Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson has been voted the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 8, the league announced Thursday. The fifth-round pick from Nebraska earned the honor after a standout performance in the Chiefs’ 28-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, outpacing fellow nominees Jonah Coleman (Broncos), Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders), and Wesley Bailey (Rams).
Johnson finished with five receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, plus one carry for 15 yards, totaling 143 scrimmage yards. The bulk of his production came on a 73-yard catch-and-run from Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter—the longest play of the season for Kansas City—which gave the Chiefs a lead. He also contributed a 44-yard kickoff return late in the game. Of his 128 receiving yards, 121 came after the catch, highlighting his elusiveness on limited opportunities.
Through seven games, Johnson has 20 carries for 77 yards and 14 receptions for 237 yards and one touchdown while playing behind lead back Kenneth Walker III. His 128 receiving yards against Denver marked the highest single-game total by any NFL running back this season. Selected 161st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after a productive college career at Nebraska, where he rushed for over 1,400 yards in his final season, Johnson has shown flashes as a versatile change-of-pace option and special-teams contributor.
The Chiefs (5-2) will look to snap a two-game skid when they host the New York Jets (2-6) on Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) on CBS. Kansas City opened the season 5-0 before dropping consecutive road contests to the Seattle Seahawks and Broncos. The Jets enter on a three-game losing streak after a 38-33 home loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kansas City is favored by 9.5 points in a matchup that offers a favorable bounce-back opportunity. The Chiefs’ next three opponents—including the Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals—are all under .500. Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns against Denver, and the offense should have opportunities to establish rhythm against a Jets defense that has struggled at times. Johnson’s expanded role in the passing game could factor into Andy Reid’s plans as Kansas City seeks to reestablish its offensive identity at home, where the team is 3-0 this season.
The Jets, led by quarterback Geno Smith, have shown offensive flashes but continue to search for consistency under second-year head coach Aaron Glenn. A win for Kansas City would improve its AFC West positioning behind the Denver Broncos and restore momentum heading into a critical stretch.
