Quarterback DAUNTE CULPEPPER of the Minnesota Vikings, cornerback TORY JAMES of the Oakland Raiders and defensive end KEITH WASHINGTON of the Baltimore Ravens are the NFL Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for the Divisional Playoffs (January 6-7), the NFL announced today.

Culpepper, in his first playoff start, completed 17 of 31 attempts for 302 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions for a 120.6 passer rating in the Vikings’ 34-16 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The 120.6 passer rating is a team playoff record and the fourth highest all-time for a playoff debut. Culpepper also had 51 yards rushing on four carries (a 12.8-yard average), including a 30-yard run that set up a touchdown.

On the Vikings’ first possession, Culpepper connected with wide receiver RANDY MOSS on a 53-yard touchdown to put Minnesota ahead 7-0. With the Vikings leading 10-3 late in the first half, Culpepper scrambled for 30 yards to reach the Saints’ 17-yard line. On the next play, he threw a 17-yard scoring strike to wide receiver CRIS CARTER to give Minnesota a 17-3 halftime lead. Then, on the Vikings’ first possession of the second half, Culpepper hooked up with Moss on a quick pass that resulted in a 68-yard touchdown to put Minnesota up 24-3.

"It was unbelievable for him to do what he was able to do on a sprained ankle," said Carter. "Daunte is a special person."

James set the tone for Oakland in its 27-0 shutout of the Miami Dolphins. On Miami’s opening drive, he intercepted a pass and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, James ended another Dolphins threat by forcing a fumble. The Raiders then drove 43 yards for a touchdown, giving them a 20-0 lead.

James finished the day with a team-leading seven tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed and one forced fumble as the Raiders recorded the first postseason shutout in club history.

Washington blocked two field goals in the Ravens’ 24-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans. In the second quarter, he blocked a 45-yard field goal that preserved a 7-7 tie.