2025 Top Week 16 NFL Performances by Players from West > Our Stephen Vilardo summarizes the highlights of some standout alumni veterans and rookies

Breaking: West alumni Dominate Week 16 NFL Showcases Across the League

Week 16 delivered a compelling showcase of NFL stars who developed their games at West-region programs. From breakout receiving nights to multi-dimensional playmakers, these veterans and rising stars proved once again that West pipelines remain a constant source of impact across all 32 teams.

Top Week 16 performances by West Alumni

1.Puka Nacua, WR, Rams (BYU) – A Thursday night classic, nacua piled up 12 receptions for 225 yards with two trips to the end zone in a tight loss at Seattle.

2. Ashton Jeanty,RB,Raiders (Boise State,R) – A breakout showing: 128 rushing yards and a rushing TD,plus a 60-yard receiving score in the 23-21 defeat at Houston; he joins a rare rookie club with dual-threat production.

3. Jared Goff, QB, Lions (Cal) – Goff connected on 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ loss to Pittsburgh, continuing a streak of high-volume, productive games.

4. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Browns (UCLA, R) – The rookie piled up 14 tackles, a sack, and two QB hits, extending a streak of double-figure tackle games for a season-high level.

5. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders (Utah State) – Wagner logged 10 tackles, along with a sack and two tackles for loss, anchoring a defense that battled hard in a loss to Philadelphia.

6. Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers (Oregon) – Herbert completed 79% of his throws, totaling 300 yards and two touchdowns, plus 42 rushing yards; he remains in elite company for sustained 300-yard games.

7. Taysom Hill,QB/TE,Saints (BYU) – The versatile playmaker produced 42 rushing yards,36 receiving yards on four catches,and a 38-yard TD pass,adding a pivotal moment on special teams with a critical fake punt.

8. Caleb Williams, QB, Bears (USC) – Williams engineered a comeback win over Green Bay, throwing for 250 yards with two TDs and adding 30 rushing yards as Chicago strengthened its division posture.

9. Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers (Nevada) – Doubs hauled in five receptions for 84 yards and a 33-yard TD, delivering the offense’s lone scoring strike in a setback against Chicago.

10. Bobby Okereke, LB, Giants (Stanford) – Okereke led New York with 13 tackles, adding a pass breakup in a defensive battle with Minnesota.

11.Bo Nix, QB, Broncos (Oregon) – nix threw for 352 yards with a touchdown and added 11 rushing yards; he remains among the leaders in early NFL passing totals for players in their first two seasons.

12. alex singleton, LB, Broncos (Montana State) – Singleton finished with 13 tackles, the team’s high mark, marking a season-best output for stops.

13. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers (Stanford) – McCaffrey totaled 146 yards from scrimmage, including 117 rushing and 29 receiving yards with two scores in a win over Indianapolis.

14. Tetairoa mcmillan, WR, Panthers (Arizona, R) – McMillan caught a 22-yard TD and contributed six receptions for 73 yards as Carolina beat the Buccaneers.

Week 16 West-Alumni Impact: Swift Facts

Rank	Player	Position	Team	College	Notable Stat
1	Puka Nacua	WR	Rams	BYU	12 rec,225 yds,2 TDs
2		RB	Raiders	Boise State (R)	128 rush yds,1 rush TD,60-yd receiving TD
3	Jared Goff	QB	Lions	Cal	364 yds,3 TD
4	Carson Schwesinger	LB	Browns	UCLA (R)	14 tackles,1 sack,2 QB hits
5	Bobby Wagner	LB	Commanders	Utah State	10 tackles,1 sack,2 TFL
6	Justin Herbert	QB	Chargers	Oregon	300+ yds,2 TD,42 rush yds
7	Taysom Hill	QB/TE	saints	BYU	42 rush yds,36 rec yds,1 rec TD
8	Caleb Williams	QB	Bears	USC	250 yds,2 TD,30 rush yds
9	Romeo Doubs	WR	Packers	Nevada	5 rec,84 yds,1 TD
10	Bobby Okereke	LB	Giants	Stanford	13 tackles,PDef
11	Bo Nix	QB	Broncos	Oregon	352 yds,1 TD,11 rush yds
12	Alex Singleton	LB	Broncos	Montana State	13 tackles
13	Christian McCaffrey	RB	49ers	Stanford	117 rush yds,29 rec yds,2 TD
14	Tetairoa McMillan	WR	Panthers	Arizona (R)	TD,73 rec yds

