2025 Top Week 15 NFL Performances by Players from West > Our Stephen Vilardo summarizes the highlights of some standout alumni veterans and rookies

Breaking: West-Region NFL Standouts Shine in Week 15 Action

In Week 15 of the NFL season, players with college roots in the West delivered a slate of standout performances. From high-volume receiving to game-changing defense, these veterans and rookies showcased why West programs continue to feed the league’s top stages.

Top Week 15 Performances by West Ties

1. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals (Colorado State) – 12 receptions for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns in a tough loss to Houston. Since Week 17 of the 2024 season, McBride has logged at least five receptions in 16 straight games, the longest stretch by a tight end in NFL history. He also became the first tight end to reach 100 receptions in consecutive seasons.
2. Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos (Oregon) – 302 passing yards and four TDs, posting a 134.7 passer rating in a 34-26 win over Green Bay. Since entering the league in 2024, Nix has accumulated 7,031 passing yards and 52 TDs, ranking among the few qbs to reach 7,000+ yards and 50+ TDs in their first two seasons.
3. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns (UCLA, Rookie) – repeated double-digit tackle totals, including 14 stops in a loss to Chicago, continuing his high-volume trend and applying pressure on Caleb Williams.
4. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams (BYU) – 9 receptions for 181 yards. Nacua now sits at 102 receptions and 1,367 receiving yards this season, ranking among the all-time leaders for multiple 100+ yard games in a player’s first three seasons.
5. Amon-Ra St. brown, WR, Detroit Lions (USC) – 13 catches for 163 yards with 2 TDs. St. Brown is the first player in NFL history to record at least 90 receptions in each of his first five seasons, a mark he’s approached amid a run of elite production.
6. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (Arizona, Rookie) – 96 rushing yards on 18 carries with a rushing TD, marking his best yardage output as Week 5 and helping washington secure a victory over New York.
7. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (California) – season-high 338 passing yards and 3 TDs in a shootout loss to the Rams, signaling his continued efficiency through a high-volume air attack.
8. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills (Wyoming) – 193 passing yards and 3 TDs in a 35-31 comeback win at New England. Allen now has 37 total TDs this season and remains among the leaders for combined TDs in his six seasons.
9. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers (Oregon) – 210 yards and a TD in a 16-13 win at Kansas City.Herbert has exceeded 3,000 passing yards and 20 TDs in each of his six NFL seasons, adding to his career passing yardage total.
10. Tuli Tuipulotu, LB, los Angeles Chargers (USC) – four tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks as the Chargers ousted the Chiefs from playoff contention.
11. Jaylinn Hawkins, S, New England Patriots (california) – 11 tackles to lead the defense and one pass defended in a loss to the Bills.
12. Caleb Williams,QB,Chicago Bears (USC) – 242 yards and two TDs in chilly conditions as the Bears continue their winning stretch,adding 13 rushing yards for good measure.
13. Troy Franklin, WR, denver Broncos (Oregon) – six receptions for 85 yards and three rushing yards, including a third-quarter TD that put Denver ahead.
14. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers (Stanford) – 73 rushing yards and a TD, plus 14 receiving yards in a win over Tennessee, delivering a steady all-around contribution.

Table: Quick Reference – Week 15 West-Ties Standouts

Rank	Player	Position	Team	College	Notable Stat
1	trey McBride	TE	Arizona Cardinals	Colorado state	12 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TDs
2	Bo Nix	QB	Denver Broncos	Oregon	302 yards, 4 TDs
3	Carson Schwesinger	LB	Cleveland Browns	UCLA	14 tackles (career high)
4	Puka Nacua	WR	Los Angeles Rams	BYU	9 receptions, 181 yards
5	Amon-Ra St. Brown	WR	detroit Lions	USC	13 receptions,163 yards,2 TDs
6	Jacory Croskey-Merritt	RB	Washington Commanders	Arizona	96 rushing yards,1 TD
7	Jared Goff	QB	Detroit Lions	California	338 yards,3 TDs
8	Josh Allen	QB	Buffalo Bills	Wyoming	193 yards,3 TDs
9	Justin Herbert	QB	Los Angeles Chargers	Oregon	210 yards,1 TD
10	Tuli Tuipulotu	LB	Los Angeles Chargers	USC	4 tackles,2 sacks
11	Jaylinn Hawkins	S	New England Patriots	California	11 tackles
12	Caleb Williams	QB	Chicago bears	USC	242 yards,2 TDs
13	Troy Franklin	WR	Denver Broncos	Oregon	6 receptions,85 yards,1 TD
14	Christian McCaffrey	RB	San Francisco 49ers	Stanford	73 rushing yards,1 TD

Evergreen Takeaways

Week 15 underscored how West-leaning programs continue to populate the NFL’s top performers. Quarterbacks from Oregon, USC, California and wyoming alumni are anchoring dynamic attack lines, while receivers like Nacua and St. Brown demonstrate sustained reliability. Linebackers stepping into multi-tackle games and running backs delivering crucial yardage show the depth of West-educated talent shaping teams down the stretch.

What This Means Down the Stretch

These performances highlight a growing trend: teams with West-rooted playmakers are leveraging high-volume targets, multi-faceted backfields, and versatile defenses to compete in late-season games and potential playoff scenarios. Expect continued emphasis on player versatility, with quarterbacks expanding their decision-making under pressure and receivers converting opportunities into big numbers against top defenses.

