Who were the best players in the NFL in December and January? The league releases its honor roll every month. Here is a list of this month’s Players of the Month.
AFC Offensive Player of the Month
In terms of MVP voting, Lamar Jackson is probably in the lead, but not before he’s garnering recognition.
He did more than enough to secure his AFC honors ahead of schedule, even though he missed the Ravens’ last game of the regular season.
In his last four games, he averaged 265 yards passing while completing 79 of 123 passes (64.2%) and tossing two interceptions against 11 touchdowns.
In that time, the quick-footed Jackson also gained 247 yards in rushes.
NFC Offensive Player of the Month
For the last five games of the season, Christian McCaffrey has been outstanding.
The versatile CMC amassed 695 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns in that span—two receiving and three rushing.
Over his previous five victories, McCaffrey led the way for the top-seeded Niners, rushing for 520 yards and adding 19 receptions for 175 yards.
AFC Defensive Player of the Month
Derek Stingley Jr: The top-five draft pick in 2022 is really getting his footing. Stingley was a key player in Houston’s pursuit for an AFC South championship and a postseason return.
In December and January, Stingley recorded 19 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 1 tackle for loss in the Texans’ playoff-clinching victory over the Colts.
NFC Defensive Player of the Month
Antoine Winfield Jr. Thought by many to be a Pro Bowl snub, Winfield showed All-Pro form in the last moments of the game.
In the final six games of the season, he recorded 41 tackles, four sacks, four tackles for loss, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
He was a key player in the Bucs’ NFC South championship victory. Winfield was everywhere, both on the field and in the box score, throughout every play.
AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.
Sam Martin had a significant impact on the Bills’ comeback to take the AFC’s No. 2 seed.
Martin punted 17 times in December and January, with 11 of those punts landing inside the 20-yard line.
At the time, his 64.7% average was the highest in the NFL. He averaged 48.2 yards per punt and had a long of 61 yards.
NFC Special Teams Player of the Month
Aubrey made all of his kicks to start his rookie NFL season flawlessly. The Pro Bowler eventually missed a few, but even then, he was terrific, scoring 58 points in December and January.
In 16 attempts, he converted 14 field goals, including all five of his shots from 50 yards or more. In addition, he scored 16 points without error on extras.
Offensive Rookie of the Month
In the last game of his incredible regular season, Nacua broke rookie receiving records for yards and receptions, but he was more than just a historical success—he was a major factor in the Rams’ postseason comeback.
Nacua has hauled in three touchdown catches and averaging 93.7 yards per tilt on 32 receptions over the last six games.
Defensive Rookie of the Month
Not all of the Rams’ outstanding rookies are Puka Nacua.
Turner has developed into a vital member of the defensive line and made crucial plays throughout Los Angeles’ postseason run.
Turner has progressively earned well-deserved recognition as he has recorded 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an incredible five sacks over the last six games, helping L.A. to a 5-1 record.
