Patriots' Antonio Gibson earns big honor for kickoff return touchdown in Week 2

Antonio Gibson’s 90-yard kickoff return earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week and flipped a Week 2 loss into a Patriots win. For bettors, expect increased interest in Patriots special-teams props and Gibson return-yardage bets, tighter live lines on New England in close games, and caution on Dolphins return coverage when pricing punt/kick return props.

Gibson’s 90-yard Return Seals Patriots’ Road Win

Antonio Gibson exploded for a 90-yard kickoff return late in the fourth quarter to give the New England Patriots a 30-27 lead and key momentum in a 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The play came moments after Miami took a 27-23 lead on a 74-yard punt return, and Gibson’s response proved decisive in handing the Patriots their first win in Miami since 2019.

Game Turning Special Teams Moment

Gibson’s touchdown was the first kickoff return score of his career and the NFL’s first of the season, sparking an immediate shift in the game. Head coach Mike Vrabel sprinted down the sideline to celebrate the play, underscoring how pivotal the return was to New England’s comeback.

League Recognition: AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

The NFL named Gibson the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he totaled 171 yards on six kickoff returns in the game. That award marks the first weekly honor for a Patriots player since 2022.

Stat Line and Versatility

Through two weeks, Gibson has averaged a career-best 29.9 yards on eight kickoff returns. In addition to the return TD, he contributed a crucial 15-yard rush out of the backfield that helped set up an earlier Patriots touchdown, highlighting his multi-phase value.

Contract and Career Context

Gibson is in his sixth NFL season and second with New England after signing a three-year, $11.25 million deal in the 2024 offseason following four seasons with Washington. This early-season breakout on special teams adds a new layer to his role with the Patriots.

Betting Implications

Gibson’s explosive return and weekly honor will likely influence bettors and sportsbooks: expect greater attention to Patriots special-teams props (return yards and return-TD markets), increased live betting activity when New England receives kickoffs in tight games, and more scrutiny of Dolphins special-teams coverage in future lines.

Antonio Gibson's 90-yard kickoff return touchdown in Week 2 helped the New England Patriots escape Miami with a win over the Dolphins, and has now earned Gibson a nice honor.

Cbs Boston