Which NFL Teams Changed Their Future the Most in Free Agency? (Ep. 1982)

Summary

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FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Ep. 1982 – Which NFL Teams Changed Their Future the Most in Free Agency?

Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Joe Pisapia (“Joey P”)
Guests: Andrew Erickson, Jake Ciely

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Episode Overview

In this engaging Tailgate edition, Joe Pisapia, Andrew Erickson, and Jake Ciely (The Athletic) break down the biggest movers and shakers of NFL free agency 2026. The crew debates which teams significantly improved (or missed opportunities) and who now stands as favorites, sleepers, or risky bets for the coming season. With insight, banter, and their trademark humor, they tackle every division, highlight key signings and departures, and play a “First to Worst” game mid-show for a lighter detour.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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Setting the Stage: Format & Vibes

[01:22]

• New “Tailgate” show: looser, more general football talk beyond just fantasy or betting.
• Jake Ciely and Andrew Erickson both share dog parent stories, setting a lighthearted but knowledgeable tone.

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AFC Deep Dive

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Buffalo Bills — Did DJ Moore Move the Needle?

[04:30 – 08:56]

• Main Add: DJ Moore at WR
• Analysis:
  • Jake: Praises the “continuity” and the move itself. Believes it's the biggest issue since they’d relied on Allen to elevate “twos and threes” at WR.

    “At this point now they have a one... Not that far removed, was a fantasy one… You tell me we can’t have him bounce back and be the one?” – Jake Ciely [04:45]

  • Coaching change is internal promotion; less upheaval than rivals.
  • Moore helps lower pressure on Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman, but system likely remains non-funnel for WR production.
• Andrew:
  • Sees Moore as a good, not elite, WR—fills a glaring need but “not a needle-mover into contender status by himself.”

    “He’s played with a lot of lesser quarterbacks…But you can’t be so high on a Bills WR [in fantasy]…” – Andrew Erickson [06:58]

  • Joe Brady’s playcalling “doesn’t funnel targets” to one WR.
• Outlook: Bills favored for AFC East, but questions remain about playoff ceiling.

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New England Patriots — Still #2?

[09:00 – 16:14]

• Main moves: Signed S Kevin Byard (A+), Elijah Vera-Tucker (gamble), Romeo Doubs (possible trade bait for future AJ Brown deal?).
• Joe: Praises Byard, skeptical Doubs is enough unless paired with an elite WR.
• Andrew: “Neutral off-season.” Major OL health questions, lost key run stuffer Tunga, schedule toughens as defending AFC champ.

  “If Dobbs is the only guy that we're getting, I don't think it's helped them…” – Joe Pisapia [10:00]

• Jake: Likes Doubs as 1B, not 1A. Sees signs Patriots could get even more run-heavy in 2026 to protect Drake Maye.

  “I don’t want to go into the season with Dobbs, Booty, and Kyle Williams as my top three...” [12:24]

• All agree: Bills #1, Patriots #2 in East, unless a blockbuster AJ Brown deal tilts the field.

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Baltimore Ravens — New Regime, Still Contenders?

[16:21 – 21:10]

• Added: Trey Hendrickson (DL).
• Lost: Linderbaum, Likely, Draymond Jones, Gilman; new head coach (no more Harbaugh).
• Jake: Likes patchwork approach but believes “it all comes down to Lamar staying healthy.” Puts them #2 in AFC power rankings, but calls AFC “top-heavy with no clear separation.”
• Andrew: Cautions about loss of continuity; Ravens were healthiest team in 2024, but lost that edge last year. New OC could mean more aerial show, but a “high ceiling, low floor” proposition.

  “Baltimore definitely seems like it’s carrying more of a boom-or-bust type…” [21:10]

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AFC South — The Messy Middle

[21:10 – 25:41]

• Colts: Overpaid to retain Daniel Jones after 2025 injury, shipped off Pittman, paid up for Alec Pierce.
• Texans: Quietly kept core, retained defensive pieces, but C.J. Stroud’s struggles and concussion history a worry.
• Andrew: Leans Texans, trusting defense. Cautious on Stroud post-injury but prefers them to wild-card Colts.
• Jake: Surprise pick—Jaguars! Points to 13-win season, improved pass-catcher core, Trevor Lawrence’s ascendancy; less faith in Stroud/Colts.

  “If Trevor Lawrence stays upright, I would take them over the question marks of the Texans.” [23:33]

• Consensus: Division is wide open; Texans (defensive edge), Jags (high floor), Colts (bust potential).

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AFC West — Most Competitive Division

[26:16 – 30:55]

• Chiefs: Added Kenneth Walker (RB), traded for Justin Fields, Mahomes returning slowly from injury.
• Chargers: Addressed OL, brought in depth (Tyler Biadasz C, Charlie Kolar TE), improved RB2 with Keaton Mitchell; little reliance on Quentin Johnston.
• Broncos: Post-recording edit—Added Jalen Waddle (WR), big weapon for Bo Nix.

  “When you’re not moving forward, you’re standing still… Sometimes you get left behind.” – Joe Pisapia [27:45]

• Power rankings:
  • With Mahomes limited, consensus puts Chargers and Broncos slightly ahead in short-term.
  • When Mahomes healthy, Chiefs leap back to #1.

  “If Mahomes was ready week one, I'd still say Chiefs. But as of today? Chargers.” – Jake Ciely [29:17]

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Mid-Episode Game: “First to Worst”

[32:25 – 41:12]

• Fun interlude: Jake must rank (from favorite to least): Brian Daboll, spicy food, Skyward Sword (Zelda), folding laundry, kickers.
• Highlights Jake’s spicy food passion and kicker hate. Surprising picks cause Joe and Andrew to miss nearly all (spicy food = 1st for Jake; kickers = dead last).

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NFC Deep Dive

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NFC North — Vikings’ Kyler Gamble, Bears & Default Wins

[41:12 – 48:15]

• Vikings: Traded for Kyler Murray (“Big move,” short jokes abound).
• Bears: Loaded up on defense, comfortable moving on from DJ Moore, betting on young WR core.
• Packers: “Typical Packers offseason,” little movement.
• Lions: Let Montgomery walk, no splash moves—window may be closing.
• Jake:
  • Bears had the “default” best offseason (“addressed a bunch of things on defense”), but likes Vikings with healthy Murray just ahead.
  • Lions may have missed their moment.
• Andrew:
  • Vikings went 9-8 despite turmoil—now with Murray and healthy OL, could surprise. Bears and Lions good, but “turnover luck” likely regresses.

  “He [Kyler] is a tease…You look at the first half of every Cardinal season...” – Andrew [45:32]

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NFC West — Rams All-In, Seahawks Fragile Champs

[50:11 – 54:18]

• Seahawks: Won Super Bowl, but lost OC, Kenneth Walker, face durability/production questions.
• Rams: Addressed huge need at CB with Trent McDuffie, doubled down on Mathew Stafford window.
• 49ers: Aging, health a big issue—added Mike Evans (aging), Kittle hurt, schedule stiffens.
• Cardinals: A step behind despite moves.
• Erickson: Rams made “win now” moves and are “the class of the division.”
• Jake: Agrees Rams are favorite, notes Seahawks’ luck/health sailed close to the wind and likely regresses.

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NFC East — Giants Worst to First? Eagles, Cowboys Questions

[54:28 – 62:16]

• Giants: New head coach (Harbaugh), aggressive FA, “New York Ravens” identity.
• Eagles: Potential disarray—A.J. Brown drama, O-line issues (“falling apart” feeling per Jake).
• Cowboys: Good roster, always underplay in the postseason.
• Commanders: Improved defense, but still WR holes.
• Joe: Hot take—Giants could go “worst to first.”
• Jake: Pushes back, sees this as a “two-year plan,” not an immediate turnaround. “I would still take the Commanders over them for 2026.”
• Andrew: Still leans Eagles as best, but “the situation is fluid.” Likes “worst to first” concept, notes odds could favor either Giants or Commanders on a long-shot.

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NFC South — Saints or Panthers to Surprise?

[62:29 – 66:57]

• Saints: Quietly improved; Panthers (with Bryce Young), better supporting cast, added key defenders (Jalen Phillips, Devin Lloyd), have exciting RBs (Brooks/Hubbard split).
• Buccaneers: Lost Mike Evans; mood is “like a death in the family” (per Joe). Andrew pessimistic; Jake counters that the team planned for his departure.
• Falcons: QB battle, but consensus is Tua gets more starts (“took him for this job”).
• Division Outlook:
  • Andrew: Saints are favorites but Panthers offer surprise potential.
  • Jake: Expects Bucs to “bounce back, not just be .500.” Saints are front runners.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

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• On the state of the Ravens:

  “If Harbaugh was back, I’d take the Ravens’ offseason, but with all the turnover, Bills have the edge.” – Jake Ciely [05:52]

• On the Lions:

  “If I’m a Lions fan, I’d be aggravated with this offseason… I think their window closed.” – Joe Pisapia [44:01]

• On the Giants’ Reboot:

  “This is Harbaugh’s two-year plan. You can’t overhaul like this and expect success immediately.” – Jake Ciely [56:43]

• On Panthers vs Saints:

  “Carolina… always undervalued, constantly competitive. Jonathan Brooks could surprise.” – Andrew Erickson [62:59]

• Spicy Food Ranking Game:

  “Even a bad Zelda game is still better than kickers.” – Show Banter [38:00]
  “You really think it’s a guarantee it’s not the Cowboys?” – Jake Ciely [61:11]

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Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | AFC Focus (Bills, Pats, Ravens) | 04:30–21:10| | AFC South, Jaguars vs. Texans | 21:10–25:41| | AFC West – Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos | 26:16–30:55| | “First to Worst” Game | 32:25–41:12| | NFC North Deep Dive | 41:12–48:15| | NFC West Clarity | 50:11–54:18| | NFC East Worst-to-First Debate | 54:28–62:16| | NFC South – Saints, Panthers, Bucs | 62:29–66:57| | Closing Banter, Contest Reminder | 67:02–67:57|

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Key Takeaways

• AFC: Bills, Ravens, and Chargers emerge as favorites. The South and West divisions remain wide-open, with health and continuity major themes.
• NFC: Rams and Vikings impressed most in offseason; Bears and Panthers stock quietly rising. Eagles still the top bet in the East, but with major warning signs.
• Every division has at least one team with a realistic “worst to first” path in 2026.
• Chemistry, continuity, and injury fortune are seen as the biggest swing factors beyond just free agent signings.

