PTI Podcast Summary

Episode: Should You Think Less of the Broncos After Last Night's Win?
Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
Produced by: ESPN

Episode Overview

This PTI episode tackles the aftermath of the Denver Broncos' narrow, low-scoring win over the Raiders, dissecting what it means for Denver’s credibility as contenders. Tony and Mike debate the merit of “ugly” division wins, discuss wild NFC West playoff races, the Big 12’s playoff hopes in college football, quarterback preferences (Drake May vs. Baker Mayfield), and possible NFL upsets, all in their signature fast-paced, candid style.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Do You Think Less of the Broncos After Last Night’s Win?

Segment Start: 01:01

• Wilbon’s Take:
  • The game was “drek,” so bad that Thursday night NFL games as a product look subpar.
  • “That was awful. That is why you can look at the Thursday night product and say your Thursday night product. NFL is junk.” (01:37)
  • The Broncos’ pattern of coming from behind but scraping wins isn't inspiring from this game alone, but the season as a whole is still impressive.
• Tony’s Take:
  • Thursday night games are inherently flawed due to tight scheduling, but putting division games in primetime does add meaning.
  • “If you are winning a division game, I don't care how you win it or by how many, it is in my mind a good win. Cuz it’s a division.” (02:41)
  • Notes the Broncos defense shined (six sacks on Geno Smith), but admits the victory doesn't feel “championship caliber.”
• Consensus:
  • The victory, while ugly, still counts, but doesn’t upgrade their status; real judgment should come after their matchup with Kansas City next week.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “This is not a wow win.” – Tony (03:47)
    • “If they beat Kansas City, then that's... That's a different deal.” – Tony (04:13)

2. NFC West: Who Wins This Divisional Race?

Segment Start: 04:19

• Cardinals vs. Seahawks; Rams vs. 49ers
• Tony:
  • Acknowledges Seattle as the “hot and trendy pick,” with Sam Darnold an MVP candidate, but finds it hard to ignore the Rams and Matthew Stafford’s elite play.
  • “The trump card is Matthew Stafford. He is the only quarterback in this division who's ever actually won a Super Bowl.” (05:12)
• Wilbon:
  • Agrees neither will pick the Cardinals to win, but says “they should be 6 and 2” given lost double-digit leads.
  • “They could beat Seattle. I favor Seattle to win the division.” (06:00)
• 49ers:
  • Wilbon calls loss of Fred Warner “something that you cannot go through the season” with.
  • Both praise the competency of NFC West coaches.
• Picks:
  • Wilbon picks Seattle (“hot hand with Darnold and new WR”) to edge Phoenix.
  • Tony leans Rams but says the division is a toss-up, “very competitive, very good.”
• Memorable Moments:
  • Tony teases Wilbon for “overrating” the Cardinals, who are “at best going to be 7-11... but they're a tough out.” (07:21)

3. College Football: BYU vs. Texas Tech – Playoff at Stake?

Segment Start: 07:34

• Wilbon:
  • Says committee tends to “hose the loser” because neither BYU nor Texas Tech are “big brands.”
  • “The committee is swayed by brands—SEC, Big Ten, and the biggest brands within those brands.” (08:07)
• Tony:
  • Agrees. Says a loss knocks Texas Tech out (“two loss team in what we both think might be a one-bid conference”).
  • “I think if BYU wins, they are in the playoffs. I think if Texas Tech wins then all bets are off.” (09:54)
• Wilbon:
  • Concludes: “This is a play-in game, isn't it?” (10:50)
• Tony:
  • “Yes, I believe it is.” (10:53)

4. Toss-Up: Drake May or Baker Mayfield?

Segment Start: 13:58

• Tony:
  • Lauds Drake May’s stats (“top five in league in everything”) and compares his company to “Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers.” (14:27)
  • Despite this, picks Baker Mayfield for performing with depleted weapons, “working with nothing, and he's winning games.” (15:02)
• Wilbon:
  • Agrees, surprising Tony with his pick. Praises Mayfield’s leadership and ability to “use who he’s got.”
  • “Baker Mayfield is one of those guys who knows how to lead his team. He's great late in games.” (15:41)
• Both:
  • Agree Mayfield’s become not just competent but “very good at the position.” (16:16)

5. Vikings or Steelers: Who Keeps Up the Surge?

Segment Start: 16:19

• Tony:
  • Both teams face tough matchups; Vikings host the Ravens (“Lamar Jackson said every game is a playoff game from now on”).
  • Picks Steelers as slightly more likely to win based on recent form and favorable matchup.
• Wilbon:
  • Steelers’ pass defense is weak, but sides with Pittsburgh over Minnesota because of rookie QB uncertainty for the Vikings.
  • “Jay McCarthy has had about three or four good quarters, not full games... I'll take the Steelers.” (17:55)
• Consensus:
  • Both are underdogs, but Steelers given the edge.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Broncos' Ugliness:
  • “That was drek. That was awful. That is why you can look at... Thursday night product... and say... NFL is junk.” – Wilbon (01:37)
• On NFC West:
  • “The trump card is Matthew Stafford. He is the only quarterback in this division who’s ever actually won a Super Bowl.” – Tony (05:12)
  • “The Cardinals are going to at best be like 7 and 11. My point is they're a tough out.” – Wilbon (07:21)
• On CFB Playoff Bias:
  • “The committee is swayed by brands.” – Wilbon (08:07)
• On Quarterback Toss-Up:
  • “Perhaps you’ve heard of them. Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers. This is incredibly elite company.” – Tony on Drake May’s completion stats (14:29)
  • “Baker Mayfield is one of those guys who knows how to lead his team. He's great late in games.” – Wilbon (15:41)

Timestamps for Significant Segments

• Broncos Win Discussion: 01:01 – 04:18
• NFC West Breakdown: 04:19 – 07:33
• BYU vs. Texas Tech Playoff Stakes: 07:34 – 11:03
• Drake May vs. Baker Mayfield Toss-Up: 13:58 – 16:17
• Vikings vs. Steelers Upset Potential: 16:19 – 18:44

Tone & Language

• Conversation is fast, amiable, and peppered with sharp wit and informed banter.
• Hosts often tease one another (ex: Tony’s ribbing about Wilbon’s Arizona connections).
• Frequent references to broader NFL/college football culture and history, maintaining a mix of humor and passionate expertise.

Additional Noteworthy Segments

• Happy 87th Birthday, Satch Sanders (20:48): A brief historical segment on the legendary Celtics forward.
• Coach Mike Brown’s NBA Journeys (21:46): Overview of the roller coaster nature of NBA coaching careers.
• Tallest College Basketball Player, Olivier Rieu Debuts (22:41): The 7’9” Florida freshman gets a standing ovation on his debut.

Conclusion

This episode of PTI delivers insightful, no-nonsense takes on recent NFL and college football drama, while weaving in memorable jokes and sharp cultural observations. The Broncos’ ugly win sparks a fierce debate about substance versus style, the NFC West illustrates the importance of deep rosters and coaching, and college football’s playoff committee bias remains a lightning rod. Toss-Up segments let the hosts show their expertise, backing up gut feelings with stats and history, all in the competitive camaraderie signature to PTI.