PTI Podcast Summary

Episode Title: NFL Champ Games: Patriots vs Broncos; Rams vs Seahawks
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
Guest: Booger McFarland (ESPN NFL & College Analyst)
Date: January 23, 2026

Overview

This PTI episode dives into the impending AFC and NFC Championship games—New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks—with a special “Five Good Minutes” segment featuring Booger McFarland. The hosts, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, also debate moves in MLB (notably the Mets, Brewers trade), the future of Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr, and break down the NFL’s ongoing coaching carousel. The conversations are insightful, candid, and laced with the duo’s signature wit and chemistry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Broncos

• Context:
  Denver enters the AFC Championship as 5.5-point underdogs at home due to starting QB Bo Nix breaking his ankle last week vs. Buffalo. Backup Jarrett Stidham will start—his first NFL pass in two years.

  • Wilbon’s Take:

    • Broncos are significant underdogs, as “there’s no team in the league today… if missing its starting quarterback, that would be like less than a heavy underdog” (01:47).
    • Only exception in NFL memory for a confident backup: Montana & Young with the 49ers.
    • Credits Sean Payton for doing “all the right things” but insists it “doesn’t matter” as they’re in a desperate situation.

  • Kornheiser’s Response:

    • Attempts balance by highlighting Payton’s coaching trajectory and defensive prowess (most sacks, 3rd-fewest points allowed this year).
    • Draws analogies (Philip Rivers with Colts, NCAA’s Miami-Indiana) to argue there’s at least a chance.
    • “In a low scoring game, maybe the defense can do something about that… New England should be favored, but it’s not impossible” (02:54–04:00).
    • Both agree: If Payton could trade years off his life for Nix’s return, “Yes, of course” (04:42).

2. MLB Blockbuster: Mets Trade for Peralta

• Details:
  Mets acquire Brewers’ ace Freddie Peralta (17–6, 2.70 ERA in 2025), trading two top prospects, and recently added Bo Bichette & Luis Robert Jr.
  • Kornheiser:
    • Peralta’s a proven winner; Mets “getting a number one starter… a great infielder in Bo Bichette… Luis Robert Jr… guy who hit 38 home runs and 80 RBI in 2023” (05:09).
    • Questions if these big moves cover the loss of Pete Alonso, Nimmo, McNeil, and closer Edwin Diaz.
    • Points out Mets’ underachievement: “Been in the playoffs two of the last eight years, not seven, two.” (06:18)
  • Wilbon:
    • Skeptical: “The Mets have a big week all the damn time… and it doesn’t work” (06:18).
    • Defends Milwaukee’s logic: “When you are a mid- or small-market team, you better be able to scout… they gotta let Freddie Peralta go” (06:38).
    • Emphasizes quality of Brewer’s two new prospects.

3. Steve Kerr's Oakland Future in Doubt?

• Report:
  Logan Murdoch (The Ringer) says Kerr may not be back with Warriors after this season; team assistants working under premise he’ll depart.
  • Wilbon:
    • “Of course it does. It makes perfect sense. Steve Kerr can do what he wants. He’s won four championships” (07:58).
    • Warriors’ core (Curry, Draymond) “on holes 16 and 17” of their careers, window is closed.
    • Praises Kerr’s legacy spanning Chicago, San Antonio, and Golden State.
  • Kornheiser:
    • “I cannot disagree with you. Steve Kerr… has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he’s a great coach. And all we should do, really, is applaud him” (09:12).
    • Sees Warriors’ golden days as over. “Let Kerr do whatever he wants.”
  • Memorable Note:
    • Durant’s stint described as: “Invited to dinner, ate the meal, and then left… just gone in a hurry.” (09:05)

4. Five Good Minutes with Booger McFarland (12:08–18:21)

A. Patriots–Broncos: Can Denver’s Defense Compensate?

• Booger’s Take:
  • “I think [the defense] is… good enough to make life miserable for Drake May. But the key will be… can they get any help from the offense?” (12:29)
  • Broncos D: Strong at edge (Benito, Cooper), in coverage (Surtain, Moss), and LB play.
  • Stidham is “capable backup,” but team must score 17–20 points for D to win the day.

B. Rams–Seahawks Rubber Match

• Booger:
  • Rams must run the ball to match Seahawks’ “phone booth” physicality (13:33–14:47).
  • Seahawks have become the “most physical team now.”
  • Rams’ RBs need to relieve pressure on Stafford, so he can find Devante Adams, Puka Nacua.
  • “If they can run the football, Devante Adams, you gotta show up. It’s gotta be Stafford… Adams… Nakua. But the first thing they have to do is match the physicality of the Seattle Seahawks. If they do that, then they have a chance” (14:41).

