Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Running back Jahvid Best of the Detroit Lions is the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on September 19-20, the NFL announced Friday.
Best compiled 232 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns as the Lions lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 35-32.
Best was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com/rookies. The other finalists were wide receiver-kick returner Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver-kick returner Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos, and wide receiver Mike Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLV in North Texas.
This is Pepsi's ninth year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the ninth year that Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.
A closer look at the finalists:
Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions
Best compiled 232 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in a losing effort against the Eagles.
Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Bryant returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown and added 52 receiving yards in the Cowboys' loss to the Chicago Bears.
Williams recorded two receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown in the Buccaneers' 20-7 win over the Carolina Panthers.