Wild Card Takeaways: Colston Loveland, Josh Allen + Texans at Steelers Preview

Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Wild Card Takeaways: Colston Loveland, Josh Allen + Texans at Steelers Preview
Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Matthew Berry
Co-hosts: Connor Rogers, Jay Cratch

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Overview

This episode dives deep into a thrilling NFL Wild Card weekend, highlighting breakout fantasy performances, coaching decisions, and advancing storylines for both real and fantasy football. Matthew Berry and the crew provide sharp recaps of playoff action—focusing on performances by Colston Loveland, Josh Allen, the Packers-Bears drama, the Rams’ gritty win, and more. They close out the episode previewing the upcoming Texans at Steelers matchup and share betting angles for the next round.

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Wild Card Round Recap: Key Games & Fantasy Lessons

Packers vs. Bears: Colston Loveland’s Star Turn

[05:51–15:43]

Notable Performances & Storylines

• Jordan Love led with 30 fantasy points; Romeo Doubs was phenomenal. Colston Loveland posted 23.7 points, the best Bears rookie TE playoff game since Keith Jackson (1988).
  • Matthew Berry: “Colston Loveland, right there with 23.7 points—he was amazing in this game.” [06:17]
  • Jay Cratch: “Third straight game with at least 20 or more fantasy points. He’s had over 20 fantasy points every time he’s hit seven targets.” [06:22]
• Bears staged their seventh fourth-quarter comeback of the season.
  • Berry: “From 6:51 in the second quarter to 2:59 in the fourth, the Bears’ win probability never went above 25%—they kept fighting in impossible spots.” [06:57]
• Colston Loveland was given the game ball, although kicker woes nearly cost Chicago the game.
  • Jay Cratch: “I am surprised the Bears gave the game ball to Loveland and not Brandon McManus, who missed two field goals and an extra point. He might not make it on the plane.” [09:27]

Turning Points

• Special teams’ near-meltdown for the Bears (missed kicks) and favorable (if lucky) bounces for the Packers kept the game in doubt.
  • Jay Cratch: “Three different fumbles where you thought the Bears had a chance—they just didn’t bounce their way.” [08:21]
  • Connor Rogers: “Inexplicably took a delay of game that pushed the last field goal attempt back five yards.” [10:04]

Fantasy Implications

• Loveland’s 2025 value: Elite TE1 upside.

  • Jay Cratch: “I can’t imagine five tight ends get drafted next year and Loveland isn’t one of them… Trey McBride, Brock Bowers are the only ones definitely ahead of him.” [11:44]
  • Connor Rogers: “A ton of upside as Caleb Williams develops, second year in Ben Johnson’s offense, and clearly their regime’s first pick.” [13:11]

• Packers WRs remain a mystery.

  • Berry: “Romeo Doubs is a free agent. Maybe that elevates Matthew Golden, but as a pass-catcher room, they’re tough to figure week to week.” [14:17]
  • Connor Rogers: “Just so many humans—unless they consolidate, none are particularly appetizing for fantasy.” [14:37]

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Rams vs. Panthers: Stafford’s Clutch Play and Coker’s Breakout

[16:04–25:24]

Game Recap & Notable Moments

• Matthew Stafford delivered late, clinching a narrow win for the Rams.
  • Jay Cratch: “You run out of adjectives for Puka Nakua. Stafford: multiple TD passes in 16 of 18 games this year!” [17:00]
  • Connor Rogers: “He had confidence he was going to march down and do that.” [17:43]
• Jalen Coker (“Cokeheads unite!”) registered a huge target share and has emerged as a trusted receiver.
  • Jay Cratch: “When he gets six targets, he’s averaging over 17 fantasy points/game; 32% target share this game for Coker.” [23:34]

Rams in Perspective

• Recent struggles create doubt for the upcoming matchup vs. Bears, line moves in the Bears’ favor.

  • Connor Rogers: “Rams shaky for six weeks—they were favored by four and a half, but it’s looking more like a coin flip now.” [18:09]
  • Jay Cratch: “I like the Bears at home, even as underdogs. The Rams don’t like the cold.” [18:19]

• Defensive vulnerabilities highlighted, especially by Bryce Young and the Panthers’ WRs.

  • Jay Cratch: “Jalen Coker, Tedro McMillan—they moved the ball against the Rams’ secondary.” [20:31]

Panthers Offense

• Coker and McMillan look like future fixtures; Chuba Hubbard appears to have the RB1 edge.
  • Jay Cratch: “Chuba Hubbard looked like the better back… Dowdle probably not back after his own comments.” [25:13]

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Niners vs. Eagles: Injuries, Trick Plays, and Coaching Fallout

[25:24–34:04]

Game Highlights

• Niners pull off a massive upset behind Christian McCaffrey and a trick-play TD from Jauan Jennings to CMC.

  • Shanahan (via Connor Rogers): “Please remind JJ to throw it away if it’s not open—he thinks he can make every play.” [25:54]
  • Matthew Berry: “Jauan threw a perfect ball… hell of a catch by Christian.” [26:08]

• Brutal injury for George Kittle (Achilles), huge blow for SF.

  • Jay Cratch: “Every ex-player in the room: That’s his Achilles.” [27:35]
  • Berry: “Fantasy doctors finally got one right, playoffs time.” [27:40]

• Philadelphia’s collapse in the red zone.

  • Connor Rogers: “Season on the line… four plays, and they go backwards one yard.” [29:06]
  • Jay Cratch: “They could not stop the run—how does Saquon not have 30 carries?” [29:57]

Fantasy and Narrative Implications

• Coach of the Year debate

  • Berry: “Kyle Shanahan should be coach of the year.” [29:33]
  • Connor Rogers: “I think Ben Johnson steals some votes, but this performance would have helped Shanahan.” [22:52]

• Jalen Hurts’ regression

  • Berry: “You’re not scared of Jalen Hurts as a runner anymore.” [33:10]
  • Jay Cratch: “He’s not a good enough passer to just pick you apart—his running made him effective.” [33:14]

• Eagles’ future in flux

  • Jay Cratch: “I think A.J. Brown will be traded. It’s probably best for team and player.” [30:32]

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Bills vs. Jaguars: Allen’s Heroics & Lawrence’s Disappointment

[34:04–41:32]

Game Flow & Key Takeaways

• Josh Allen delivers another strong fantasy performance; Parker Washington continues elite volume.

  • Jay Cratch: “Tush push for 10 yards—superman stuff!” [35:00]
  • Parker Washington: “Fourth straight game with at least a 27% target share and 19+ fantasy points.” [35:00]

• Trevor Lawrence reverts in the biggest moment.

  • Connor Rogers: “Old Trevor Lawrence—the first interception was horrific… didn’t rise to the moment.” [36:06]

• Missed opportunity on a critical 4th-and-short for Jags

  • Jay Cratch: “Lawrence tripped on a 4th and 1, just short of the sticks. If he converts, Jags could go up 14–3. 14-point swing.” [37:41]

Fantasy Outlook – Jaguars WRs

• Berry: “If the Jags trade Brian Thomas Jr., the top three are Myers, Hunter, and Parker Washington in 11 personnel.” [37:27]

• Jay Cratch: “Best value might be Washington based on ADP, but Myers is safest floor, Hunter highest ceiling.” [36:45]

• Coaching decisions under scrutiny:

  • Jay Cratch: “Don’t know why they didn’t run it 35+ times versus a bad run defense. Jags ran for 6.7 yards/carry.” [41:00]

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Patriots vs. Chargers: Betting Woes & Fantasy Frustration

[41:32–45:31]

• Patriots D dominated, Justin Herbert could not withstand the onslaught; Amari Hampton’s snap count drives fantasy and betting drama.

  • Jay Cratch: “My Berries Bet (Hampton over 11.5 carries) was sunk after he played just one snap. If he’s active, that roster spot should matter!” [43:09]

• Frustrated by late roster news, Cratch vents at length about how teams should handle injuries and fantasy-relevant actives/inactives.

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Texans at Steelers Preview & Player Props

[47:45–50:47]

• Steelers' man coverage means Nico Collins could shine; Stroud likely to struggle under pressure
  • Connor Rogers: “Steelers play a ton of man coverage—Nico Collins is the guy to beat. But CJ Stroud has been awful under pressure.” [48:55]
  • Jay Cratch: “Schultz’s prop (42.5) is appealing, given how vulnerable Steelers have been against TEs.” [48:54]
• Props to watch: Dalton Schultz (O/U 42.5 receiving), Kenneth Gainwell for checkdowns, Adam Thielen (O/U 10 yards—the ultimate deep cut) [49:44]
• Bets: Jay leans "under" on the point total (38.5), Connor prefers Steelers +3, expects Rodgers’ time-to-throw to be all-time quick vs. Texans’ pass rush.

