Week 17 has officially wrapped up, and NFL teams are moving into the final week before the playoff season begins. Three teams with former Virginia Tech Hokies have clinched playoff spots, including Kansas City, Detroit and Cleveland. Offensive linemen Yosh Nijman and Luke Tenuta are still in the hunt for a spot with the Green Bay Packers, and Christian Darrisaw remains on the bubble with the Minnesota Vikings.
With former Virginia Tech players still vying for playoff spots, there's a lot for Hokie Nation to look forward to entering Week 18.
Read below for standout performances from Week 17 and featured matchups in Week 18 in this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola.
Notable Week 17 Performances
QB Tyrod Taylor
Continuing his momentum from last week as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor completed 27 passes for a total of 319 offensive yards against the Los Angeles Rams. This tally includes an 80-yard Hail Mary pass to wide receiver Darius Slayton for a touchdown, marking Taylor's longest pass since 2016. Taylor also led the team in rushing yards, with a total of six carries for 40 yards, including a season-high 31-yard run.
RB Khalil Herbert
With 18 carries amassing 124 yards, running back Khalil Herbert delivered a crucial performance in Chicago's 37-17 victory over Atlanta. Herbert notched a season-high 38-yard gain and a touchdown for the Bears' offense, in addition to making two catches on three targets for five yards. Once again, he was nominated for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, showing great potential to earn the title for the second consecutive time.
LB Tremaine Edmunds
Tremaine Edmunds continues his consistency as a reliable linebacker for Chicago, leading the team with five total tackles against Atlanta. Four of these tackles were solo, and he stretched for his seventh pass deflection of the season, disrupting the Falcons' offensive drive. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Edmunds earned a 78.4 tackle grade and a 74.8 coverage grade.
K Joey Slye
Scoring four of the 10 points Washington earned against San Francisco, kicker Joey Slye also hit a 47-yard field goal. Slye has had an impressive season, setting a record with a career-high 61-yard field goal in Week 9. This is his longest kick since Week 10 of the 2023 season, and he continues to contribute essential points for the Commanders.
G Wyatt Teller
The two-time Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro offensive lineman, Wyatt Teller, played a key role in securing a playoff spot for the Cleveland Browns last weekend. Teller achieved an 82.3 pass-blocking grade and a 72.3 overall offensive grade, according to PFF. This marks Teller's second playoff appearance since 2020 with the Browns.
Notable Week 18 Matchup
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers: Sunday, Jan. 7 at 4:25 p.m. ET – CBS
With a playoff spot on the line, Green Bay Packers offensive linemen Nijman and Tenuta are preparing to face a host of former Hokies and their NFC North rivals, the Chicago Bears, which include Herbert, Edmunds and cornerback Greg Stroman. Coming off impressive victories in Week 17, both teams are set to deliver an eagerly anticipated matchup for Virginia Tech football fans.
Click here for the rest of the matchups.
Gallery: (1-3-2024) NFL Hokies (Regular Season Week 18)