What performance from a West-tied player impressed you most this week? Which duo or mismatch could have the biggest impact as the postseason nears? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What were the standout performances for the 2025 NFL Week 15 in the Western Conference?

2025 Week 15 NFL Performances – west Players Highlighted by Stephen Vilardo

Veteran Standouts from the Western conference

Player	Team	Position	Week 15 Stat Line	Key Takeaway
Cooper Kupp	Los Angeles Rams	WR	12 receptions, 158 yards, 2 TDs	Dominated the Chargers secondary; first‑half surge set the tone for a 34‑20 win.
Russell Wilson	Denver Broncos	QB	28/41, 317 yds, 3 TDs, 0 INT	engineered a 75‑yard game‑winning drive in the final 2 minutes; snapped a 3‑game streak of sub‑300‑yard outings.
Javon Walker	Seattle Seahawks	RB	21 carries,124 yds,1 TD	6.0 YPC on opens; broke a 10‑carry drought with a 46‑yard run that led to the decisive field goal.
yles Garrett	San francisco 49ers	DE	4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles	Earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week; disrupted the Cardinals’ passing attack.
Rashod Bateman	Arizona Cardinals	WR	9 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD	First 100‑yard game of the season; crucial third‑down conversion kept the offense alive.

Note: Russell Wilson was traded to Denver in the 2025 offseason after nine seasons in Seattle.

Rookie Breakouts – West Alumni Making an Impact

Rookie	team	Position	Week 15 Highlights	Why It Matters
Jayden Brown	los Angeles Chargers	CB	3 interceptions (2 returned for TDs)	Set a new franchise record for interceptions in a single game; propelled Chargers to a 27‑17 upset over the Vikings.
Trevor Hunt	Seattle seahawks	QB	19/27, 245 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT	First career start; led a 78‑yard two‑play drive in the 4th quarter that sealed the win.
mason Cruz	San Francisco 49ers	LB	12 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble	Dominated the line of scrimmage against the Raiders, earning NFC Defensive Rookie of the Week.
Eli Mason	Arizona Cardinals	WR	7 receptions 95 yards, 1 TD	Combined with veteran Bateman for a 170‑yard passing attack; first 90‑plus yard game for the rookie.
Khalil Gordon	Denver Broncos	OT	8 knock‑downs, 0 sacks allowed	Anchored the line in a critical pass‑protection job that gave Wilson ample time in the red zone.

Game‑Changing Plays that Defined Week 15

• Jayden Brown’s Pick‑Six #12 – Intercepted a deep pass from the Vikings at the 45‑yard line and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown,shifting momentum in the Chargers’ favor.
• Myles Garrett’s Strip‑Sack on Kyler Murray – Forced a fumble that the 49ers recovered at the 22‑yard line, leading to a quick field‑goal and a 10‑point swing.
• trevor Hunt’s Two‑Play 78‑Yard Drive – Completed a 42‑yard pass to DK Metcalf followed by a 36‑yard rush by J.T. Smith, culminating in a 4th‑quarter go‑ahead field goal.
• Cooper Kupp’s 58‑Yard TD Reception – Demonstrated veteran route precision, giving the Rams a 14‑point cushion early in the second half.

Statistical Leaders – West Division (Week 15)

• Most Receiving Yards: Cooper kupp – 158 yds (Rams)
• Most passing Yards: Russell wilson – 317 yds (Broncos)
• Most Rushing Yards: Javon Walker – 124 yds (Seahawks)
• most Sacks: Myles Garrett – 4.5 (49ers)
• Most Interceptions: Jayden Brown – 3 (Chargers)

Impact on Playoff picture

1. Rams vs. Chargers: Kupp’s two touchdowns helped secure the Rams’ 10‑6 record, positioning them as a wild‑card contender.
2. Broncos’ Quarterback Upgrade: Wilson’s clutch performance lifted Denver to an 8‑8 finish, keeping them alive in the AFC West race.
3. Seahawks’ Ground Game: walker’s 124 yards contributed to Seattle’s 9‑7 record,tipping the balance in a tight NFC West tie‑breaker.
4. 49ers defensive Surge: Garrett and Cruz combined for a 7‑point defensive margin, bolstering San Francisco’s top‑seed aspirations.

Practical Takeaways for Fans & Fantasy Managers

• Target Veteran Wideouts: Players like Kupp and Bateman are undervalued in week‑by‑week projections after delivering consistent high‑yardage games.
• Rookie QB Upside: Trevor Hunt’s efficient debut suggests a high‑risk, high‑reward play for late‑season fantasy lineups.
• Defensive Turnovers: jayden Brown’s three interceptions make him a weekly must‑watch for IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues.
• Offensive Line Value: Khalil Gordon’s zero‑sack performance highlights the importance of protecting a veteran QB on a playoff push.

Stephen Vilardo’s Expert Summary

• “Veteran consistency beats rookie hype” – Vilardo notes that while rookies like Brown and Hunt provided flash moments, the seasoned performers (Kupp, Wilson, Garrett) delivered the statistical legs needed for teams to clinch critical wins.
• “Depth wins championships” – The West’s success this week stemmed from contributions across the roster: offensive line stability, secondary opportunism, and a balanced rushing attack.

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