Carlos Dunlap And Vontaze Burfict Nominated For AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontaze Davis (five tackles, two interceptions) won the Week 17 AFC Defensive Player of the Week the NFL announced on Wednesday. However the nominations weren't void of Cincinnati Bengals players, who have won the award three times this year (Michael Johnson, Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins).

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap generated a quarterback sack and returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a comfortable lead 23-14 lead over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Rookie linebacker Vontaze Burfict also received a nomination for generating 18 tackles (Bengals coaches gave him 23) during Cincinnati's win -- thanks to Ray Rice's cheap shot.

Other defensive players nominated for the AFC Defensive Player of the Week includes Titans linebacker Zach Brown (four tackles, sack, two pick-six touchdowns), Patriots defensive end Justin Francis (three quarterback sacks), Von Miller (three tackles, quarterback sack) and Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (six tackles, two sacks, forced fumble and recovery).