Bronco Pride: Unleashing the Spirit of Boise State Athletics

BOISE, Idaho – Eleven former Boise State Broncos will represent the Blue and Orange in the second-to-last week of the NFL regular season. John Bates and Jeremy McNichols (Washington Commanders), Scott Matlock (Los Angeles Chargers), JL Skinner (Denver Broncos), and Avery Williams (Atlanta Falcons) enter the weekend with opportunities to secure a playoff spot. Khalil Shakir (Buffalo Bills) and Brett Rypien (Minnesota Vikings) have already locked in their playoff positions.

This weekend features two matchups between former teammates. Cedrick Wilson Jr. (New Orleans Saints) and Alexander Mattison (Las Vegas Raiders) will meet again after teaming up during the 2016-17 seasons at Boise State. Ezra Cleveland (Jacksonville Jaguars) and John Ojukwu (Tennessee Titans), who were teammates from 2017-19, will clash for the second occasion this season.

SATURDAY

Los Angeles Chargers (Scott Matlock) at New England Patriots – NFL Network, 11 a.m.

Last Week: Matlock began at fullback and participated in 47 total snaps in the Chargers’ 34-27 victory against the Denver Broncos. On Los Angeles’ second possession of the game, he recorded a career-long 10-yard reception and executed a crucial block on a rushing touchdown. The Boise State alum achieved career-best grades in Pro Football Focus offense (83.8) and run blocking (82.9). The Chargers hold a record of 9-6 and can secure a playoff berth with a win or tie this week.

Denver Broncos (JL Skinner) at Cincinnati Bengals – NFL Network, 2:30 p.m.

Last Week: Skinner participated in 28 total snaps across defense and special teams, registering one tackle in Denver’s 34-27 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are currently 9-6 and have a chance to secure a playoff position with a win or tie this week.

SUNDAY

Buffalo Bills (Khalil Shakir) vs. New York Jets – CBS, 11 a.m.

Last Week: Shakir caught two passes for 22 yards in Buffalo’s 24-21 triumph over the New England Patriots. The Boise State product leads the Bills with 73 receptions totaling 796 yards, both career-best figures. He stands second amongst NFL wide receivers with 583 yards after catch. The Bills have clinched the AFC East title along with a playoff berth.

New Orleans Saints (Cedrick Wilson Jr.) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Alexander Mattison) – FOX, 11 a.m.

Last Week: Wilson Jr. participated in 38 total snaps, making a 13-yard reception during the Saints’ 34-0 defeat against the Green Bay Packers. Mattison rushed for 27 yards, which included a 1-yard touchdown, in the Raiders’ 19-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Boise State product leads Las Vegas with four rushing touchdowns this season and added 29 yards through four catches, marking his ninth multi-reception game of the season.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Ezra Cleveland) vs. Tennessee Titans (John Ojukwu) – CBS, 11 a.m.

Last Week: Cleveland participated in all 67 offensive snaps in Jacksonville’s 19-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking his 11th game of the season in which he played every offensive snap. Ojukwu made his third start of the season, playing a career-high 35 offensive snaps in Tennessee’s 38-30 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts.

Minnesota Vikings (Brett Rypien) vs. Green Bay Packers – FOX, 2:25 p.m.

Last Week: Rypien was inactive for Minnesota’s 27-24 win against the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings hold a record of 13-2 this season, tying with the Detroit Lions for the top record in the NFC. Both teams have secured their playoff berths and are leading the NFC North standings.

Washington Commanders (John Bates, Jeremy McNichols) vs. Atlanta Falcons (Avery Williams) – NBC/Peacock, 6:20 p.m.

Last Week: McNichols achieved a season-high four receptions for 15 yards in Washington’s comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also contributed a two-point conversion rush in the final moments to secure a 36-33 win. McNichols had a 22-yard kickoff return and recorded one tackle. Bates played 38 total snaps in the game, including 24 on offense. The Commanders have a 10-5 record and can secure a playoff berth with a win or tie this week. Williams played 19 total snaps in Atlanta’s 34-7 victory over the New York Giants, achieving a 6-yard punt return. The Falcons are 8-7 and can clinch the NFC South title with a win coupled with a loss from Tampa Bay.

BOISE STATE RETURNS TO FIESTA BOWL

Boise State secured the No. 3 seed and a spot in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl as part of the first expanded College Football Playoff. The Broncos are set to compete against the sixth-seeded Penn State at 5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN. Additional information regarding the game is available on BroncoSports.com.

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–BroncoSports.com–