Raiders’ LB Khalil Mack, Chargers’ RB Melvin Gordon headline weekly awards

The AFC West had a nice showing in the awards this week, with Raiders’ LB Khalil Mack winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He put up two sacks, recovered a fumble, and forced a fumble against the Denver Broncos. The Raiders beat the defending champs and took sole possession of the top spot in the division.

AFC Offensive Player of the Week: Chargers’ RB Melvin Gordon

In San Diego, Gordon ran for yet another TD on the season, giving him nine rushing TDs and 11 total. He’s the league leader. Even so, his yards were more impressive: 196 rushing yards on 32 carries and 65 receiving yards on four catches. The only Charger who has had more total in a game is LaDainian Tomlinson.

AFC Special Teams POTW: Colts’ returner Jordan Todman

Todman won his award about as quickly as you can. He caught the opening kick on the one-yard line, ran back 99 yards for a score, and jump-started the Colts over the Packers. Later, he added a 61-yard return.

NFC Defensive POTW: Giants’ safety Landon Collins

For the second time this season, Collins is the NFC’s choice for this award. The Giants beat the once- red-hot Eagles, and he recorded a sack, a pick and 12 tackles. He was huge in a divisional game that was massively important for the Giants to win.

NFC Offensive POTW: Falcons’ QB Matt Ryan

The Falcons took on the rival Bucs, and Ryan showed why they are in control of the division this year. He threw the ball 34 times, completing 25 passes. He put up 344 yards and tossed four TD passes on the way to an easy 43-28 win.

NFC Special Teams POTW: Lions kicker Matt Prater

Prater, who holds the NFL record with a 64-yard field goal while he was in Denver, had a chance to put the game into overtime with a 58-yard kick. He nailed it, and the Lions went on to win in OT. That was his second 50+ yard kick, and he hit all three attempts during the day.