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For Further Engagement

• Contest: Drop your takes in the YouTube comments—predict who plays more games at Falcons QB: Tua or Penix—to win a Saquon Barkley jersey.
• Recurring Advice: Don't get too caught up in public/“media darling” teams when betting win totals.

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Overall, this episode offers a rapid-fire, insight-packed tour of the new-look NFL landscape—indispensable listening for fans heading into drafts or futures wagering.

Transcript

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.

[B]

Tyler Redick here from 2311 Racing. Another checkered flag for the books. Time to celebrate with Chumba. Jump [e-mail]. let's Chumba.

[C]

No purchase necessary VTW Group void where prohibited by law. CTNC21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[D]

Park it here, everybody. It's time for the tailgate. It's me, Joey P. Joe P. Zeppia. And today we're going to take a look at some of the teams in the NFL. What free agency has done to them. Have they improved? Have they separated from the pack? Are they now the new favorites for their division? Are they going to win a Super Bowl? And our super bowl winners going to take a step back? We're gonna talk about all that stuff here with my best boys. Here we've got Andrew Erickson, Mr. Big Pot Energy, and Jake Seeley dealing with his dogs who don't want to go out in the rain to take a crap. And Jake has desperately been pleading with them to do so. Jake Seeley from the Athletic, by the way, as he's throwing out doggy treats

[B]

here.

[D]

Is that what you're doing? Throwing out? I hope those are doggy treats. I don't know what you're throwing. I hope they didn't.

[C]

Nicole's really hungry.

[D]

Yikes. I could feel those divorce papers coming already. Jake Seeley, did the dogs do their business before the show? And the business of the NFL still ongoing, isn't it?

[C]

Yeah, the business of the. Yes, they did their business.

[D]

Theirs are done.

[C]

Unlike the free agency that still might filter through.

[D]

All right, we are going to break down all these teams here today. And again, we're going to play a little game, too. I want to. I want to do this, too. We'll. This is the middle of the show. We'll do the game in the middle of the show. For those people who are new to Jake Sealey, get to know him a little bit better as well as I do. Andrew Erickson, I know you are soon to be a dog parent yourself, too. I know. That's very exciting. Are you aware of how much Shedding the Golden Retriever is going to do in your new house?

[C]

Oh, my God. We are aware.

[B]

That's why I've been studying up. We've been reading not it's not by Derek Brown, but the Puppy Primer. Great novel. Great book. Not by Derek Brown, but still a very good secondary primer.

[C]

Is that really a novel? Like are like how to books novels textbook.

[B]

I listen to it on audible. So I guess it's not really a book for me, but it's good listening. And, yeah, they're teaching me everything I need to know.

[D]

There you go.

[C]

Can you, on tape, Joe? Can you listen to audiobooks?

[D]

My daughter does, who's a big reader. And look, she reads books, but then sometimes she'll read the book and listen to it at the same time. Certain books too, which is a whole other thing. Like, I don't know if that's, that's

[C]

actually the best way to, like I was gonna say the best way to, like, remember it forever.

[B]

If you listen to a book to tell people that you read the book, that's a big.

[C]

I can't do it. Like, I, I, I find myself within five minutes being like, wait, I wasn't, I, I missed it the last minute.

[B]

I gotta go back.

[D]

I'm the same way. The one time I tried to do it, I was the same way. I would drift off in a couple minutes and I'd be like, whoa, what just happened? And I have to go backwards. Bogman's a big audible guy. Like, he, he's listening to the books and he'. Stuff, like on drives and stuff like that. He's, he's very big into that. So I think it counts as reading the book. Listening to the book, you're getting the story the same way. If you're actually paying attention the way you and I do it, Jake doesn't count. But you know what else counts? Every single subscriber here to the Tailgate, our new show here. Again, this is NFL Talk with a little bit more fun. As you can tell, it's a little looser. It's not quite fantasy pros, not quite betting pros. It's just football. It's just football and the boys hanging out, talking a little ball here. And we want you to subscribe to the new channel. We got some great videos out there. We did a mock draft with Trevor Sikuma from pff. We had Laquan Jones on too recently too, to kind of recap all the winners and losers of free agency. But we're gonna take a different approach today with Jake Seeley, my good friend. We're gonna talk about the AFC teams first. And let's start with the Buffalo Bills here. Like the big move here for the Buffalo Bills, Jake was clearly the DJ Moore acquisition. Was it enough as a separator for them to get back to the top of the mountain? Because they still have this window where the Chiefs are not going to be the Chiefs next year. Because Mahomes is going to be coming back from an injury. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl. We all know how that goes. The next year, the Denver Broncos kind of stood still. We'll get to that in a second here when we get to them. But you know, the Ravens have a new head coach. There's so much like flux going on the afc. The Bills, outside of firing their coach and hiring from within. Right. They've kind of just maintained what they've got. I know it's a big change with the head coach, but you still got somebody from in house. It's not like a whole new regime coming in and taking over necessarily. So what do you think here from the Bills offseason so far and what do you think of the D.J. moore acquisition and the rest of the free agent signings and losses for them?

[C]

I mean, we've seen the odds in Vegas have the Bills and the Ravens, but if you told me between the two, I would rather go to the team that has more continuity, isn't doing an overhaul. The coaching changes, as much as we can all say, the Ravens on paper probably made the better moves and like filled more holes than needed with the Bills. As you said, the Bills, in my opinion, filled the biggest issue that they had since they basically started treating Josh Allen like your old boy Tom Brady. It's like, hey, you're so good. We're going to throw a bunch of twos and threes at you and see if you can just figure out how to make one of them a one. And at this point now they have a one. I mean, we're talking about DJ Moore. Just a few years ago, not that far removed, was a fantasy one and a one in the NFL with Justin Fields as his quarterback. You tell me we can't have him bounce back and be the one. And now you tick everybody down to Khalil Shakir and can be the two. Keon Coleman maybe can step up at some point, but just up and down the chart it's going to help the offense. But that was never really the biggest issue outside going flat in the playoffs. Like the offense was there all year. It's just two years in a row now for where it kind of just went belly up. And maybe this is the answer. Maybe DJ Moore is what unlocks him in the playoffs. But I say if it was for the fact if Harbaugh was back with the Ravens, I would take the Ravens offseason. But because it's close enough with that. They made some moves. The Bills, the Ravens made some moves Obviously the Hendrickson situation, but one has a kind of continuity at coaching because like you said, promoted within versus not knowing what's going to happen in the first year with a new head coach and system, I would give the Bills the slight edge in my opinion.

[D]

What are your thoughts Andrew here the Bills get closer because I know this was the glaring need. I don't think D.J. morris, Justin Jefferson, Jamar Chase or any of those guys, but he's a very solid wide receiver and he's played with a lot of lesser quarterback play throughout his career. And not just saying Justin Fields, I'm talking about like going you know, further back there to the Will Greers and The, you know, P.J. walkers and the Kyle Allens. I mean it's a pretty star studded list of low level quarterback play that he's played with throughout his career. But I noticed too like for that move, you look at some of the ranks of wide receivers and things like that, like nothing's really. He's still like the 32nd wide receiver in the rankings almost because people haven't updated stuff yet on FP or like where are you at with the DJ Moore sign? Do you think it really moved the needle for the Buffalo Bills to become the super bowl number one contender in the afc?

[B]

I think it puts them in the right direction. So I kind of agree with Jake when it comes to look, this team didn't have, I think a ton of massive holes, but wide receiver was definitely one of them. And getting a player like DJ Moore kind of think fits exactly what they're looking for. Okay, who's someone that can win at the intermediate and boundary levels of the field? DJ Moore. DJ Moore came up big a lot of times for the Chicago Bears last year, even as that offense was kind of phasing him out and they were trying to use more of the rookies between Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. So I think he fits pretty great with what Josh Allen does really well and it's putting less pressure on players like a Khalil Shakir. You know, whatever they get out of Keon Coleman like is just gravy because basically you're not expecting anything from him entering his third season. But you know, I wasn't expecting anything from like Quentin Johnston in his third season and he turned it on so some of these young wide receivers can surprise. So if they get any type of contribution from Keon Coleman, even he ends up being a red zone guy. Ding King, Cade. It's just a matter of, well, is he not going to play this year with a torn pcl, because it's two years in a row this guy's running out there playing 50 of the snaps with a torn PCL. So if he's healthy, okay, then you can start to see this offense start to take shape form. James Cook continues to prove the haters wrong every year. One year he can't score enough touchdowns. He does. Next year he can't rush for enough yards. He leads the NFL in rushing yards. And now he's still yet disrespected as a running back, not even inside the top five ecr. So I'm a big fan of James Cook and fantasy. And when he comes to DJ Moore, I think in the rankings, it's just a matter of you can't be so high on a Bill's wide receiver because we've seen this with Joe Brady, and it's like they don't want to funnel targets to one guy. So either DJ Moore will pop off here and then probably be the target leader. Is it going to be he's going to see a 30% target share? Like, probably not.

