NFL Week 1 awards: J.J. Watt is still J.J. Watt

Offensive Player of the Week

Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones was the most unstoppable player from the weekend. Atlanta’s go-to wide receiver didn’t lead the league in receiving (that honor went to Keenan Allen and his 15 catches), but Jones caught 9 of his 11 targets for 141 yards and two touchdowns to help the Falcons earn an important opening victory in the Dan Quinn era. It must be noted that Jones was consistently facing extra attention, and beyond that, he had three receptions wiped away by off-ball penalties. In this space, “offensive player of the week” will normally be reserved for a non-quarterback, and Jones was the best skill position player in Week 1.

Runner-up: Matt Forte, RB Chicago Bears

Defensive Player of the Week

J.J. Watt, DL Houston Texans

You already knew the answer, right? Watt was, well, himself despite the fact that his teammates elected not to show up for duty for the first three quarters in a loss to Kansas City. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year posted two sacks and a league-leading six (!) tackles for loss on the day, and he was generally a terror to Alex Smith and company throughout. For good measure, Watt also finished in the top ten of the league in tackles (8) this week, and there is nothing that he can’t do at this point in time.

Runner-up: Aaron Donald, DL St. Louis Rams

Next: Week 1 MVP