UConn in the NFL: Week 16

We’re in the home stretch of the regular season and it looks like the Huskies will be well-represented in the playoffs. Pro Bowlers Byron Jones and Anthony Sherman are both guaranteed spots in the playoffs in addition to Shamar Stephen, Ryan Griffin, Obi Melifonwu and Nick Williams.

For Jones, it was a tremendous showing in an important game for the Dallas Cowboys. Jones matched a season high 8 tackles including one tackle for loss. He also recorded his 14th deflected pass of the year. Jones is yet to record an interception.

With their win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cowboys clinched the NFC East and a home game in the opening round of the playoffs.

UConn’s other Pro Bowler is still fighting for that honor. The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clinch the AFC West despite having the best record in the conference. Those pesky LA Chargers simply won’t make it easy for them, matching their 11-4 record with one game to go.

Anthony Sherman and company will need to beat the Oakland Raiders or hope for a Chargers loss to clinch the No. 1 seed, but they’ll be in the playoffs either way. The same can be said about the Chargers, who will need a win and a Chiefs loss to clinch the No. 1 seed.

The Chargers are, of course, the home of UConn alum Geremy Davis, a wide receiver who has been mostly relegated to special teams this year. Davis did make an appearance on the box score this weekend, recording a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens.

Sticking with the defense, Seattle’s Shamar Stephen combined for two tackles in the Seahawks’ all-important 38-31 victory over the Chiefs. The win clinches a playoff berth for the Seahawks, who improve to 9-6 on the year.

Finally, the Houston Texans backed their way into the playoffs after the New Orleans Saints knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. The Texans may still lose the division to the Indianapolis Colts, but they’ve at least locked down a postseason bid.

Tight end Ryan Griffin hauled in two receptions on four targets; good for 15 yards on the day. Griffin continues to be a weapon for the pass-heavy Texans offense and will continue to play an important role in the upcoming playoff run.

Adding Nick Williams on the LA Rams — though he hasn’t been on the active roster since Week 9 — we’ve got Huskies on seven of the 12 2018 playoff teams.

All in all, it’s been a great year for UConn in the NFL.