Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen received NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for October. It's the first Player of the Month award in Griffen's career.

He recorded an NFC-best six sacks this month, along with 20 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a forced fumble in four games. Griffen ranks third in the NFL with eight sacks this season.

It's still early, but through eight games, Griffen has lived up to a five-year deal worth up to $42.5 million he signed during the offseason. While the price tag was a shock to many, including Forbes who named Griffen as the most overpaid player in the NFL, the deal will look reasonable if Griffen sustains his early season success.