Three standouts emerge in Week 9 for the NFC Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams categories.

Barkley Powers Eagles with Record-Setting Performance

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered an outstanding performance in Week 9, amassing 199 scrimmage yards, which included 159 rushing and 40 receiving yards, alongside two key touchdowns in a narrow 28-23 victory over Jacksonville. This achievement places Barkley in elite company, making him only the second player in NFL history to secure over 110 scrimmage yards in seven of his first eight games with a new team. The only other player to reach this milestone was Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.

Barkley’s recent accolade marks his sixth NFC Offensive Player of the Week award and his third just this season, putting him on par with Philadelphia legend Michael Vick as the only Eagles to capture the honor three times in a single season. Additionally, Barkley surpasses Kerry Collins as the Penn State alumnus with the most Player of the Week awards, further cementing his role as a powerhouse in the league.

Kinchens’ Heroic Interception Seals the Win for the Rams

Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, a rookie, stepped up in a critical moment during the Rams’ 26-20 overtime victory against Seattle. In a thrilling performance, Kinchens logged three tackles and intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter, one of which he returned an astonishing 103 yards for a touchdown. This return, tied as the longest interception return by a rookie in NFL history, also stands as the longest go-ahead touchdown by a rookie in the fourth quarter.

Kinchens’ contributions were instrumental in pushing the Rams past Seattle, and his achievements earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He becomes only the second Rams rookie to receive this distinction, joining an exclusive club that includes some of the NFL’s finest defensive talents to emerge from the University of Miami.

Gillikin’s Precision Punts Propel Cardinals’ Special Teams

Arizona Cardinals punter Blake Gillikin’s performance in Week 9 was nothing short of exceptional, aiding Arizona in their 20-9 triumph over the Chicago Bears. Gillikin punted four times, with three of those punts landing within the 20-yard line and two inside the 10, ensuring that Chicago’s offense started deep within their own territory.

For his efforts, Gillikin was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, joining a select group of Cardinals punters, including Jeff Feagles and Ben Graham, who have previously earned this honor. He is also the first Penn State punter to receive this recognition, adding another milestone to his career and highlighting his crucial role in Arizona’s special teams.

These Week 9 honorees—Barkley, Kinchens, and Gillikin—each made game-changing plays that contributed significantly to their teams’ victories, exemplifying the determination and talent that set them apart as NFC standouts this season.