I'm working on reserves from the past day (i.e., little sleep). So I'll trudge along in the most coherent manner possible.

What's the scenario that you hoped for with the Pro Bowl? Chad Johnson scores a touchdown and increases his anti-Bengals position? Perhaps T.J. Houshmandzadeh representing the team in a positive manner? Or perhaps, nothing at all. Did you watch the game?

Houshmandzadeh caught four passes for 44 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown was impressive. Ben Roethlisberger threw up a pass towards the back right pylon. Houshmandzadeh jumped and reached over Marcus Trufant stealing the pass destined to hit the cornerback's shoulders. Chad Johnson caught two passes for 30 yards -- both on first down.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is entering his final season under contract with a base salary of $2.5 million.

"I hope Marvin and Brat were watching."
- Houshmandzadeh after the 42-30 loss in the Pro Bowl.

Kenny Watson is nominated for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the week after his 130-yard performance during Cincinnati's 19-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. The others:

• New York Giants BRANDON JACOBS carried the ball 24 times for 145 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Giants’ 38-21 win over the Buffalo Bills.
• New England’s LAURENCE MARONEY totaled 156 yards over 14 carries and scored one touchdown in the Patriots’ 28-7 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Also Chinedum Ndukwe is nominated for the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week after recording nine tackles and two interceptions. Others nominated for the award are:

• Kansas City’s DWAYNE BOWE made eight receptions for 97 yards and one 34 –yard touchdown in the Chiefs’ 25 – 20 loss to the Detroit Lions. Bowe’s touchdown made it 22 – 20 early in the fourth quarter to keep the Chiefs in the game.
• New York Giants’ AHMAD BRADSHAW carried the ball 17 times for 151 yards including an 88-yard touchdown in the Giants’ 38 – 21 win over the Buffalo Bills.
• Buffalo’s MARSHAWN LYNCH led the Bills with 18 carries for 70 yards and one touchdown in the Bills’ 38 – 21 loss to the New York Giants.
• San Francisco’s PATRICK WILLIS recorded 20 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed in the 49ers’ 21 – 19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

AFC

OFFENSE: WR CHAD JOHNSON, CINCINNATI BENGALS
In the team’s first home win against Tennessee in five previous meetings, Johnson was a key factor as the Bengals tallied their second-highest point total of the season. Johnson hauled in a career-best 12 receptions for 103 yards (8.6 average) and tied a franchise and career-mark with three touchdown receptions in a 35-6 win over the Titans. Needing six receptions entering the game to surpass CARL PICKENS (530) for the most career receptions in club history, Johnson reached the mark in the second quarter and now has 537 career receptions. Johnson posted his fourth 100-yard game of the season and the 25th of his career. In his seventh year from Oregon State, this is Johnson’s first career Player of the Week Award. The last Bengals player to be honored was wide receiver T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH (Week 3 in 2006).

DEFENSE: CB ASANTE SAMUEL, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
In a 31-28 victory over the Eagles, Samuel registered three tackles, three passes defensed and two interceptions as the Patriots clinched the AFC East title and improved to 11-0. Samuel posted his first interception of the game in the first quarter and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead. Samuel’s interception-return touchdown was his first of the season and the third of his career in the regular season (six total). The veteran cornerback registered his second interception with 3:52 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Patriots halted the Eagles’ drive in a comeback attempt. For the season, Samuel has a team-high six interceptions and is tied with San Diego's ANTONIO CROMARTIE for the NFL lead. In his fifth season from Central Florida, this is Samuel’s second Player of the Week Award (Week 12 in 2006). Samuel is the second Patriots player to win Defensive Player of the Week this season (MIKE VRABEL in Week 8).

SPECIAL TEAMS: K JOSH SCOBEE, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Scobee totaled a career-high 18 points as Jacksonville defeated Buffalo 36-14 and improved to 8-3 for the second best start in team history through 11 games. The veteran kicker made a career-high five field goals (46, 33, 22, 23, 20) and all three PATs on the day. Scobee’s 18 points tied MIKE HOLLIS (18 points on 9/10/00) for the most points by a kicker in franchise history. For the season Scobee has made all seven field goal attempts and all seven PATs in 2007. In his fourth season from Louisiana Tech, this is Scobee’s fourth Player of the Week Award and his first since Week 5 in 2005.

