New York, NY (My Sportsbook) -
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady,
New York Jets linebacker David Harris and
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed have been selected as the AFC's top players for Week 1 of the NFL season.
Brady captured the offensive honor after leading the Patriots to a 25-24 come- from-behind win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. He hit Benjamin Watson for a pair of touchdowns in the waning minutes, the last a 16-yard strike occurring with 50 seconds remaining in the game after Buffalo's Leodis McKelvin fumbled a kickoff return.
Brady, who returned to regular-season action for the first time since suffering reported tears of his left ACL and MCL in the season opener last season, threw for 378 yards on 39-of-53 efficiency and the two scores. He as also intercepted by Aaron Schobel, who returned it for a 26-yard touchdown.
The 10-year veteran has now earned 13 career Player of the Week Awards and first since Week 17 of the 2007 campaign. Brady's 39 completions were the most in his career in a non-overtime game.
Harris received Defensive Player of the Week accolades after recording one sack, a team-best 12 tackles and a pass defensed in the Jets' 24-7 win at the Houston Texans on Sunday. It was his first career weekly award.
The Michigan product aided the defensive unit in limiting Houston to 183 total yards.
Reed took home the Special Teams Player of the Week after booting a 33-yard field goal in overtime to lift the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers over Tennessee 13-10 on Thursday. He also added a 32-yarder in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 10-10. It was his fourth career weekly honor.
Other nominees receiving consideration for AFC Offensive Player of the Week were: Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco, Pittsburgh wide receiver Santonio Holmes, and New York running back Thomas Jones.
Other nominees for AFC Defensive Player of the Week were: Jacksonville rookie cornerback Derek Cox, Denver safety Brian Dawkins, and Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson.
Other nominees for AFC Special Teams Player of the Week were: Cleveland kick returner-wide receiver Joshua Cribbs, Denver kicker Matt Prater, and Kansas City safety Jon McGraw.
