Chris Rodriguez Jr. Claims Commanders’ RB1 Role, Liam Coen Leads Jaguars to Playoffs, and More BBNFL Week 16 Highlights
It’s official: Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over as the lead back in Washington. After weeks of steadily climbing the depth chart, the former Kentucky standout left no doubt in Week 16. Back from a one-game absence due to a groin injury, Rodriguez picked up right where he left off-running hard, finishing forward, and proving he belongs in the starting role.
In Saturday’s matchup against the Eagles, Rodriguez led the Commanders in carries with 15-nearly doubling the workload of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the rookie third-rounder. Rodriguez turned those touches into 63 yards and added a six-yard catch for good measure.
His signature moment came on a physical goal-line run where he powered through for his fifth touchdown of the season. That’s five scores in his last eight games-production that’s hard to ignore.
While Washington came up short on the scoreboard, Rodriguez’s performance stood out. In fact, he graded out as the team’s top offensive performer-a testament to both his consistency and impact. On a roster still searching for long-term answers, C-Rod is making a strong case that one of them is already in the building.
Liam Coen, Josh Hines-Allen, and the Jaguars Punch Their Playoff Ticket
Over in Jacksonville, another pair of Kentucky alums made headlines of their own. Liam Coen, in his first year as an NFL head coach, has led the Jaguars to their first playoff appearance since 2022-and only their second since 2017. It came in dramatic fashion, too, with the Jags going into Denver and knocking off the AFC-leading Broncos in a 34-20 statement win.
The victory, coupled with a Colts loss on Monday, officially clinched a postseason berth for Jacksonville. And Coen didn’t let the moment pass quietly.
Earlier in the week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton had casually referred to the Jaguars as a “small-market team.” Whether it was meant as a slight or not, Coen and his squad took it personally.
“Just thankful that a small-market team like us can come into a place like Mile High and get it done,” Coen said postgame, a little smirk behind the words.
That fire carried into the locker room, where the Jaguars celebrated like a team that knows it’s just getting started. Coen reminded his players of the pregame chatter, and the team responded with a raucous celebration-complete with championship belts.
Yes, belts. Because sometimes, you’ve got to let the league know exactly who’s arriving.
Josh Hines-Allen, meanwhile, continued his breakout season with six more quarterback pressures-bringing his season total within striking distance of league leaders Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson. He’s been a menace off the edge, and his ability to disrupt the pocket is a big reason why Jacksonville’s defense is peaking at the right time.
BBNFL Roundup: Wan’Dale Robinson, Deone Walker Shine Amid Mixed Week for Kentucky Alums
Elsewhere around the league, it was a mixed bag for former Kentucky Wildcats.
Wan’Dale Robinson led the Giants in receiving-but that says more about the offense’s struggles than his stat line. Robinson accounted for a staggering 58% of New York’s passing yardage… which came out to just 19 yards.
The Giants finished with only 33 total passing yards in a 16-13 loss to the Vikings. It was a tough day all around, but Robinson continues to be a reliable option when the ball actually comes his way.
Deone Walker made the most of his 36 snaps for the Bills, racking up two QB pressures, two batted passes, and a pair of tackles. He’s showing flashes of disruptive potential that could earn him even more playing time down the stretch.
Brenden Bates saw a career-high 28 snaps for the Browns, primarily as a blocking tight end. While he dropped his lone target, the increased usage is a sign of growing trust from the coaching staff.
Lonnie Johnson Jr. also saw his most action since 2022, logging 45 snaps for the Raiders. After battling back from injury, he’s carving out a role again in the secondary.
Unfortunately, not everyone suited up. Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Bud Dupree (back) were both inactive due to injuries.
BBNFL Week 16 Snap Counts & Key Stats
Here’s a look at how Kentucky alums performed across the league this week:
| Player | Team | Position | Snaps | Key Stats |
|---|
| Luke Fortner | Saints | C | 78 | 1 sack allowed | | Carrington Valentine | Packers | DB | 64 | 1 QB pressure, 1 tackle, 1 assist |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | Giants | WR | 55 | 4 receptions, 19 yards | | Josh Hines-Allen | Jaguars | LB | 50 | 6 QB pressures, 1 tackle |
| **Lonnie Johnson Jr. ** | Raiders | DB | 45 | 1 tackle, 1 assist |
| Deone Walker | Bills | DL | 36 | 2 QB pressures, 2 batted passes, 1 tackle, 1 assist | | Dru Phillips | Giants | DB | 28 | 2 tackles |
| Brenden Bates | Browns | TE | 28 | 1 target, 0 receptions | | **Chris Rodriguez Jr.
** | Commanders | RB | 28 | 15 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 6 yards | | Maxwell Hairston | Bills | DB | 18 | No tackles |
| Brandin Echols | Steelers | DB | 15 | 4 tackles | | Mike Edwards | Chiefs | DB | 12 | 2 tackles |
| Darian Kinnard | Packers | OL | 11 | No pressures allowed | | Ray Davis | Bills | RB | 8 | 3 carries, 14 yards; 2 receptions, 20 yards |
| Trevin Wallace | Panthers | LB | Inactive (shoulder) | | Bud Dupree | Chargers | LB | Inactive (back) |
From Rodriguez’s rise in D.C. to Coen’s playoff push in Jacksonville, Week 16 was a showcase of former Wildcats making waves across the league. As the playoff race heats up, keep an eye on these names-they’re not just filling roster spots; they’re helping shape the postseason picture.