
By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
January 28, 2025
It was another good week for several former players from the West.
Each week I highlight the Top 10-12 performances of alums from schools in the West.
Here are my choices for the Conference Championship Round Playoff games.
Top 10 NFL Conference Championship Performers from West
1. Zach Ertz, TE, Commanders/Stanford
The 12-year veteran had the most productive playoff game of his career. Ertz, formerly of Stanford, was targeted 16 times, hauling in 11 receptions for 104 yards.
The receptions and yardage were the most of his 12 career playoff games.
2. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders/Utah State
The former Aggie led the Commanders with nine tackles, five solo.
He also recorded a tackle for loss against the Eagles.
3. Josh Allen, QB, Bills/Wyoming
The former Wyoming star completed 22 of his 34 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Chiefs.
Allen also added 39 rushing yards on 11 carries.
4. Cole Bishop, S, Bills/Utah
The rookie from Utah led Buffalo with 10 tackles against Kansas City.
His 10 stops were his most in any game this season, nine of them solo.
5. Frankie Luvu, LB, Commanders/Washington State
The former Cougar had a solid outing for the Commanders in their loss to Philadelphia.
Luvu ended the season with four tackles, two for loss, and a sack in the NFC Championship game.
6. Justin Reid, S, Chiefs/Stanford
The former Stanford Cardinal had five tackles with one tackle for loss in the win over Buffalo.
In coverage, he allowed just two yards on two receptions.
7. Trent McDuffie, CB, Chiefs/Washington
McDuffie had four tackles in the Chiefs win over Buffalo.
In coverage, the former Husky allowed four receptions, being targeted six times and allowing just 11 total yards after catch.
8. Jaden Hicks, S, Chiefs/Washington State
The rookie had four tackles as the Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl.
The former Cougar allowed just three receptions in coverage for 31 yards.
9. Jaylen Watson, CB, Chiefs/Washington State
Watson finished the day with three tackles in the KC win.
The former WSU Cougar allowed two receptions for nine yards in coverage.
10. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Chiefs/USC
The former Trojan caught two passes for 60 yards in the Kansas City win.
It was his best performance since the October 7th game vs the Saints.
11. Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills/Boise State
The former Boise State star caught six passes for 46 yards in the loss, including a catch on third and 13 to help the Bills secure a touchdown.
He also returned one punt for six yards.
12. Matt Araiza, P, Chiefs/San Diego State
The former Aztec was called on to punt twice in the AFC Championship game, averaging 46.5 per boot.
Buffalo only had six return yards on the two punts.
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