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 12 were:

• Cleveland running back JAMAL LEWIS, who totaled 134 yards on a season-high 29 carries with one touchdown in a 27-17 win over Houston.
• Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER, who completed 18 of 21 passes (franchise record 85.7 percentage) for 165 yards and a 79.6 passer rating in a 3-0 win against Miami.
• Kansas City rookie running back KOLBY SMITH, who had a career-high 31 carries for 150 yards with two touchdowns in a 20-17 loss to Oakland.
• New England wide receiver WES WELKER, who had a career-high 13 receptions for 149 yards.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 12 were:

• Kansas City linebacker DONNIE EDWARDS, who recorded seven tackles and one forced fumble.
• Pittsburgh linebacker JAMES FARRIOR, who registered 11 tackles, 0.5 sack and one forced fumble.

Other nominee for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 12 was:

• Oakland kicker SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI, who made two field goals, including a 54-yarder in a 20-17 win at Kansas City.

NFC

OFFENSE: RB FRANK GORE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Gore rushed for 116 yards with two touchdowns and added 11 receptions for 98 yards in the 49ers’ 37-31 overtime win at Arizona. The game marked Gore’s 11th career 100-yard rushing effort and the third-year running back set career-highs in catches (11) and receiving yards (98). Gore scored on an 11-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and gave San Francisco the lead late in the fourth quarter with a 35- yard TD rush. On the day, Gore finished with 214 total scrimmage yards, the second-best total of his career. In his third season from Miami, this is Gore’s third career Player of the Week Award. He was honored twice last season in Weeks 5 and 11. Gore is the third San Francisco running back to win at least three Offensive Player of the Week Awards (ROGER CRAIG, GARRISON HEARST).

DEFENSE: S DWIGHT SMITH, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The veteran safety had two interceptions, including a 93-yard interception-return touchdown, four tackles and three passes defensed in the Vikings’ 41-17 road win over the New York Giants. Smith’s 93-yard interception-return was the third-longest in team history and his 112 yards on two returns were the secondmost in club annals. The Vikings had four interceptions on the day and became the first team since 1984 (Seattle, 4) with three interception-return touchdowns in a game. Smith’s first interception came in the second quarter and set up a CHESTER TAYLOR TD to put Minnesota ahead 21-7. His second interception, which he returned 93 yards for a score, put the Vikings up 34-10 in the fourth quarter. In his seventh year from Akron, this is Smith’s first career Player of the Week Award. The last Vikings player to be honored on defense was cornerback CEDRIC GRIFFIN in Week 14 of 2006.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PR-KR DEVIN HESTER, CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago’s exciting return specialist had a 75-yard punt-return touchdown and an 88-yard kickoff-return touchdown in the Bear’s 37-34 overtime win over Denver. In just his second season, Hester now has 10 combined kick-return touchdowns, the fourth-most in NFL history, and averages a touchdown every 13.1 kick returns, the best mark all-time (Pro Football Hall of Famer GALE SAYERS, 14.8 kick returns per touchdown). Both of Hester’s touchdowns came in the third quarter and he is only the 10th player in league annals to record two kick-return TDs in the same quarter. This season, Hester has five combined kick-return touchdowns, tying the single-season record he set last year. In his second season from Miami, this is Hester’s sixth career Player of the Week Award and third this season (Weeks 2 and 6). Hester’s six career Special Teams Player of the Week Awards are tied for the second most in NFL history among returners, trailing only DANTE HALL (7).

Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 12 were:

• New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES, who completed 24 of 36 passes (66.7 percent) for 260 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a 103.9 passer rating and added an eight-yard touchdown run in the Saints’ 31-6 win at Carolina.
• Green Bay wide receiver DONALD DRIVER, who had 10 catches for 147 yards in the Packers’ 37-26 win over Detroit on Thanksgiving.
• Green Bay quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who completed 31 of 41 passes (75.6 percent) for 381 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 128.2 passer rating.
• Philadelphia quarterback A.J. FEELEY, who passed for a career-best 345 yards and tied a career-high with three touchdowns in the Eagles’ 31-28 loss at New England.

Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 12 were:

• Tampa Bay cornerback RONDE BARBER, who had 11 tackles, four passes defensed and an interception in the Buccaneers’ 19-13 win against Washington.
• New Orleans safety ROMAN HARPER, who had five tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
• San Francisco cornerback WALT HARRIS, who had two interceptions.
• Seattle defensive end PATRICK KERNEY, who had seven tackles, three sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in the Seahawks’ 24-19 win over St. Louis.
• Chicago defensive end ADEWALE OGUNLEYE, who had seven tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
• Chicago cornerback CHARLES TILLMAN, who had an interception, three passes defensed and blocked a punt.
• San Francisco rookie linebacker PATRICK WILLIS, who had a game-high 18 tackles and a half-sack.
• Tampa Bay defensive end GREG WHITE, who had seven tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
• St. Louis linebacker WILL WITHERSPOON, who had five tackles, two sacks and two passes defensed in the Rams’ 24-19 loss to Seattle.

Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 12 were:

• Tampa Bay punter JOSH BIDWELL, who punted seven times for a 50.4-yard average and placed three punts inside the 20-yard line.
• Tampa Bay kicker MATT BRYANT, who converted all four field goal attempts (35, 27, 48, 39).
• Minnesota linebacker HEATH FARWELL, who tied a team record with six special teams tackles.
• Detroit kicker JASON HANSON, who converted all four field goal attempts (41, 47, 45, 52) in the Lions’ 37-26 loss to Green Bay.
• San Francisco punter ANDY LEE, who averaged 47.7 yards on six punts, including three punts of at least 50 yards.

Marshawn Lynch won rookie of the week honors smoking the field with 49%. The Browns' Eric Wright finished with 35% followed by Leon Hall (6%), Selvin Young (6%) and Chris Houston (1%).

This is Lynch's second award (week 7 and 10) sharing the distinction of being a two-time winner with Patrick Willis (week 1 and 2), Dwayne Bowe (week 3 and 4) and Adrian Peterson (week 6 and 9).

Results.

See this week's players of the week in the NFL.

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Leon Hall is up for the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week. Voting started Tuesday (I guess I'm late) and results will be announced on NFL.com -- and here, yo! Hall leads all AFC rookies with four interceptions -- two in the past two games. Who are the nominations? Vote for Hall.

• Cincinnati’s LEON HALL posted five solo tackles and one interception in the Bengals’ 21 – 7 win over the Baltimore Ravens.  Hall intercepted a McNair pass at the Cincinnati 0 for a touchback with 18 seconds left in the first-half.
• Atlanta’s CHRIS HOUSTON made eight tackles and defensed two passes in the Falcons’ 20 – 13 win over the Carolina Panthers.  Houston’s first defensed pass came in the third quarter on a third down, which forced Carolina to punt and led to a Falcons field goal on the ensuing possession.
• Buffalo’s MARSHAWN LYNCH carried the ball 19 times for 61 yards including one fourth-quarter touchdown and a two-point conversion in the Bills’ 13 – 10 win over the Miami Dolphins.
• Cleveland’s ERIC WRIGHT led the Browns with 11 solo tackles and one sack in the Browns’ 31 – 28 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Denver’s SELVIN YOUNG rushed for 109 yards over 20 carries and one touchdown in the Broncos’ 27 – 11 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.  Young wasted no time in the second start of his NFL career with a 34-yard run on the Broncos' opening drive to set up Jason Elam's first field goal.

Vote for Hall

Each week, we're asked to submit a "Defining Moment" from the weekend's games. I, like a good Bengals fan, submitted my defining moment when Leon Hall picked off a free floating football in the back of the endzone to close out the first half.  I mean, it's clear that one team entering Sunday's game at 2-6 playing a team that was shelled against Pittsburgh on their last Monday Night game would be the biggest moment during the NFL weekend. Don't you think? Vote for me, bro!

AFC

OFFENSE: WR RANDY MOSS, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
In a match-up of the NFL’s final two undefeated teams, Moss was a huge contributor as the Patriots prevailed 24-20 against the Colts and improved to 9-0. Moss hauled in nine receptions for 145 yards (16.1 average) with one touchdown. Moss posted his longest reception of the season on a 55-yard grab that resulted in a touchdown three plays later and narrowed the Colts’ lead to three points. He posted his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season and the 52nd of his 10-year career. Moss’ four-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was his 12th of the year and tied the franchise mark for most touchdown catches in a season (STANLEY MORGAN, 12 in 1979). In his 10th year from Marshall, this is Moss’ fifth Player of the Week Award and his first since Week 10 in 2001 with the Vikings.

