The National Football League named Lamar Jackson and Jordan Love as AFC and NFC Offensive Players of the Week for the penultimate stage of the 2023 regular season.
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback had a sensational Week 17 performance against the Miami Dolphins, completing 82.1 percent of his passes for 321 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. More importantly, that dominating victory earned them the top seed in the AFC playoffs, giving them a Wild Card Round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Lamar Jackson's remarkable regular season is over:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 3, 2024
• 307/457 (67%)
• 3,678 passing yards
• 821 rushing yards
• 29 total TDs
• 7 INTs
• 13-3 record
• AFC's No. 1 seed
He is the favorite to win MVP, which would be his second of his career. https://t.co/8V6qsXFnu3 pic.twitter.com/7Pokl2nsNY
Meanwhile, Love completed 72.7 percent of his throws for 256 yards and four total touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings. That win kept the Green Bay Packers playoff hopes alive. A Week 18 victory earns them the seventh and final spot in the NFC postseason.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after defending three passes and completing two interceptions in their victory over the New England Patriots. He returned one of his picks for a 40-yard interception touchdown.
Conversely, Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson is the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after tallying five tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons. Their victory also kept their playoff hopes alive, but they will need other results to happen and make the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs Harrison Butker was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after converting six field goals and an extra point in their win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Those points helped the Chiefs clinch a playoff spot by winning their eighth consecutive AFC West division title.
Finally, New York Giants punt returner Gunner Olszewski is the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after completing a 94-yard punt return touchdown versus the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, it was not enough to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, a team that clinched a Wild Card spot.
-Lance Fernandez