Watt, Newton among NFL's Player of the Week award winners

AFC

Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his standout effort in Sunday's comeback win over the San Diego Chargers. The fourth-year back put together his most productive game of the season in helping Denver secure the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed, finishing the day with 15 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown.

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for another dominant performance to close out the regular season. Watt's three sacks, his highest single-game total this season, saw him regain the league lead and finish the year with an impressive 17.5.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker D.J. Alexander is the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Alexander's blocked punt heavily swung the Chiefs' favor Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, helping the club to a 10th-consecutive win heading into the playoffs.

NFC

Cam Newton earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the fifth time this season after throwing for 293 yards and recording four total touchdowns in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Completing 80.8 percent of his passes made for his second best mark in what appears to be an MVP season.

NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors go to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen. The sixth-year pro tallied two sacks of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, helping Minnesota to its first NFC North title since 2009.

Seattle Seahawks kick returner Tyler Lockett took home the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning four punts for an impressive 139 yards. Lockett has been effective on both offense and special teams in his rookie season, en route to his first career player of the week award.