Allen and Purdy Lead NFL Week 2 Awards

Key points

• Josh Allen won AFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 248 yards and three touchdowns, plus 69 rushing yards and two scores, in a 41-31 win over the Lions.
• Brock Purdy earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after completing 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-13 win over the Dolphins.
• Hezekiah Masses was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions and five tackles in the Raiders' 26-14 win over the Chargers.
• Devin Lloyd won NFC Defensive Player of the Week with nine tackles, two interceptions, and a 16-yard return for a touchdown in the Panthers' 34-3 win over the Falcons.
• Andre Szmyt and Isaiah Rodgers were named AFC and NFC Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for their contributions to their teams' victories.

Background

Josh Allen was recently ranked the No. 1 quarterback on the NFL Top 100 player-voted list and is currently the leading MVP candidate, having posted elite numbers in Week 1. He also battled illness before the Week 2 game, reportedly needing an IV, but still delivered a dominant performance. The 2026 season has seen significant quarterback competition, with Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye also noted as strong contenders.

How outlets are covering it

The primary source, NFL.com, highlights the statistical dominance of Allen and Purdy, noting Allen's 19th AFC Player of the Week honor and Purdy's league-leading 80.4% completion percentage. The secondary source from the New England Patriots provides game photos from their Week 2 win over the Steelers but does not offer additional analysis on the awards. The ESPN source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from it. The archive context reinforces Allen's status as a top MVP candidate and the high level of quarterback competition in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

These awards underscore the early-season dominance of Josh Allen and Brock Purdy, setting the stage for a competitive MVP race. Allen's performance, despite illness, highlights his resilience and impact, while Purdy's efficiency signals the 49ers' offensive strength. The defensive and special teams awards indicate balanced team performances across the league, with standout individual contributions from rookies and veterans alike.

What to watch

The NFL will announce Week 3 Players of the Week following the upcoming games. Josh Allen and Brock Purdy's performances will be closely monitored as the MVP race intensifies. The 49ers and Bills will look to maintain their momentum, while other teams, such as the Rams and Seahawks, will aim to challenge the NFC West leaders. The league will also track the impact of injuries and roster changes on team performance.