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NFL Week 17 Awards: J.J. Watt devastates the Jaguars

By Brad Rowland

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after a sack during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates after a sack during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) makes a touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) makes a touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Player of the Week

Antonio Brown, WR Pittsburgh Steelers

It is never a surprise to see Brown, who many believe is the best wide receiver in the NFL, winning awards, but he was especially dominant in Sunday’s win over Cleveland. On the day he caught 13 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in the win, and he was generally able to escape the grasp of the Browns defense on a play-by-play basis.

At this point, it is not a controversial opinion to suggest that Brown would be the first receiver off the board in a hypothetical draft of the entire NFL. At worst, he would be a top-three pick. It wasn’t his best game of the year, but he was the best offensive player in the league this week.

Runner-up: Rashad Jennings, RB New York Giants

Defensive Player of the Week

J.J. Watt, DL Houston Texans

It is only fitting that the best defensive player in the NFL would put forth the best individual performance in the final week of the season.

Watt was absolutely unblockable in Houston’s 30-6 win over Jacksonville on Sunday, and the numbers reflect that dominance. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year led the league with three sacks, but his impact went far beyond that, including a forced fumble and a pass deflection while basically living in the Jaguars backfield throughout the day.

Superlatives are often handed down to Watt, to the point where the general public might even be annoyed by his greatness. However, this week was another example of just how incredible J.J. Watt is on the football field.

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

Next: Week 17 MVP

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