[D]

Even though, is it that they don't want to funnel targets one guy or that they didn't have a guy worth

[B]

when they had Stefan Diggs and Joe Brady took over, they said, all right, we're immediately not doing this wide receiver one thing anymore. And then they traded and then they got rid of Diggs the next year. And then that second half of that season, Diggs basically did nothing and his production fell off a cliff. And Diggs has shown that. I don't think that was necessarily because he was unable to produce. I think that he's been. He was good with the Texas before he tore his acl. He's good with the Patriots again. Things kind of tailed off at the end, but I think that this system just doesn't want to feature one guy. And I think DJ Moore, again, not a true alpha. He kind of fits like, hey, we need a beta wide receiver. That's pretty good. Okay, that's C.J. moore.

[D]

All right, fair enough there. By the way, I did Google it while you were talking about it. Google says, yes, you do need your pcl. It's essential for knee stability as it represents shin bones from moving back too much. So there you go. So, pco, you do need it, apparently. Let's talk about the Patriots. And I realized just now I'm wearing my Mike Rabel Halloween costume. I've got my Patriot shirt on today, and I'm wearing a red vest because it's vest weather right now in New Jersey it's like 60 so you're not sure what it is. It's like raining and it's not. So I'm in full Mike Vrabel gear here right now. The offseason for the Pats. Look, in the last 26 years only one team has made it back to the super bowl after losing the super bowl. So it's just not, it's not a good scene. Okay? So I'm not thinking they're going to get back there and win offseason wise. I got to say like I, I love the Byard signing. I think that's great. Reuniting when I absolutely love that like that is an A plus for me. Elijah Ver Tucker I think is a good gamble. Bayard one is the one I'm most excited about. I'm definitely like highlighting that one. Romeo Dobbs I'm fine with especially if that is the secondary piece to an eventual June 1 trade with the Eagles for A.J.

[B]

brown.

[D]

If you're going to give me romeo Dobbs and A.J. brown in the off season, cool, I'm in on that. If Dobbs is the only guy that we're getting, I don't think it's helped them and I think they are behind the Buffalo bills in 2026. That's my take personally. Andrew, I don't know after free agency what you think. I know we still have the draft to go and all that stuff but right now I still think if you ask me today who wins the East, I'm saying the Buffalo Bills. That's where I put my money.

[B]

Probably agree with you. I think the Patriots offseason moves were fine. Right? You're swapping out digs for Romeo Dobbs. Okay, he's younger but he also has a really document he well documented concussion history which is not great. But is he really going to be the number one or is he going to be a number two for a trade to be made later? Vera Tucker, the dude has like not been healthy so I mean you're picking a starter for a player that has not shown that he can consistently hold up over a 17 game season. I'm still worried about like what they're doing at right tackle. Like Morgan Moses is 36 years old and he was mulling retirement. Apparently he's going to come back but they lost Medarian Low so he left in free agency. So yes, they're going to run back Will Camba at left tackle for another season because I think that they're committed to it. But if he struggles. Okay, now we need two tackles potentially and that's a glaring need. So interested to see if they go tackle with the end of the first round pick if they end up holding on to that in the NFL draft. I think defensively Draymond Jones again kind of filling in the holes again the lost chase on I think that losing Tunga was kind of a big deal. I loved Kyrus Tunga last year. He was one of the best underrated run stuffers for the Patriots. And why we talked about a lot of the betting shows where running back against Patriots bet the under on his rushing yards every single time because you couldn't run on them when they were really, really healthy. So they still got Milton Williams took a Christian Barrymore. But I would say it's kind of a neutral off season which does concern me because next year is going to be way, way harder schedule is going to be harder to schedule anymore. And now you're, you're on the radar, right? You're a team that went to the Super Bowl. So people teams are going to look up and try to stack up to oh well, this is the team from the AFC in the Super Bowl. You know, whether that was well warranted or not remains to be seen. But I think that teams are going to fire their best shots at New England maybe not so much last year. So that does concern me.

[D]

All right. So the dust has settled on free agency in your opinion, Jake, Is it still Bills one, Pats two in that division?

[C]

I think so. Because if you look at the Patriots question marks for what we want as a true contender, you kind of brought it up like I actually really like the Dobbs signing, but I don't like it similar to the Bills that if Dobbs is asked to be the one, I think he could be but I would rather him be like a 1B to a 1A. And maybe internally they saw enough, which we didn't, but maybe they did. They saw enough that they have a lot of faith in Kyle Williams stepping forward. I think it's interesting that a lot of people when you look at potential like their draft picks, as Andrew was saying that a lot of people when they do the sites they put like team needs and nobody ever lists wide receiver for them. And I think that's just so weird because I don't want if I'm the Patriots, if I'm you Joe and I'm a Patriots fan, I don't want to go into the season with Dobbs Booty and Kyle Williams as my top three or Maybe Matt Hollins, that underrated Julian Hill signing that happened today, that that's what they're doing. They're rolling out the the two tight end offense. The Gilliam signing is why I'm concerned that they don't address and I know that has nothing to do with wide receiver in its own right. But similar to what Harbaugh is doing to the Giants, this makes me think that there might even be a run heavier next year and kind of really focus on this and doubling down with Stevenson and Henderson for the entire year and maybe they're just like we don't need similar to you know, Caleb Williams last year still didn't even throw for 4,000 yards. But maybe an offense like that where it's like, you know what we don't need. Drake made a throw for 4,400 yards. We don't need him to throw 30 touchdowns because our office is so balanced. And maybe this is how excited we are for the Patriots. As you can hear the dogs going crazy in the back.

[D]

They are, they are.

[C]

They're super pumped up. But yes, I would still go Bills and then Patriots unless they. There's one more move left here. Like you said, the AJ Brown thing which sounds like it's dead in the water. But. But if that were to happen, I think you would have to say I'm

[D]

not buying that it's dead in the water. I feel like draft day trade. No, I think it will be the June 1 thing because of the way the cap structure is.

[C]

Right.

[D]

So the way that works for them. It's been explained that June after June 1 or June 1, whatever, on that day they can then move him and it's a different cap hit situation. And if you're Howe, you don't want 20, 26 picks. You want 20, 27 picks. That's where the draft is better.

[C]

It's true. It's just we don't see that happen.

[D]

We don't. But how is also the guy that you don't see a lot of things happen normally with like he's that guy that's like he's playing, you know, he's playing chess while everybody else is playing checkers. That kind of thing. Like that's what he does. Right. So to me this is the perfect thing. Was like, yeah, let's get through the draft, let's get all our guys. We're going to evaluate what we've got on the roster. I don't think A.J. brown wants to see Jay when hurts. It's like Kevin at home alone when he sits at the top of the stairs. He's like, I don't want to see any you jerks again. Like, I think that's. I think it's A.J. brown is Macaulay Culkining to Howie Roseman. And he's like, I bet you'd wake up tomorrow morning and you'd be very upset if you didn't have a team to play for. And he goes, no, I wouldn't. And he's like, he's just calling the bluff. And I think eventually they does get dealt. I do not think this is a situation that can be fixed. I know Andrew and I have talked about it a lot. Let's go to the Ravens.

[C]

I think I was going to say, like, if the Eagles draft a day one or two wide receiver, I think that points more to it. Like, I just. If they don't though, like, I don't know how you're the Eagles. I don't know how you go into next year with Devonta Smith.

[D]

What if they draft Kenyan Sadiq

[C]

still? Like, what? So. And Goddard. That's just. Again, that's not enough. Like, I don't want Devonta Smith to be my one with nothing.

[B]

But it's only on a one year deal. He's also. Yeah, yeah, like, so, I mean, like, he really shouldn't impact what they do in the draft. I mean, they're going to take someone for the future.

[C]

No, no, no, no. I think I was answering the point of like, that doesn't make me feel better about them changing A. Trading A.J. brown as if they drafted Sadiq.

[D]

Look, all I know is that I, I don't think the Patriots are dumb enough to be done. And I don't think that A.J. brown wants to be an Eagle anymore. I just don't. I, I think sometimes it's. You have to say it's dead in the water. You have to say, we're not doing this because I think at the end of the day, you're not gonna have any leverage for trades. You have to take a step back, come back to it.

[C]

And yeah, we hope that's what the Giants are trying to do with this whole we're gonna draft love bull crap. Like, that's. We hope.

[D]

Yeah, we'll see. We'll see how that goes. Let's talk about the Ravens, Jake, because I know you mentioned them earlier. So obviously Trey Hendrickson, the big. That was a good one. We love Trey Hendrickson here on the show.

[C]

How it happened.

[D]

Don't love how it happened. Love the player. Don't love how it all went down. Love Trey Hendrickson. Kind of weird to say in that division, too, so good for him. You can play the Bengals twice a year. I'm sure Joe Burrow's gonna love that. Departures, though. Linderbaum gone. Likely gone. Draymond Jones gone. Gilman gone. They lost a lot of pieces here. I know it's a. It's a new coach, a new regime coming in, so they're going to want to make some wholesale changes. But did the Ravens keep pace enough? I think with all this turnover that they have, because, look, you still bring Lamar Jackson back, it's really all about Lamar staying healthy and playing well and whether or not you think this new coaching staff is going to get the best out of Lamar here going forward. So really, that's what it comes down to. Like, where do you have the Ravens in your pecking order? It's like, it was a power ranking in the AFC. Would you have them? 1, 2, 3? Like, where do you have them?

