As the 2025 NFL season heats up, September delivered some electrifying performances that set the tone for the year. The league’s Players of the Month awards honor the top talents across the AFC and NFC in offensive, defensive, and special teams categories. From explosive running backs dominating the ground game to pass rushers terrorizing quarterbacks, these athletes showcased why they’re the cream of the crop. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the NFL Players of the Month for September 2025, complete with key stats, highlights, and what it means for their teams moving forward. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in, these selections highlight the early-season MVPs shaping the playoff race.
If you’re searching for the full list of NFL Player of the Month winners September 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down by conference and category.
AFC Offensive Player of the Month: James Cook, Buffalo Bills RB
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III exploded onto the scene in September, earning the AFC Offensive Player of the Month nod for his versatile, game-changing contributions. Cook’s blend of speed, vision, and receiving skills made him indispensable to the Bills’ high-powered offense, helping them rack up wins in a competitive AFC East.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Rushing: 401 yards on 75 carries (5.35 yards per carry)
- Receiving: 12 receptions for 89 yards
- Total Scrimmage Yards: 490 (second-most among RBs in the AFC)
- Touchdowns: 3 (two rushing, one receiving)
Cook’s efficiency stood out in a month where defenses keyed in on Buffalo’s passing attack led by Josh Allen. In Week 3 against the Dolphins, he torched Miami for 142 total yards, including a 48-yard scamper that flipped the game’s momentum. This marks the second time a Bills RB has won the award (joining Thurman Thomas), underscoring Cook’s rising star status. As the Bills chase a deep playoff run, Cook’s workload could climb, making him a fantasy football darling and a nightmare for AFC defenses.
NFC Offensive Player of the Month: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons RB
The Atlanta Falcons’ young phenom Bijan Robinson lived up to the hype in September, claiming the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his dual-threat prowess. Robinson’s elusiveness and after-the-catch magic transformed Atlanta’s offense from middling to must-watch TV, proving he’s the centerpiece of their rebuild.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Rushing: 314 yards on 64 carries (4.9 yards per carry)
- Receiving: 18 receptions for 270 yards (league-leading among RBs)
- Total Scrimmage Yards: 584 (tops in the NFL)
- Touchdowns: 2 (one rushing, one receiving)
Robinson’s Week 4 masterpiece against the Saints—75 rushing yards, 106 receiving yards, and a score—epitomized his explosiveness. He topped 100 receiving yards twice, a rare feat for a back his size (215 lbs). Falcons HC Raheem Morris called him “a walking highlight reel,” and with Atlanta sitting at 3-1, Robinson’s hot start positions them as NFC South contenders. For fantasy owners, he’s RB1 material; for opponents, good luck tackling air.
AFC Defensive Player of the Month: Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars LB
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd anchored the AFC’s stingiest secondary in September, snagging Defensive Player of the Month honors with ball-hawking plays that swung games. Lloyd’s instincts and coverage savvy elevated a Jaguars defense that struggled in 2024, turning potential losses into gritty victories.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Tackles: 17 total (2 for loss)
- Interceptions: 3 (tied for most in the NFL)
- Pass Defenses: 3
- Fumble Recoveries: 1
Lloyd’s pick-six in Week 2 against the Titans was a turnover-forcing clinic, and his three picks led the league, including a diving interception against the Colts that sealed a comeback win. Also earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 4, Lloyd’s versatility—blitzing, covering slots, and rallying the run defense—has Jags fans dreaming of January football. As Trevor Lawrence’s protection improves, Lloyd’s disruptions could make Jacksonville a wildcard dark horse.
NFC Defensive Player of the Month: Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams OLB
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young was a one-man wrecking crew in September, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Month for his relentless pass rush. Young’s bend, burst, and power overwhelmed NFC tackles, fueling the Rams’ top-ranked scoring defense early in the season.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Sacks: 5.0 (league-leading)
- Tackles: 23 total (7 for loss)
- Quarterback Hits: 7
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Pressures: 16 (per PFF)
Young’s strip-sack in the opener against Detroit set the tone, and his 5.0 sacks topped all edge rushers. In a Week 3 thriller vs. the 49ers, he notched two sacks and three TFLs, holding San Francisco under 20 points. At 27, Young’s breakout validates the Rams’ youth movement post-Aaron Donald. With Matthew Stafford slinging it, Young’s pressure keeps LA in the NFC West hunt—watch for double-digit sacks by season’s end.
AFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Spencer Shrader, Indianapolis Colts K
Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader was money from 50+ yards in September, securing AFC Special Teams Player of the Month with ice-cold accuracy that won games in the clutch. Shrader’s leg gave the Colts a reliable edge in a parity-filled AFC South.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Field Goals: 13-of-14 (92.9%)
- Extra Points: 12-of-12 (100%)
- Points Scored: 51 (NFL-leading)
- Longest FG: 54 yards
Shrader’s game-winner from 48 yards in Week 4 vs. the Titans capped a 4-0 start, and his 13 made FGs tied for the most in the league. Undrafted out of Notre Dame, Shrader’s poise under pressure has HC Shane Steichen praising his “clutch gene.” As the Colts lean on Anthony Richardson’s growth, Shrader’s consistency could be the difference in tight divisional battles.
NFC Special Teams Player of the Month: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys K
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey continued his mastery in September, nabbing NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for the third time in his career. Aubrey’s robotic precision kept Dallas’s explosive offense ahead, even on off days.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Field Goals: 10-of-10 (100% from 50+ yards)
- Extra Points: 15-of-15 (100%)
- Points Scored: 45
- Longest FG: 58 yards
Aubrey’s perfect month included a 58-yarder in Week 2 against the Giants that sparked a comeback. He’s now won the award in four of the last eight months, a testament to his USFL-honed reliability. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb clicking, Aubrey’s boot ensures the Cowboys maximize every drive—expect another Pro Bowl nod.
| Category | AFC Winner | Team | Key Stat | NFC Winner | Team | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive | James Cook | Bills | 490 scrimmage yds | Bijan Robinson | Falcons | 584 scrimmage yds |
| Defensive | Devin Lloyd | Jaguars | 3 INTs | Byron Young | Rams | 5.0 sacks |
| Special Teams | Spencer Shrader | Colts | 51 points | Brandon Aubrey | Cowboys | 10/10 FGs |
What These Wins Mean for the 2025 Season
The NFL Players of the Month for September 2025 spotlight a league trending toward youth and versatility. Running backs like Cook and Robinson are reclaiming the spotlight in pass-happy schemes, while defenders like Lloyd and Young prove edge and coverage win championships. Special teams aces Shrader and Aubrey remind us that games are won in the margins.
As Week 5 kicks off with the 49ers-Rams Thursday nighter, keep an eye on these stars—they’re not slowing down. Who will claim October honors? Drop your predictions in the comments below, and subscribe for more NFL analysis, fantasy tips, and season previews. What’s your take on these September 2025 NFL award winners? Let us know!
Source – NFL.com