DEFENSE: LB JAMES HARRISON, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Harrison led the charge for the Steelers’ defense as the team extended its Monday night home win streak to 12 in a 38-7 victory over Baltimore. Harrison registered a career-high 3.5 sacks, nine tackles, one intercepton, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The Steelers scored 14 points off of his forced turnovers. The former undrafted free agent also forced a fumble on special teams that was recovered by Pittsburgh and resulted in a touchdown on the ensuing drive. Harrison helped Pittsburgh limit the Ravens to 104 total yards on offense. Harrison’s 6.5 sacks lead the team and rank fourth in the AFC. In his fourth season from Kent State, this is Harrison’s first Player of the Week Award. Harrison is the second Steelers’ player to earn the honor this season (IKE TAYLOR, Week 5).

SPECIAL TEAMS: CB ANTONIO CROMARTIE, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Cromartie returned a 57-yard missed field goal 109 yards for the longest play in NFL history. The previous record for the longest play in history was 108 yards. DEVIN HESTER (11/12/06) and NATHAN VASHER (11/13/05) each returned a missed field goal 108 yards and ELLIS HOBBS (9/9/07) accomplished the feat on a kickoff return earlier this season. Cromartie’s touchdown was his third score in the past two games. The second-year cornerback registered two touchdowns last week against Houston, including a fumble recovery in the end zone and a 70-yard interception return for a score. In his second season from Florida State, this is Cromartie’s first Player of the Week Award and he is the second Charger to win Special Teams Player of the Week in consecutive weeks (MIKE SCIFRES).

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 9 were:

• Indianapolis running back JOSEPH ADDAI, who gained 112 rushing yards on 26 carries and posted five receptions for 114 yards with one touchdown.
• Cleveland quarterback DEREK ANDERSON, who completed 29 of 48 passes (60.4 percent) for 364 yards and a 75.3 passer rating in a 33-30 overtime win over Seattle.
• Buffalo wide receiver LEE EVANS, who had nine catches for 165 yards and one touchdown in a 33-21 win over the Bengals.
• Kansas City tight end TONY GONZALEZ, who had 10 catches for 109 yards and one touchdown in a 33-22 loss.
• Buffalo quarterback J.P. LOSMAN, who completed 24 of 34 passes (70.6 percent) for 295 yards with one touchdown and a 94.6 passer rating.
• Buffalo running back MARSHAWN LYNCH, who had 29 carries for 153 yards with two touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing).
• Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER, who completed 13 of 16 passes (81.3 percent) for 209 yards with career-high five touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 9 were:

• Buffalo linebacker ANGELO CROWELL, who posted 14 tackles.
• Kansas City linebacker DONNIE EDWARDS, who totaled seven tackles.
• New England defensive end JARVIS GREEN, who had five tackles with 1.0 sack and one forced fumble.
• Tennessee defensive tackle ALBERT HAYNESWORTH, who led the team with eight tackles, including a career-high 3.0 sacks in a 20-7 win over Carolina.
• Buffalo cornerback TERRENCE MC GEE, who had two tackles and four passes defensed.
  

Other nominees for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 9 were:

• Kansas City punter DUSTIN COLQUITT, who had seven punts for 321 yards (45.9 average) with three punts inside the 20-yard line and a long of 56 yards.
• Buffalo kicker RIAN LINDELL, who had four field goals and set the NFL record for most consecutive extra points (237) converted to start a career.
• Jacksonville running back-kick returner MAURICE JONES-DREW, who recorded a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a 41-21 loss to New Orleans.
• New England wide receiver-kick returner WES WELKER, who returned three punts for 60 yards (20.0 average) and one kickoff for 26 yards.

NFC

OFFENSE: RB ADRIAN PETERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Peterson rushed for an NFL single-game record 296 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 35-17 win over San Diego. Peterson carried the ball 30 times and averaged 9.9 yards per carry. In the second half, the rookie running back rushed for 253 yards. Peterson scored on a one-yard run in the first quarter, a 64-yard rush in the third and a 46-yard run in the fourth. The Vikings’ first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft (No. 7 overall), Peterson is the first rookie in NFL history to record two 200-yard rushing games. He rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns in Week 6. Peterson currently leads the NFL with 1,036 rushing yards and is on pace to pass Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC DICKERSON (1,808) for the most rushing yards by a rookie. In his first season from Oklahoma, this is Peterson’s second career Player of the Week Award (Week 6). Peterson is the first running back to be named Offensive Player of the Week twice during his rookie year since 2000 (MIKE ANDERSON, Weeks 13-14).

