NFL Week 15: How Former Florida State Seminoles Fared - And Where They Stand in the Playoff Hunt
With Week 15 in the books, the NFL playoff race is heating up - and so is the spotlight on former Florida State Seminoles making their mark across the league. From clutch plays to injury setbacks, here's a team-by-team breakdown of how FSU alumni performed this week and where things stand in the postseason picture.
Thursday Night Thriller: Falcons Edge Bucs
Falcons 29, Buccaneers 28
- Falcons: Rookie safety Jammie Robinson saw action on special teams, logging 22 snaps but didn’t record any stats. Still, it’s valuable experience as he continues to carve out a role in Atlanta’s secondary.
- Buccaneers: No former 'Noles suited up for Tampa Bay this week.
Sunday Slate
Bears 31, Browns 3
- Browns: Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, recently signed off Arizona’s practice squad, was active but didn’t see the field. A developmental piece for Cleveland moving forward.
Ravens 24, Bengals 0
- No FSU representation in this AFC North showdown.
Texans 40, Cardinals 20
- Texans: Veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. chipped in with two tackles, including one solo. A steady rotational presence on Houston’s defensive front.
- Cardinals: Rookie running back Trey Benson remains on injured reserve but has been designated to return.
Meanwhile, Josh Sweat started at outside linebacker and contributed to a tackle.
Jaguars 48, Jets 20
- Jaguars: Cornerback Jarrian Jones posted two solo tackles as part of a dominant Jacksonville win.
- Jets: Jermaine Johnson II added two tackles, including one solo, continuing to be a bright spot on a struggling defense. Tough news for rookie corner Azareye’h Thomas, who was placed on injured reserve this week and will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
Chargers 16, Chiefs 13
- Chargers: Derwin James put on a clinic. The veteran safety led the team with 10 tackles (two solo), broke up two passes, and sealed the win with a clutch interception.
That’s the kind of impact play that defines leaders on playoff-bound teams. Offensive lineman Bobby Hart got the start at right tackle, while quarterback DJ Uiagalelei remains on the practice squad.
- Chiefs: Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi was in on two tackles. Kevin Knowles II had an active day with two tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and a special teams stop. Janarius Robinson remains on injured reserve.
Bills 35, Patriots 31
- Bills: Rookie wideout Keon Coleman was targeted once but didn’t record any stats.
- Patriots: Defensive tackle Joshua Farmer earned the start and tallied two tackles (one solo). Running back Jashaun Corbin and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. are currently on the practice squad.
Commanders 29, Giants 21
- Commanders: Veteran defensive lineman Eddie Goldman notched a solo tackle. DeMarcus Walker remains on the practice squad.
- Giants: Jameis Winston attempted one pass but didn’t complete it. Brian Burns had a disruptive day, contributing to a tackle, hurrying the quarterback three times, and recovering a fumble. Kicker Graham Gano is still on IR.
Eagles 31, Raiders 0
- Eagles: Johnny Wilson remains on injured reserve.
- Raiders: No former FSU players appeared in this game.
Sunday Late Window
Broncos 34, Packers 26
- No Seminoles appeared in this one.
Rams 41, Lions 34
- Rams: The defensive duo of Braden Fiske and Jared Verse continues to show promise. Fiske was in on three tackles and added a QB hurry.
Verse chipped in with a tackle and a hurry of his own. Keir Thomas is on IR.
- Lions: No FSU alumni played in this game.
Saints 20, Panthers 17
- Panthers: Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald was perfect on the day, hitting a 40-yard field goal and going 2-for-2 on extra points.
- Saints: No former Seminoles in action.
Seahawks 18, Colts 16
- Seahawks: Cam Akers was waived Thursday, but re-signed to the practice squad on Saturday. A rollercoaster week for the running back.
- Colts: No former FSU players in this matchup.
49ers 37, Titans 24
- 49ers: Renardo Green continues to show why he’s a starter, registering four tackles (two solo). Linebacker Tatum Bethune missed his third straight game with an ankle injury.
- Titans: No Seminoles played.
Sunday Night Football
Vikings 34, Cowboys 26
- No FSU alumni appeared in this primetime matchup.
Monday Night Football Preview
Dolphins at Steelers
- Steelers: A pair of former Seminole standouts - Jalen Ramsey and Asante Samuel Jr. - are expected to suit up in a pivotal game for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes.
Playoff Picture: Where the Seminoles Stand
AFC
- Broncos (12-2) - Clinched a playoff spot
- Patriots (11-3) - In strong position, with key FSU contributors on defense
- Jaguars (10-4) - Jarrian Jones and company are helping fuel a title push
- Steelers (7-6) - Big Monday night ahead, with Ramsey and Samuel in the mix
- Chargers (10-4) - Derwin James is leading the charge
- Bills (10-4) - Keon Coleman looking to break through
- Texans (9-5) - Mario Edwards Jr. adds veteran depth
In the Hunt
- Colts (8-6)
- Ravens (7-7)
- Dolphins (6-7)
NFC
- Rams (11-3) - Clinched a playoff berth; Fiske and Verse are heating up
- Bears (10-4)
- Eagles (9-5)
- Buccaneers (7-7)
- Seahawks (11-3)
- 49ers (10-4) - Renardo Green is making his presence felt
Packers (9-4-1)
On the Bubble
- Lions (8-6)
- Panthers (7-7) - Ryan Fitzgerald staying consistent
- Cowboys (6-7-1)
As the playoff race tightens, the impact of former Florida State stars is being felt across the league - whether it’s Derwin James sealing a win, Brian Burns recovering a key fumble, or young defenders like Renardo Green stepping into starting roles. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Seminole presence is only growing stronger.