As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is still coming into focus-and for several former Minnesota Gophers now playing on Sundays, Week 18 is shaping up to be a defining moment. Some are already sidelined with injuries, their seasons over.
Others? They're gearing up for win-or-go-home matchups that could punch their ticket to the postseason.
Let’s dive into a full breakdown of how these Gophers fared in Week 17 and what’s ahead in Week 18.
Baltimore Ravens
Week 17: Win @ Green Bay Packers (Saturday Night)
Week 18: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night)
- Rashod Bateman, WR Bateman was on the field for 40 offensive snaps in the win at Lambeau.
He was targeted just once but made it count, hauling in a 7-yard reception. While his stat line won’t jump off the page, his presence continues to stretch defenses and open up space for the Ravens’ high-powered offense.
- Daniel Faalele, RG Faalele was a workhorse in the trenches, logging all 76 offensive snaps and adding seven more on special teams. His durability and consistency have been key for a Ravens line that’s peaking at the right time.
Dallas Cowboys
Week 17: Win @ Washington Commanders (Christmas Day)
Week 18: @ New York Giants
- Brevyn Span-Ford, TE Span-Ford had his most active game of the season.
He played 48 snaps on offense and 14 more on special teams, where he made a solo tackle. On offense, he was targeted twice and pulled in a 31-yard catch-his longest of the year.
The rookie tight end is starting to find his rhythm in a crowded Dallas offense.
Houston Texans
Week 17: Win @ Los Angeles Chargers (Saturday)
Week 18: vs Indianapolis Colts
- Aireontae Ersery, LT Ersery was sidelined due to a hand injury suffered the previous week. His status for Week 18 remains uncertain, but with the Texans eyeing a playoff berth, his return would be a welcome boost.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 17: Win @ Indianapolis Colts
Week 18: vs Tennessee Titans
- Eric Murray, S Murray was active and effective, playing 53 defensive snaps.
He tallied four tackles-three of them solo-and added a pass breakup. His veteran savvy continues to shine in a Jags secondary that’s been tested all year.
- Danny Striggow, DE Striggow missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle. Jacksonville could use his edge presence as they try to lock up the AFC South.
Los Angeles Chargers
Week 17: Loss vs Houston Texans (Saturday)
Week 18: @ Denver Broncos
- Benjamin St. Juste, CB
St. Juste was inactive due to a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 16 against Dallas.
The Chargers’ secondary missed his length and coverage skills in the loss.
Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17: Win vs New York Giants
Week 18: vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Cody Lindenberg, LB Lindenberg played exclusively on special teams, logging 20 snaps. He didn’t record a stat, but his role in coverage units remains steady.
Miami Dolphins
Week 17: Win vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 18: @ New England Patriots
- Ethan Robinson, CB Robinson saw just one snap on special teams and didn’t show up in the stat sheet. Still, every rep counts for the rookie as he continues to develop in a deep Dolphins secondary.
Minnesota Vikings
Week 17: Win vs Detroit Lions (Christmas Day)
Week 18: vs Green Bay Packers
- Blake Cashman, LB Cashman was everywhere.
He played all 64 defensive snaps and added one more on special teams. The linebacker racked up 17 tackles-six of them solo-and took down Jared Goff for a sack.
He’s been one of the most consistent defensive playmakers in the league this season.
- Max Brosmer, QB Brosmer moved to 2-1 as a starter, but it wasn’t pretty.
He completed 9 of 16 passes for just 51 yards, took seven sacks, and finished with a passer rating of 62.2. He did add 16 rushing yards on two carries, but the offensive line struggled to protect him all game.
Still, a win is a win, and the Vikings are alive heading into Week 18.
New England Patriots
Week 17: Win @ New York Jets
Week 18: vs Miami Dolphins
- Jack Gibbens, LB Gibbens played 36 snaps on defense and seven more on special teams.
He totaled five tackles, three of them solo, and added a tackle for loss. He continues to be a solid contributor in the middle of the Patriots' defense.
New Orleans Saints
Week 17: Win @ Tennessee Titans
Week 18: @ Atlanta Falcons
- Jordan Howden, S Howden played just two snaps on defense but saw 24 snaps on special teams. He didn’t record any stats, but his role in the third phase remains important as the Saints push for a playoff spot.
New York Giants
Week 17: Loss @ Las Vegas Raiders
Week 18: vs Dallas Cowboys
- John Michael Schmitz, C Schmitz was placed on injured reserve after Week 16 with a finger injury. His season is over.
- Tyler Nubin, S Nubin is also done for the year after being placed on IR with a neck injury following Week 16.
New York Jets
Week 17: Loss vs New England Patriots
Week 18: @ Buffalo Bills
- Tyler Johnson, WR Johnson played ten offensive snaps and caught one pass for three yards. It’s been a quiet season, but he continues to get looks in a struggling Jets offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 17: Loss @ Cleveland Browns
Week 18: vs Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night)
- Esezi Otomewo, DT Otomewo played nine defensive snaps and two more on special teams. He didn’t record a stat, but he’ll be looking to make an impact in a massive Week 18 showdown with playoff implications on the line.
Seattle Seahawks
Week 17: Win @ Carolina Panthers
Week 18: @ San Francisco 49ers (Saturday Night)
- Boye Mafe, OLB Mafe continues to make his presence felt.
He logged 23 defensive snaps and two on special teams, finishing with two tackles-including a sack of Bryce Young. His pass-rushing ability is becoming a key part of Seattle’s defensive identity.
- Nick Kallerup, TE Kallerup saw limited action with seven snaps on offense and three on special teams. He didn’t record a stat.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 17: Loss @ Miami Dolphins
Week 18: vs Carolina Panthers (Saturday)
- Antoine Winfield Jr., S Winfield was on the field for all 55 defensive snaps and recorded seven tackles, two of them solo. He remains the heartbeat of the Bucs’ defense and will be crucial in their must-win finale.
- Ko Kieft, TE Kieft is on season-ending IR with a broken leg.
Looking Ahead
Week 18 is loaded with playoff implications, and for several Gophers-turned-pros, it's a chance to extend their seasons-or end them on a high note. From Bateman and Faalele in Baltimore to Winfield in Tampa, eyes will be on these matchups as the postseason bracket takes shape.