Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was named the Castrol EDGE Clutch Performer of Week 17. Down 13-7 with the division title and the AFC's top playoff seed on the line, the Broncos put Manning into the game. Manning led Denver to a touchdown on his first drive. Behind Manning, the Broncos went on to win, 27-20, and secured the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed. Manning, Buffalo Bills' Leodis McKelvin, Miami Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill, Houston Texans' J.J. Watt and Minnesota Vikings' Xavier Rhodes each had the strength to come through during a key moment to contribute to wins during Week 17.
CLUTCH PERFORMER OF THE WEEK NOMINEES
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo Bills
With the Bills up 19-17, the New York Jets were in position to take the lead in the fourth quarter. However, McKelvin intercepted Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the end zone. The Bills followed that play up with a field goal for the final points in a 22-17 win that prevented the Jets from making the playoffs.
Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill's 19-yard scramble on a third-and-11 situation late in the fourth quarter set up a field goal that put the game away in a 20-10 win over the New England Patriots. The Dolphins' win prevented the Patriots from attaining the AFC's top playoff seed.
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
Watt had three sacks, forced a fumble and recovered another to help the Texans earn their first division title and playoff berth since 2012.
Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota Vikings
Rhodes picked off Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal situation late in the fourth quarter to preserve a 20-13 win. The victory earned Minnesota its first NFC North crown since 2009.
