one of the month’s standout defensive efforts.

This is Parsons’ second career Player of the Month honor and his first with the Packers. He is the first Green Bay defender to win the award since Xavier McKinney in October 2024, and the second Penn State defensive player to earn multiple monthly honors, joining Sean Lee.

San Francisco kicker Eddy Piñeiro capped the month with perfection, converting all 16 of his kicks — 10 field goals and six extra points — including four from 50 yards or longer. His 36 points tied for the NFC lead. It was Piñeiro’s first career Player of the Month award and the 49ers’ first special teams honor since punter Mitch Wishnowsky in 2022.