Club Shay Shay: BEST OF NFL Week 17 Part 2: Bench Lamar Jackson?! Rams COLLAPSE (Dec 31, 2025)

Podcast: Club Shay Shay
Hosts: Shannon Sharpe & Chad "Ocho" Johnson
Date: December 31, 2025

Overview

In this "best of" episode, Shannon Sharpe and Chad "Ocho" Johnson break down key storylines from NFL Week 17. The duo debates the hot topic of whether Lamar Jackson should be benched for Tyler Huntley, analyzes the Broncos’ performance and playoff outlook, discusses the Lions' collapse, the Vikings' quarterback woes, the Raiders’ downfall, and the Falcons’ dramatic win over the Rams. Consistent with their banter-filled and passionate style, both hosts bring humor and nuanced football insight, challenging each other's perspectives throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Debate: Should the Ravens Bench Lamar Jackson? (02:44–12:35)

• Scenario: Ravens vs. Steelers, winner takes AFC North, loser is out.
• Shannon’s Stance (Host 1):
  • Advocates starting Tyler Huntley if Lamar Jackson isn’t healthy.
  • “Has he looked like Lamar Jackson since he's gotten back?” (04:27)
  • Cites past cases (e.g., Jeff Hostetler for injured Phil Simms leading to Super Bowl win) as precedent for going with the healthier backup.
  • Emphasizes the dangers of playing an injured star: “Are you telling me 70% Lamar Jackson is better than a 100% Huntley?” (06:01)
• Ocho’s Response (Host 2):
  • Strongly disagrees; starts MVP talent unless physically unable.
  • “A Lamar Jackson that doesn’t look the same... is still better than 90% of the quarterbacks in this NFL.” (11:48)
  • Argues starting the backup in a must-win is “makes no sense.”
  • Brings up Mahomes/Allen/Burrow—no one would call to bench them for a short rough patch.
• Notable Quote:
  • Host 2: “You play your season on the line…with a chance to not only win the AFC North, but to make the playoffs, and you talk about starting your backup. What are we talking about?” (08:25)
• Memorable Banter:
  • Ocho questions his cohost’s sobriety:
    “You mean you saying this sober?” (12:13)
• Fan Poll: 54% of chat would start Lamar over Huntley (07:01)

Broncos’ Playoff Path & Cautious Optimism (16:54–23:08)

• Broncos beat the Chiefs, winning 20–13, and are now 13–3 and vying for the AFC #1 seed.
• Analysis:
  • The Broncos played conservatively, aware of depleted KC (no Mahomes, a weak O-line, missing DBs).
  • Ocho wishes Sean Payton had trusted Bo Nix to be more aggressive:
    “At some point, they’re going to have to let Bo Nix off that leash.” (18:21)
  • Shannon doubts Denver’s postseason potential:
    “Looking at this team over the last three weeks, I think they're closer to being one and done than they are winning a playoff game.” (19:20)
  • Concern over Broncos’ ability to maintain momentum, especially with a young QB untested in playoff pressure.
• Notable Quote:
  • Host 1: “In the playoffs, a team can grab the momentum and you'll find yourself down 14, 17 points in the blink of an eye.” (19:20)

Lions Collapse: Playcalling and Turnover Troubles (35:28–45:37)

• The Lions’ playoff hopes dashed after losing to the Vikings, with Jared Goff turning it over five times.
• Key Issues:
  • Dan Campbell took over play calling after a midseason shakeup, but the offense regressed, notably the running game and O-line.
  • Noted failure to capitalize on RB Jameer Gibbs’ earlier season success.
  • Debate over grace for Dan Campbell—injuries have played a part, but mistakes are mounting.
• Ocho on the Offensive Line’s Troubles:
  • “What the hell is wrong with the goddamn center? He forgot how to snap the goddamn ball.” (36:33)
• On Goff’s struggles:
  • “It’s hard to overcome six turnovers.” (49:40)

Vikings’ Quarterback Carousel & Justin Jefferson’s Frustration (37:29–47:32)

• Minnesota struggles after letting Sam Darnold go, forced to start multiple backup QBs.
• Analysis:
  • Without a franchise QB, even All-Pro talent like Justin Jefferson is stifled—4 catches, 30 yards (in-game).
  • “Is the quarterback play that bad?” (37:29)
• Historical Perspective:
  • “Quarterbacks don’t grow on trees. Not good ones.” (43:41)
• Justin Jefferson surpasses Randy Moss for most career yards in a player’s first six seasons, but hosts lament wasted potential.
• Shannon:
  • “A receiver getting a thousand yards…it ain’t nothing. That’s basically…62 yards a game…And I’m paying $35 million for 62 yards a game, Ocho.” (45:03)
• Ocho on Jefferson’s Poise:
  • “He pure class…But I know how he really feel…You can see it in his eyes.” (45:37)

