Divisional Round: Stanford in the NFL

The Divisional Round proved to be a stopping point for several Stanford alums, as the margins for error narrowed and the road to the Super Bowl became much steeper.

Drew Dalmen ’20 (C, Chicago Bears) – Chicago’s season came to a tough end in a 20–17 overtime loss. While there’s no box-score line to point to, Dalman continued to be a steady presence along the interior offensive line during a playoff run that ultimately came up just short.

Dalton Schultz ’18 (TE, Houston Texans) –  Schultz got off to a strong start, finishing with two receptions on two targets for 47 yards before exiting with an injury. Houston struggled to find offensive rhythm after that point and couldn’t overcome their turnover blemishes in a loss to New England, bringing their season to an end one win shy of Championship Weekend.

Christian McCaffrey ’18 (RB, San Francisco 49ers) –  McCaffrey finished the day with 11 carries for 35 rushing yards and added five receptions for 39 receiving yards, but San Francisco was overmatched in a 41–6 loss to division rival Seattle. The 49ers simply couldn’t overcome the mountain of injuries they accumulated over the course of the season, running into a Seahawks defense that set the tone early.

Curtis Robinson ’20 (LB, San Francisco 49ers) – Robinson recorded two assisted tackles and a stuff in limited action, in the same game at Lumen Field.  

Championship Weekend ahead

While some seasons ended, two Stanford representatives are still standing.

Colby Parkinson ’19 (TE, Los Angeles Rams) –  Parkinson finished with three receptions on seven targets for 56 yards in a game that didn’t require late-game heroics from him, but certainly tested Los Angeles. The Rams survived a fourth-quarter scare from Chicago and now head to the NFC Championship Game, where they’ll face division rival Seattle with a Super Bowl berth on the line.

Austin Hooper (TE – New England Patriots)
Hooper totaled one reception on two targets for 14 yards in a relatively quiet outing, but it was enough to help New England take care of business and book a trip to the AFC Championship Game against Denver.

With the Divisional Round complete, Stanford will be represented in both Championship Games, with Parkinson and Hooper heading on the road hoping to upset the top seeds and punch their tickets to the Super Bowl. Tune back in next week as Stanford in the NFL playoff coverage continues in the Championship Series, with Super Bowl dreams on the line.

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