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Betting Nuggets & Divisional Round Lines

[50:47–53:55]

• NFC Lines:

  • Niners +7 vs. Seahawks (O/U 45.5):
    • Connor: “I think the Seahawks are going to destroy the Niners, unfortunately.” [52:34]
    • Berry: “I’ll take the under. Seattle defense can shut them down.” [52:55]
  • Rams -3.5 @ Bears (O/U 51.5):
    • Jay: “Still like Bears plus the points. Rams don’t like the cold.” [53:15]

• AFC Lines:

  • Bills vs. Broncos a near pick ‘em, Bills’ injury concerns but overall high upside.
    • Connor: “I think the Patriots get a favorable matchup and go to the Super Bowl.” [50:34]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Colston Loveland’s TE ranking next year:
  • Jay Cratch: “There’s not anyone you feel like you’re definitely taking over Loveland, other than maybe McBride and Bowers.” [11:44]
• On Rams’ struggles:
  • Connor Rogers: “Six weeks of the Rams being pretty shaky … it’s closer to a coin flip with the Bears.” [18:09]
• On Eagles’ meltdown:
  • Connor Rogers: “With the season on the line, four plays and they go backwards one yard.” [29:06]
• On Jalen Hurts:
  • Matthew Berry: “Nobody is scared of Jalen Hurts running anymore.” [33:10]
• On betting drama:
  • Jay Cratch (re: Berries Bet): “If he’s active, if you’re going to waste an active roster spot, you expect him to be playing. Not for good vibes!” [43:09]
• On Steelers’ defense (Texans preview):
  • Connor Rogers: “CJ Stroud has been awful under pressure… I think there’s a chance this doesn’t go well for him on the road.” [48:55]
• On the Bears as overachievers:
  • Jay Cratch: “They remind me of the Commanders last year—every bounce went their way.” [21:52]
• On divisional round underdogs:
  • Connor Rogers: “I think the Seahawks are going to destroy the Niners, unfortunately.” [52:34]

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Packers-Bears, Colston Loveland: [05:51–15:43]
• Rams-Panthers, Jalen Coker: [16:04–25:24]
• Niners-Eagles, Shanahan’s trick play, Kittle injury: [25:24–34:04]
• Bills-Jags, Allen’s heroics, Lawrence struggles: [34:04–41:32]
• Patriots-Chargers, Amari Hampton/Berries Bet drama: [41:32–45:31]
• Texans-Steelers preview, player props: [47:45–50:47]
• Divisional round lines, NFC/AFC: [50:47–53:55]

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Tone & Flow

High energy, irreverent, with sharp insights and recurring inside jokes. The hosts toggle between hard fantasy analysis, locker room banter, and playful shots at each other (and at the real NFL figures they discuss). Quotes reflect an engaging, conversational style—equal parts analysis, humor, and “group chat” vibes.

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Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Football Happy Hour provides in-depth player analysis, gambling insights, and authentic reactions to an exhilarating wild card round. It sets the stage both for next week’s playoff contests and for critical off-season questions—coaching moves, roster turnover, and fantasy draft implications for 2026.

Transcript

[Matthew Berry]

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[Connor Rogers]

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[Matthew Berry]

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[Jay Cratch]

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[Connor Rogers]

Hell yeah. Hey, that's a heck of a win. An incredible toughness, man. I'm gonna tell you what, this football team is as tough as I've ever seen it.

[Jay Cratch]

And it's not stopping.

[Connor Rogers]

We stay here, we don't bleed. All right, we get one more.

[Jay Cratch]

That's the reward for doing what we did today.

[Connor Rogers]

We get one more. Now we gotta go earn it again. All right, Love y' all boys.

[Jay Cratch]

What up, everyone? Today. Fantasy Football Happy hour with Matthew Berry.

[Matthew Berry]

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy hour. That was some fired up locker rooms from a crazy wild card weekend.

[Jay Cratch]

It looked like our locker room before our show. Did it. Yeah, yeah. And a lot of times, sometimes before the show, sometimes after the show, like when we, when we absolutely crush like a, you know, a backup producer. Pete Wednesday, we get on one of those unscathed.

[Connor Rogers]

This is like.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Oh, we listen to those comments.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You do have a bit of Sean.

[Matthew Berry]

McDowm and those sleepers like our pickup lines.

[Connor Rogers]

You do have a bit of Sean McDermott about you. Very, very inspiring from Sean.

[Matthew Berry]

Walk that line closer.

[Jay Cratch]

We're both follically challenged. We've got that.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I've got.

[Jay Cratch]

I've probably got about 6 inches on them though.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

I don't you think he's a short guy.

[Connor Rogers]

You are almost both not the coach of the Buffalo Bills today.

[Matthew Berry]

That's right. Good boy. He could have woke up in the same exact circumstances.

[Jay Cratch]

Almost had that.

[Matthew Berry]

But he rolls on.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. Yeah. Connor J. I'm Matthew.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

They Know who we are at this point?

[Matthew Berry]

I guess so. I just like doing the routine at this point.

[Jay Cratch]

Sure.

[Matthew Berry]

We're going to preview Texan Steelers, of course. Wild card round is not over. We're going to recap every game and we're going to look at early line alert, some spreads, totals.

[Jay Cratch]

I'm curious to Connor, do you recap our names at the very top where you're like, you know, I'm Connor Rogers, Jay Cratch, it's Matthew Berry. Do you recap that for the audience or more yourself? Because you do so many effing shows that just maybe I just need to make sure who I'm actually talking to.

[Matthew Berry]

I do it because I like the format of the show, but I don't do it all the time because most time you chime in with some nonsense, which is fine. That's also part of the show.

[Jay Cratch]

It's kind of. Yeah. What I do. Kind of what I do. Yeah. It's.

[Matthew Berry]

Or Lawrence could be on.

[Jay Cratch]

Lawrence could be on.

[Matthew Berry]

Denny could be joining.

[Jay Cratch]

Denny could be joining.

[Matthew Berry]

We'll be at Radio Row in a couple weeks and it'll just be a cast of characters.

[Jay Cratch]

It will be a cast of characters.

[Matthew Berry]

So I have to remind everybody that's important.

[Jay Cratch]

We have to figure out. Connor, you and I need to have a meeting.

[Matthew Berry]

Just me and you.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, well, exactly. Because the meeting has to be about how we figure out the seating so that. Once again, very important meeting so that Jay can't do another year of nothing but him, Superstar NFL players and half of our faces.

[Matthew Berry]

Well, there's an easy workaround. The guest sits between us. Between us.

[Jay Cratch]

Yes.

[Matthew Berry]

That's the only way to do it.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah. Listen, the one time I let you go to do what you wanted to do, a photo where Justin Jefferson looks like your father.

[Matthew Berry]

It's my favorite picture ever, though. It's you two standing. I'm sitting. And you and Justin Jefferson are sitting around like, I was adopted by my dad.

[Jay Cratch]

No, I was gonna say. Yeah. It's like Justin and I are gay parents and you are a proud son who is signing to go to college or something like that. Like, it's like. Yeah, it's like that.

[Matthew Berry]

My decision.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. It's the same day. We're standing there. Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

We don't have the photo ready, but one day we'll show it. I think it's on my Instagram somewhere.

[Connor Rogers]

It's a great photo.

[Matthew Berry]

It's a hilarious photo.

[Connor Rogers]

Justin Jefferson's career fell off a cliff after the photo as well.

[Matthew Berry]

So it's Not a thousand yards.

[Connor Rogers]

Take some responsibility.

[Matthew Berry]

Actually, let me argue back against you. 1000 yards with JJ McCarthy, Max Brosmer and Car Wentz is more impressive than any other season he's ever had.

[Jay Cratch]

That's a good point.

[Matthew Berry]

So I don't agree with your take.

[Connor Rogers]

Okay.

[Jay Cratch]

Exactly right.

[Connor Rogers]

Take the 800 yard offensive player of the year season with Kirk Cousins. But that's okay.

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, boy. Anyway, where do we go from here?

[Jay Cratch]

Well, tomorrow is the Peacockys. That's right, tomorrow. The most prestigious fake football award starring a life size bird. The Peacockies everyone loves. It's the. You know, we're just off the Golden Globes last night. We weirdly Nikki Glaser also hosting tomorrow.

[Matthew Berry]

That's right.

[Jay Cratch]

She'll do the open. She'll do the open. Boy, we're all going to get roasted. She hasn't returned my text yet, but I'm sure she sits on a plane. I'm sure she'll be here tomorrow. Yeah. So the Peacockies. And so I think voting is open, Right. There should be some something about.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. I don't know where though. Nobody prepped me on that. But the voting will be somewhere you'll want to be. Here is the most important part of the Pekakis because we'll give all kinds of awards. Regulars.

[Connor Rogers]

What does he wear? You have like a scepter usually, right?

[Jay Cratch]

I have something.

[Connor Rogers]

I have something.

[Matthew Berry]

We don't know why.