DEFENSE: DT SHAUN ROGERS, DETROIT LIONS
Rogers had a career-high 2.5 sacks and recorded the first interception of his career, which he returned 66 yards for a touchdown in the Lions’ 44-7 victory over Denver. Rogers had a sack in the second quarter and then combined with defensive end COREY SMITH on a sack in the third. In the fourth quarter, Rogers had a sack and then followed that up shortly with his interception-return touchdown. The interception return was the longest by a Lions defensive lineman since 2000 (KELVIN PRITCHETT, 78 yards). Detroit’s defense had five sacks, three fumble recoveries, an interception and two touchdowns against Denver. In his seventh year from Texas, this is Rogers’ second career Player of the Week Award (Week 7, 2004). Rogers is the second Lion to be honored on defense this year (DEWAYNE WHITE, Week 1).

SPECIAL TEAMS: K SHAUN SUISHAM, WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Suisham converted all five of his field-goal attempts, including the game-winning 46-yarder in overtime as the Redskins defeated the New York Jets 23-20. Suisham’s career-high five field goals tied a club record. The game-winning kick marked Suisham’s second overtime field goal this season. For the game, Suisham kicked field goals of 46, 40, 22, 40 and 46 yards. He also successfully executed a surprise onside kick in the second quarter which set up the third of his five field goals. In his second season from Bowling Green, this is Suisham’s first career Player of the Week Award. Suisham joins CHIP LOHMILLER (Offense, Week 2, 1991) as the only Redskins kickers to be honored.

Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 9 were:

• New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES, who completed 35 of 49 passes (71.4 percent) for 445 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 119.9 passer rating in the Saints’ 41-24 win over Jacksonville.
• New Orleans wide receiver MARQUES COLSTON, who had 10 catches for 159 yards.
• Atlanta running back WARRICK DUNN, who rushed for a season-high 100 yards in the Falcons’ 20-16 victory over San Francisco.
• Green Bay quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who completed 24 of 30 passes (80.0 percent) for 360 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for a 100.1 passer rating in the Packers’ 33-22 win at Kansas City.
• Tampa Bay running back EARNEST GRAHAM, who rushed for a career-high 124 yards with one touchdown in the Buccaneers’ 17-10 victory over Arizona.
• Green Bay wide receiver GREG JENNINGS, who had three receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns (13 and 60 yards).
• Dallas wide receiver TERRELL OWENS, who had 10 catches for 174 yards and one touchdown in the Cowboys’ 38-17 win on Sunday night at Philadelphia.
• Washington running back CLINTON PORTIS, who rushed for 196 yards and a touchdown.
• Dallas quarterback TONY ROMO, who completed 20 of 25 passes (80.0 percent) for 324 yards with three touchdowns and one interception for a 141.7 passer rating.

Other nominees for NFC Defensive Player of Week 9 were:

• Tampa Bay rookie safety TANARD JACKSON, who had three tackles, five passes defensed and one interception.
• Washington rookie safety LA RON LANDRY, who recorded six tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery.
• New Orleans cornerback MIKE MC KENZIE, who had four tackles, three passes defensed and a 75-yard interception-return touchdown.
• Atlanta safety LAWYER MILLOY, who posted 11 tackles and an interception.
• Tampa Bay safety JERMAINE PHILLIPS, who had five tackles, two passes defensed and one interception.
• San Francisco rookie linebacker PATRICK WILLIS, who had a team-high 10 tackles and recorded the first sack of his career in the 49ers’ 20-16 loss at Atlanta.
• Green Bay cornerback CHARLES WOODSON, who had three tackles and a 46-yard interception-return touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 9 were:

• Tampa Bay punter JOSH BIDWELL, who averaged 49.7 yards on six punts, placing two inside the 20-yard line.
• Seattle wide receiver-punt returner-kick returner NATE BURLESON, who had a 94-yard punt-return touchdown in the Seahawks’ 33-30 overtime loss at Cleveland. Burleson is the first player in NFL history with three career punt-return touchdowns of at least 90 yards.
• Green Bay rookie kicker MASON CROSBY, who converted four of five field-goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards.
• Detroit kicker JASON HANSON, who scored 14 points and converted all three field-goal attempts.

