NFL Cover Zero: Chiefs are Back, Vintage Aaron Rodgers, and NFL Week 6!
Date: October 13, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, Billy
Producer/Contributors: Greg Rosenthal
Podcast: KSR - iHeartPodcasts and Sports Talk 790 (WKRD-AM)
Episode Overview
This episode of NFL Cover Zero dives deep into NFL Week 6, focusing on the resurgence of the Kansas City Chiefs, a classic performance by Aaron Rodgers, major storylines from the week, and the wackiest and most notable moments from across the league. Hosts Matt Jones and Drew Franklin, joined by Billy, bring humor and insightful takes while dissecting pivotal plays, coaching decisions, MVP races, injury woes, and more. The episode is an engaging mix of analysis, game breakdowns, playful banter, and listener-friendly stats.
Chiefs vs. Lions: Are the Chiefs “Back?”
- [02:54 - 10:41]
- Chiefs win 30-17 over the Lions in a classic, “old school” Chiefs performance.
- Offense and defense both dominant; “two scores most of the game.”
- Mahomes and Kelsey look like their “old tandem,” prompting belief the Chiefs are true contenders again.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 03:31): “Mahomes and Kelsey looking like the old tandem that was dominating everyone.”
- Discussion of Travis Kelsey’s “slow start” and how veteran stars pace themselves.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 03:56): “He plays his way into shape… He does, he looks a little thinner.”
- Coaching trends: more aggressiveness on 4th downs, especially inside the 5-yard line.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 05:41): “The difference in the game early were the fourth down plays.”
- Praise for the Lions’ bold approach, but questioning some play calls.
- Hosts admit to rooting for the Lions as lovable underdogs.
- AFC West outlook: Chiefs back to .500, easier schedule ahead, injuries and new additions (Worthy, Rice) could catalyze a late run.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 06:46): “If they lost this one… the gap would be just too big. But beating the Lions is huge.”
Notable Moment
- Chris Collinsworth’s exuberant call of a Mahomes scramble
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 08:12): “No other quarterback does that, Mike. No other quarterback does that!”
- The hosts lovingly mock Collinsworth, suggesting his adoration for Mahomes:
“He gets you a girl that looks at you the way Chris does Patrick.” [09:33]
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ Shocking Rise
- [11:09 - 16:09]
- Billy’s Bucs upset the 49ers; Baker Mayfield in MVP form.
- Described as “willing this team to a 5-1 record” despite significant injuries.
- Quote (Billy, 11:48): “He’s willing this team to a 5 and 1 record… If the season ended today, the Bucs would be the 1 seed in the NFC.”
- Mayfield’s highlight-reel plays — especially a wild third-down scramble — are praised as iconic “Baker moments.”
- Intense debate over whether Bucs are for real or “cheeks” (i.e., bad), referencing a notorious post-game tweet from gambling sharp Stuckey.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 14:03): “He said, ‘the Bucs are cheeks… remember this when they finish 8 and 9.’”
- Win projections: Hosts predict the Bucs easily exceed “eight wins,” citing a soft remaining schedule.
49ers Injury Misery Continues
- [16:11 - 18:55]
- Fred Warner’s major injury furthers San Francisco’s “cursed” streak, two seasons running.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 16:53): “That’s now two straight years where the 49ers have had just stupid injury luck… or is it not luck?”
- Mac Jones’ name confusion leads to a hilarious rant about fans angrily tagging the wrong “Matt Jones” on Twitter.
“Wild Footgate”: Kicker vs. Linemen Shoe Sizes
- [18:32 - 21:33]
- Hosts gleefully marvel at a viral photo of a 49ers lineman stepping on their kicker’s tiny foot.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 19:12): “It looks like a woolly mammoth is stepping on a bumblebee.”
- Off-topic but hilarious discussion of the world’s largest feet, including a 37AA size.
Broncos Top Jets in London’s Early Slugfest
- [21:41 - 27:14]
- Denver ekes out a 13-11 win in “one of the worst offenses ever seen.”
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 21:58): “The worst passing performance by a team… in 27 years of NFL action.”
- Jets’ dysfunction highlighted: internal sideline arguments, confusion over game plans.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 23:45): “You want to talk about cheeks? … That’s the Jets.”
