Anderson, Newsome, Brown pick up AFC weekly honors

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New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jonathan Newsome and Pittsburgh kick returner Antonio Brown were named the top AFC players for the final week of the regular season.

Anderson ran for 87 yards with three touchdowns and added 20 receiving yards to help Denver wrap up the AFC’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a 47-14 win over Oakland. He became the fourth different Bronco to win the AFC’s top offensive player, joining tight end Julius Thomas, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and quarterback Peyton Manning.

Newsome notched six tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble in the Colts’ 27-10 win at Tennessee to earn defensive honors. His 6 1/2 sacks this season were the most among AFC rookies.

Brown helped Pittsburgh win the AFC North title on Sunday night with a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown in a 27-17 victory over Cincinnati to claim the special teams award. He also had a 63-yard touchdown reception among his seven catches for 128 yards.

Others considered for the offensive award were New York Jets teammates Geno Smith and Eric Decker. Smith completed 20-of-25 passes for a career-high 358 yards with three touchdowns in a 37-24 win over Miami. Decker caught half of Smith’s completions for 221 yards with a score.

Kansas City linebacker Justin Houston was nominated for the defensive award after notching five tackles with four sacks and a forced fumble in the Chiefs’ 19-7 win over San Diego. Houston’s J.J. Watt was also considered after he picked up six tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety in the Texans’ 23-17 win over Jacksonville.

Denver kicker Connor Barth was up for the special teams award after connecting on each of his four field goal tries and all five PATs.

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