Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Episode Summary: “BILLS host EAGLES: Mike’s Worlds COLLIDE, Plus NFL TOP 5 and Bottom 5”
Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Mike Catalana (with references to Dan Fetes & Jenna Cottrell)

Overview

In this festive, candid episode, Mike Catalana delivers solo coverage as the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles—a matchup loaded with personal significance for him as both a long-time Bills reporter and a lifelong Eagles fan from South Jersey. Mike offers injury updates, playoff implications, insight into his own fandom, and rounds out the show with his NFL Top 5 and Bottom 5 power rankings. The episode is heartfelt, introspective, and packed with analysis relevant to both die-hard fans and general NFL followers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Injury Updates & Roster Notes

[02:15]

• Josh Allen: Practicing and expected to start; "the most important foot in all of western New York, maybe in all of Bills Nation."
• Tight Ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid: Trending toward playing (limited designations possible).
• Out for the Bills: Jordan Poyer, Jordan Phillips; Matt Prater (kicker) replaced by Michael Badgley for now.
• DaQuan Jones: Suffered a setback with his calf, status in doubt—important for run defense.
• Eagles’ Injury Status:
  • A.J. Brown: Back at practice after wisdom teeth removal.
  • Landon Dickerson: Practicing despite lingering injuries.
  • Lane Johnson: Unlikely to play until playoffs.
  • Jalen Carter: Practicing post-shoulder procedures, "a game wrecker on the inside."
• Quote:

  “Even if they get a limited designation, I think they're both trending towards playing.” (on Knox & Kincaid, 03:30)

Mike Catalana’s “Worlds Collide”—Personal Sports Background

[06:30]

• Mike reflects on his 38 years covering the Bills (36 as sports director) while recounting his roots as an Eagles fan from South Jersey.
• Personal anecdotes include:
  • Growing up attending Eagles games with his dad and brothers at Franklin Field & Veterans Stadium.
  • The deep, often negative nature of Philly sports fandom.
  • Navigating the duality—covering the Bills professionally while still emotionally invested in the Eagles.
• Quote:

  “My love of sports really started with going to Eagles games... it just doesn't go away. So I absolutely follow the Eagles.” (08:15) “It is a little like George Costanza, where his two worlds collide.” (11:30, referencing Seinfeld)

Bills-Eagles Matchup: Stakes & Playoff Implications

[17:45]

• Mike breaks down why the game is more important for Buffalo:
  • Bills still seeking the division; a win plus some help could clinch it.
  • Realistically, the Bills need the 5 seed for a better playoff road (potential for home game advancement).
• For the Eagles:
  • Likely locked into the No. 3 seed.
  • Value in getting healthy and regaining rhythm, but less at stake than for Buffalo.
• Quote:

  “I think it's important to both teams. I think it's a little more important to the Bills for this reason: still alive for the division... You want that five seed, number one.” (18:15)

• Weather expected to be rainy and cold; expects both teams to emphasize the run game (“It’s a James Cook game”—28:10).

Reflections: Emotional Pain and Joy in Football Fandom

[13:40]

• Mike balances empathy for Bills fans with his own, often painful, Eagles fandom.
• Emotional moments highlighted:
  • Taking his dad to the 2004 Eagles-Patriots Super Bowl.
  • Watching the Eagles finally win a Super Bowl with his family after decades of waiting.
• Quote:

  “What I said to Bills fans afterward was, I want Bills fans to experience this. Because I didn't think I would ever see the Eagles win a Super Bowl.” (16:30)

• Notes he wants nothing more now than to cover a Bills Super Bowl victory for the fans.

NFL Top 5 and Bottom 5 Rankings

Bottom 5 (worst to “least bad”):
[31:00]

1. New York Giants — “They’re a mess. They’re going to get the number one pick.”
2. New York Jets — “They need major changes. They don’t have a quarterback.”
3. Las Vegas Raiders — “Atrocious... didn’t barely look like an NFL team.”
4. Arizona Cardinals — “Don’t win. I got 'em at 4.”
5. Washington Commanders — “They stink. It’s a bad organization.”

Top 5:
[34:30]

1. Jacksonville Jaguars — “Trevor Lawrence is playing like a real quarterback, really good quarterback. So something has clicked there.”
2. Los Angeles Rams — “I just think the Rams are the best all around team in that division.”
3. Denver Broncos — “They won again. Beat the Chiefs with no offense at all, but they somehow found a way.”
4. San Francisco 49ers — “They’ve had a ton of injuries on defense. Their offense is playing really well.”
5. Seattle Seahawks — “May end up there if they win, can get the one seed... I don’t trust the quarterback.”

Quotes:

“Jets are terrible. I got them at two. They need major changes.” (32:50)
“I think correct me if I’m wrong ... the only team that’s clinched the division is the Eagles, which is crazy ...” (34:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On long-term coverage and football pain:

  “It wasn’t so easy for the long time. And the best player was Brian Moorman, the punter. Okay? And I’m covering those teams, too.” (22:20)

• On Bills fans’ hopes:

  “13 seconds, I feel for the fans. Heck, we were all disappointed. Like, you just have to understand the way that goes. But you got to go in the locker room when they lose. You got to ask the questions when they lose. It’s tough.” (22:50)

• On the importance of this Eagles matchup:

  “What my real hope is is they meet again in San Francisco in February for the super bowl. ... It’s still alive for this year. So let’s see how it happens.” (19:55 and 28:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:15] — Injury updates (Allen, Knox/Kincaid, Poyer, Phillips, Jones, Eagles key injuries)
• [06:30] — Mike’s personal NFL fandom and background
• [11:30] — “Worlds Collide”/Seinfeld reference, neutral reporting vs. fan emotions
• [13:40] — Super Bowl stories: taking his dad, family emotions, Bills fans’ dreams
• [17:45] — Bills vs Eagles: playoff stakes, seeding scenarios
• [28:10] — Weather/running game preview, last Bills-Eagles matchup recap
• [31:00] — NFL Bottom 5 rankings (teams and context)
• [34:30] — NFL Top 5 rankings (analysis and playoff landscape)

Conclusion

This episode is both a sharp, up-to-the-minute primer on the Bills-Eagles matchup, and a deeply personal reflection on fandom, family, and the joys and pains of a lifetime in sports journalism. Mike balances his roles with humor and honesty, making the episode relatable for every sports fan whose “worlds collide.” For detailed Bills news, personal stories, and an authentic, experienced perspective, this episode is a must-listen for both Bills and Eagles faithful.