Pennington, Holmes and Vinatieri named AFC Players of the Week

New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, Cleveland Browns linebacker Earl Holmes and New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri were named the AFC's Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for the 17th week of the NFL season.

Pennington was named Offensive Player of the Week for the second straight week and third time this season after he completed 17-of-24 passes for 194 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-17 win over Green Bay. The performance helped the Jets clinch the AFC East Division title.

The third-year quarterback, who improved to 8-4 as a starter, posted a single-game, club-record passer rating of 134.7. Pennington was especially efficient on third down, completing eight of nine passes for 107 yards with seven first downs and two touchdowns.

Holmes notched eight solo tackles (11 overall) in a 24-16 win over Atlanta that helped the Browns earn a berth in the AFC playoffs. His final tackle, with 23 seconds remaining, capped a goal-line stand that preserved the win.

Holmes, a seven-year veteran, recorded his first Player of the Week honor.

Vinatieri booted his 14th career game-winning field goal, a 35-yarder, in a 27-24 overtime win over Miami. The kicker converted four straight field goal attempts against the Dolphins, including a 43-yarder with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter that forced overtime.

Vinatieri, a seven-year veteran, captured his sixth Player of the Week award.

Other nominees for Offensive Player of the Week were New England running back Kevin Faulk, Cleveland running back William Green, Baltimore tight end Todd Heap, Denver running back Clinton Portis and Pittsburgh running back Amos Zereoue.

Pittsburgh linebacker Jason Gildon, New York Jets safety Sam Garnes and Baltimore linebacker Ed Hartwell received nominations for the Defensive Player of the Week award, while Pittsburgh kick returner Antwaan Randle El was considered for the Special Teams Player of the Week.

01/02 16:30:52 ET