[C]

I put them still, too, and I think that. But, like, what you kind of said there is, like, they're kind of holding steady. Is that the Hendricks thing? Hendrickson thing is huge. Whether it was Crosby or Hendrickson, but kind of the other pieces with Hawkins. And then who was it? Josh Simpson? I couldn't remember the guard that they signed, they cut. You know, they kind of filled holes, kind of make some patchwork, and then obviously Hendrickson's the big one. So, like, I kind of look at this team, and like you said, it comes down to Lamar Jackson because they didn't really need to do much on offense besides address the offensive line, Linderbaum being gone. Maybe this is going to be kind of a Lane Johnson and Kelsey situation with the Eagles, where all of a sudden it's like, wow, that was a bigger factor than we thought, even with signing Simpson to. But I just. I look at the team as a whole, like, it was health. It was Lamar Jackson being healthy, and if he stays healthy for the entire season, they have to be in the mix, just like Josh Allen, even without wide receivers. So I would put them, too, but, I mean, it's a big group. Like, I think the AFC in my opinion, is top heavy with a lot of teams that you can make an argument for where there's no clear separation. I feel like when we talk the nfc, I think there's like one or two, and it's like. Than everybody else, like that kind of. You get what I'm saying? So I think that if you don't want to argue. You want to argue the Ravens 4? I mean, like, okay, fine, whatever. That's that. I'm cool with that. Like, I can see an argument for the Chargers over the Ravens, how they're constructed right now.

[D]

Absolutely. Talent wise. Sure, Erickson. When it comes to the Ravens, it's funny because last year the Ravens were my pick to win the Super Bowl. Last year, obviously I was wrong. That did not happen. They didn't even make the playoffs. But the reason I picked a mantra was because of the continuity. Because every, you know, bring them back, coach, quarterback, you know, coordinators, everything was coming back. They were rolling. They had a veteran team. They had everything in place. Their continuity matters in the NFL and teams with continuity. It's why the Chiefs are in there all the time, is why the Eagles were in there all the time. Like, you know, these teams that we see perennially in the playoffs and getting the Super Bowls, but that all went to crap last year. Do you think it rebounds this year in 2026, after you have free agency wrapped up here?

[B]

I do think it rebounds. I know one of the reasons why I was lower on the Ravens than a lot of the. Like yourself and some of the other analysts at Fanny's present, you were going

[D]

to say something like a lot of the experts or whatever, you think you were going to throw me under the bus. All the, all the talking head, all the pundits were so high on the Ravens.

[B]

I appreciate you because on paper, I think that there was. There was no debate. They look like the best team. But what I always look at from a total team perspective, year to year, and something that again worries me about the Patriots is overall team health. Right. When you have a team that's very, very healthy for one season, it just. That doesn't happen two years in a row. So the Ravens were the healthiest team in 2024. And then next last year, we kind of saw it like, Lamar obviously missed time. He's obviously the biggest team, but they had a bunch of defensive injuries that really hurt their defense and made them so much more vulnerable in certain matchups. So I, I think the Ravens, again, when they're healthy, they should be healthier than they were last year. You feel good about them heading into this year? I am kind of curious about how the offense is going to change because I know we talked about some fullback movement again. Patrick Ricard, he's gone like he's in Harbor. He's in Harbaugh Land now with in New York. So there's no Charlie Kolar there's no Isaiah likely it's Mark Andrews as the tight end one. And so does this mean they're going to do more 11 personnel with the new Declan Doyle calling offensive plays? Does that mean more aerial show with Lamar Jackson who is going to run less, less power behind Derrick Henry? So, yeah, a lot of question marks. So again, going back and comparing it to the Buffalo Bills, I feel like the Bills definitely have a higher floor where Baltimore definitely seems like it's carrying more of a boomer bust type of okay, like we could be the best team in the NFL or we could be 15th again if things just don't end up going our way in certain, you know, in the new fashion.

[D]

Colts and Texans. So Colts really had their back up against the wall. They were the 1 seed in the AFC. We talked about this on last week's show and that all went to crap when Daniel Jones got hurt. So they overpaid for Daniel Jones because they have no choice. This is what the quarterback market is right now and this is where they are. And if they wanted to maintain him, they can. Whether or not he can come back healthy and duplicate what he did last year, that's unknown. But you really had no choice. This is kind of, you're in for a penny, in for a pound. You got to do it. They overpaid a little bit for Pierce, but everybody seems to love Pierce. They move Pittman to make room for all this. Okay. And they have the Texans in that same division, Erickson, where they have, you know, kind of been quietly Montgomery, Braden, Smith, Blankenship, like those are the kind of moves they've. They've made. They resigned a couple guys, too. But at this point, who do you like as a favorite for that division in the South? Erickson, where would you go?

[B]

Just bet on the defense. Yeah, me too. I think that Stroud does scare me and concerns me the most because he just hasn't looked the same really since his rookie year. But those concussions, I want to do more of like a deep dive on some of these quarterbacks that have come back from concussions mid year and how it's really affected their play. Are they not processing just so much quicker and that's not letting them see the field the right way because that last game for C.J. stroud against Patriots, that, that was just, that was scary to watch, just how poor he was able to perform. And I know that the offensive lineup banged up, it was bad weather, but just it concerns me for him and I know that the Texans are still backing him as Their quarterback of the future and I think that's the right move to make. But that is something that does concern me. However, that defense I just feel so confident about just stacked up from all three levels and the Colts to me it's whatever their win total is. I'm taking the under like I just. I want Daniel Jones can prove to me and Alec Pierce can prove to me that this guy these guys can run it back from last year and if they do and that's glorious.

[C]

You're taking under eight and a half.

[B]

I would take under eight and a half.

[D]

That's bold. Your take Celia on this division here after free agency. Are you where Erickson I am too. For the record, like I think the Texans are still the team to beat there with that defense. It's that good. They still have the draft to get some more offensive line help. We all think that's a route they're going to go at least at some point. In Multitude where are you at here with this division? Who's the one? Who's the two?

[C]

My eyebrows have been raised because I actually I'm running it back. I'm going with the ones that won the division last year. I would go with the Jaguars. I don't think they needed to do anything in free agency. They brought in Chris Rodriguez. Yeah, they brought Chris Rodriguez to replace ETN and I think that might have been about edit because I think they resigned somebody and that was the end of their list. They almost have you talking about running back. This team had 13 wins last year and we finally got what we wanted at Trevor Lawrence. I would take them over the question marks of the Texans and I think the Texans address some issues. But it comes back to C.J. stroud has looked nothing like his rookie self and you could argue that the wide receivers have been part of the problem. Nikhil Collins hasn't been able to stay healthy. He had rookies trying to step up last year. Tank Dell's out. Obviously hurt, but I wouldn't count on Tank Dell for this next season. But I'm looking more especially the post. Jacoby Myers Jaguars on offense. Just what this has been able to do. Like I made the argument, you know this Joe. We did the show. This was maybe I think now a month ago or whatever it was. Brian Thomas is the three and that pings. I love Brian Thomas, let me make that clear. But Parker Washington does what Trevor Lawrence needs and that's I get somebody open quickly. I don't need to wait for somebody to get downfield 25 yards. He doesn't look to Brian Thomas and then when he does does it's a 50, 50 ball because those completions are 50% downfield when they're that far. So you go Parker, Washington, Jacoby, Myers and arguably, let's just say talent wise, Brian Thomas shouldn't be there. But you're arguing the fact that Brian Thomas is the two or the three or the one like those three. And then the stepping up is strange. And Lawrence and that defense too. Like, I'm just. I'm taking the Jaguars. I would take the Jaguars over the question marks of we hope the Texans are better. This.

[B]

We're all not taking on that.

[D]

I think we. I'll take. I'll take the Jazz.

[C]

Is Daniel Jones even a hundred percent by week one?

[D]

Like, no. Is he 100?

[B]

They're selling us.

[D]

Here's the other thing too. I always feel like this happens to when the new coach comes in. Sometimes you get that bounce right. And I, I think there's a little bit of that with the Jaguars. And just saying I think they're going to Ms. Travis ATN or Travis HN, whatever the heck his name is now. I'm still not happy about.

[C]

I would have been more okay if it was Etienne. Like you would say if you were from that area. Like, that's like what Pat Meo used to always argue that people of the, you know, the French, you know, North Quarter Creole.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I'm still waiting to see Not a Chan.

[B]

I'm still waiting to see what his brother has to say about this. Is he going to just go by.

[D]

Yeah, that's what Eric's like is right.

[B]

Trevor H. And you know what that's

[C]

going to be like. Remember when Travis Kelsey tried to tell us his last name was Kelsey? Like, I think this is going to be one of those things. And we're going to get here from Jason and this time it's Trevor and going to be like, what are you talking about? Just let it go, dude.

[D]

Oh my God. Yeah. Not. It's not going to stick.

[B]

It's.

[D]

It's like fetch. This is never going to happen. Let's talk about the AFC west as a collective for a second here. So the Chiefs bring in Kenneth Walker. Okay. Big move. They just traded for Justin Fields today. So that's interesting. I don't know what other words to say about the I like. I kind of like it too. I'm not going to lie. But what do I know? I thought the Ravens are going to the super bowl last year. So the.

[C]

Hey, neither of my Teams did. I had Bills and Lions. So there you go.

[D]

Well, look, I think it's safe to say that nobody picked up the super bowl preseason that we got. So everyone's.

[B]

And if you did, you made a lot of money.

[D]

Because if you did, you made a ton of money. You made a ton of cash on that one. Los Angeles Chargers, I mean, look, Chargers, really, it was health for them. And Omari and Hampton healthy and a line healthy. Next year goes a long way. But still, you know, the Cole strange they signed. Let's see what else they did. They had Tyler Battis. They brought in the center, Charlie Kohler. Charlie Kohler, right. Essentially, he's like, I think that's all I want to do is play for Harvard. That's what Charlie Cole said.

[B]

Keaton Mitchell.

[C]

Yeah, the Mitchell was a little. I thought that was interesting.

[D]

Where are you at here? After free agency? How would you rank these teams? Like, power ranking wise? Because we know the Raiders are still a work in progress, rebuilding. So who's the 1, 2, 3 in this division?

[C]

This is gonna. I mean, it's not a shock to say this the most competitive division there is. Like, this is gonna be. And I mean, I would say that, yeah. Yeah. If Patrick Mahomes was ready for week one, I'd still say the same thing. Like, I think this is open to all three teams.

