Former Oregon QBs Shine in NFL Week 13: Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota Duel in OT Classic, Bucky Irving Returns Strong
Oregon Ducks fans are getting pretty familiar with seeing their former stars light it up on Sundays-and Week 13 in the NFL gave them a full showcase. From Bo Nix and Marcus Mariota going toe-to-toe in an overtime thriller, to Bucky Irving making a strong return from injury, former Ducks were all over the highlight reels.
Let’s start with the headliner: Denver’s dramatic 27-26 overtime win over Washington. This one had everything-big throws, clutch runs, and a finish that felt more like a playoff game than a regular season matchup.
Bo Nix, the rookie quarterback for the Broncos, continues to look like a seasoned vet. He threw for 321 yards and a touchdown, but it was how he made plays that stood out.
His lone touchdown pass-an off-balance, falling throw that somehow found Courtland Sutton in stride-was the kind of improvisation you usually see from the league’s elite. Social media lit up, and for good reason.
That throw was pure instinct and touch.
With the win, the Broncos moved to 10-2 on the season, and Nix became the first quarterback from the 2024 draft class to hit 20 career wins. That’s not just a stat-it’s a statement. Denver’s offense is humming, and Nix is driving the bus with poise and creativity that’s rare for a young QB.
On the other sideline, Marcus Mariota continues to show he’s got plenty left in the tank. Thrust into the starting role for Washington after injuries to Jayden Daniels, Mariota has quietly been putting together strong performances-even as the Commanders struggle to replicate last season’s NFC Championship form.
Against Denver, Mariota threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns, adding 55 yards on the ground. He moved the chains with his legs and made smart throws all game long.
You could see the frustration on his face after the final play in overtime, but it wasn’t lost on anyone-especially Nix-how well he played.
After the game, Nix made a point to find Mariota during the Broncos’ celebration, offering him praise in his postgame comments. “A guy like that … He deserves to go out there and perform at that level,” Nix said.
“You almost wish both teams could win a game like that.” It was a classy moment between two former Ducks who’ve taken very different paths to Sunday, but both showed why they belong.
Elsewhere around the league, another Oregon standout made his return in a big way. Bucky Irving, who had been sidelined since Week 4, was back in the lineup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-and wasted no time reminding fans what he can do.
Irving rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown and added 20 receiving yards on two catches in Tampa Bay’s 20-17 win over Arizona. It was his first rushing score of the season, and it helped snap a three-game skid for the Bucs.
Considering he topped 1,100 rushing yards as a rookie last year, Irving’s return could be a major boost down the stretch.
On the defensive side, Evan Williams continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s most productive young safeties. The Green Bay Packers handled the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving without ever trailing, and Williams was all over the field.
He racked up nine total tackles-second most on the team-and now sits at 80 for the season, along with three interceptions and a forced fumble. That’s not just solid production; that’s Pro Bowl-level impact from a player who’s clearly coming into his own.
And finally, in Los Angeles, Justin Herbert helped lead the Chargers to a 31-14 win over the Raiders, throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. But the win came with a bit of a scare-Herbert injured his non-throwing hand and is set to undergo surgery.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t confirm whether Herbert will miss time, but the quarterback said postgame he plans to suit up in Week 14 against the Eagles. That’ll be something to watch closely as the Chargers try to keep pace in a crowded AFC playoff race.
All in all, Week 13 was a reminder of just how much Oregon talent is making noise at the next level. Whether it’s rookies like Nix and Irving, veterans like Mariota and Herbert, or rising stars like Williams, the Ducks’ NFL pipeline is not just alive-it’s thriving.