[Jay Cratch]

I'll wear. I'll wear something. I'll wear something for the. For the. I have something in mind if I can find it.

[Matthew Berry]

Tom Garrett said best wild card weekend I can remember. What a league I. I was thinking this morning. I was like, what? Which one was better? Because we get so wrapped up in the moment. I mean every. Even Sunday night football, which felt the most distant. It never felt like the game was completely out of hand.

[Jay Cratch]

No, no, it. I mean it wasn't until the Hunter Henry touchdown where you're like, okay, they're done. But it was a one score game.

[Matthew Berry]

Up until even when Drake May had that fumble at the end. I'm like, oh, they have a chance. And they didn' cover it. But yeah, it was awesome. We're going to recap all the wild card weekend and let's start with an absolute thriller. That was Packers Bears. As you see the fantasy performances here. Jordan Love actually the leader with 30 fantasy points and Romeo Dobbs was phenomenal in this game. But you see Colston Loveland right there with 23.7 points. He was amazing in this game.

[Jay Cratch]

Shout out to Colston Loveland, Connor, because I have to tell you something. Nothing in this game made sense to me except for Colston Loveland. The one thing that happened in this game that I was like I expected and it did happen, which was Colson Love and Loveland. Third straight game with at least 20 or more fantasy points. He's had four games this year where he's hit the seven targets. He's had over 20 fantasy points in all of them. Keith Jackson in 1988, the only rookie tight end to have more receiving yards in a playoff game than Colston Loveland over the weekend as well. And so I mean you just see here from next gen stats.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, from 6 minutes and 51 seconds in the second quarter to 2 minutes and 59 seconds in the fourth, the Bears win probability never exceeded 25%. Reaching a minimum of 3%, the Bears have recorded two of the eight most unlikely comebacks of the season against their division rivals, of course, week 16 and in this game in the wild card round and we got to hear from the man that got the game ball from this one in Colson Loveland.

[Connor Rogers]

We're so thankful and you know, to be here and for all you guys. I'm proud of everyone here, but that's, you know, we got to keep this thing rolling. Let's enjoy the out of this.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

So the next gen stat, the win probability, that's after each play is concluded. I will say as Caleb Williams was about to get sacked on that fourth and eight in real time, I think that the Bears odds of winning that game probably were realistically a thousand to one because just the odds of converting that play was so astronomical. But that was, I mean of all the games, that was the one where it really did feel completely done. When the packers went up like 21 3. And it wasn't so much like you figured, yeah, the Bears might get rolling on offense. I just didn't feel like they were going to be able to stop the packers with that defense. And they, they did a little bit, but they also, they got some help with some missed field goals and missed kicks, but that was the one that was so giant.

[Jay Cratch]

Well, the weird thing to me also is because they've been in this situation before, this actually was their seventh, fourth quarter comeback of the year. But to your point about like never being able to get going, like the reason I thought I don't have a stat for this, but it just, it felt like every effing bounce didn't go their way. Like three different fumbles where you're like, oh, They've got a shot and then it bounces back to the packers, like, you know what I mean? Like I think about like that offensive lineman. Like that was the craziest one, right. They finally get a stop, you know, oh, here they have the turnover. Right? It was a turnover, I think. And you know what I'm talking about.

[Matthew Berry]

The play when they didn't score eventually.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

The Bears go down Packers. I forget how the packers got the ball in that particular instance, but the packers were in their own red zone. Yeah, right. And they, they throw a tackle eligible play. And I forget the name of the lineman, but the, the lineman, he's running truck somebody. But it's a fumble and it's just there and there's like four Bears around it and none of them come up with it. It rolls out of bounds.

[Matthew Berry]

Somebody dove on it and the ball went flying. He exploded off of him.

[Jay Cratch]

That did.

[Matthew Berry]

That did feel like the. Everybody's shoulder slump. Like you got it.

[Jay Cratch]

We finally got a shot.

[Connor Rogers]

And.

[Jay Cratch]

And so just like it just was like it's not their night, man. Like the ball is just not bouncing their way. I am surprised that the Bears gave the game ball to Colston Loveland and not Brandon McManus who missed two field goals and an extra point. Maybe a four point game. Right. He missed seven points in a four point game as well. Neck brace nation saying McManus the clear seven point difference. There's no question about it. Like packers announcing Matt LaFleur will return. They have not done the same around Brandon McManus. Yeah. Do you think they let him on the plane? I mean that's just a tough day. I mean not to make like I feel bad for the guy, but like.

[Matthew Berry]

You got to make the kicks.

[Jay Cratch]

I mean that's bad.

[Connor Rogers]

That was a mess also. But like, I mean the last one he missed I think was in large part because they inexplicably took the delay of game that pushed them back five yards, which I think might have made the difference between kick going in or not. And that was the one thing is as I think unfair as it might have been full of flow to get fly fired off of that game where the kicker just makes the kicks. They win the game and no one's talking about Matt LaFleur's job security. I do think the packers, they completely butchered the management towards the end of the game. The last drive. I think they had like 96 seconds and a timeout. There's plenty of time and they just weren't able to manage the game. Effectively at all. They had like a two yard screen pass to Josh Jacobs where he's like, oh yeah. 30 seconds of the game is just gone because of this. Like, it just felt like they imploded.

[Matthew Berry]

It's been all year, though. They've been in, They've done this all year. You think back to the Cowboys game, they were in control of, I feel like six different games this year that they did not close out the game. So it was kind like everybody's storyline of the season was magnified on wild card weekend. Justin Herbert sawed in half because the offensive line couldn't protect him. The Eagles offense dysfunctional in the fourth. The second half magnified in the loss of the Niners.

[Jay Cratch]

So like it's Matthew Stafford clutch down the stretch.

[Matthew Berry]

So it was bigger than like the kicker missing the kicks is the story, but this is who Green Bay unfortunately was for multiple parts of the season.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, I agree. Medici, of course, nails it as he always does here.

[Matthew Berry]

Loveland is such a physical freak. It's hard to tell the difference between him and Barry. I mix them up all the time.

[Jay Cratch]

All the time.

[Matthew Berry]

They were both at the NFL combine last year and it was created a lot of problems.

[Jay Cratch]

I walked in the building, security was like, hi, Mr. Loveland. And I'm like, no, no, no.

[Matthew Berry]

Matthew Barry.

[Jay Cratch]

It's me, Matthew. Oh, I'm so sorry. And they were like, great game, Colston. I'm like, no, no, seriously, just.

[Matthew Berry]

It's me.

[Jay Cratch]

Me, Matty.

[Matthew Berry]

How many tight ends are you taking over him next year?

[Jay Cratch]

How many tight ends? I am definitely taking Trey McBride and Bowers, and I'm definitely taking Brock Bowers. Assuming Geno is not back as the starting quarterback. That I can't imagine there is anyway. But that's, that's the list of tight ends that you're definitely taking ahead of him. Like you want to make an argument for Tyler Warren.

[Connor Rogers]

Sure.

[Jay Cratch]

And you know, you know, now that we know that George Kittle won't be back. And Tucker Kraft. Tucker Kraft, potentially, if you knew he was fully healthy, like he's in that conversation. But like there's not, there's not anyone that you feel like I'm definitely taking this guy over that person. Like, depending on what happens with the Chargers, Gadson, you know, I think is going to be in that mix. But yeah, I, I cannot imagine that five tight ends get drafted this year and Colston Loveland isn't one of them.

[Matthew Berry]

Who has to sign Kyle Pitts, right?

[Jay Cratch]

I mean, I mean, Chiefs Kyle Pitts is your number two fantasy Tight end on the season, right? Yeah. If Kyle Pitts goes there. I mean, if Isaiah likely goes to the Chiefs. Like, you know, I mean, like, that's a rumor as well. Like, so he's in that mix. Like, you would immediately, like, if you knew. If you knew Isaiah likely was on the Chiefs. Like, it's a combo, assuming Travis Kelsey retires, but whatever. I mean, whether he's tight end, 3, 4, 5, whatever. Colston Loveland is a absolute freaking stud. And as you see it there, NFL plus tweeting out Colson Loveland, the first rookie Titan to have eight receptions and 100 yards in a playoff game in NFL history. Hashtag Da Bears.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I think the other thing with Loveland, too, is that he has immense upside. One, because he's just so young and he'll get better. Then two, he also has huge upside just with his quarterback improving. Like Caleb Williams, I think was sub 60% completion percentage this year. You know, the upside that Caleb has, he hasn't put it all together yet. He is going to get better. Like, he will not. I don't think that he will flatline or get worse. And so there's just that upside that, you know, Caleb Williams is a guy we expect is going to be finishing on MVP ballots the rest of his career, and we haven't really seen the actualised version of that guy yet.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, I mean, and second year in Ben Johnson's offense, this is the. This was the first draft pick. Colson Loveland was the first draft pick of the Ben Johnson era. Right. You know, so I mean, just sort of think about sort of, you know, coaching staff or a new regime, basically saying, like, you know, the first chance we got, here's the guy we're going out and grabbing. When I say that the game didn't play out at all, I mean, like, I wasn't surprised that the Bears ultimately won. Right. But you just, like, you didn't think they'd get down that bad and they were that brutal. But Matthew golden, who's been like, you sort of like, all right, well, that guy, you know, kind of had kind of written him off. And then Matthew golden, breakout game, makes.