- Hilarious stories about players and coaches never opening playbooks, and the challenges of NFL-level preparation.
- Denver ekes out a 13-11 win in “one of the worst offenses ever seen.”
Vintage Aaron Rodgers & Steelers Surge
- [27:14 - 29:54]
- Steelers defeat the Browns behind “vintage” Aaron Rodgers.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 28:03): “Including one into the back of the end zone for a touchdown that I thought was vintage him at his best.”
- Hosts admit they doubted Rodgers, but he’s already better than expected at this point in the season.
- Steelers emerge as playoff contenders, eyeing a tough upcoming schedule.
- Steelers defeat the Browns behind “vintage” Aaron Rodgers.
The Browns’ Quarterback Hall of Infamy
- [29:54 - 32:07]
- “11 straight games without scoring 17 points; paying eight quarterbacks this year.”
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 30:07): “That’s my favorite… Just with their history.”
- The hosts attempt to name all eight QBs the Browns are currently paying — a comically painful exercise.
- “11 straight games without scoring 17 points; paying eight quarterbacks this year.”
Chargers Inch Out Dolphins; Miami in Meltdown
- [32:47 - 36:55]
- Dolphins drop a close one after a late Chargers drive.
- Mike McDaniel’s “Capri pants” draw ongoing ridicule.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 33:35): “He jacks it up to like right there and then walks around… That feels like a low T thing, right?”
- Worrying signs for Miami: players-only meetings with missing/late attendees, ongoing discipline issues, and mounting pressure on McDaniel, whom the hosts think could be fired soon.
Patriots’ Drake May Surges, Saints Shrug
- [36:55 - 40:08]
- Drake May joins Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Marino as the only QBs 23 or younger with five straight games of 200+ yards and 100+ passer rating. [37:12]
- Quote (Billy, 37:12): “[He joins] Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Dan Marino…”
- High praise for May’s poise under Mike Vrabel; Pats have a very favorable schedule ahead.
- Saints and Spencer Rattler hang tough but still lose, provoking a long-winded (and amusing) rant by Mark Henry.
- Drake May joins Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Marino as the only QBs 23 or younger with five straight games of 200+ yards and 100+ passer rating. [37:12]
Ravens Crash, Rams Stun; Cooper Rush Benched for Snoop Huntley
- [40:08 - 41:39]
- Ravens' and Rams’ snoozefest: “red zone only showed 45 seconds of this game.”
- Quote (Matt Jones, 40:23): “If it’s three to three at halftime when two teams that were supposed to be super bowl contenders are playing…”
- Rams win easily but neither team impresses.
- Ravens' and Rams’ snoozefest: “red zone only showed 45 seconds of this game.”
Colts and Cardinals: Pregame Mayhem and Injury Chaos
- [41:39 - 45:08]
- Two serious pregame injuries during warmups: Anthony Richardson’s orbital fracture with a snapped resistance band, and a frightening head collision between players.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 41:52): “He was apparently using one of those bands that you use to stretch, and it snapped and hit him in the eye and broke his face.”
- Despite chaos, Colts prevail and hosts champion Jacoby Brissett’s reliability.
- Two serious pregame injuries during warmups: Anthony Richardson’s orbital fracture with a snapped resistance band, and a frightening head collision between players.
Seahawks’ Bizarre Road Dominance; Jaguars Falter
- [46:04 - 47:25]
- Seahawks win 9th straight on the road; “You’d guess 15 teams before you guessed the Seahawks,” says Drew [46:20].
- Jaguars and Travis Hunter disappoint in a key home loss.
Titans Troubles & Football Sadness
- [47:44 - 49:22]
- Titans' and Kentucky football’s shared misery dominate the weekend for Matt.
- Calls for the Titans’ coach to be fired — even appearing on College GameDay signs.
Shirtless Analysts: Why?
- [49:41 - 52:10]
- Riff on Pat McAfee and other TV personalities frequently taking their shirts off on air.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 51:19): “Brent Musburger, you are looking live. You are looking live at my nipples.”
- Riff on Pat McAfee and other TV personalities frequently taking their shirts off on air.
