It’s been a big year for New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz. Back in March, he signed a five-year contract extension and became one of the highest-paid kickers in NFL history. On Monday, he earned every penny by hammering in a 58-yard field goal as time expired to win the Saints’ season-opener against the Houston Texans.
On Wednesday, Lutz was recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. In addition to that game-winning 58-yard attempt, he also made field goals of 32 and 47 yards earlier in the night. Lutz did miss a field goal just before halftime from 56 yards out, which had the distance but veered off to the left of the goalposts.
Elsewhere around the conference, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after beating up on the New York Giants defense. Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, thanks to two interceptions stolen away from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
Meanwhile, in the AFC, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was selected for AFC Offensive Player of the Week after completing 17 of 20 passes for 324 yards and five touchdown throws. Tennessee Titans pass rusher Cameron Wake earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition with two sacks and a safety logged against the Cleveland Browns. Rookie Los Angeles Chargers kicking specialist Ty Long was the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week thanks to a 40-yard field goal, three successful extra-point attempts, and two punts for 98 total yards.