[D]

Timeout. Timeout. Timeout. Before we go taking shots at the Denver Broncos, we recorded this episode before the Jalen Waddle trade went down, which, of course, that's how life works, right? So Jalen Waddle goes to the Denver Broncos for a first and a couple other draft picks. And now Jalen Waddle looks like a real big addition to the offense. A guy that can be that possession wide receiver for Bo Nix, which really helps considering he is not exactly the average depth of target king. Historically speaking, it could eat in a little bit to Cortland Sutton's workload. But overall, a great move here and a move that was very necessary for the Denver Broncos because when you're not moving forward and you're standing still in the NFL, sometimes you get left behind. So rather than have you listen to a whole bunch of chatter about how the Broncos, we don't know what they're going doing in the offense, what the hell's happening here instead? Now we know a little bit what's going on with the offense, and they're making a move and pushing in. So whatever things that we said about the Denver Broncos offseason yesterday, I would like to formally rip out of this show, toss it away and toss it back to the guys again. And let's continue on with the tailgate.

[B]

So.

[C]

Well, that's what I was going to say. If you got fourth quarter bone Knicks for every quarter, every single week. Maybe the favorites are overall because that'd be the best quarterback in the NFL.

[D]

I don't, I don't think just because the Chargers and Broncos ahead of the Chiefs right now, I would.

[C]

Okay, so not.

[B]

So you.

[C]

Okay, so I would go Chargers.

[D]

Patrick ready week one. I think that's ludicrous.

[C]

When though, like, so I agree with that. Is Patrick Mahomes not ready week one, but he's ready week four. I still take the Chiefs.

[D]

Is it. How mobile is he when he's ready?

[C]

I know this is question work as of today. That's why I'm saying I'm not arguing with you. I think the biggest thing to come back to.

[D]

But I like you, Jake. It's one of our things that we've been doing.

[C]

But we're going to agree on this division because we agree that I would take the Chargers. And I like what the Chargers did. They addressed their center position before the Linder Barm contract went bananas. And like, they're like, hey, look, let's address all of our concerns, really, including fullback, to get, like, even better out of Murray and Hampton this year. And I think the Keaton Mitchell one was underrated because I don't think we want Vidal being there or Vidal being the backup behind Marion Hampton for the entire year in case he gets hurt again. And I think Mitchell is going to make a nice one two punch, as in, he's going to get used every single week. And then at wide receiver, this is one where I'm okay that they ran it back because if Quentin Johnson falls off, well, you already had Trey Harris from last year that they never needed. And you have weapons here at all positions, including Gadson's second season, where somebody will step up. Like, like, it sounds weird to be, like, predicting that somebody's going to step up, but, like, they already have contingencies plans if Quentin Johnson goes back to 2024. Quentin Johnson. So I just like what the Chargers did because they're already good enough that they could have argued to do the exact same thing the Broncos did and just run it back. And yet they didn't. They made some improvements. Hey, it's Cole Swindell. And when I spend 200 days a year rolling down the highway the bus can start to feel smaller than a guitar case. Everyone wonders how I Stay chill while the hours crawl by. Truth is one good luck spin on Chumba and suddenly the trip feels a whole lot shorter. Finding your space even when there isn't

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[E]

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[B]

Yeah.

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Wow.

[E]

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[D]

All right, we are going to take a little bit of a break here because we've been ranking a lot of stuff and I thought we'd play a fun little ranking game here on the program. And while you're watching this game, don't forget to subscribe to the channel. Drop your comments below. Who do you think is winning for agency? What teams did themselves well, which teams didn't do enough? Because if you do that and you subscribe to the channel, you can win the sake. One Barkley Eagles jersey we're giving away from pristineauction.com and again, don't forget to ring the bell to the ghost ding so we can let you know if you're the winner of the Saquon Barkley autograph jersey. And of course you won't miss any tailgate episodes when they come out. See how that works. So this is a game I play with my daughters. I got it for Christmas. Called first to worst. Okay, I'm going to give Jake Seeley five things knowing Jake Seeley and he is going to rank them one through five, one being his favorite and five being his least favorite thing. Andrew Erickson and I are going to do our best here. To go ahead and guess that ranking and we'll see if we're right or wrong. So I've got my board. Andrew and I are going to work together. We're a team. And Jake Seeley, you're a team as well by yourself as always. Because you work. You were. You don't work well with others. You're better as a solo act. So, yeah. Let's hear the five things I'm going to give you. So you can write them down and then rank them however you want. And I want you to rank them, you know, you could do. You want to do five to one. You want to do, like, opposite way. So we, like, build up a little bit.

[C]

I can move the paper. Yeah, yeah. Because it's easier to pull the paper down and try.

[D]

See, you're smart. You're not just a pretty. I know. All right, here are the five things you're going to rank. Thing number one, Coach Brian Dabel. Thing number one. There you go.

[C]

Okay.

[D]

Thing number two, spicy food. Spicy food. Thing number three, Skyward Sword. Legend of Zelda game that many people think is the worst Legend of Zelda game on the Internet. They seem to hate that. And we all know if you know Jake Seeley, he loves his retro games, so. And he loves the Zelda stuff. So Skyward Sword, Legend of Zelda. Number four, folding laundry. Folding laundry is number four. And number five, kickers. Number five is kickers, which we all know Jake Seeley typically not a fan of. But these are some other things that are kind of tricky here for Jake Seeley. So don't say a word. You rank them one through five. And then when you say you're ready to go, we will go ahead. So again, the five things. Brian Dabel, spicy food, Skyward Sword, the Legend of Zelda, folding laundry, and kickers. Those are the five things. So, Andrew Erickson, do you have any strong feelings or opinions about a number one and number five? Do you want to start things off here? What do you want to do?

[B]

Bridger? Kickers is going to be number one.

[D]

Well, number number five. You mean the worst thing. So kickers is five worst to best. It's worst one is the best. Yeah, it's first to work, but we're revealing it backwards. We're revealing so. God, this is so the absolute. So still, even with all these things, it's still. Kickers is Jake's least favorite thing, right?

[C]

Yes, I think that's okay.

[D]

All right, so your last least favorite thing is definitely kickers. Okay, no, that is here.

[C]

No, this is DFA is what it is. Or dfl. What's dfl?

[D]

Who got designated for assignment? I don't understand what happened there.

[C]

No dfl Dead effing last.

[D]

Well, you can't tell him. Don't tell us. We're gonna do big shock.

[C]

I'm sure everybody's gonna play out.

[D]

Well, I don't know. All right, I'm gonna say, knowing him, I think, I think spicy food. Jake doesn't. Jake's not a spicy. Like, I don't know. I've been out to dinner a lot.

[B]

I have no idea.

[D]

So I, I, He's a bland kind of guy. Like, I can't. I don't see Jake doing the hot sauce. Like, Jake's not. Jake and I have had breakfast every summer before Flex, and I've never seen him put cholula on eggs.

[C]

Just once.

[D]

Okay, like, never.

[B]

So then it's probably.

[D]

What do you think?

[B]

Yeah, it's probably four or three.

[D]

Then it was spicy. Spicy food. Okay. What do you think he likes the most?

[C]

Wait, are you doing this together?

[D]

Yeah, we're working as a team to figure it out against you. Okay, what do you think he likes the most? Like, is even a bad Zelda game still good in Jake Sealy? Or does he like Brian Dable because he feels like he got a raw deal? Like, what do you think?

[B]

So I think that, again, it's in, like, the grand scheme of, like, Zelda games, it's bad, but in terms of just, like, games in general, like, it's still, like, a decent.

[D]

It's a video game.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

So it's like, Zelda's the one. Okay.

[B]

Yeah. I would say the worst.

[D]

Zelda is still better than kickers.

[B]

They could be one of those individuals that just really, really hates this game. So I could totally be wrong and reading. Reading it incorrectly.

[D]

All right, so then what's his second favorite? What's better? Brian Dable or folding laundry? Would you rather watch Brian Dable coach? You didn't an NFL team.

[B]

Is it Br. Brian Dable head coach or Brian Dable like, play caller? Because those are different things.

[D]

Or, like, Brian Gable as a whole entity human being?

[B]

I don't know. I, I.

[C]

How about dog farts? Whoa.

[B]

I don't know. Does anyone like to hold on.

[D]

Not on the list.

[B]

Today I would do laundry as three, and then.

[D]

All right, so laundry and Dable.

[B]

I don't know. Jake's never really come off as, like, I'm a big day ball fan, even if it's more like a hater.

[D]

So it's Kind of.

[B]

All right, so maybe. Maybe we should do day balls three, then put them in the middle.

[D]

All right. All right.

[B]

And then do folding laundry, too. Because I. I mean, I can't stand folding laundry. It's my least favorite chore by far.

[D]

All right, so laundry day ball is three. So we. We dislike Dable more than laundry here. For Jake. That's with. All right, so, Jake, this is our order. Your. Your. Your favorite thing of this grouping is still. Any Zelda game is still good. So any Zelda game still good. Even a bad Zelda game. Folding laundry sucks, but it's better than watching Brian Dabo coach the Giants for you. And then spicy food or anybody. You can't handle it. It's just not good for you. You just. You don't. You don't have enough melanin in your skin like me that you. You like that. And then you have kickers as the ultimate loser thing. As always, Jake, let's reveal your answers and see how we did. Let's start. What's number five? How do we do?

[C]

I mean, number five is. Even though it got all blurry and nasty, but kickers.

[D]

Yeah. Okay, so we've got one. We gotta just get three. Erickson. That's all I gotta do.

[B]

It's cool, guys.

[D]

Yeah. I mean, yeah, it's nice to learn something. Number four. There's four. Oh, okay.

[B]

All right. Wow. Okay. More of a. I guess as a Giants fan, maybe it's. It hit closer to home.

[D]

I don't like where this is going. Yeah, he took it personally. All right, let's go. Number three. What do you have? Laundry's three. Oh, my God. We're not gonna.

[C]

So the thing with laundry, too, the interesting thing is that's actually our deal is that Nicole irons laundry and I fold because we both hate the opposite.

[D]

What year is this? You wear T shirts to work every day.

[C]

I know. I got the raw deal.

[D]

That's what I'm saying.

[C]

Like, I barely ever had to iron in the first place. I got the raw deal.

[D]

Boy, for as long as I've known you, I've never seen you wear a button.

[C]

Eat like one, too.

[D]

I know. That's why I thought it's for sure spicy food. I'm very upset about this.

[C]

Nope, nope.

[D]

And then what's two?

[C]

Wait, wait, they go this way. Number two, Skyward sword.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Okay, number one, spicy food.

[D]

All right.

[C]

You're way off.

[D]

You know what?

[C]

You're way off on spicy food. Just like, I don't do spicy breakfast, but, like, wings all the time. I'm actually going on Friday to this place.

[D]

But, you know, I know.

[C]

And I like spicy. And I actually always use fire or the. What's the hot. What's the black one that they now have at Taco Bell? I don't know. Black, Mexican. I always do, like, that kind of stuff. I don't do the insane stuff where people are like, this is good either.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

The hot wings challenge fantasy pro show.

[D]

I specifically wasn't. Because I knew how that was going to go for me. And when I eat hot stuff, my head already sweats anyway.

[C]

Like, see, I don't.

[D]

Bald guy. You know what I'm talking about? Everybody sweats. Just nobody realizes it unless you're a bald guy. Oh, no Spicy food. Your head sweats. It's just part of it.

[C]

I was gonna say, like, mine is. I'm getting very close to aggravating my colitis. That's why, like, so. Right.

[D]

I figured the spicy was not a thing for you.

[C]

No, I love some spicy. Like, I've spicy and everything.

[D]

Tried to take my inner knowledge of you. I thought I knew you better, but now we all know Jake Seeley better, so. And really doesn't like Brian Dable. So.

[C]

I can't believe you didn't get three with a layup. A number one. Like, that was just.

[D]

I don't. I don't know. I thought any Zelda game for you is still better. Like, I thought.

[C]

You know what the funny thing was? I don't know if you said. I was trying to, like, limit my facial reactions, but when Andrew said Dable the head coach or Dable the play caller, like, I was like, oh, if it was play caller, I'd probably put him three and move laundry to four. Because in my mind. Yeah, see, we still would have lost.

[B]

It's the same thing with Joshua Daniels. Right? It's.

[D]

Dude, we would only gotten two.

[B]

Love them. Head coach.

[D]

Next time, I'm gonna let the Erickson and Debro on the next show do.

[C]

Oh, and I play Skyward Sword without the stupid. Like, I did the. The stupid weave and then I played it regularly. It's better regularly.

[D]

All right, there you go. All right, let's see if the regular teams in the NFC got better. Let's start with the NFC north here for a moment and discuss these teams. So let's talk about the north here. Obviously, the Kyler Murray move, a big one. That's. That's the one that we're looking at that certainly potentially get them back into this.

[C]

It's a Big one.

[D]

Well, I mean, it's when a quarterback

[C]

moves making a short joke.

[D]

Oh, you make it a short joke. All right, I'll accept that. I'll accept the short term. As a shorter person myself, I accept the short joke. I mean, I think he's tired of the short jokes. I think Kyler Murray's tired of it. Andrew kind of thinks so too. I feel like he's like, no, I'm over it. So they get Kyler Murray in Minnesota. Packers just kind of have a Packer off the. I got. I mean like the packers even there. Detroit Lions get rid of Montgomery. And I just. I don't know. I mean the Lions didn't really move the needle for me. And then you have the Bears as well here who lost a key piece on defense here lost DJ Moore. But again, that was kind of expected. So now that the dust is settled and free agency's over the NFC north for you Jake Seeley, who. Who has won the off season so far in your mind of this group

[C]

by default, it almost feels like the Bears because they addressed a bunch of things on defense. And then, you know, like the fact that the Bears were not needing to have DJ Moore at this point. Like they can move on a healthy Luther Burton, a healthy Odunze Colson Loveland the second season. I was surprised they kept Cole commit. But why move him at this point? So you look at this team that like kind of said, you know, we're already taking steps forward, we already look great with Johnson and what we got out of Caleb Williams and now is only going to be even potentially better next year, especially with the two young players and A Dunes and Luther Burton. So what do we need? Well, we need defensive help and they addressed on the defense and I wouldn't say they're set as of today, but where your point being is, you know, it was funny when you said the packers are just kind of a Packers off season. I feel like they do this every single year. It's like the packers are just kind of like, yeah, I guess we're going to kind of take the agency team.

[D]

Like they're just.

[C]

That's kind of what they did. I love the fact that like because if you looked at the Vikings, he said what was their biggest issue? It was quarterback. Like there's no question about it.

[D]

I mean it's not the defense. Defense pretty good defense got tired one. I mean the defense was on the field the entire game. Mostly.

[C]

I was going to say, you tell me.

[D]

We got a.

[C]

From week one through 17, Carson Wentz healthy under center. I think we actually might have seen the Vikings do a lot more last year.

[D]

It might have been a playoff team. I'll be honest.

[C]

As of today, like, I would actually like, I think the Bears are the best offseason so far in this division by default. And going into next year, I think Kyler Murray does enough that I would lean slightly. Vikings then Bears. I think the Bears are more of a toss up with the Lions behind the Vikings at this point than they are for number one. Because as you, I don't know what the Lions are doing at this point.

[D]

I don't either. I think their window closed. I really do.

[C]

That's kind of how I feel too.

[D]

I think that window closed. That Pittsburgh Steelers game in December, to me that felt like a weird. Like the windows were just kind of shutting a little bit. Something about that night, it just felt weird. Like I was like, I think, I think standards here for the Lions a little bit.

[C]

They bring in Petsing, who we just saw obviously with Arizona, and you get the play action and tight end use. So say, you say maybe. Okay, maybe we get laporta in a bounce back season. And I know this kind of skews into fantasy, but even so, you're looking at that and like, okay, so Jameson Williams takes a step back again. Like we saw what happened with Morton, killing him and sending him deep every single play. And then we saw Campbell go, hey, you know what, I'm taking back over. And Jameson Williams bounced back. But laporte just kind of was like, like out there ish last year. But all that being said is like you're just doing the same thing on offense. You're just tinkering with who you're using more. So what's the, what's going to help this team get over the hump? Nothing they've done so far. So I'm kind of with you. Where's. Like, are we just facing facts of like, we're competitive and maybe something has to break, right? But like, I just wish the Lions did. If I'm a Lions fan, I'm aggravated. I'm going to just say, like, I would be aggravated with this at offseason.

[D]

All right, Erickson, what are your thoughts on the north here after free agency's done?

[B]

I like the Vikings. They went nine and eight last year despite all of the turmoil. That was the same record as the Lions and it wasn't that far behind the Chicago Bears, who you're expecting.

[D]

Great point.

[B]

They're not going to have as much turnover luck in terms of how they generated all of those interceptions and fumble recoveries, especially in the second half of the games. Again, everyone points to the Denver Broncos and how they were this fourth quarter. The Bears were hand holding right with them like Caleb Williams in these second half comebacks. Like, yes, it's a credit to him taking a massive step in his second season, but is it always sustainable? Is it bankable year over year? Potentially, this might have been the last

[C]

four minutes kind of play.

[B]

Exactly. So I look at the Vikings and Jake hit the nail on the head. What was their biggest knee quarterback? What did they get for $1.3 million? And answer a quarterback. And just remember, what does Kyler Murray do? And this is why Arizona Cardinals fans are just so upset and angry with him all the time, is because he's a tease. Right? You start, look at that. First half of every Cardinal season, Kyle Murray would start. Oh, Cardinals are going to win the division. Oh, the Cardinals are a true contender. And then things would obviously fall off and it was always about, well, call of duty is going to come out and yada, yada, yada, and he's short and all this thing and he would get hurt. So, yeah, those things still kind of are in the back of my mind when I'm looking at the Vikings. But you have an offensive line that should be significantly healthier than last year. I mean, that was part of the reason why I think McCarthy also struggled was every time he looked up, there was like another injured offensive lineman which did not help him as a quarterback that was already having trouble kind of reading the field, not good with his footwork, running into issues. I think that having Kyler Murray, this team could go 13 4. And I honestly would not be surprised. They play in a dome. You have the Brian Flores defense that, you know, at least I think will be average at worst. And then you have all these question marks with the lines. Like you guys just said, did they miss their window? Okay, are they going to be able to sustain the type of success? I think that they've made good moves this off season, to Jake's point, especially on the defensive side of the football, because Ben Johnson has to know. I think that a lot of teams are looking at what did the commanders do last year? How do we not be? That team with the commanders did the dumbest thing where they're like, all right, we went way over expectations with a rookie quarterback. Let's get all these, let's have, let's put our second year quarterback surrounded by the oldest team ever is basically what they did. And what happened? Those guys got all injured, got banged up and the commander season was a disaster for Jane Daniels, who also got hurt. So yes, I do think their teams like the Bears are kind of taking a notebook out of the commanders and like, hey, we got to make sure we don't do this. We need to evolve and not just run back what we did with some band aid fixes at polar positions. So that's kind of. And then Green Bay, it's like they're going to be in the mix like as person's healthy. Right. And that kind of to me dictates okay. Jordan Love health.

[D]

Right.

[B]

They could make a run that that would not surprise me. But until it's like, until I see it, it's like, man, I think maybe I'll take more of the unknown with a team like the Vikings with Kyler Murray.

[D]

Yeah, we won't see Michael Parsons right away either this season. That's just there's a lot of question marks there.

[C]

And the good news is real quick, the small like defensive line mostly in the interior and then safety like, like those are probably there in the first round for what they need where they're drafted in the middle like that teens like the players that are likely there fill a hole that they still could argue that they have.

[D]

Today's show is brought to you by Hard Rock BET Florida Sportsbook and it's torny time, as you all well know. And everyone's favorite thing to do is fill out their brackets. So go to the volume bracket contest right now presented by Hard Rock bet. The grand prize winner scores a two night stay at the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Park Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Plus a thousand dollars in bonus bets to use on the Hard Rock Bet app. Not too bad. Once you got your bracket locked in, it's time to hit the hardwood for the Hard Rock Bet app and all Torment long hard rocks me rolling out the daily dance and boosts which I love that live profit boost parlay, profit boost every single day. They got everything going on there right now in Hard Rock. Beds give you 25 bonus bet throughout the tournament. If a team that you have wins or covers hits a buzzer beater, you got it all here on lock, so don't sit on the bench. Download the Hard Rock bed app today and let's get the party started payable. And bonus bets not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida offered by a Seminole hard Rock Digital LLC in other states must be 21 plus in physically present In Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia, play terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1833 play wise in Indiana, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem wants help, call 1-800-9 with it. Gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Tennessee, Virginia. Let's talk a little bit about the next division here, the NFC West. So NFC west loaded. We know this Cardinal's still going to be a tick behind the other three, the Rams, the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks. Erickson, I hate the Seattle Seahawks. All season so far I've made no bounds.

[B]

What are you talking about?

[D]

Yay. Like I don't mind Emanuel Wilson, but I don't think that's the answer. I know they just won a Super bowl, so who cares, I guess. But for a team that ran as much as they did, they lost their offensive coordinator. I don't like what Seattle did. I think San Francisco is holding on to the edge of a cliff right now with the age of that team and the health of that team. And now they bring in Mike Evans, who's an older wide receiver who I'm concerned with holding up here. And then you have the Rams who are just kind of running it back. But the one thing they did is address corner, which is the one big problem they have. So Erickson, who's your favorite in this division after free agency?

[B]

I think it's just the Rams. To your point, they had one really Achilles heel knee that we all kind of saw especially play out in those games against the Carolina Panthers where the Panthers wide receivers, Jalen Coker still scoring a ton of yardage, a ton of fantasy points against the Rams secondary, well, they went and fixed that like with a lot of investment in both free agency and through trade bringing in a top tier Cornerback like Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. Actually they brought in multiple Chiefs player. So I, I think that. But they're all in, right? They know that the window is right now with Matthew Stafford. I think probably kind of going playing on a year to year basis based on, you know, how long his back injury will hold up. But he won MVP last year, so he's still playing at a high level. Is he guaranteed to throw 40 plus touchdowns? Again, probably not. But I mean when you have Puka Nakua, you have Devonte Adams coming back and the fact that they're the other team that's in this A.J. brown conversation that's telling me, oh yeah, this team is trying to make a push to win the super bowl and maybe walk off into the sunset with Matthew Stafford and maybe Sean McVeigh. So to me, where you are.

[D]

I'm sorry, Go ahead, Andrew.

[B]

Yeah, that. That's where I am.

[D]

Oh, no, no. I was gonna say. Is that where you are too? I thought you were done.

[B]

That's where.

[C]

I knew it.

[D]

Andrew, where are you? I can't even see you anymore.

[B]

Celia.

[D]

Is that where you also are, where Andrew is or. The Rams are the class of this division here, even though the Seattle is. The Seattle Seahawks are the reigning jams.

[C]

So yeah, like I. Way too early. As soon as the super bowl is over, I'm like, oh, Chargers, Rams, feels like the super bowl next year. And I was like, oh, wait, that's LA too. Like, let's just hate. The rest of the country is going to hate it. Like it's just in LA also. Yeah, yeah, it's in LA next year. So I kind of wanted to change it after I said that because of it. I, I do think the Rams like, like we saw, they were right there. Last year a lot of people, including myself, thought they would once the playoffs started that they would be in the Super Bowl. It didn't happen. You know, as you mentioned, the Seahawks won. But I mean, if I'm looking at this division right now. You said you hate what the Seahawks have done for a run. First team they lost, Kenneth Walker, Charbonnet might not play in 2026. You bring in Emmanuel Wilson. Like I'm looking at the. And you just got the best case scenario after say out of Sam Darnold. Everybody like, oh, Sam Darnold, like greatest. He had a worse season than Aaron Rodgers. Like, it's not like he played the team to win the Super Bowl. The defense and the run game and that offensive scheming is what helped. And then they bring back Shahid and oh, he's going to do so much more next to Smith and Jigba. And I'm a Shahid guy, but I look at this team and I know you said the 49ers are going down this like, hey, we don't care if we stay old with Mike Evans. So there are two of their signings

[D]

were young and the schedule is going to be tougher this year too. It's not going to be the crazy they had last year. I do.

[C]

Like they got a value trade from a diggy zoo off from the Cowboys, so they plugged some holes that they needed. We don't know what George Kill is going to be but if you told me, like I'm not going to say it and call it as of today, but if the 49ers finished second and the Seahawks finished third, it wouldn't shock me because it kind of goes to what Andrew said earlier too about the Seahawks staying healthy. A lot broke right for them and it just feels like you just saw the best case scenario and yes, it was a Super bowl win, so congratulations all day long. But like everything went right. It just felt like for the Seahawks last year, whereas like one or two things goes wrong and I wouldn't be surprised if they're fighting for the playoffs. So I go Rams and if I had to bet today, just because of the value on top of it, I would actually Bet second. The 49ers, then the Seahawks. That's how I feel.

[D]

And McCaffrey's 30 coming off a giant workload. Pierce all's never healthy. Kittle's hurt to start the year, but

[C]

they just, they had 8,000 injuries last year.

[B]

So I mean if this team doesn't have.

[D]

And did they go to the Super Bowl? No.

[B]

If they don't have Trent Williams, that's not a thing too right. They signed Low from the Patriots. He is not good as a tackle. So if he ends up being like their starter if Trent Williams retires or they can't do, they can't come out with a long term contract. I mean we've all seen the splits with Trent Williams on and off the field for the 49ers offense and abysmal what happens when this tackle, such an integral part of his 49ers offense when he misses time. So the, the 49ers to mean you guys kind of made this point. Super fragile team. Right. It's like this team could probably beat anybody. But the way that things could shake up the course of the season,

[C]

which somehow did not affect Christian McCaffrey like, like I think that kind of blows your substation theory out of the water. Not you guys.

[B]

Yeah, he's the one that went in and turned on the substation and like electrocuted himself to get all of the or from.

[C]

He's part cyborg and that's why it works for him. And that's the only explanation for him staying healthy saying there you go.

[D]

Whatever he got done in Germany, right?

[C]

Yeah. See, everybody's getting the plate and he got cyborg.

[D]

All right, let's talk about the east here. Dallas Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Washington Commanders here. Giants got a new head coach. Giants made some additions here every single year. There's a team that goes from worst to first. And this is my pick this year and it's going to be the Giants worst to first. And. And Jake says no. I say yes. You say why? Why? Jake's here. Why? No.

[C]

Isn't that a song? You say yes, I say no. There we go. That's where my brain was going.

[D]

Look, I don't have any faith in the Cowboys. The Eagles, I think why not? I don't know.

[B]

Because it's a pretty good off season.

[D]

Yeah, but they always, they're all seasoned. It's about the play on. It's about the in season. When it comes to Cowboys, the Cowboys find ways to lose games. That's my problem with the Cowboys.

[B]

They always have a good roster.

[D]

Eagles, I feel like, I feel like there's a growing dysfunction. I think there's a point here where if things don't get off to a good start for the Eagles, that there's going to be some Nick Sirianni calls. I'm telling you right now, like this could be people. Philly's a tough town. There's a weird relationship between the coach and the players and it just feels. And the coach and the fan base and it just feels weird. Commanders had an okay off season, I think, but I think the Giants are in a position to turn things around here. I think the new vibes here for the Giants. But Jake, you disagree, which is great. So tell me why.

[C]

Yeah, because I think this is Harbaugh two year plan and I just don't like how much like I trust Harbaugh. I just don't trust. What we've seen in the NFL is when you make this much of a change, this is an overhaul. He is turning them into like the jokes have already been made. It's the New York Ravens. Like he's turning them into the Ravens, which is good. Cool. Harbaugh has proven the success. Give him the benefit of doubt. But to make that kind of an overhaul and expect immediate success. This isn't like, you know, bringing what worked last year, plugging in a lot of holes in free agency, having a really good draft and going forward. This is, we're turning this team completely around and the offense is looking like it's going to be. I mean, the fullback signing we talked about early in this episode is going to be run heavy. It's going to be. I made the joke on Twitter about like everybody's going to chase whoever's second behind Neighbors, which looks like it's going to be Darnell Mooney now. Don't do it in fantasy. Like to bring up stop. We already saw this with the Ravens. Stop chasing the number two. It doesn't matter because it's Isaiah likely mixed in there which is the Ravens all over and cool. Sign me up for 2027. Like this feels like it's a two year plan, not a one year plan. Especially because if I'm the Giants, I'm trading back at a five whoever gives me the most because they only have six draft picks this year and next year. And even with if you want to look at next year, like they just can't do enough in the draft too to be like man, this team feels competitive, it's better than it was last year but I want to put them in the competitive stance. I would still take the commanders. I actually think they had a great defensive offseason and then I don't know that they need more than Rashad White. With Crosky Merritt and a healthy Jaden Daniels. I think they're missing the one thing that I think a lot of teams are they need another wide receiver. We go back to some of these teams that we've already talked about in this episode. Like I don't think Van Jefferson resigning Diami Brown is the answer they want. I mean that's what I'm saying.