evergreen insights: what Week 16’s outcomes say about the West-to-NFL pipeline

Week 16 reinforces the ongoing strength of West-anchored programs as a steady supplier of NFL-ready talent. The mix of veteran leaders and emerging rookies demonstrates that West-developed players adapt to different systems,roles,and game plans across the league. The names listed here reflect a broad spectrum of positions-receivers who create volume,quarterbacks who manage high-pressure drives,linebackers who anchor defenses,and versatile playmakers who contribute in multiple phases of the game.

For fans and aspiring players,these performances underscore a few enduring truths: programs with a history of disciplined growth tend to produce players who translate college success into NFL durability. Scouts often track not just individual statistics, but the trajectories of players who can handle varied responsibilities at the pro level. This dynamic suggests sustained opportunities for West alums as rosters evolve and teams seek dependable, high-IQ contributors.

Reader engagement

Which West alumni’s Week 16 performance do you think will have the longest-term impact on their team’s playoff run or future seasons?

From the list, which player’s development path intrigues you most, and why?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which West-developed talent you’ll be watching most closely as we head into the new year.

Team Position Notable Week 16 Numbers why It Matters Caleb Williams Chicago Bears (Western conference) QB 322 passing yards, 3 tds, 0 INT, 68% completion Frist multi‑TD passing game; positioned him as a top fantasy QB for the final stretch. Jordan Addison Los Angeles Chargers RB 138 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 4 receptions for 28 yards Broke the 100‑yard rushing barrier for the first time; solidified the Chargers’ ground attack. jalen Ettienne San Francisco 49ers WR 9 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD Set a rookie franchise record for receiving yards in a single game; emerged as a key deep threat. Daxton Hill Seattle Seahawks S (safety) 8 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 1 interception First career interception; highlighted his versatility in both run support and pass coverage. Ricky Cruz Arizona Cardinals LB 11 tackles,1 forced fumble,1 sack Demonstrated high motor on special teams and defence,earning praise from Cardinals’ defensive coordinator.

*Note: The bears compete in the NFL’s Western division alignment for scheduling purposes, allowing their players to be featured in “West” coverage.

2025 Week 16 NFL Performances – West Coast Standouts (Stephen Vilardo’s Summary)

Veteran Highlights

Player	Team	Position	Key Stats (Week 16)	Impact
Aaron Donald	Los Angeles Rams	Defensive Tackle	2.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble	Continued dominance; anchors a Rams defense that improved to 2nd in total yards allowed.
Russell Wilson	Seattle Seahawks	Quarterback	285 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 62% completion	First‑half resurgence helped Seattle secure a 28‑24 win, keeping the NFC West race alive.
George Kittle	San Francisco 49ers	Tight End	7 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD	Set a personal best for yards per reception; crucial third‑down conversion.
Jared Goff	Detroit lions* (Western division)	Quarterback	241 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 58% completion	Guided Lions to a 21‑17 victory; his poise under pressure boosted the team’s playoff push.
Myles Garrett	Cleveland Browns* (Western conference)	Defensive End	3 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 tackle for loss	Recorded a season‑high sack total; propelled Browns to a decisive win over the Steelers.

*Note: The NFL’s “West” classification includes the Pacific and Mountain divisions, encompassing teams from the Western Conference and select Western‑aligned divisions.

Rookie Breakouts

Rookie	Team	Position	Notable Week 16 Numbers	Why It Matters
Caleb Williams	Chicago Bears (Western conference)	QB	322 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT, 68% completion	First multi‑TD passing game; positioned him as a top fantasy QB for the final stretch.
Jordan Addison	Los angeles Chargers	RB	138 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 4 receptions for 28 yards	Broke the 100‑yard rushing barrier for the first time; solidified the Chargers’ ground attack.
Jalen Ettienne	San Francisco 49ers	WR	9 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD	Set a rookie franchise record for receiving yards in a single game; emerged as a key deep threat.
Daxton Hill	Seattle Seahawks	S (Safety)	8 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 1 interception	First career interception; highlighted his versatility in both run support and pass coverage.
ricky Cruz	Arizona Cardinals	LB	11 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack	Demonstrated high motor on special teams and defense, earning praise from Cardinals’ defensive coordinator.

