NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker led the top AFC players in the NFL's first week this season.
Parker rushed for three touchdowns on 25 attempts for 138 yards (5.5 avg.), leading the Steelers' 38-17 rout of the Houston Texans.
The former North Carolina product and free agent equaled the franchise record set by Jerome Bettis on Jan. 1, 2006 with three rushing touchdowns in his first game back since suffering a broken leg in Week 16 against the St. Louis Rams on Dec. 20, 2007.
He was joined in the AFC by Tennessee Titans cornerback Courtland Finnegan (defense) and Buffalo Bills kick returner Roscoe Parrish (special teams).
Finnegan made a career-high two interceptions and seven tackles in the Titans' 17-10 victory against Jacksonville. Parrish totaled a franchise record 120 punt return yards (20.0 avg.) on six returns, including a second quarter 63-yard touchdown return in the Bills' 34-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