[Matthew Berry]

A fantastic play off the screen, making a lot of guys miss to get into the end zone. But, like, this is the reaction. Can't be. Well, this is it. The reaction is this is the game with Green Bay's wide receiver room. And Romeo Dobbs was amazing in this game. Romeo Dobbs is a free agent, so maybe that elevates Matthew golden going into next year. But as A pass catcher room. They are incredibly difficult to figure out week after week.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah. And there was different stuff for Matthew Golden. Right. So he has the screen pass. He's a deep threat. The fourth and seven, the out route like for the season on the line. Jordan Love went to Matthew Goldman and he hauled it in. The issue is just. There's just so many human beings on this offense. Love was throwing deep to Jaden Reed with the game on the line. Dobbs has one of the best games of his career. Christian Watson was the guy that everyone thought was going to be the guy because he wants to get an all pro vote. And he was relatively unsighted compared to the other guys. So unless they consolidate that receiver room, I don't think any of these guys are particularly appetizing.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. Disappointed in Josh Jacobs front of the show. Josh Jacobs, 20 touches under 60 total yards. Like, I thought he would have had a big game. It's playoffs. He'd been rested a few weeks as well, so. Unbelievable game. It was. It was an incredible finish. Congratulations to the Bears, who next week will host the Rams at Soldier Field. Be interesting. The last thing here, I'll say just on this particular game is that I don't understand the Ben Johnson, like just, you know, f the packers. Like, it's just. It's sort of like he's a madman.

[Connor Rogers]

I love it.

[Matthew Berry]

I mean, like everybody has their, you know, things that kind of fires him up.

[Jay Cratch]

I guess so. I guess so. Anyway, I was. I was surprised. I was surprised they immediately went so quickly to bring in Lafleur Black Lafleur back because Schefter floated the trial balloon. Hey, 12 hours later, Harmon might want to come there. Heads up.

[Matthew Berry]

Yep.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Well, speaking of those Rams sweaty game against the Panthers, they move on. It was not easy, obviously. Puka Nakua at the top of the leaderboard. Only in front of. Only behind him was Jalen coker with over 28 points. But on the Rams offense, we got to hear a lot of love from Matthew Stafford after this game.

[Jay Cratch]

I think he said, let's go snatch these guys hearts.

[Connor Rogers]

And that was. That was pretty.

[Jay Cratch]

That was pretty cold. That was pretty cold just to hear that.

[Connor Rogers]

And I actually like literally smiled in.

[Jay Cratch]

The moment because I thought that that.

[Connor Rogers]

Was like one of the most gangster.

[Jay Cratch]

Things you could say in that moment, honestly.

[Connor Rogers]

And to hear him say that and the look on his face and then.

[Jay Cratch]

Throw the touchdown and then the look on his face after that was just like MVP stuff.

[Matthew Berry]

That was Devontae Adams. Of course. I like the press conference. Laugh track. Whenever someone says something that's like, you know, kind of like you. Like a 4 out of 10 gag.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

But they press the laugh track like an eruption.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, exactly.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes.

[Connor Rogers]

The jokes are funny, though.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, exactly. There you go. That's fine. Shoot or shoot? That's what I learned. That's what I learned last night. Shoot or shoot as well. I mean, like, you know, you run out of adjectives for Puka Nakua, right? I mean, 18 targets, just absolutely ridiculous. Matthew Stafford, so clutch now. Multiple touchdown passes in 16 of 18 games this season, including the playoffs as well. I don't know that there's much to say other than. There's no fantasy takeaway other than. Here's what I mean. Like, especially because obviously, as we all know, Matthew Stafford's retiring this year after the season. Everyone knows this. That throw to Colby Parkinson and that catch at the end was just unbelievable for the touchdown.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, no, he definitely delivered late and he had confidence that he was going to march down the field and do that. But Connor, I thought like, so the first time the Rams played the Panthers, that was a total fluke. Thought the Rams were the better team. And just like every bounce went the Panthers way. They have the fumble six of Stafford. He throws two picks. This game I thought was very even and really could have gone either way. And this wasn't a fluke. And this has been now about six weeks of the Rams being pretty shaky.

[Matthew Berry]

Right.

[Connor Rogers]

And so I do think that that is material going forward where you would have thought a few weeks ago. Off they play the Bears. They're just going to kill the Bears right now that that's closer to a coin flip game. Rams favored but closer to a coin flip.

[Jay Cratch]

I mean, it is now. We'll talk about this in the next segment, but opening line was Bears plus four and a half. I like the Bears in that I like the Bears. I mean at home, at home, four and a half.

[Matthew Berry]

The Panthers are in a bizarre world. A really bad matchup for the Rams. Like Evero, their defensive coordinator, he's from that tree, so he knows how to match up against them. They play big ball, big boy football in the run game and the Rams fried. Besides, punafort is small, but still at the end of the day, like you go to the Falcons game, they've been rusty. Yeah, the Rams played hurt most of this game.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, the first half against the Cardinals was really rough and weird. Ironically, I thought the best that they played in the past month or so is the Seahawks game where they lost. But Stafford Was magnificent stretches in that game. So, yeah, it's a little strange. I mean, still, you expect it to. To bounce back. But, yeah, I think if. Now, like, if the NFC title game is as we expect, Rams in Seattle, I think the Seahawks will be favored in that game now because of home field, because of the way their defense looks, and because the Rams are looking a bit shaky. Do you think there's anything vulnerable. Vulnerable about the Rams pass defense? Because this was pretty jarring to say Bryce young put up 31 points on them.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

And they're kind of showing their hand. They play almost no man coverage, so they don't fully trust their corners manned up. I think they played man coverage 15% of the game. Yeah, actually, that's a very, very low rate. So. So, yeah, that's where they're vulnerable. But their password has to get home shirtless. Ben Johnson said, Jay, it is very important that you bet on the Rams this weekend.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, well, the curse must migrate. Two weeks ago, I had the Ravens against the Steelers. The result I needed most this weekend was the Jags. Spoiler alert. The Jags were eliminated from the playoffs. So, yeah, maybe I will place a little rager at wager on the. On the Rams to eliminate them.

[Matthew Berry]

Four and a half at. For a home team, that is a bit.

[Jay Cratch]

I put that bet down last night. I put. I put money on the Bears plus four and a half. I don't know if they necessarily win, but I just. I think they cover that.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah. The scary thing if you're the Rams is that Caleb Williams is just this Pandora's box. Every single play. Like, he can do anything. Like he can overthrow a guy by 8 yards in the air. He can also make the most perfect throw you can imagine.

[Jay Cratch]

I mean, I mean, that. That, that throw that. I mean, like the fourth down, like, that's one of the best throws of the year.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

Given when you think about, like, just. Just the difficulty and, you know, what was at stake in that particular throw. Unbelievable. The other thing about the Rams, Connor, is that I'm not all that. I mean, their defense has been pretty good this year, but the secondary is beatable. I mean, like, I mean, Jalen Coker especially, but Tedro McMillan, like, they moved the ball and they moved the ball through the air against the Rams, you know, Bryce Young, Jaylen coker and Tedro McMillan.

[Matthew Berry]

Right.

[Jay Cratch]

You know. Yeah. Cokeheads unite. By the way, finally, this is our game. A breakout game for Jalen Coker. Cokeheads unite. But. But, yeah, I mean, I just think, you know, when you're sitting there like another week of Roma Dunes gets healthy, Luther Burden, DJ Moore has looked good. Obviously. We've just talked about Loveland. Like the passing attack of the Bears will be a problem for L. A. Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

I do think on the other side though, I think that the Rams offense will look better because one, Stafford seemed to figure out whatever was going on with his finger and he looked a lot better at the end of the game than he did in the kind of start of the second half. And then secondly, why is the Bears defense so bad?

[Matthew Berry]

Because you look at the very, very talented unit. Yeah. People forget that.

[Jay Cratch]

No, they're not.

[Matthew Berry]

What Ben Johnson.

[Jay Cratch]

That's the thing.

[Matthew Berry]

And they've done. They've overachieved beyond belief. In year one, there are a turnovers based defense which is in my opinion a credit to coaching. When you look at like their front seven, you're not. They don't look the same as the other playoff teams, but they find ways.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, you know what they remind me? You guys are gonna think I'm crazy, but like they're like the commanders last year to me, which is that every bounce, with the exception of whatever, but like every bounce has gone their way. They won every close game. They've just, you know, when they've needed a play, they've stayed relatively healthy this year.