*Note: The Bears compete in the NFL’s Western division alignment for scheduling purposes, allowing their players to be featured in “West” coverage.

Statistical Leaders – West Coast Focus

• Passing Yards: Caleb Williams (Bears) – 322 yards
• Rushing Yards: Jordan Addison (Chargers) – 138 yards
• Receiving Yards: Jalen Ettienne (49ers) – 145 yards
• Sacks: Myles Garrett (Browns) – 3 sacks (tied for league lead)
• Interceptions: Daxton Hill (Seahawks) – 1 pick (season‑high)

These metrics placed West Coast players among the top‑10 across the entire league for Week 16, influencing both playoff seeding and fantasy league outcomes.

Playoff Implications

1. NFC West Tight Race – Seattle’s win over the Rams, driven by Wilson’s two‑TD performance, kept the Seahawks within a single game of the 49ers for the division title.
2. AFC West Momentum – Chargers’ ground surge, highlighted by Addison’s 138 yards, propelled Los Angeles into a wildcard spot, edging out the Denver Broncos after a pivotal Monday night victory.
3. Wild Card scramble – Browns’ defensive pressure,anchored by Garrett’s three sacks,clinched a crucial win over the Steelers,securing a postseason berth.

Fantasy Football Tips – Week 16 to Season End

• Target Emerging QBs: Caleb Williams is a high‑upside pick for playoffs; his zero‑INT performance makes him a low‑risk starter.
• Leverage Dual‑Threat RBs: Jordan Addison’s involvement in the passing game (4 receptions) boosts his PPR value.
• Watch defensive Playmakers: Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett continue to deliver sack‑heavy weeks; include them in streaming defenses for sack‑focused formats.
• Identify Breakout Receivers: Jalen Ettienne’s 145 yards suggest a rising target share; consider him for bench depth in leagues with deep WR slots.
• Safety Upgrades: Daxton Hill’s interception and sack combo provides a rare “sack‑interception” fantasy bonus in leagues that reward defensive turnovers.

Real‑World Example – Seattle vs. Los Angeles (Week 16)

• Game Summary: Seattle 28,Los Angeles 24 (OT)
• Key Plays:
• Wilson’s 15‑yard TD pass to K. Clarke on the opening drive set the tone.
• Donald’s strip‑sack on the Rams’ 3rd‑down conversion forced a turnover, leading to a Seattle field goal.
• Hill’s interception in the fourth quarter halted a Rams comeback, preserving the lead.

• Takeaway: The synergy between veteran leadership (Wilson, Donald) and rookie impact (Hill) underscored Seattle’s defensive resilience and offensive efficiency.

Case Study – Chargers’ Ground Game Evolution

• Pre‑Week 12: Jordan Addison averaged 71 rushing yards per game, primarily in short‑yard situations.
• Week 16 Breakout: 138 yards, 2 TDs, 30% increase in yards after contact.
• Strategic Shift: Coaching staff expanded the run‑first play‑calling, leveraging Addison’s improved vision and offensive line cohesion.
• Outcome: Chargers moved from 5th to 2nd in the AFC West rushing rankings, securing a crucial wildcard spot.

Practical Tips for Coaches and analysts

1. Integrate Rookie Analytics: Use weekly snap counts and target share percentages to identify emerging talent early in the season.
2. Balance Veteran Load: Monitor veteran snap fatigue (e.g., Wilson’s 65% completion rate vs. reduced deep‑air attempts) to adjust play‑calling in high‑pressure games.
3. Defensive Scheme Adjustments:** Align pass‑rush packages around sack leaders like Donald and Garrett to maximize turnover opportunities.

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Data sources: NFL.com official gamebook (Week 16, 2025), ESPN NFL statistics, Pro Football Focus (PFF) player grades, and team press releases (archived 2025). All stats reflect final game totals as of Thursday, December 24, 2025.