AFC standouts who flew under the radar in Week 8

NFL conversations tend to revolve around the biggest stars. But games are often shaped by players whose names don’t come up as much—whether they’re overlooked in a crowded depth chart, playing outside the spotlight or simply waiting for a coach to give them a larger role.

Three AFC players made a strong case for more attention in Week 8: Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson, Jets running back Braelon Allen and Titans edge rusher Jacob Martin.

Emmett Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City reshaped its running game during the offseason. The Chiefs brought back offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, signed Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million deal that included $28.7 million guaranteed, and drafted Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the fifth round, 151st overall.

Johnson’s selection drew less attention than the other moves, though his college production hinted at what he might bring. In 2025, he rushed for 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 carries, forced 68 missed tackles and had 36 runs of at least 10 yards.

His combine results didn’t fully capture the quickness and agility he showed on the field, which may have contributed to his slide in the draft. The Chiefs won’t mind. Johnson had a breakout performance against Denver, catching all five passes thrown his way for 128 yards and a touchdown. He also gained 15 yards on his lone carry, breaking several tackles along the way.

Kansas City lost 28-24, with a late drive ending at Denver’s 12-yard line after Malcolm Roach sacked Patrick Mahomes. Still, Johnson gave the offense a real spark.

Mahomes said Walker remains the lead back, but that the team wants to manage his workload over the course of the season. Johnson’s ability to change the pace, break tackles and contribute as a receiver, he said, gives the Chiefs another way to keep defenses from settling in. Mahomes added that Johnson had been doing good work since arriving and would likely see more opportunities as the season went on.

The Chiefs still need help at receiver, but their run game is starting to look more complete. Johnson’s performance gives them another reason to feel good about it.

Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets

Jets running back Braelon Allen is also making the most of a bigger role. At Wisconsin, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound back combined power with surprising agility. From 2021 to 2023, he ran for 3,482 yards and 25 touchdowns on 592 carries, forced 143 missed tackles and recorded 77 runs of at least 10 yards. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, 134th overall.

With Breece Hall leading the backfield, Allen had limited chances early in his career, finishing his first two seasons with 110 carries combined. Hall has now missed five straight games with a quadriceps injury, opening the door for Allen—and he has taken advantage, particularly in recent weeks.

Against the Raiders, Allen ran 21 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in a 38-33 loss. Since Week 5, he has rushed for 445 yards, behind only Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving among NFL players. He has forced 20 missed tackles in that span, second to Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, and his 18 runs of at least 10 yards lead the league.

Allen credited the offensive line for moving defenders and said he was trying to stay patient, follow his reads and avoid forcing plays. The blocking, he felt, was making the difference.

The Jets scored on each of their first six drives, but still came away with a loss. Allen said the team could take positives from its progress, though the priority remained winning. That’s hard to enjoy when it doesn’t happen.

It’s fair to wonder whether the Jets could have leaned on him more after halftime. Allen had just three carries for 26 yards in the second half, while New York’s defense let the Raiders erase a 23-14 lead. The Jets controlled possession for 19 minutes and 17 seconds in the first half, but finished the game with only a narrow edge: 30:02 to Las Vegas’ 29:58.

Maybe the coaching staff will make fuller use of Allen’s recent form. The 2-6 Jets have plenty to fix, but they appear to have found a productive running back in the meantime.

Jacob Martin, EDGE, Tennessee Titans

When Jacob Martin joined Tennessee on a two-year, $9 million contract, including $4.5 million guaranteed, he described a defensive line eager to disrupt opposing offenses and leave the linebackers to clean up. The Titans have since traded defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to Chicago for several draft picks, leaving Martin with an even bigger role.

Martin has had stretches of good play throughout his career, though he has also moved between eight teams in nine seasons. Against Cincinnati, he made the case that he can be a major force when everything clicks.

In Tennessee’s 43-36 overtime loss, Martin recorded three sacks, five quarterback hits and two hurries. Joe Burrow threw for 462 yards and accounted for six touchdowns, five through the air and one on the ground. But Martin repeatedly pressured him, giving Cincinnati left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. a difficult afternoon. Martin beat the Bengals with inside moves, speed around the edge and power rushes.

Safety Amani Hooker intercepted Burrow three times, while Martin kept up the pressure despite Simmons’ absence. The Titans will need more of that from the rest of their defensive front, especially after trading away one of their most important players. Martin, at least, has done his part: he has seven sacks and 29 pressures this season.