Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13.
In the Bills's 26-7, Benford recovered a fumble and returned it 17 yards for his first career TD, added an interception, two tackles (one solo), one TFL and one pass defensed.
He became the third Bill ever and first since 2010 (Drayton Florence at CIN - 11/21) with an opponent fumble return TD and an INT in the same game. He recorded two takeaways and a defensive touchdown in the span of 1:32 yesterday, marking the shortest span between takeaways including a touchdown in the NFL since 2023.
Benford also stepped up in pass coverage against Steelers DK Metcalf. According to NextGenStats, Benford lined up against Metcalf 13 times, 10 of which came in man coverage, and did not allow a single reception during those snaps.
Additionally, Benford was named Week 13 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP after hosting his first Thanksgiving Celebration event at the Community Missions of Niagara Frontier.
