Buffalo Bills

Jay Ajayi named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:11 p.m. ET

Fansided, Tyler Olson/FanSided via Phin Phanatic

Running back Jay Ajayi is winning honors once again as fans have named him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

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This is Ajayi‘s third honor as AFC player of the week. The 2nd-year running back out of Boise State won it two times came in weeks six and seven. Ajayi ran for over 200 yards both against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. This past Saturday he ran for 200+ for a 3rd time (2nd against the Bills). His 57 yard touchdown run in overtime put Miami in position to win and ultimately secure a playoff spot.

Ajayi has had a year to remember. After playing back-up duty to Lamar Miller last season, Ajayi has 1,213 yards and eight touchdowns in just 11 starts. Those 1,213 yards puts him 6th in the NFL. Last season he only had 189 yards on 49 carries and one touchdown.

If not for Ajayi the Miami Dolphins wouldn’t be in the 2016 playoffs. Since taking over as the starter in week five Miami’s 9-2. His hard-nosed running style has brought a new style to the Dolphins offense they haven’t had since the Ricky Williams days. The threat to run first has taken pressure off Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore this season.

Ajayi won’t lead the NFL in rushing this season – Ezekial Elliot has that in the bag – but he’s been one of the best to do it over the 9-2 winning streak. He’ll continue his strong play this Sunday against the New England Patriots.