Three months into the NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape-and so is the impact of former Oregon Ducks across the league. From rising rookies to seasoned veterans, Oregon’s NFL alumni are showing up in a variety of roles, helping to power some of the league’s top teams and playing key minutes in must-win games. Let’s take a closer look at how these Ducks performed in Week 14:
Arik Armstead - Jacksonville Jaguars
Stats: 1 tackle
It was a quiet outing for Armstead, who’s usually a more disruptive force up front. He didn’t make much noise on the stat sheet this week, but Jacksonville’s defense as a whole stepped up and handled business, cruising to a comfortable win.
Even when Armstead isn’t filling up the box score, his presence in the trenches still helps set the tone.
Juwan Johnson - New Orleans Saints
Stats: 4 receptions, 30 yards
Johnson’s day wasn’t flashy, but it was steady. He found some soft spots in the defense and moved the chains when called upon.
In a blowout win, his contributions didn’t need to be game-changing-they just needed to be reliable. And that’s exactly what he delivered.
Evan Williams - Green Bay Packers
Stats: 5 tackles
Williams has been a bright spot for Green Bay’s defense this season, but this week wasn’t his sharpest showing. He missed a few key plays, and the Packers felt it in a game they couldn’t afford to lose.
Every young player hits a bump in the road-what matters is how he bounces back next week.
Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers
Stats: 19-of-29, 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Herbert gutted this one out. Playing through injury, he wasn’t at his usual elite level, but he still managed the game well enough to lead the Chargers to a win-and knock out a division rival in the process.
That’s the kind of leadership and toughness you want from your franchise quarterback.
Bo Nix - Denver Broncos
Stats: 23-of-34, 302 yards, 4 TDs
This was the breakout game Denver fans had been waiting for. Nix was sharp, decisive, and downright surgical with the football.
He spread the ball around, made big throws under pressure, and looked every bit like a quarterback ready to lead a playoff push. If this version of Nix sticks around, the Broncos are going to be a problem.
Troy Franklin - Denver Broncos
Stats: 6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD
Franklin picked the perfect time to have a career-best performance. With the Broncos in a tight playoff race, he stepped up in a big way-showing off his route-running, yards-after-catch ability, and chemistry with Nix.
His touchdown catch was a momentum-changer, and his confidence is clearly growing.
Penei Sewell - Detroit Lions
Stats: 61 snaps
Sewell continues to play like the best right tackle in football. He was dominant again this week, keeping Jared Goff clean and paving the way for Detroit’s offense to operate at full speed.
His consistency and physicality are a big reason why the Lions are one of the most balanced teams in the league.
Bucky Irving - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stats: 16 carries, 60 yards; 1 catch, 11 yards
The touches are there for Irving, but the production still isn’t matching the workload. He’s running hard, but the efficiency just hasn’t clicked yet.
Tampa Bay needs more explosive plays from its backfield, and Irving has the skill set to provide them-it’s just a matter of finding the right rhythm.
Troy Dye - Los Angeles Chargers
Stats: 1 tackle
Dye didn’t have a major impact this week, but the Chargers’ defense held strong, limiting a high-octane offense to just 13 points. In a unit that’s starting to find its identity, Dye’s role remains valuable even on quieter days.
Christian Gonzalez - New England Patriots
Stats: 5 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Gonzalez continued to bring the physicality in run support, but it was a rare off day in coverage for the talented corner. He’s been one of the bright spots for New England’s defense all season, but even the best have games where the matchup doesn’t go their way.
Expect him to bounce back quickly-he’s too talented not to.
Brandon Dorlus - Atlanta Falcons
Stats: 2 tackles, 1 sack
Dorlus is starting to make a name for himself in Atlanta’s front seven. He added another sack to his resume and continues to flash the disruptive traits that made him a standout in Eugene.
The Falcons are counting on young defenders like him to step up down the stretch-and so far, he’s answering the call.
Deommodore Lenoir - San Francisco 49ers
Stats: 4 tackles
Lenoir held his own again in a secondary that’s been playing lights-out football. While he didn’t have a highlight-reel play this week, he stayed disciplined in coverage and tackled well in space.
The 49ers keep rolling, and Lenoir’s steady presence on the back end is a big part of that.
Jevon Holland - New York Giants
Stats: 5 tackles
Holland was a key piece in shutting down a dangerous divisional passing attack. His instincts and range were on full display, as he helped take away big plays and kept everything in front of him.
It was a strong outing from one of the league’s most versatile young safeties.
Jordan Burch - Arizona Cardinals
Stats: 4 tackles
Burch is starting to turn heads. He’s stacking solid performances and showing he can be a difference-maker on the defensive line.
With his blend of size and athleticism, he’s becoming a real problem for opposing offenses-and a bright spot in Arizona’s rebuild.
From top-tier offensive linemen like Sewell to rising stars like Nix and Franklin, Oregon’s NFL pipeline continues to deliver. Whether they’re making headlines or doing the dirty work behind the scenes, these Ducks are proving they belong-and they’re helping shape the playoff race in the process.