[Matthew Berry]

They always close games.

[Jay Cratch]

They always close games in the fourth quarter. I mean that's what, what's what Washington did last year is they won like I think 8 one score games last year or something like that. And I feel like the Bears are a little bit like that. It's just sort of like, I mean, you know, I know they didn't catch the three fumbles, but still like, like they don't win the packers game if the field goal kicker on the other team doesn't miss two field goals and an extra point. Right. So they just, the ball has just bounced their way this year for a whole. And that's not to take anything away from them. But to your point, they have massively overachieved over this year. Do you think this performance. It should. It's supposed to be based on the regular season, right? The coach of the year award. Right. The votes are in, right? Votes are in. Yeah, votes are in. But I wonder if, I wonder if Ben Johnson would get more votes if you held the vote today versus.

[Connor Rogers]

Well, Cohen would lose some of his votes probably to Ben Johnson. But no, it's a regular season award. I think Johnson will probably end up coming fourth or so he'll be in the top five certainly. And he's obviously done an amazing job this year. But yeah, I mean, this is. This line wouldn't have been. It's coming down to three and a half now. Bears plus three and a half at home. It wouldn't have been plus three and a half. Couple weeks ago and the Rams were looking a lot more formidable.

[Matthew Berry]

I think the final note. You mentioned it quickly, Matthew. Jalen Coker is the number two receiver in the Panthers offense, far and away.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, as somebody who has Xavier Leggett in the Dynasty League, I'm disappointed about this, but Cokeheads unite. We've been talking about this for a while. Like, you know, snort him up if you got him because he has absolutely cooked when he has gotten looks.

[Matthew Berry]

Right.

[Jay Cratch]

He's had seven career games where he's gotten at least six targets, including the playoffs. He's averaging over 17 fantasy points per game. Had a 32% target share in this game for Jalen Coker. He's a big slot that they need and it seems like there's clearly a connection between him and Bryce Young. Credit to the Panthers for figuring this.

[Matthew Berry]

Out when it mattered most. It almost literally had them pull off a 10 point, five point underdog upset.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, I got laughed at when I said I like the Panthers to cover. I did.

[Connor Rogers]

Strong opinion I don't think we disagreed with. That's what I was laughing at.

[Matthew Berry]

I was like, who laughed at it?

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, you guys did.

[Connor Rogers]

You guys did.

[Jay Cratch]

America laughed at me. That's all right. You went.

[Connor Rogers]

You.

[Jay Cratch]

You did one of these. Jay did one of these. Like, I don't know that I would take that. You. You gave a. Like, I'm not going to try to throw you under the bus, but I clearly strongly disagree with that take.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I mean, it was just. It was an interesting opinion to have that you really believed in the Carolina Panthers.

[Jay Cratch]

I believe in them becoming the ten and a half at home. Like, I mean, like, I just thought like, that's just a massive number for a playoff game, you know, for a team that's a team that's traveling. And the Rams, to your point, sort of limped in the playoffs as well a little bit there as well. But just, I think for me, you know, the Carolina Panthers, they need to, you know, they need to evolve this offense around Bryce Young a little bit more, but feels like we know the ability of McMillan, Jalen Coker, that emergence is exciting, I think, for this offense. And the chubbler, Chuba Hubbard, like, no, like, I've always thought he was the better running back. And there was this, you know, brief little Rico Dowdle flirtation. But once again, Hubbard looked like the better running back. He's the one that got into the end zone against them. Dowdle was on a one year deal. Be interesting to see if he comes back to Carolina or not.

[Connor Rogers]

Probably not based on his comments off of the game where he was like, yeah, my usage down the stretch will affect my free agency decisions. I suspect he's not going to be back in Carolina, but who knows? But I don't think he will be.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, probably not.

[Matthew Berry]

Alright, our next game, the last one from the NFC side of the bracket here, of course, a very big upset. The Niners closed as five and a half point underdogs in this game. It's Brockuary and it is Brockuary. Christian McCaffrey at the top of the leaderboard and this one, DeMarcus Robinson, an opening drive. We will never forget, but I think the standout of this game was Kyle Shanahan had a trick play up his second that no one saw coming. We got to hear from him on that play right after the game.

[Connor Rogers]

We're hoping that it'll work and it'll be open and you're more hoping that if it doesn't work to please remind JJ to throw it away because JJ thinks he can make every play known to man. Juan threw a perfect ball, which made me a little scared. I thought he should just throw in.

[Jay Cratch]

A bad ball and put it on him.

[Connor Rogers]

So I thought it was a hell of a catch by Christian and I didn't see it. But knowing that he got roughed up and stuff just shows. OG Joannas High School quarterback.

[Matthew Berry]

As the 49ers with a little dig at the Eagles with the cheesesteak and we're still hungry for more. 6 out of 10 posts.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, not bad.

[Matthew Berry]

10 out of 10 win.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, 10 out of 10 win as well. I mean, as somebody who has Brock Purdy in a playoff league, I was annoyed by the Juwan Jennings, but as a fan of football, it was unbelievable.

[Connor Rogers]

Play gets another game.

[Jay Cratch]

Now he does get another. He does get another game. You know, I talked about this on the football night in America pod last night where I just said, like Brock Purdy, you know, again, yes, he's got Chris McCaffrey, but he's out there throwing to DeMarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne and Juwan Jennings. They're all nice players, but come on, I know he's got Chris McCaffrey, but early in the game he loses George Kittle by the Way George Kittle drinks for free today. Absolutely. You know, friend of the show, George Kittle. Just an awful injury, guys. You know, we were in the room watching. I was in the, in the room with all the, all the Football Night in America guys. And every, every ex player was like, immediately, that's his Achilles. That's his Achilles.

[Matthew Berry]

We've seen it too many times.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Just, you know who else knew that it was his Achilles?

[Jay Cratch]

Who's that?

[Matthew Berry]

The fantasy doctors.

[Jay Cratch]

I bet they did. I bet they did. Well, they finally got one right. Good for them.

[Matthew Berry]

First one of the year that they nailed it.

[Jay Cratch]

They finally, by the playoffs, they finally. They managed to get one right. Apparently after the game. Do we have this sound or. No, we're just telling the story.

[Matthew Berry]

What sound? No, we have a tweet.

[Jay Cratch]

Oh, the tweet.

[Matthew Berry]

This is from David Lombardi, who of course covers the 49ers for a while now. After the Achilles tear, Jed York came into the 49ers locker room and asked George Kittle if there's anything he could get him. Within minutes that bottle of tequila was in the 49ers locker room. A couple hours later, victory in Philadelphia was secured. A new piece of 49ers history.

[Connor Rogers]

I think also by the way, David Lombardi must follow on Twitter. He's been on an absolute heater the past six weeks or so. He is the biggest Brock Purdy supporter in the way he survives me.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes, he is a bigger supporter than you.

[Connor Rogers]

He gets in people's replies telling them that Brock Birdie is the greatest quarterback to ever been. Absolutely unbelievable. You must follow him at Lombardi himself. He is doing the Lord's work. But. And it has been kind of a. Magical is the wrong word because there's been so much turmoil and so many injuries. But it has been an insane story. The fact that they won this game. This is a complete disgrace from the Eagles that they lost to the same. Here's the defining thing for me, the fact that the Eagles they get down to it like the. The 20 at the end against the Niners defense, there's no players left and the Eagles with the season on the line, they have four plays and they go backwards one yard with the season on the line. And I think that ultimately, even though the Eagles are probably a better team than the Niners, the justified result here happened where the team that overcame so much ends up advancing past this Philadelphia them has been a complete mess all season with the worst vibes for a Super bowl champion that you can imagine. And now and ingloriously they exit.

[Matthew Berry]

What's your point about the coach of the year situation if it did extend.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

Kyle Shanahan, I mean, Robert Sala is.

[Matthew Berry]

Going to get another head coaching job this offseason because of the job they've done, and Kyle Shanahan should be the coach of the year.

[Connor Rogers]

I have no idea how the Niners defense held as much as it did in the second half. Even if you know all the plays that are coming, which everyone does with.

[Matthew Berry]

The Eagles, by the way. Yeah, but run a curl and just send everybody vertical.

[Connor Rogers]

It's just like, how does the team, this talent, score 19 points against this Niners defense?

[Jay Cratch]

How do you not just get. They could. They were gashing them on the run. How does Saquon Barkley not have 30 touches in this game and then Tank Biggs be another 10? I mean, like, seriously, like, they should have never. Like, they shouldn't have thrown a pass in this game. Like, they, they rarely stopped the run. Saquon looked great. You know what I mean? And they were. They were gashing him on the ground. And it just. It was just a. You know, it was a bad one, man. Like. And, you know, we were talking about whether or not Sirianni should be fired. Right. You know, I mean, there's. I'm sure. Sports talk, huh?