C. NFL Coaching Carousel: Bills vs. Ravens Openings

• Booger:
  • Leaning Buffalo due to Josh Allen: “Because of Josh Allen, I will take the Buffalo Bill job” (16:40).
  • But ownership/structure in Baltimore is very strong (Steve Bisciotti, Lamar Jackson).
  • Criticizes Bills’ press conference: “May have been one of the worst press conferences I’ve ever seen an owner do… you basically blame the former staff” (15:05).
  • Dings Bills ownership for discussing locker room details and singling out Keon Coleman.
  • Ultimately: Talent prevails—Josh Allen tips the scale.

D. College Prospects: Fernando Mendoza

• Booger:
  • Praises Mendoza’s quick processing and accurate passing: “My quarterback has to do two things: process information and throw the football accurately. And Fernando Mendoza does that at the highest level.” (16:58)
  • “He’s 6’5”, 230, can run QB draw, but most importantly, he’s accurate and fast with the ball.”
  • Predicts Mendoza as “the number one pick… for April’s draft.”
  • Notes the admiration of Tom Brady and Raiders’ GM John Spytek from the sidelines.

5. Notable NBA & NHL Tidbits

• Serge Savard’s 80th birthday and career overview (20:42).
• Joel Embiid’s 70-point game anniversary (21:26–22:56).
• Ravens hiring Chargers’ DC Jesse Minter as new head coach. (22:56–23:25)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Wilbon (on Broncos' prospects):
  “There’s no team in the league today… if missing its starting quarterback, that would be like less than a heavy underdog.” (01:47)

• Kornheiser (on Warriors dynasty):
  “When I think of Steve Kerr, I think of Steph Curry, I think of Klay Thompson, and I think of Draymond Green… the essence of the Warriors.” (09:05)

• Booger McFarland (on Broncos’ defense):
  “I think this defense… have the ability to sack your quarterback and turn you over. The key will be, can they get any help from the offense?... They're going to have to score 17 to 20 points.” (12:29–12:50)

• Booger (on Steelers-Seahawks):
  “Seattle Seahawks… want to take you into a phone booth and beat the hell out of you.” (14:08)

• Booger (on Buffalo vs. Baltimore job):
  “Terry Pegula… may have been one of the worst press conferences I’ve ever seen an owner do… That being said, football is a game of talent and Josh Allen is the best player in the sport.” (15:05–16:40)

• Booger (on Mendoza):
  “My quarterback has to do two things: process information and throw the football accurately… [Mendoza] is going to be the number one pick.” (16:58–18:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• AFC Championship preview / Broncos as underdogs: 01:01–04:44
• Mets–Brewers trade discussion: 04:44–07:36
• Steve Kerr speculation: 07:36–10:31
• NFL “Five Good Minutes” with Booger McFarland: 12:08–18:21
  • Patriots-Broncos: 12:29
  • Rams-Seahawks: 13:27
  • Bills vs. Ravens jobs: 14:47
  • Fernando Mendoza: 16:41
• Notable birthdays/anniversaries and coaching news: 20:42–23:25

Tone & Style

• The episode features the usual PTI blend of sharp, quick-witted banter, direct opinions, historical references, and inside-baseball candor—anchored by Wilbon’s trademark bluster and Kornheiser’s wry contrarianism.
• Booger McFarland adds straightforward, detailed football analysis, never shying from strong opinions (especially on coaching and management).

Summary Takeaways

• AFC game: Broncos’ defense is strong, but their lack of a starting QB makes them real underdogs. Patriots favored, but not invincible.
• Rams-Seahawks: The rubber match hinges on the Rams running effectively and matching Seahawks’ physical style.
• MLB trades: Mets’ splashy acquisitions get the spotlight, but both hosts are skeptical—especially with Mets’ checkered history.
• Steve Kerr: Highly likely to leave the Warriors; his accomplishments command respect, and the dynasty era is over.
• NFL coaching: Ownership cultures matter, but top talent (like Josh Allen) outweighs dysfunction for job desirability.
• Prospects: Fernando Mendoza’s skills project him as a top NFL draft pick; Tom Brady’s like-minded admiration validates the hype.

This episode is a concise, engaging analysis of the championship weekend storylines—football first, with baseball and basketball intrigue layered throughout—united by the playful but pointed rapport of Kornheiser and Wilbon.