AFC

OFFENSE: QB TOM BRADY, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Led by veteran signal caller Tom Brady, the Patriots posted a 5-0 record in October and are off to their best start in franchise history (8-0). For the NFL’s top ranked passing offense and total offense, Brady tossed 20 touchdown passes in October, which set a league record for most touchdown passes in a month. Brady completed 128 of 179 passes (71.5 percent) for 1,544 yards with 22 touchdowns (20 passing, 2 rushing) and a 132.5 passer rating in the month. He posted 11 of his 20 touchdown passes for the month in Weeks 6 and 7. In a 48-27 win at Dallas (10/14), Brady set a career-high with five touchdowns passes, while completing 31 of 46 passes (67.4) for 388 yards and a 129.6 passer rating. One week later at Miami (10/21), he eclipsed the feat with six TD passes, while completing 21 of 25 passes (84.0 percent) for 354 yards and a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Brady leads the league in completions (198), completion percentage (74.2), passing yards (2,431), touchdown passes (30) and passer rating (136.2) through Week 8. Brady has already surpassed his previous career-high of 28 touchdowns in 2002 and 2004. Brady also tied an NFL record with eight consecutive games with three or more touchdown passes last week (PEYTON MANNING, 8). In his eighth season from Michigan, this is Brady’s second consecutive Player of the Month Award this season (September) and second of his career.

DEFENSE: DE JARED ALLEN, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Counted on heavily for his edge rushing and run stopping skills, Jared Allen notched 16 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble as the Chiefs posted a 2-1 (.667) record in October and earned a share of first place in the AFC West. Allen’s six sacks led the NFL for the month and his eight sacks for the season lead the AFC and tie for second in the league. The fourth-year veteran registered 1.5 sacks or more in all three games in October. Allen began the month with four tackles and 1.5 sacks in a 17-7 loss to Jacksonville (10/7). In the Chiefs’ 27-20 win over Cincinnati (10/14), Allen recorded 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble. Kansas City concluded the month with a 12-10 victory against the Raiders (10/21), and Allen collected nine tackles and two sacks for his ninth career multi-sack game. In his fourth year from Idaho State, this is Allen’s first Player of the Month Award.

SPECIAL TEAMS: K ROB BIRONAS, TENNESSEE TITANS
Tennessee’s Bironas made 13 of 14 field goals (92.9 percent) and all six PATs as he helped the Titans earn a 3-1 (.750) record for the month. Bironas accounted for 45 of the team’s 81 points in October and currently ranks second in the NFL in scoring with 67 points (STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, 73). In the Titans’ three wins in October, the third-year kicker connected on 12 of 13 field goals, including an NFL-record eight field goals (52, 25, 21, 30, 28, 43, 29 and 29 yards) against Houston on Oct. 21. The previous NFL record was seven field goals in a game, which was accomplished by four players: JIM BAKKEN (9/24/67), RICH KARLIS (11/5/89), CHRIS BONIOL (11/18/96) and BILLY CUNDIFF (9/15/03). In his third year from Georgia Southern, this is Bironas’ first Player of the Month Award.

2007 AFC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

NFC

OFFENSE: RB BRANDON JACOBS, NEW YORK GIANTS
The New York Giants posted an NFC-best 4-0 record in October, scoring an NFC-high 112 points and leading the NFL with 705 rushing yards. Jacobs was a key part in the team’s success as he topped the NFL with 424 rushing yards during the month. Jacobs had three 100-yard games in October, the first three 100-yard games of his career. The third-year veteran recorded his first career 100-yard game in Week 5 versus the New York Jets (100 yards). He then posted back-to-back 100-yard performances in Weeks 7 and 8, rushing for 107 yards in Week 7 against San Francisco and a career-high 131 yards versus Miami in London last week. Jacobs scored two touchdowns during the month and added six receptions for 24 yards. In his third season from Southern Illinois, this is Jacobs’ first Player of the Month Award. Jacobs is the third Giants running back to be honored, joining TIKI BARBER (Nov. 2002, Dec. 2005, Oct. 2006) and DAVID MEGGETT (Sept. 1994).

DEFENSE: DE AARON KAMPMAN, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Kampman had an NFC-best 5.5 sacks in three games during the month as Green Bay posted a 2-1 record. The Packers defensive end, who ties for second in the NFL with eight sacks, had at least a half-sack in all three October contests. He finished the month with consecutive multi-sack performances, registering two sacks in a 17-14 win versus Washington in Week 6 and tying his career-high with three sacks in a 19-13 overtime victory at Denver in Week 8. Since the start of the 2006 season, the Pro Bowl defensive end leads the NFL with 23.5 sacks. In his sixth season from Iowa, this is Kampman’s first Player of the Month Award. Kampman is the third Packers defensive end to be honored, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer REGGIE WHITE (Sept. 1998) and KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA (Sept. 2001).