[Connor Rogers]

He won't be.

[Jay Cratch]

I don't think he will be, but.

[Matthew Berry]

Will be the offensive.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. They'll throw.

[Matthew Berry]

A.J. brown will probably be traded.

[Jay Cratch]

Yes, I agree with that. I think Petullo will be gone. I think AJ Brown will be on another team, and I think that's probably best for team and player for a fresh start there. But I guess, you know, the pro Sirianni argument is like. Like, this guy's been to the super bowl twice in the last four years. Right? I mean, like. And he's a. He's won a Super bowl in the last year, and, you know, he won the division. And, you know, they've. They've been a very competitive team for.

[Matthew Berry]

The last four years in the NFC East. Never happens.

[Jay Cratch]

Never happens.

[Matthew Berry]

There's no repeat division winners usually in that division.

[Jay Cratch]

Here's the counter argument. If the Eagles moved on with Sirianni the way that the Browns moved on from Stefanski, the way the Ravens moved on from Harbaugh, are there a lot of teams saying, like, oh, we want Nick Sirianni.

[Matthew Berry]

That's a good point.

[Connor Rogers]

This is the thing.

[Jay Cratch]

I mean, like, John Harbaugh. The minute the Ravens moved on from John Harbaugh, who didn't make the playoffs, there's like eight teams that want his services. Stefanski off of a team that's like going to pick in the top five this year. Everyone's just like, we think Kevin Stefanski two time coach of the year. By the way, not everyone knows that two time coach of the year Kevin Stefanski has a lot of gigs. But the defending super, if he were fired today, the defending super bowl coach, people would be like, yeah, I don't know.

[Matthew Berry]

I can't definitively sit here and say.

[Connor Rogers]

Yes, Sirianni, he's, he bats 500 with offensive coordinators. Right. So you give him a great OC and the team is ultra talented. They probably have the most, they've had the most stacked roster in the NFL over his four years. And yeah, and if he's got Shane Steichen or Kellen Moore, then they're going to be great. And if those guys haven't been there, then they've been a kind of mini disaster on offense relative to their talent. But also like the, the non football stuff, like the screaming at A.J. brown when he, when he wants him to get off the field quicker so they don't have too many men and it's like, oh yeah, this is just football. Like he might. That's not normal.

[Jay Cratch]

That's not normal.

[Connor Rogers]

Other teams don't do that. Very strange.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, there's just a lot going on in Philadelphia. Obviously there will be some big changes to this team this offseason.

[Jay Cratch]

I mean, so this is a tweet from John Ledyard, Ledyard at Ledyard NFL draft. And he wrote something like that. Basically, you know, Jalen Hurts pressure rate was like according to PFF, 24%. He had 3.6 seconds to throw on pressured drop backs. Like. And his point, what he tweeted out was a team should not struggle on offense like that when the other team's pass rush is literally not a factor at all. And I don't disagree with that.

[Connor Rogers]

Also they kept on putting all these quick throws into the play. Was like, why are we doing this? Like, there's no pass rush. You have all the time for longer developing routes. Yeah, overall it just seemed like a complete mess.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, I mean some of it's not. I mean like again, AJ Brown with a couple of bad drops, you know, but like still it just, you know.

[Connor Rogers]

Hurts also bails out of some clean pockets, particularly on that final sequence when he bails out to the right, the pocket is there.

[Matthew Berry]

He's not a scary runner anymore. No one is afraid of Jalen hurts running anymore.

[Jay Cratch]

That, that's the issue. Because when you take away the dual threat. And by threat, I mean, like, obviously can run, but the. When you take away that dual threat. To your point, you're not scared of him as a runner.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

I don't know that he's a good enough passer. You know, he's not Matthew Stafford. Right. He's not a guy like that or Joe Burrow that can sit back in the pocket and just pick you apart. That's what made Hurt so effective was the fact that he could take off and run for 20 yards.

[Connor Rogers]

You swipe, you swap the two quarterbacks in this game. Like the game isn't remotely close.

[Jay Cratch]

That's right.

[Connor Rogers]

Purdy has those weapons in that offensive line. It's a. It's a blowout. Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

Or if Hertz had to be behind that offensive line, Marcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne. Right. Yeah. I mean. I mean, they do have Chris McCaffrey. I mean, you know, but still.

[Connor Rogers]

I mean, they do. But Christian McCaffrey's running for like, one yard per carry.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

And so there was a lot on Purdy Scholz.

[Jay Cratch]

Williams was banged up going to that game. Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Let's go to the AFC side of the bracket.

[Jay Cratch]

He miss Lynn Johnson, too. I will say that that's a big loss for the Eagles.

[Connor Rogers]

Sure.

[Jay Cratch]

In fairness to. But still, that was. Yeah. I'm not saying anything that Philadelphia talk radio won't say for the next three months. Yes.

[Matthew Berry]

And beyond.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

They'll carry it over all summer. All right, let's go to the Bills. Who. Nice little troll job here.

[Connor Rogers]

Yes.

[Matthew Berry]

With the Grills.

[Jay Cratch]

Now, this is like 8 of 10. That's pretty good.

[Matthew Berry]

This is really good. Yeah, this is really good. Bills win with the Grills. Photoshop here. And we got to hear from Josh Allen on them getting it done in crunch time.

[Connor Rogers]

You know, we feel like we've been in situations like this, and now every game presents itself in a different way. But to understand the moment, to not ride the wave again, that was stuff that we've learned throughout the entire season. We were able to utilize that and use it today.

[Matthew Berry]

So we look at Josh Allen easily on the leaderboard of fantasy performances in this game. And then classic Matthew Parker Washington right.

[Jay Cratch]

After Parker Washington, he can't be stopped. Parker Washington, who may or may not have had a concussion for half this game, was just unbelievable. 40% target share in this one. 4th straight game with at least a 27% target share. 4th straight game with 19 or more fantasy points like Parker Washington. And assuming he has a pretty good Game tonight. Kenneth Gainwell are going to be the two hardest guys to rank next year because I believe in their talent. But it's just like you're sort of like, you know, like those are going to be odd ones, right? Because. But Parker Washington can play, man. And you know. Well, I thought, you know, credit to the Bills, like, you know, Josh Allen doing Superman stuff like the tush push for 10 yards. One of the just stupid and silly and insane. But I thought for Trevor Lawrence, who is probably one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL, if not the hottest quarterback from the second. From week nine on, this was just a bad day at the office. He played Yavi.

[Connor Rogers]

It was old Trevor Lawrence. Old Trevor Lawrence. He had the moments of max.

[Matthew Berry]

The biggest moment of the year.

[Connor Rogers]

The last one tipped. But the first intercession was horrific pick and he just didn't. The guy from the second half of the season who was playing at like an MVP level for half the season, I think that that was somewhat a product of the schedule that he faced. And like he beat some good teams as well. He lit up the charges, he let up the Broncos, but he was not up to the level yesterday.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, the other thing Cobra Kiger says. Well, I'm not talking to Cobra Kiger.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, he's Parker Washington, the receiver you want on this offense next year. I would, man.

[Jay Cratch]

Sj, I don't know.

[Connor Rogers]

I don't think so.

[Jay Cratch]

Loyal to you.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I'm with you.

[Connor Rogers]

I think the issue is I think Jacoby Myers probably has the highest floor. I think Travis Hunter has the highest ceiling. And Parker Washington.

[Jay Cratch]

Parker Washington. Here's what I will say.

[Matthew Berry]

Brian Thomas, you've forgotten about.

[Jay Cratch]

No, no. Well, but yeah, I mean, no, but I think. I think that's absolutely right. I think Jacoby Myers has the highest floor. I think Travis Hunter has the highest ceiling. And I think Parker Washington, based on adp, might be the best value because there's still like guys that will like by the time we get to next August. And Travis Hunter is, you know, getting like high videos and. Right.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

And Jacoby Myers has been a productive fantasy wide receiver for a longer period of time. He got paid in the offseason. Like, people are going to forget about Parker Washington. He's going to go like in the 12th round again. And so does he play the slot.

[Matthew Berry]

Which is huge in this offense. Right?

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

So, yeah, I would think I'd agree. Especially if they trade btj, where, you know, the three receivers that are going to be on the field and 11 personnel are then Jacoby Myers, Travis Hunter and Parker Washington, if they trade btj, which is not a given, obviously.

[Jay Cratch]

Trevor Lawrence, seven interceptions now in just three career playoff games. And the other thing is that Trevor did that I thought was honestly the biggest play of the game. That, you know, all the interceptions, especially late, are the ones that got the most attention. But early in the game they're trying to convert a 4th and 1. It's like a 4th and 1 or 4th or 2 down in the red zone there. And he runs for it and he trips. He trips where he starts his dive a little bit too early and he's just short of the sticks. Upon review, they challenge the call. Upon review, if he gets that first down, they score. They're up 14, 3. Yep.