[B]

Like we could.

[C]

Yeah. See what they.

[B]

I mean who else is that you can play for?

[C]

Did you see what T.J. hushman's at last? Hakamazuza Lock him up. Did you see what he said about him? Like that's his personal trainer. That said you don't do what he did last year and make me feel good about you being able to play football ever again like it was. He put all the blame on him. And this is his trainer.

[D]

This is.

[C]

This is wide receiver coach in the like off the field.

[D]

So wait, who's wide receiver coach?

[C]

Brandon Ayuk. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Hushman Zada was like throwing big shade his way which makes me really worried about iuk. But anyway, if they addressed the second like look at that team and tell me where the hole is. Like that's my biggest thing and why I think the commanders are going to be better. Do I think they win the division? No. But I'm with you on one thing, Joe, is I just feel like the Eagles are like on the downside. Like that just feels like another concern on the offensive line and this A.J. brown thing still not being cleared up. The defense, great. Like the secondary, that's going to be one of their strongest, probably their strongest suit for the entire year. But there's talk you've seen Debro on this very. No. Was it Bogman or Debra? It was Debro. They're like, get away from Jalen hurts before it's too late. Like it was. It's going down. It's going to keep going down. I don't know if I completely agree, but this team just feels like it's falling apart.

[D]

All right, Erickson, where are you at here? Astor. Free agencies over. Who's the best team in the NFC East?

[B]

Who's the best team? I mean, I think it's still. Yeah, the Eagles.

[C]

Could you pause?

[D]

Yeah. Jesus. Man. That was like.

[C]

Like he pulled this question out of left field. Like you didn't know that was the question.

[D]

There's people listening on the podcast version. They're wondering, did it cut out the show?

[C]

Who's the best team in this division? Andrew's like, man, that I didn't think. I didn't see that coming.

[B]

I was trying to absorb everybody's arguments and points. I'm not saying I have all the answers,

[C]

clearly.

[B]

No, I think it's still the Eagles, but it's something that is going to remain very fluid based on how these different situations shake out. I like the idea of the Giants going from worst to first because someone's gonna do it. Right. And they never look good. Especially even last year. Right. It was the Bears.

[D]

Two of them last year.

[B]

Two teams. Yeah. And it happens basically every single season. And what about the Jaguars?

[D]

They weren't worse, Right. They weren't the worst.

[C]

Let me ask you guys. So commanders are 35. Commanders are 35 to 1 for the division. The Giants are 45 to 1. You still taking the. Like. I don't think that's a big of a gap that I would take the commanders. If you're taking a long shot bet. I'd rather take the commander's bet.

[D]

No, I take them both. And I'm winning either way.

[C]

Either way.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

I mean, you really. You really think it's a guarantee that it's not the Cowboys?

[D]

I think the idea. I think the idea is to fade the Cowboys and the Eagles because that's a very. Two very public teams who are always in the spotlight where they're going to eat up all the media attention. And I think that's one of the biggest mistakes that people make when they're wagering stuff is like, they get caught up in the media attention of certain teams. I like Jackson Dart. I like a healthy Cam Scatter Boo. I like the feel of something New like that.

[C]

So that's why I feel like Malik

[D]

Neighbors got hurt earlier. Right. So like the Parsons injury and the Daniel Jones, like all the guys we talked about.

[C]

But it's earlier. But the surgery got delayed and there's already. There's questions whether he's 100 in week one. That's why I said I'm on board for 2027.

[D]

It just feels like I feel you.

[B]

But

[D]

they can go ahead and take a wide receiver also.

[B]

You think they could have like A, a 2025 Saints season where we're talking about them next off season? Like, oh, like this is like the new. This is the team you want to bet the win totals over? Because that's how I feel about the Saints. Again, we haven't gone to that division yet, but that's.

[D]

Well, let's go. Let's go to that division because I

[B]

guess I have nothing else to offer at the NFC east, so.

[C]

Because no, this feels like I would actually make the comparison to his, his brother. I feel like this is the Chargers from two years ago and then we're going to be talking to him about like, that, that facet next year. If we're all sudden like, yeah, all right.

[D]

Is it Tua? Is it Penix? Ken? Bryce Young take what he's got. Can Bryce Young take what he's got and do it again and improve? Are the Saints more for real? Tampa Bay? No. Mike Evans. So that's gonna be kind of a culture shock there. And I do mean culture shock there. He's. He's been that leader there for a decade. Plus your outlook, Erickson on the south right now after free agency, who's the big, big mover and shaker that you think can kind of separate? Because there's one thing that's. Last couple years in this division, teams have had trouble separating from each other.

[B]

I mean, I've liked. I've always been fan of the Panthers. I've always liked backing them and trying to be kind of ahead of the curve with them a little bit. Now, it hasn't always worked out, but I feel like last year it worked out more often than not. And Dave Canales starting to kind of find his footing with Bryce Young. They made some good defensive additions. Jalen Phillips, Devin Lloyd, they. And I think that their secondary is kind of underrated, like spearheaded by J.C. horn, a couple other good corners and safeties where again, this is not a tough division to win. You go.500 and you're in the running to take home the NFC South. So with the Saints Again, I would probably pinpoint the Saints as probably like my favorite team to kind of like take this division by storm. But as a team that's always kind of underlooked and underappreciated, I think it is Carolina and, and I'm kind of excited to see what this backfill turns into. I, I think Jonathan Brooks can be a thing. I get that he's been injured the first two years, but this, that draft class has been a freaking disaster for the most part. Like not many players have come out of that draft class. On top where Jonathan Brooks versus Trey Benson, like I would argue like they've, they've almost like done the same thing. It's like nothing. They both have done nothing two years in their NFL career and a lot of it's because of the injuries. So I think Brooks entering finally healthy again. Chuba Hubbard, we've already seen him lose his job once. I, I would not be surprised. TMac Entering his second season, Jalen Coker taking another step in this offense. I think we could see some fireworks from Carolina. So I guess for me those are the teams I'm excited about. And then the Mike Evans vibes of leaving Tampa Bay where he was like, I mean he's a legend there and he's doesn't want to play there anymore. So that to me is okay. What are the vibes here in Tampa Bay with Todd Bowles still?

[D]

Yeah, it seems like a death in the family, you know, like that to me.

[B]

I don't like the vibes in Tampa right now. They got a three headed backfield going on. Sean Tucker is their favorite running back, not Bucky Irving. I, I have concerns about Tampa Bay maybe following up last year's collapse and maybe just continues to spiral and I think that would be the team that would probably fade from this division.

[D]

Jake, where are you at with this one?

[C]

Complete disagreement. I'm on the other end. I think the Buccaneers the biggest thing is that Baker Mayfield wasn't healthy after that first injury for the rest of the season. Also dealt with the injuries at wide receiver as we saw and they already had their contingency plan in place with Igbuka and we saw Igbuka with Mike Evans and then without. And how I wrote it up too is the fact that there are concerns like Ibuko for the rest of the season not being able to handle the attention given once Evans was off the field. But Chris Godwin was 100% in the second half of the season. Jalen came back and Jalen McMillan looked like the best wide receiver in that team for that one game because he's still talented. I don't think the loss of Mike Evans outside of what you're bringing up as like a leader is the bigger issue and is that we're speculating and I'm not saying I'm right and you're wrong, Andrew, or anything like that, but like, you know, Mike Evans said that they wanted to test the market. They want to see what's out there. Well, what do the Buccaneers really need to do to say like, hey, we want to bring you back and pay you what you just saw at this age of your career. And I know there's always like, you finished the career with the one you started, but the, the Buccaneers made the plans that they didn't need him back and they, they, they were ready to move on. Like, as much as that sucks and it is cool to like see Mike Evans potentially retire with the Buccaneers. You know, maybe it was just one of those things where it's just like, you know, I love you, I love you. And we're just going our separate ways at this point. Like no hard feelings and maybe there is more there.

[D]

Maybe there is a sad way to end this show. Let's not do that. Let's TUA or Pennix. Andrew Erickson.

[C]

No, because I want to say the Buccaneers are going to bounce back and not be a.500ish team to win this division. 10, 11 wins like they just had two years ago. And like 10, what was it? 10 and 7? I think the Buccaneers do. And yes, to answer your question, as I did at the beginning, tua, they didn't sign him to go with Pennix from week one coming off this 14th injury in the past three years.

[B]

Well, are you just talking about week one? Are you talking about the entire season? Like what, what is it?

[D]

Who plays more games at quarterback? Who's played more games at quarterback for the Falcons this year? Two are pets.

[B]

I mean if you guys want a guy with 12, 12 concussions as, as your quarterback, I'll take, I'll take panics with his six ACL tears.

[D]

I'm putting it to the YouTube comments. Who plays more games for the Falcons this year? Two or panics? Drop your comments below. It could win you Saquon Barkley autograph jersey. I want to thank Jake Sealey for hanging out with us today. Jake, always great to see you. Thanks for being a good sport, playing some games with us and talking some

[C]

ball lying on the way you get out of here.

[D]

Great to see you.

[C]

I don't believe you.

[D]

It's always good to see you. Jake messaged me five times about what time to do this show. It was. It's a show we supposed to record on Wednesday.

[C]

I think it's our anniversary on Wednesday.

[D]

I know, but what about our anniversary? Jake, you want to take me out for some spicy food? Maybe afterwards we'll go home, do some laundry, play a little Zelda. It sounds like a fun night. Sounds like romance.

[C]

We're doing the laundry Wednesday, right?

[B]

Right.

[C]

Spicy laundry.

[D]

Spicy laundry. Subscribe to the Tailgate. That'll do it for us. Parking lot's closed. We're out of here. Later.

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