SPECIAL TEAMS: K DAVID AKERS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Akers converted nine of 12 field goal attempts in October and led the NFC with 31 points scored. The ninth-year veteran converted three field goals in all three of the Eagles’ October contests as the club posted a 2-1 record during the month. Akers had three field goals and one PAT in a Week 6 win against the Jets, three field goals and one PAT in Week 7 versus Chicago and finished the month with three field goals and two PATs in a win over Minnesota. In his ninth season from Louisville, this is Akers’ second Player of the Month Award (Nov. 2000). Akers is the only player in franchise history to win a Special Teams Player of the Month Award.

2007 AFC PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

NFL Rookie of the Month

OFFENSE: RB ADRIAN PETERSON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
A first-round selection (No. 7 overall) from Oklahoma, Peterson rushed for 357 yards and four touchdowns in three October contests. The rookie running back averaged 119 yards per game, the highest mark in the NFL for the month, and his four rushing touchdowns tied for the most in the NFL. In Week 6 at Chicago, Peterson was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week as he rushed for a franchise-record 224 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings defeated the Bears 34-31. For the month, Peterson averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, the highest in the NFL among running backs with at least 50 carries. Peterson, who was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of September, is the first rookie to be honored in back-to-back months since JEREMY SHOCKEY (offense) and DWIGHT FREENEY (defense) in November and December, 2002.

DEFENSE: LB PATRICK WILLIS, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
A first-round selection (No. 11 overall) from Mississippi, Willis started all three games and recorded a teamhigh 43 tackles. The rookie linebacker posted at least 10 tackles in all three October contests, including a 16-tackle performance against Baltimore in Week 5. Willis, who has started every game this season, has recorded at least 10 tackles in each of his first seven career games and is the only rookie linebacker in team history to accomplish that feat. Willis has totaled a team-best 94 tackles this season and is on pace to set a new club record in the category. Willis is the first 49ers player to earn Defensive Rookie of the Month honors since the league started the award in 1996.

2007 NFL ROOKIES OF THE MONTH

AFC

OFFENSE: RB JOSEPH ADDAI, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Addai led the charge on offense as the Colts improved to 7-0 with a 31-7 road victory over the Panthers. Addai totaled 23 carries for 100 yards (4.3 average) and three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving). The second-year back recorded his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and became the first Colts’ player to record a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game since 2000. Through Week 8, Addai leads the league with seven rushing touchdowns and has reached the end zone in five his of past six games this season. In his second year from LSU, this is Addai’s second Player of the Week Award. Addai last won the award in Week 12 in 2006.

DEFENSE: LB MIKE VRABEL, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
In a 52-7 win over Washington, Vrabel was a key factor as the Patriots pushed their record to 8-0. The 11th-year veteran recorded 13 tackles and tied his career-high with three sacks and three forced fumbles. Each of Vrabel’s three sacks forced fumbles, which resulted in 17 points off turnovers. Vrabel also registered his second touchdown reception of the season and 10th of his career, including the postseason. He ranks second in the AFC with 7.5 sacks and leads all NFL linebackers. In his 11th season from Ohio State, this is Vrabel’s first Player of the Week Award.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P MIKE SCIFRES, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The Chargers prevailed over the Texans 35-10 for their third consecutive win, and Scifres led the way on special teams, punting five times and pinning the Texans inside their 20-yard line all five times (16, 6, 14, 6, and 1-yard lines). The Chargers limited Houston to 13 punt return yards (4.3 average). Scifres tallied a career-high 50.2 net average and had a season-best 63-yard punt. On the season, Scifres ranks fourth in the AFC with a 38.4 net average. In his fourth season from Western Illinois, this is Scifres’ first Player of the Week Award. Had career-high 50.2 net average and had a season-best 63-yard punt. On the season, Scifres ranks fourth in the AFC with a 38.4 net average. In his fourth season from Western Illinois, this is Scifres’ first Player of the Week Award.

Other nominees for AFC Offensive Player of Week 7 were:

• New England quarterback TOM BRADY, who completed 29 of 38 passes (76.3 percent) for 306 yards with three touchdowns and a 125.5 passer rating. Brady also contributed two rushing touchdowns.
• Cleveland wide receiver BRAYLON EDWARDS, who tied career-high with eight receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns’ 27-20 win over St. Louis.
• Buffalo wide receiver LEE EVANS, who had five catches for 138 yards and one touchdown in a 13-3 win over the Jets.
• San Diego tight end ANTONIO GATES, who had three receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
• Pittsburgh running back WILLIE PARKER, who had 22 carries for 126 yards with one TD in a 24-13 victory over the Bengals.
• Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER, who completed 19 of 26 passes (73.1 percent) for 230 yards with two touchdowns and a 109.5 passer rating.

Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of Week 8 were:

• San Diego defensive back ANTONIO CROMARTIE, who posted a career-high two interceptions, including a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown. Cromartie also scored on a fumble recovery in the end zone.
• Buffalo linebacker ANGELO CROWELL, who recorded eight tackles and one sack.
• Buffalo defensive end AARON SCHOBEL, who had five tackles, two forced fumbles and one sack.
• Pittsburgh safety ANTHONY SMITH, who had eight tackles.
  

Other nominee for AFC Special Teams Player of Week 8 was:

• Buffalo punter BRIAN MOORMAN, who had six punts for 206 yards (34.3 avg.) with three punts inside the 20-yard line.

2007 AFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

NFC

OFFENSE: QB DREW BREES, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Brees completed 31 of 39 passes (79.5 percent) for a season-high 336 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions for a 136.8 passer rating in the Saints’ 31-10 victory at San Francisco. In the first half, Brees completed 21 of 26 passes (80.8 percent) for 222 yards with three touchdowns and a 140.7 rating as the Saints jumped out to a 24-0 lead. Brees threw three scoring strikes to wide receiver MARQUES COLSTON (17, 3 and 15 yards) and added a two-yard TD pass to wide receiver TERRANCE COPPER New Orleans has now won three games in a row and the team is averaging 27.0 points per game in those contests. In his seventh season from Purdue, this is Brees’ fifth career Player of the Week Award and third with the Saints. He was honored twice last season in Weeks 9 and 14.

DEFENSE: DE TRENT COLE, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
In the Eagles’ 23-16 win at Minnesota, Cole led the team with 13 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two sacks. The Eagles allowed 256 total yards and held the NFL’s leading rusher, ADRIAN PETERSON, to 70 yards on 20 carries (3.5 average). Cole leads the NFL with nine sacks this season, including 7.5 in the past five games. This game marked Cole’s eighth multi-sack performance in his career. In his third year from Cincinnati, this is Cole’s first career Player of the Week Award. Cole is the first Eagles defensive end to win Defensive Player of the Week honors since 2002 (N.D. KALU, Week 13).

SPECIAL TEAMS: K JASON HANSON, DETROIT LIONS
Hanson scored 10 of Detroit’s 16 points, connecting on three of four field goal attempts and one PAT in the Lions’ 16-7 road win over Chicago. Hanson became the seventh player in NFL history to kick at least three field goals in 50 games and moved into 12th place on the NFL’s all-time scoring list with 1,591 points. Hanson kicked a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter, the 31st 50-yarder of his career and the longest by a Lions kicker at Chicago in the history of the series that dates back to 1930. Hanson also handled kickoffs, notching one touchback and helping to limit Bears Pro Bowl return specialist DEVIN HESTER to one return (20 yards). In his 16th season from Washington State, this is Hanson’s 10th career Player of the Week Award. Hanson’s 10 career Special Teams honors are tied for the second-most in NFL history (ADAM VINATIERI) behind JOHN CARNEY‘s 12.

Other nominees for NFC Offensive Player of Week 8 were:

• Green Bay quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who completed 21 of 27 passes (77.8 percent) for 331 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 142.4 passer rating in the Packers’ 19-13 overtime win at Denver.
• New York Giants running back BRANDON JACOBS, who had a career-high 131 yards on 23 carries (5.7 average) in the Giants’ 13-10 victory over Miami in London.
• Green Bay wide receiver GREG JENNINGS, who had six catches for a career-high 141 yards, including a game-winning 82-yard touchdown catch in overtime.
• Detroit running back KEVIN JONES, who rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown.
• Philadelphia quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB, who completed 23 of 36 passes (63.9 percent) for 333 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for a 103.1 passer rating.

Other nominee for NFC Defensive Player of Week 8 was:

• Green Bay defensive end AARON KAMPMAN, who had three sacks and six tackles.

Other nominees for NFC Special Teams Player of Week 8 were:

• Philadelphia rookie punter SAV ROCCA, who tied a franchise record with a 52.8-yard gross average, including punts of 64 and 65 yards in the fourth quarter.
• Green Bay punter JON RYAN, who punted four times for a 52.3-yard average, including a long of 61 yards.

2007 NFC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK