As the NFL regular season winds down, several former Stanford standouts are making their mark in Week 17, with playoff implications, personal milestones, and breakout performances all on display. From Christian McCaffrey’s continued dominance to rookies finding the end zone and veterans holding the line, here’s a full breakdown of how former Cardinal players showed out across the league.
Dallas Cowboys 30, Washington Commanders 23
Solomon Thomas (DAL):
Thomas didn’t see a ton of action-just 11 defensive snaps-but made his presence felt with a tackle-for-loss, his first since Week 5. The veteran lineman continues to be a rotational piece for a Dallas defense that’s gearing up for the postseason.
Houston Texans 20, Los Angeles Chargers 16
Dalton Schultz (HOU):
In a game that clinched Houston’s spot in the AFC playoffs, Schultz played his role as a reliable safety valve, catching three of four targets for 19 yards.
It wasn’t a flashy stat line, but his consistency has been a key part of C.J. Stroud’s development this season.
Kendall Williamson (LAC):
Williamson made his impact on special teams, logging 21 snaps and recording two tackles. He earned the Chargers’ highest PFF grade on special teams for the week (81.2), a testament to his hustle and execution in the third phase of the game.
Cincinnati Bengals 37, Arizona Cardinals 14
Michael Wilson (ARI):
Wilson continues to be a bright spot in Arizona’s offense.
He led the Cardinals in receiving with five catches for 89 yards, including a gorgeous 38-yard touchdown where he tight-roped the sideline for the score. That’s now four straight games with a touchdown for Wilson-the longest streak of his career.
The last former Stanford receiver to do that? Doug Baldwin in 2015.
Wilson’s trajectory is pointing straight up.
Elijah Higgins (ARI):
Higgins got the start at tight end and played 34 snaps but wasn’t able to haul in his lone target. Still, the rookie continues to gain valuable reps in a developing Arizona offense.
New Orleans Saints 34, Tennessee Titans 26
Justin Reid (NO):
Reid was all over the field, playing every single defensive snap (74 total) as the Saints picked up their fourth straight win-their longest streak since 2020. He logged two tackles, including one for a loss, and added a pass breakup to help keep Tennessee in check.
Elic Ayomanor (TEN):
Ayomanor continues to impress in his rookie season.
He caught four of seven targets for 37 yards and found the end zone on a seven-yard score just before halftime. That’s touchdown No. 4 for the rookie, making him the most prolific Stanford receiver in a debut season since Doug Baldwin in 2011-and the most by any former Cardinal rookie since Christian McCaffrey in 2017.
Jacksonville Jaguars 23, Indianapolis Colts 17
Walker Little (JAX):
Little made his first start of the season at right guard and played all 69 snaps. It was his first start since Week 13, and he helped anchor a line that kept the Jaguars’ playoff hopes alive with a crucial divisional win.
Miami Dolphins 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
Jake Bailey (MIA):
Bailey turned in a strong performance, punting five times for an average of 47.2 yards, including a 58-yard bomb. He also served as the holder on two successful field goals and two extra points-and even recorded a tackle, showing off some grit in coverage.
Ethan Bonner (MIA):
Bonner was a special teams workhorse, logging 20 snaps-just one shy of the team high. He continues to be a steady contributor in Miami’s special teams unit.
New England Patriots 42, New York Jets 10
Austin Hooper (NE):
Hooper opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown grab-his second of the year-and finished with two catches for 11 yards.
With that score, he’s now had multiple touchdowns in nine of his 10 NFL seasons. The veteran tight end just keeps finding ways to contribute.
Harrison Phillips (NYJ):
Phillips held it down in the trenches, starting at defensive tackle and racking up five total tackles, including two solo stops and a quarterback hit. In a tough outing for the Jets, Phillips remained a steady force up front.
Seattle Seahawks 27, Carolina Panthers 10
Brycen Tremayne (CAR):
Tremayne saw action on 22 snaps, including eight at wide receiver, but didn’t register a catch on his lone target. The rookie continues to get looks as Carolina evaluates its young receiving corps heading into the offseason.
New York Giants 34, Las Vegas Raiders 10
Bobby Okereke (NYG):
Okereke had himself a game.
He led the Giants with seven tackles (five solo), added a tackle-for-loss, and came up with a huge interception in the red zone-his first pick since 2023. He returned it 47 yards, the second-longest return of his career, flipping the field and setting the tone early.
That’s six career interceptions now for the Giants’ defensive leader.
Paulson Adebo (NYG):
Adebo was a staple in the secondary, playing all 58 defensive snaps. He chipped in three tackles and broke up a pass, continuing his strong season as a dependable corner on the outside.
Thomas Booker (LV):
Booker logged 36 snaps on the Raiders’ defensive line, tallying three tackles and a quarterback hit on Jaxson Dart. The second-year lineman continues to carve out a role in Vegas’ defensive rotation.
San Francisco 49ers 42, Chicago Bears 38
Christian McCaffrey (SF):
Another week, another historic performance from CMC.
He rushed 23 times for 140 yards and a touchdown, with 121 of those yards coming in the first half-his most ever in a first half. He also added four catches for 41 yards.
With this outing, McCaffrey joined LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players in NFL history with three seasons of 2,000+ scrimmage yards and 15+ touchdowns. His first-quarter touchdown was his 10th rushing score of the year, and he now leads the NFC in total touchdowns with 17.
He’s not just in the MVP conversation-he’s rewriting the record books.
Drew Dalman (CHI):
Dalman played all 66 snaps at center and helped Caleb Williams hit a season-high 330 passing yards. The Bears’ offense showed signs of life, and Dalman was a big part of keeping the pocket clean and the chains moving.
From rookies making waves to veterans chasing history, Week 17 was a showcase of Stanford excellence across the NFL. With one week left in the regular season, these former Cardinal stars are finishing strong-and for some, the best may still be yet to come in January.