By Susan Lulgjuraj | Beckett Football Editor

The final week of the regular season proved to be an exciting one with teams still fighting to get into the playoffs. It allowed for some spectacular play as well.

One of the biggest highlights came as NFL fans around the country watched to see if Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could break the single-season rushing mark. He fell short by nine yards, but still had an impressive game that led the Vikings to a playoff berth.

Veteran of the Week:
Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: He didn’t have the most rushing yards on the day (though it was close), however, Peterson’s offensive push got his team into the playoffs on Sunday. He ran for 199 yards and a touchdown on 34 carries, coming close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s record. Afterward, Peterson seemed to just be happy to play another week. He also caught a two-yard pass for a score in a 37-34 win over Green Bay.

Honorable mentions: San Francisco WR Michael Crabtree, 172 yards on eight receptions; Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams, 210 yards, two TDs on 21 carries.

Chase cards
2012 Absolute Memorabilia Ground Hoggs #12
2012 Topps Chrome Red Refractors #158 /25
2012 Elite Status #55 /28

Rookie of the Week:
Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins: The sixth-round draft pick had another impressive game in Washington’s biggest of the season. He ran for 200 yards on 33 carries with three touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards a carry in a 28-18 win over the Dallas Cowboys to clinch the NFC East title.

Honorable mentions: Cincinnati Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict, 18 tackles, 10 solo; Indianapolis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton, 111 yards and a touchdown on four receptions; Arizona Cardinals WR Michael Floyd, 166 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.

Chase cards
2012 Bowman Sterling AU #117
2012 Panini Black Rookie Signatures #102 /125
2012 Absolute Spectrum Gold Autographs #103 /299

Breakout Player of the Week:
Zach Brown, LB, Tennessee Titans: The rookie has been a mainstay on defense for the Tennessee Titans, but many people learned his name on Sunday. Brown had two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns. He also added a sack and four tackles in a 38-20 win over Jacksonville.

Chase cards
2012 Momentum #200 AU RC /699
2012 Elite Aspirations Autographs #129 /49
2012 Leaf Valiant Draft Blue #ZB1 /99

Susan Lulgjuraj is an editor of Beckett Football. You can email her here with questions, comments or ideas. Follow her on Twitter here.