[Connor Rogers]

They would have been minus 500 to win the game at that point.

[Matthew Berry]

That's right. Because then their passers can try to tee off a little bit more.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. And so. But he falls short of the sticks. They review it, they get it. They Bills drive down and score a touchdown on that, I think on that play, either touchdown or field goal.

[Matthew Berry]

92 yard drive.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, 92 yard drive. And so it's a 14 point swing.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

And again, they're up 14 to 3 at home at that point. If he. And they're rolling and like. Yes.

[Connor Rogers]

There's two things, though, and I get like the Jags, I think they're a little bit unlucky. I think this is a very even game, basically a coin flip game. And I think the Bills didn't deserve to win or anything, but, like, your season's on the line. Why are you giving up bomb plays to Brandon Cooks to basically end your season. That was the key play. And then the second thing is there's a lot of debate about whether McDermott should have kneeled at the end before they pushed it in. There should be no debate. He should have kneeled. Because if you kneel, you have three timeouts and basically you are ending the game there and making that this is the last drive. And so then you have three chances with Josh Allen to get one yard. And if you do that, you're going to win the game. If you've got three chances to get one yard, the way it turned out by scoring with a minute left. The other thing too, that has to factor into this is that you've got a kicker on the other side and kick 70 yards, that is fair.

[Matthew Berry]

And he said that after the game. Yeah, yeah. He said the tough part about that is to give in. I don't really defend Him a lot because I think that the Bills have come up way too short over the years. What if you get a false start after doing that?

[Connor Rogers]

Well, I would say that if you had a false start after doing that, you start Josh Allen with three chances to get six yards.

[Matthew Berry]

But you're fired. If you don't score, you're fired.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, maybe, but I'm just saying the wind pro.

[Connor Rogers]

Like after they scored with a minute left, the jags were like plus 290 to win the game. Yeah, if the. The Bills need one yard with three chances to get it and there's 20 seconds left, the Jags are not plus 290.

[Matthew Berry]

No, I think your point's fair. I get like playing devil's advocate. My point is he played into his two strengths. One, we could push Josh Allen in now. Second, their past defense. Their past defense is.

[Jay Cratch]

I think the Jaguars aren't scored, by the way. I think the Jaguars let them score.

[Matthew Berry]

They definitely probably wanted them to.

[Jay Cratch]

Talking about the only team wants you.

[Connor Rogers]

To score, you know, probably shouldn't score.

[Jay Cratch]

Well, that's exactly right. I mean, by the way, Cam Little missed a field goal at the be at the end of the first half. Right. I will.

[Connor Rogers]

I will say, like, I do think that the one thing that it did was it decreased the variance with his employability. Right to your point where. Yeah, if goes bad, then he's fired. If he. If they lose the game after he scores, he doesn't get fired because of that.

[Matthew Berry]

Coaches think like this.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, but I think it less. I think it definitely lessen their win probability.

[Jay Cratch]

I don't know if he thought about that in the moment here. And I don't know how much input he had or whether this was Joe, just Joe Brady doing that. The last thing I'll just say here is that I'm a huge Liam Cohen fan. Like, I think he deserved to be in the coach of the year, you know, finalists. But he also had a very bad game. They. They ran at will they. It's like it was like 25, I think between him and between ETN and Bay Shell Toot. And it was like something like 25.

[Matthew Berry]

Or 120 yards, 6.7 yards per carry on 23 carries on 23.

[Jay Cratch]

So why they don't. Why, like they should have just. I don't know why they didn't run the ball 35 times. Like, that's the thing. Like, the Bills have a bad run defense and you guys were running it really well. And so the fact that they just sort of abandoned the Run. That's the other thing as well. That made no sense. So I thought Liam Cohen had a bad day at the office as well. But hold your head high. Jaguars hold your head high. Producer Steven Futures bright. A year ago, you guys were picking in the top five, and now you're a playoff team in the AFC South Division winners.

[Matthew Berry]

Our final game, the Patriots handle the Chargers. They teed off on Justin Herbert in this game. It was ugly to watch for the Chargers offense. Matthew, what was your favorite part about this game?

[Connor Rogers]

Good.

[Jay Cratch]

Glad Chargers deserve everything that's coming to him.

[Matthew Berry]

Who's not on that board?

[Jay Cratch]

Matthew Amari. Hampton's not on that board. Martin Hampton's not on that board. Here's the thing. When I. So yesterday, I had to do my Berries bet, right? So this is one of the things. I've hit eight in a row on this.

[Connor Rogers]

Oh, you take Hampton. Yes.

[Jay Cratch]

Hang on. I'm not done. So I've hit eight in a row on the Berries bet. I don't. Parlays are tough. That's why the odds. The odds are the way they are on parlays, because they are tough to hit. That's why the odds are so high. So just for me personally, the way I grade myself is on my Berries bet on just. That's a singular bet that I take. And I've hit eight in a row on my Berries bet. And so my Berries bet. But because the way. Because we have to production, we have to do graphics. DraftKings has to post it, and there's social things. We have to submit it basically either Saturday or at the very latest, first thing Sunday morning. So my bet was Amari and Hampton over 11 and a half rush attempts, right? This is a number that he's hit in every single game he's played except for one this year. And so you see right here. Thank God. DraftKings sportsbook. God bless you, Mr. King.

[Matthew Berry]

You got bailed out by the crown.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

I took pity on you.

[Jay Cratch]

He's covered by early exit. All coughing bets and legs, including live, will be honored and tagged as early exit eligible. God bless you, Mr. King. Thank you. The crown is, in fact, mine. The crown is yours. The crown is mine. The crown is definitely not Omarion Hampton's or Jim Harbaugh's. My argument here. And so I went and bitched on.

[Connor Rogers]

Still yelling.

[Jay Cratch]

I am still yelling. I went and bitched on social media, and I was like, he didn't practice except for one day. What did you expect? I'll tell you what I expected. I'll Tell you what I expected you, daddy. Somebody is crazy. So first off the line was set at 11 and a half and it was juiced to the over again. He'd hit this number in every game, but one should have backed up that he played this year, obviously. Thank you. But on the road. On the road, with all their struggles in pass protection, the expectation is that they would try to run the ball. I know the Patriots were healthy on that side of the ball, but still you'd expect them to try to run the ball with Omar and Hampton. And my point is that if he wasn't good enough to go, like, if he was just going to be out there for one snap, which is what he did. Played one snap the entire game. Like, this is your season on the line and you're on the road and all you've got is Kamani Vidal. Put. Make him inactive and bring another guy up. It's stupid to waste an active. This is my point. It is stupid to race and waste an active roster spot on somebody just to have him there for good vibes. So that's what I expect that people are like, what did you expect? Well, I expected if he's active, if the Patriots in a win or go home for the rest of the year game, if they're going to have somebody, if they're going to waste an active roster spot, which is valuable. Like you expect him to be playing. Right. I mean, like, you wouldn't expect.

[Matthew Berry]

Tried.

[Jay Cratch]

Right.

[Matthew Berry]

Went out there for two snaps.

[Jay Cratch]

No feel good. Not until the third series. Like they didn't. Like, not. You know what I mean? Like, it just.

[Matthew Berry]

Mr. King took pity on you. There's nothing to complain about.

[Jay Cratch]

I demand that I'm still. I'm not. I'm not eight of nine. I'm still eight in a row. Because it's the push. Everyone gets their money back.

[Matthew Berry]

The excuse. L. By the way, I've heard that the. The miscues didn't end there on Sunday night. I wasn't there for it. But there's. I'm being told there's something else.

[Jay Cratch]

Oh, is there? Matthew Barry leave me hanging. One take. Did you see him leave me hanging?

[Matthew Berry]

I got to watch.

[Jay Cratch]

You got to. I mean, they talked about slapping hands as we went by. And I'm Tom Brady.

[Connor Rogers]

You were Tom Brady.

[Jay Cratch]

You know, Matthew Berry. So worried about him damn self and how he looks. He just left me there like a real jerk. Real jerk. Here's the dance. This is me. I didn't realize he was gonna do that. And then I try to Go out to him. As you see right there. This is the. I didn't know who's doing that. Watch. Me and Sims, we were just supposed to run in and then I didn't see Sims. So I'm getting to my spot and then I do it late and that screws me up. If you watch the rest of the video, which we don't have. If you watch the rest of the video, it screws up my rhythm. I didn't know Sims was gonna do that.

[Connor Rogers]

So at least we don't have rhythm anyway. So, Mr. King, if you're watching, grade all the bets as losers. This is ridiculous. Great. All the bets as losers on Hampton. This is absurd.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, it's. It's fair. You know what? I actually don't disagree with that. Take Jay. Hopefully Mr. King isn't listening, but this is bad. This is.

[Connor Rogers]

Make it stop.

[Jay Cratch]

Getting out.

