The National Football League announced that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, and Miami Dolphins placekicker Jason Sanders are the American Football Conference’s best players for December 2024 and January 2025.
Burrow completed 76.2 percent of his passes for 1,890 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and a 111.2 passer rating. The Bengals won their last five games to finish with a 9-8 record, which wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot after the Denver Broncos won in Week 18. Despite missing the postseason, Burrow finished the regular season as the league leader in passing yards (4,918), completions (460), and touchdowns (43).
AFC Players of the Month! (December / January)@JoeyB | @DerwinJames | @jasonsanderss pic.twitter.com/SEh4X1t2UP
— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2025
Meanwhile, James had 28 tackles (seven for losses), three sacks, and two passes defended. His efforts helped the Chargers win 11 games, including three consecutive victories from Weeks 16 to 18. Those wins were enough for Los Angeles to get a postseason berth.
Finally, Sanders registered 51 points from 15 field goals and six extra points. Five of his field goal conversions were from at least 50 yards away. Sadly, the Dolphins came up short for a playoff spot.
-Lance Fernandez