Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford has been recognized as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13.
During the Bills’ 26-7 victory, Benford recovered a fumble and returned it 17 yards for his first career touchdown. He also recorded an interception, two tackles (one solo), one tackle for loss, and one pass defensed.
He became the third player in Bills history—and the first since Drayton Florence in 2010—to record both a fumble return touchdown and an interception in the same game. Benford achieved two takeaways and a defensive touchdown within a span of 1 minute and 32 seconds, which is the shortest time between takeaways including a touchdown in the NFL since 2023.
Benford contributed significantly in pass coverage against Steelers receiver DK Metcalf. According to NextGenStats, he lined up opposite Metcalf on 13 plays—10 of them in man coverage—and did not allow any receptions during those snaps.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Benford was named Week 13 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Community MVP after hosting his first Thanksgiving Celebration event at Community Missions of Niagara Frontier.
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