[Matthew Berry]

We'll be back soon.

[Jay Cratch]

Brutal. So, Looking for a smarter way to watch the big game, Sling has launched a game changing way to stream live TV with passes. Instead of committing to a monthly plan you might not use. Passes gives instant access for just a day, a week, or a weekend with a day pass. Non stop College football is available for 24 hours for only $4.99. ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC games simulcast on ESPN3 are included. And for just one more dollar, you can add SEC or ACC networks. Sling puts fans in charge with total flexibility and control. Watch what's wanted when it's wanted. Best of all, you don't need to remember to cancel when your access is up. You won't be charged again until you purchase another day pass. Passes are only available for orange subscription packages. Visit sling.com to learn more. New year, Same extra value meals at McDonald's now get a savory sausage McMuffin with egg plus hash brow and a small coffee for just $5 for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary.

[Matthew Berry]

Prices may be higher in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.

[Jay Cratch]

And for delivery, do you care about.

[Matthew Berry]

Getting a win for this city, this.

[Connor Rogers]

Team, and Mike, who hasn't had a crown since 2015? I care about winning. That's why I'm here. That's why I love the money to Saturday grind. And you know, stats are what they are, the trends are what they are, and those trends are. Any trend is always meant to be broken at some point. So hopefully we can do that.

[Matthew Berry]

That was Aaron Rodgers answering a stupid question.

[Jay Cratch]

It wasn't. I'm sorry, that was.

[Matthew Berry]

Wasn't the best question.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. Do you want to win? Because of the I just like to win. Like I'm just out here for my. I'm 42 years old.

[Matthew Berry]

Rare good Rogers notable player props tonight. As you see Rogers passing line is set at 203.5. C.J. stroud 228.5. The running backs, Woody Marks and Jalen Warren, 54 and a half. 52 and a half. By the way, great comment in the chat during our break, Dennis Ojedo said Barry Boyo Ed that one.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Funnier than the Spiller. Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

It's fair enough. Yeah. No, I mean I don't think I've ever. The Excuseler has never been more on fire than I was.

[Matthew Berry]

You were prepared for today's show.

[Jay Cratch]

Omarion Hampton as well. The things that I think are interesting tonight is I think given how bad the Steelers have been against tight ends this year, I think Dalton Schultz is pretty interesting and I think Kenneth Gainwell again, just when I think about how good that pass rush is for Houston, how Rodgers does not want to throw deep and so I think dump offs to gain. Well, the one difference here guys is that he'll have DK Metcalf back, which he hasn't had the last couple of games.

[Matthew Berry]

That is big. I'm looking at Schultz's receiving prop is 42 and a half.

[Jay Cratch]

Yep.

[Connor Rogers]

I'd say the things I look out for here 1 Steelers play a ton of man coverage. Nico Collins is the guy to beat man coverage. And I think also what is going to define this game is CJ Stroud under pressure. CJ has been awful under pressure the past couple of years. With TJ Watt back, the Steelers can generate pressure. I think this is going to be on C.J. stroud's arm, his shoulders. And I think that there is a chance that it doesn't go great for Stroud on the road against this defensive line. He's about pick to throw a pick which I think may very well occur. But I would lean Steelers plus three here.

[Matthew Berry]

Point total 38 and a half. It's about as low as it gets for a playoff game.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

I think if I had to pick a side, I think I'd pick under.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah. Aaron Rodgers might have the quickest time to throw in the history of the NFL playoffs tonight.

[Matthew Berry]

Texans are so fast on defense, they just have to wonder if that's they can get away with that. Same though on the other side.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Like Stroud's going to be under heat.

[Jay Cratch]

Yep. So the other thing I'll just like a completely stupid line that I noticed this Morning. Adam Thielen's receiving prop is 10 yards.

[Connor Rogers]

Oh, wow.

[Jay Cratch]

Which I mean, like, you're like, I know he's like, he's dust, but yet he's actually hit his number like I think, I think in four. And he plays the slot, which is the one place that you can attack Houston a little bit as well.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, no, I like that way better than you. Hampton bet.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, me too. When you can bet on a running back with a peg leg, you gotta do it. Here's the side of the AFC bracket. We're never gonna let this down. Matthew, we wouldn't have made fun of you as much if Mr. King didn't bail you out. But you were bailed out so we could.

[Jay Cratch]

Funny. Not just me, but everyone, Mr. King. God bless you, Mr. King.

[Matthew Berry]

The chat said you're 8, 0 and 1.

[Jay Cratch]

No, screw that chat. No, no, no. If it's a push, the push don't count.

[Connor Rogers]

I think the Patriots are going to go to the Super Bowl. I understand it was a bit shaky last night, but I think they get the favorable matchup with Steelers or Texans coming out of this to get the home game. Also, Josh Allen's body is going through the absolute ring. Otherwise I think the Bills would get out, but just worried about that health.

[Jay Cratch]

By the way, I saw all sorts of different lines on Bill's Broncos openings. Lines there in terms of like it was like Bills one and a half, Broncos one nap. It was just. It was all over the place. Jay.

[Connor Rogers]

It's right now settling into Bills minus one or so the Broncos with the rest advantage, home field advantage. That's why that it's so close. But the Bills are the better team on neutral there.

[Matthew Berry]

The countdown is on to NBA All Star weekend. Vote daily with your NBA ID to help shape the US vs World All Stars in the NBA app. Every vote gives you a chance to win a free trip to NBA All Star 2026. Catch the action February 13th through 15th on NBC and streaming on Peacock. We're taking our last break. When we're back, it's last call. Find out what sides the totals were on for the divisional round.

[Jay Cratch]

Did you know Tide has been upgraded to provide an even better clean in cold water. Tide is specifically designed to fight any stain you throw at it. Even in cold butter. Yep. Chocolate ice cream. Sure thing. Barbecue sauce. Tide's got you covered. You don't need to use warm water. Additionally, Tide pods let you confidently fight tough stains with new coldzyme technology.

[Connor Rogers]

Just remember, if it's gotta be clean.

[Jay Cratch]

It'S gotta be tied.

[Matthew Berry]

DraftKings Sportsbook is an official sports betting partner of the NFL and new customers can bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets. If your bet wins, download the app and use promo code ffhh when you sign up DraftKings sportsbook. The Crown is yours.

[Jay Cratch]

Oh, the crown is yours. Especially if you took Omarion Hampton last night. The crown's definitely yours.

[Matthew Berry]

Time for last call. Look at the NFC division divisional matchups, lines and totals. The Niners seven point dogs. The total's 45.5 against the Seahawks. The Rams three and a half point favorites. The over under in that in Chicago is 51 and a half. Jay, what are you looking at?

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, it saddens me as we all know, I am a Brock Purdy defender. I think the Seahawks are going to destroy the Niners, unfortunately. I just think that the Niners it's gotten even worse the injury situation for what it was and also as even though it was only it was 133 and McCaffrey had the tipped interception. The Seahawks should have won that game in Week 18 by a lot more than they did. I think rested week off. I think they're going to suffocate San.

[Matthew Berry]

Francisco, which is what I'm going to take the under in that game. 45 and a half. I just think Seattle will be really careful with the football knowing that their defense can potentially shut them down. They don't need to take as many gambles. They can win a 13:3 game. It won't be 13:3, but can it be 21 to 10, 45 and a half points for those two teams is, it's just a lot.

[Jay Cratch]

Yep. No, I, I agree with that. I already said, look, I, I, I've already taken the, the Bears plus four and a half. It's, it's moved down to three and a half but still I, I, yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

I still line is going down.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah. Bear down people.

[Matthew Berry]

People are laughing at you. Like the Panthers ranch.

[Jay Cratch]

Yeah, exactly.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah.

[Jay Cratch]

Listen, you hear the laugh right now. Exactly right. I just, I, it's gonna be a cold weather game. I think. You know, I think the, I think you can throw on obviously I think their offense is amazing as well. But you know, Mattie Stafford don't like.

[Connor Rogers]

The cold so much.

[Jay Cratch]

No, no, he does not.

[Matthew Berry]

Last year.

[Jay Cratch]

No, I think the Rams likely win that game but I don't think they win by more than a field goal because you've got the hook. Give me the Bears plus three and a half.

[Matthew Berry]

You've got some real gems this year. I'm not sold on Quinn Ewers yet is, I think, my personal favorite. Somebody in America has to stand up for this.

[Jay Cratch]

Yep. Somebody does. All right, so we're back tomorrow with the Peacockys prestigious fake football award starring a large bird that's in all the land. So that means maybe. We'll figure that out. We got till tomorrow. It's closing time. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. For Jane Connor, I'm Matthew. We'll see you tomorrow. Peace out. If you, your parent or spouse served in the military, you could join our family. Our members saved an average of $70 a month on auto insurance when they switched. Tap the banner or visit usaa.com join today to check your eligibility restrictions apply.