Beckham, Ajayi among Player of the Week award winners

AFC

Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi was rewarded for his 204-yard, two-touchdown performance Sunday by taking home the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. The sophomore had his best day as a pro in helping the Dolphins shock the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ajayi had yet to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game before Sunday.

New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower won the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week award for his play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hightower recorded a team-high 13 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, a safety, and a quarterback hit. He's the fifth Patriot to win a Player of the Week honor this season.

San Diego Chargers punter Drew Kaser's performance Thursday earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week title. Kaser punted five times, landing four inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 44 yards per punt on the night, including a long of 60, in a 21-13 win over the rival Denver Broncos.

NFC

New York Giants superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr. exploded for eight catches, 222 receiving yards, and two touchdowns Sunday, earning him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. Beckham recorded a 75-yard touchdown and a game-winning, 66-yard score in the game's final minutes.

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving is the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week after he forced three Green Bay Packers fumbles Sunday. He jarred the ball loose from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a play deep in the red zone late in the third quarter. The Cowboys went on to win 30-16.

Rookie New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz helped the team pull out a 41-38 win Sunday over the Carolina Panthers by nailing a 52-yard field goal in the game's dying seconds. Lutz was 1-of-2 on his other field-goal attempts, but was perfect on five extra-point tries. He was rewarded with the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.