There were plenty of outstanding performances in Week 8, but a quarterback in Oakland and a rookie running back in Chicago were particularly impressive, leading their respective teams to victories in the process.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, the NFL announced Wednesday. Carr passed for a franchise-record 513 yards -- completing 40 of 59 passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions -- in leading Oakland to a 30-24 overtime victory over Tampa Bay. Carr now has 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions for the first-place Raiders.
Cornerback Bradley Roby of the Broncos earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Roby registered seven tackles and a key interception of Philip Rivers as Denver downed San Diego 27-19.
The AFC Special Teams Player of the Week was Texans punter Shane Lechler. The 17-year veteran averaged 49.5 yards on four punts Sunday, pinning the Lions inside their 20 three times as Houston escaped with a 20-13 victory.
In the NFC, Bears running back Jordan Howard was named the Offensive Player of the Week. The exposive rookie out of Indiana rushed 26 times for 153 yards and caught another four passes for 49 yards. Howard scored a key touchdown in the first half to help Chicago upset Minnesota 20-10 on Monday night.
Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Lotulelei had six tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in Carolina's 30-20 victory over Arizona.
