NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin
Episode: Which QB Would You Trust in the Playoffs?
Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Matt Jones, Drew Franklin (with Billy)
Episode Overview
In this Week 17 episode of NFL Cover Zero, Matt Jones and Drew Franklin dive deep into the pivotal topic: Which quarterbacks do you trust most heading into the NFL playoffs? The hosts reflect on dramatic finishes in key games, analyze quarterback trustworthiness, discuss playoff scenarios, and sprinkle in their signature blend of humor and relatable fandom. The episode is a rapid-fire, insightful, and entertaining look at the NFL’s most crucial position as the postseason looms.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Bears vs. 49ers: A "Contender" in Chicago?
[02:26 – 05:26]
- Matt reflects on the Bears’ narrow loss to the 49ers, expressing optimism for the team and Caleb Williams’ future:
“I legitimately think Caleb Williams is going to be good for like the next decade, which is something at the beginning of the year I would not have said.” ([04:53] - Matt)
- Drew underscores the Bears’ youth, excitement, and near-comeback:
“They're just such a fun young offense… especially you mentioned that hook and ladder. No, didn't work. What a play call there at the goal line, fun to watch.” ([05:02] - Drew)
- Both highlight the 49ers’ quest for the No. 1 seed and debate the importance (and atmosphere) of home field in Santa Clara.
NFC Playoff Scenarios: Stat Oddities and Trust Issues with Philadelphia
[07:24 – 11:42]
- Matt reveals a mind-blowing stat:
“Ten teams this year have passed for less than five yards in a half. Philadelphia has done it three times, and they're three and oh in those games.” ([09:16] - Matt)
- Both struggle to believe in Philly as a real contender, citing Jalen Hurts’ inconsistency:
“If you can have a quarterback that can go over seven in the second half… I just can’t believe in the Eagles if they can go with such long stretches without offense.” ([10:31] - Drew)
- They marvel at the paradox of a reigning champ with a solid record yet widespread skepticism.
Drafting Playoff QBs: Who Do You Trust?
[12:03 – 16:52]
- The hosts conduct an impromptu draft of the most “trustworthy” quarterbacks heading into the postseason:
- Matthew Stafford — “I think you have to say Stafford. Even though I think Josh Allen is better, I think you have to say Stafford because, like today in this game, it was there. The throw to win the game was there.” ([13:17] - Matt)
- Josh Allen
- Drake Maye
- Bo Nix (Matt: “I think I'm going Bo Nix…he just keeps winning in these games.” [16:02])
- Brock Purdy or Jordan Love
- Least trust? Both agree it's Baker Mayfield. “Definitely Baker at this point.” ([16:57] - Drew)
Baker Mayfield & the Bucs: Total Collapse
[16:52 – 20:04]
- Intense criticism of Baker Mayfield’s freefall:
“He's been awful. Like there’s no other way around it. The defense has been bad, but. But Baker’s been just as bad.” ([16:59] - Drew)
- Speculation about the Bucs making a QB change, with Teddy Bridgewater as a possible replacement.
- Billy (producer & Bucs fan) ruefully summarizes the experience:
“Well, the back half of the season is the season and Bucs fans everywhere know and love and have been watching.... This is predictable for Buccaneers.” ([19:15] - Drew/Billy)
Around the League: Recaps & Oddities
NFC West Chaos and Home Field Stakes
[06:34 – 07:40]
- 49ers/Seahawks/Rams playoff permutations, and skepticism about home field value.
Lions Disappointment & Coaching Questions
[42:36 – 44:20]
- Drew calls the Lions “a huge disappointment,” questioning if Dan Campbell is truly the guy without former OC Ben Johnson.
Kicking Woes & Paydays
[40:14 – 41:18]
- Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey and Chargers’ Dicker the Kicker both suddenly struggling:
“For a guy that's trying to be the highest paid kicker of all time, he's kind of fizzling out at the end of the season.” ([41:31] - Drew)
Chiefs’ Arrowhead Finale?
[44:40 – 46:17]
- Editorial on Travis Kelce’s possible final game at Arrowhead, KC’s stadium move, and the end of an era.
Giants’ Stat History
[67:13 – 67:22]
- Wandale Robinson sets record as shortest receiver with 1,000-yard season.
Behind the Scenes: Matt’s Play-by-Play Debut
[27:00 – 39:23]
- Matt shares colorful stories of prepping (and over-prepping) for his first ESPN play-by-play assignment, including struggles with stat boards and learning TV production secrets:
“I prepared more for this game than, I think, most people prepare for… Like, I prepared like brain surgeons must for brain surgery.” ([30:56] - Matt)
- Reveals that coaches share trick plays and strategies in announcer meetings (but you can’t give it away!):
“They will tell you… what they're going to do. And you, you have to promise... you won't tell the other team.” ([35:59] - Matt)
Fun Debates: The Jersey Rulebook
[68:47 – 73:20]
- Questions the etiquette of adults wearing jerseys:
"You can wear a hockey jersey to the game... but you can never wear a basketball jersey. That's my theory." ([69:20] - Matt)
- Both agree: football jerseys only at games/sports bars; wearing jerseys to the gym is "weird"; basketball jerseys are “never acceptable” for adult men.
- Matt: “If you do do it, you better be very thin because nothing looks worse…” ([72:56])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Caleb Williams’ Arrival?
“I legitimately think Caleb Williams is going to be good for like the next decade.” ([04:53] - Matt)
- On Jalen Hurts:
“Right now, if you were drafting quarterbacks going into the playoff, where would you even pick Hurts? I wouldn't be.” ([12:03] - Drew)
- Trick Play Announcer Secret:
“Now I find Romo much less impressive … they told us all those trick plays they were going to run.” ([37:08] - Matt)
- On Adult Jersey Etiquette:
“You should be punished for wearing a jersey. Period. A jersey with nothing on under it. You should be sentenced to prison.” ([72:43] - Matt)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Bears/49ers Recap & Playoff Scenarios: 02:26 – 08:56
- Philly’s Bizarre Stats & NFC Doubts: 08:56 – 11:42
- Ranking Playoff QBs: 12:03 – 16:52
- Baker Mayfield Meltdown/Bucs: 16:52 – 20:04
- Matt’s Broadcast Stories: 27:00 – 39:23
- Jersey Debate: 68:47 – 73:20
Tone & Style
Casual, passionate, irreverent, and opinionated—with friendly banter and easy, relatable explanations.
Conclusion
This episode’s heartbeat is the question: Which playoff QB do you trust? Matt and Drew provide strong (and often blunt) takes on the playoff landscape—debating both stats and intangibles, placing quarterbacks in trust hierarchies, and skewering fan and media narratives alike. Between sharp football insight and uniquely candid stories (from Matt’s broadcasting debut to the politics of jersey-wearing), the show balances serious analysis and humor, making it essential listening for die-hards and casuals with playoff fever.
Stay tuned for the midweek preview episode as Week 18 chaos gets ready to unfold!