As the NFL regular season wrapped up its Week 17, standout performances across the league brought excitement and record-breaking plays. Leading the charge were quarterbacks Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers, both clinching the Offensive Player of the Week in their respective conferences.
AFC Highlights: Lamar Jackson’s Record-Tying Brilliance
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson not only led his team to victory but also tied an NFL record with his performance. Jackson passed for 321 yards and five touchdowns, boasting a perfect passer rating of 158.3. This feat positioned him as the second quarterback in NFL history with multiple career games of five or more touchdown passes and a perfect passer rating, sharing this accolade with Ben Roethlisberger.
On defense, cornerback Rasul Douglas of the Buffalo Bills made waves, defending three passes and securing two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His efforts crowned him the Defensive Player of the Week in the AFC, marking a highlight in a season where multiple-game interceptions have been a rare spectacle.
NFC Standouts: Jordan Love’s Breakout Game
Jordan Love stepped into the limelight for the Green Bay Packers, delivering a stunning performance that earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Love threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns, achieving a 125.3 passer rating. His accomplishment of five games with three or more touchdown passes and a rating over 100 ties him for the most in the NFL this season.
The defensive prowess in the NFC was represented by Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. He became the third player in the league this season to amass over five tackles, four pass deflections, and two interceptions in a single game, a testament to his growing impact on the Bears’ defense.
Special Teams Accolades
The special teams’ contributions were headlined by New York Giants’ Gunner Olszewski, who delivered a 94-yard punt return touchdown, the longest in the NFL this season. In the AFC, Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker scored all 19 of his team’s points through field goals, tying the record for most kicking points in a single game for the season.
As teams gear up for the postseason, these performances from Week 17 have set the stage for an electrifying playoff atmosphere. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these players can continue their high-caliber play when it matters most.