Panthers Upset Cowboys; Rico Dowdle’s Breakout
- [52:55 - 54:19]
- Panthers beat Dallas 30-27; former Cowboy Rico Dowdle explodes for 339 total yards.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 53:04): “He absolutely lit them up.”
- Panthers rise to 3-3; schedule offers more winnable games ahead.
- Panthers beat Dallas 30-27; former Cowboy Rico Dowdle explodes for 339 total yards.
Packers Top Bengals; Flacco Fills In
- [55:00 - 58:11]
- Flacco surprises with a solid Bengals debut, but hosts unsure he can “turn the season around.”
- McPherson’s 67-yard field goal (would-be NFL record) nullified by timeout, then missed on retry, sparking a debate about “icing” kickers.
Substitute Teachers, Lost Baggage, and Thankless Jobs
- [58:43 - 61:43]
- Playful segment on the world's worst jobs: substitute teachers and lost baggage agents are nominated.
- Quote (Matt Jones, 59:32): “Some substitute teachers… they would walk in, turn on a movie, and not say a word. And we loved them.”
- Playful segment on the world's worst jobs: substitute teachers and lost baggage agents are nominated.
Pool/League Updates
- [61:53 - 63:27]
- Survivor League: Billy and Matt still in; Drew out.
- Touchdown League: Billy and Matt tied with two, Drew with one.
Thursday & Monday Night Football Preview
- [63:29 - 67:04]
- Eagles lose to Giants; scatterbo emerging as a “fan favorite.”
- Bills favored over the Falcons on Monday night.
- Bears-Commanders seen as a “pivot game” for Caleb Williams’ legacy.
- Quote (Drew Franklin, 66:48): “This would be a good chance to say I should be in that top group.”
London Games and Outro
- [67:30 - End]
- Another London game next week: Rams vs. Jaguars at Wembley.
- Show ends with well wishes and promos.
Notable Quotes and Moments
-
On Travis Kelsey’s “get in shape later” approach:
- Matt Jones, 03:47: “When they get older they don’t really focus in camp… I’ll get in shape down the road. He’s doing that move.”
-
On Chris Collinsworth’s love for Mahomes:
- Drew Franklin, 09:33: “He gets you a girl that looks at you the way Chris does Patrick.”
-
On the Jets’ offensive woes:
- Drew Franklin, 21:58: “The worst passing performance by a team… in 27 years of NFL action.”
-
On the Browns’ QB payroll:
- Drew Franklin, 30:11: “They’re paying eight quarterbacks this season… between all of those, no one’s good.”
-
On pregame injuries:
- Drew Franklin, 41:52: “He was apparently using one of those bands that you use to stretch, and it snapped and hit him in the eye and broke his face.”
-
On substitute teaching:
- Matt Jones, 59:32: “Some substitute teachers... turn on a movie and sit down… We loved them.”
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 02:54: Chiefs-Lions Recap & 4th Down Revolution
- 11:09: Buccaneers & MVP Mayfield
- 16:11: 49ers Injury Misery
- 21:41: Broncos-Jets London Grind
- 27:14: Rodgers’ Vintage Day & Steelers
- 29:54: The Browns’ QB Payroll Parade
- 32:47: Chargers, Dolphins, and McDaniel’s Capri Crisis
- 36:55: Patriots’ Schedule, Drake May
- 41:39: Colts/Cardinals Pregame Chaos
- 46:04: Seahawks’ Road Run & Jags Disappointment
- 47:44: Titans Misery
- 49:41: Shirtless Sports Analysts
- 52:55: Panthers Stun Cowboys
- 55:00: Packers-Bengals, McPherson's 67-Yarder
- 58:43: The World’s Worst Jobs
- 61:53: Survivor & Touchdown League Updates
- 63:29: Giants, Bills, Bears/Commanders Preview
Tone and Style
Lighthearted, quick-witted, and irreverently knowledgeable, with friendly banter and vibrant NFL analysis. Sports satire and pop culture references run throughout; hosts maintain a conversational, approachable tone while still conveying deep football expertise. Their playful digs, running jokes (“cheeks”), and league-wide context make the episode accessible even for casual fans.
A must-listen for NFL fans seeking sharp insights, big laughs, and the latest drama from around the league, all in the company of friends who love the game as much as you do.
