Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs the ball and tries to block Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Preston Brown (52) during the second half at New Era Field. Pittsburgh beat Buffalo 27-20. Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell were named Offensive Player of the Week in their respective conferences, the NFL announced Wednesday.
Rodgers took the NFC award for his performance last Sunday when he completed 18 of 23 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns with a 150.8 passer rating in the Packers’ 38-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. It was his eighth straight game with multiple TD passes, the longest current streak in the NFL and the second-longest one of his career (13-game streak in 2011).
Bell earned the AFC honor for Week 14 after rushing for a Steelers’ single-game-record 236 yards on a career-high 38 carries in the 27-20 win over the Buffalo Bills. Bell also scored three touchdowns for the first time in his career, and he added four receptions for 62 yards — a total of 298 yards from scrimmage.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for making two sacks and five tackles in the 23-10 win over the winless Cleveland Browns.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley earned the NFC defensive award after sacking Jared Goff three times, forcing a fumble and returning it for a score in the 42-14 rout of the Los Angeles Rams.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Tyreek Hill was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring on a 78-yard punt return in last Thursday night’s 21-13 win over the Oakland Raiders.
Punter Brad Wing took the NFC special teams award for consistently keeping the Dallas Cowboys pinned in their own end of the field in the New York Giants’ 10-7 victory Sunday night. He landed five of his nine punts inside the Cowboys’ 20-yard line — two at the 3-yard line, including one with 1:15 remaining in the game.