Raiders’ Downfall—A Team in Need of a Rebuild (53:00–56:24)

• Raiders drop to 2–14 after loss to Giants; are positioned for the #1 overall pick.
• Fundamental Issues:
  • Bad QB play, lack of weapons, defense reliant solely on Maxx Crosby.
  • “They just bad…they bad.” (53:42)
• What’s Next?
  • Suggest trading the top pick if possible but must address personnel across the board.
  • “I’m at a loss for words. I can’t even think of what they need to do to become better.” (55:40)

Saints Find a Rookie QB Gem? Tyler Shough’s Emergence (56:24–59:39)

• Saints, under rookie HC Kellen Moore, win 4th straight on arm of rookie Tyler Shough (22/27, 333 yards, 2 TDs).
• Hosts’ Take:
  • Ocho admits surprise and a “quarterback carousel” in NOLA, but Shough looks like a keeper.
  • Cam Jordan and Chase Young both have standout performances on defense.
• Notable Quote:
  • Host 1: “Tyler Shough has played extremely well…Kellen Moore is another guy can dial it up.” (59:31)

Falcons Outlast Rams in NFC Showdown: Bijan Robinson’s Breakout (61:19–70:04)

• Atlanta defeats L.A., 27–24, led by Bijan Robinson’s 195 yards and 2 TDs.
• Game Flow:
  • Falcons blew a 24–3 lead but hung on after the Rams clawed back.
• Bijan Debate:
  • Ocho: “I can only think of four (backs) who look like Bijan Robinson…Barry Sanders…LeSean McCoy…Marshall Faulk…and Bijan.” (62:43)
  • Shannon likens Bijan to McCoy more than Barry, but notes the special stop-go ability.
  • “He reminds you…because Barry can take a five yard loss and you forget that it was a loss. You like, man, he shook six people. Yeah, but he lost five yards…And that’s what Bijan…he shook them.” (63:02)
• Rams’ Self-inflicted Wounds:
  • Matt Stafford throws 3 picks, hurting his MVP bid.

Playoff Picture & Division Races (32:05–33:52, 70:04–76:50)

• AFC & NFC seedings still in flux going into the final week.
  • Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars lead the AFC; Steelers in contention.
  • Rams could jump to 5-seed but need help from a 49ers loss.
• Falcons/Saints rivalry highlighted as particularly intense regionally.
• Coaching Hot Seat:
  • Shannon says “If I’m Mr. Blank, I’m giving Raheem (Morris) an ultimatum—make the playoffs or you gotta go. It’s really that simple, Ocho.” (73:01)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Benching Lamar:
  Host 2: “A Lamar Jackson that doesn’t look the same…is still better than 90% of the quarterbacks in this NFL.” (11:48)

• On Broncos’ cautious play: Host 1: “You don’t accept anything in a win you wouldn’t in a loss.” (19:20)

• On Bijan Robinson: Host 2: “I can only think of four who look like Bijan Robinson: Barry Sanders, LeSean McCoy, Marshall Faulk, and Bijan.” (62:43)

• On Quarterback Importance: Host 1: “Quarterbacks don’t grow on trees. Not good ones.” (43:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:44] – Ravens QB debate: Start Huntley or Lamar?
• [16:54] – Broncos-KC recap, playoff hopes, trust in Bo Nix
• [35:28] – Lions’ collapse and playoff elimination
• [37:29] – Vikings’ QB issues and Justin Jefferson’s frustration
• [53:00] – Raiders "tanking" for the #1 pick, organizational dysfunction
• [56:24] – Saints’ rookie QB Tyler Shough and defensive standouts
• [61:19] – Falcons outlast Rams, Bijan Robinson’s heroics
• [70:04] – Rams’ playoff scenario, D-line talk, NFC playoff picture

Closing Thoughts

This episode delivers everything Club Shay Shay fans expect—heated NFL debate, in-depth analysis, and insider stories with unfiltered candor. Highlights include passionate quarterback debates, a breakdown of game-changing players, and candid discussions about coaching and roster-building. The chemistry between Shannon and Ocho keeps the conversation both insightful and entertaining for any football fan.