Loading summary
Transcript144 lines
- [00:01]
Michelle Bernstein
Mic check 12 Are we recording? Hi, I'm Michelle Bernstein, an award winning chef, restaurateur and mom. I have a lot on my plate, including my psoriatic arthritis symptoms. That's why I was prescribed Cosentyx. It helps me move better.
- [00:19]
Cosentyx Representative
Cosentyx Secukenumab is prescribed for people 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis. Don't use if you're allergic to Cosentyx, but before starting, get checked for tuberculosis. An increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur. Like tuberculosis or other serious bacterial, fungal or viral infections, some were fatal. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms like fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough had a vaccine or plan to or if inflammatory bowel disease symptoms develop or worsen, serious allergic reactions and severe eczema like skin reactions may occur. Learn more at 1844cosentyx or cosentyx.com Ask.
- [00:56]
Michelle Bernstein
Your rheumatologist about Cosentyx. Studies show that 100% of everybody in the world wants to curl up indoors and do nothing because it's so darn cold out there. That's why many people are turning to Bombas, whose pillowy plush slippers and warm merino wool socks have been said to be the most comfortable in the history of feet. Bomba's products have been found to boost coziness by up to 1 million percent. Okay, enough fake statistics. But could Bomba socks and slippers really be the Cure? Go to bombas.com audio and use code audio for 20% off your first purchase. That's B O M b-s.com and use code audio.
- [01:32]
James Palmer
Hey, it's Adam Grant from Ted's Work Life with Adam Grant. And this message is brought to you by at&t. You know, we spend a lot of time here separating fact from claim. And when it comes to mobile networks, that distinction matters. When AT&T makes a claim, it's one you can count on. AT&T is America's fastest and most reliable wireless network. And that's not opinion. It's Data based on RootMetrics. United States Root Score Report 1H 2025 tested with best commercially available smartphones on.
- [02:00]
Nick Cosmetor
Three national mobile networks across all available network types.
- [02:04]
James Palmer
Your experiences may vary. Rootmetrics rankings are not an endorsement of AT&T. Jake, I can tell you I missed the playoffs.
- [02:15]
Nick Cosmetor
Thanks.
- [02:16]
Jake Seeley
Because of Lamar? No, Lamar had a good game last week.
- [02:19]
James Palmer
I know. We. Okay, here we go.
- [02:22]
Nate Atkins
Lamar.
- [02:23]
James Palmer
I lost by a point. My fourth time losing my point and nobody has scored more points against me than anybody else in the league. So there's nothing about that. Nothing you do about that. Isaiah likely dropped in the end zone. Would have won it. James Cook doesn't fumble either time. Would have won it. Just, I mean, the goal line was a killer for me. Just brutal. Welcome into Scoop City on a Thursday. I'm James Palmer. Don't forget to like and subscribe. Please do it. Don't do one or the other, but we'd love for you to do both. This is a huge week 15. Tell you about the parody that's going on in the NFL. We have two teams that have won 10 games straight, yet they're at home and they're underdogs. And we'll go into both of those cities as we take our road trip, as we do every single Thursday around the NFL. We're going to go to Buffalo and find out what's happening with Josh Allen and this offense. Did they find something in the passing game? I know it's been a struggle all year. We're going to get to the bottom of that. We're going to talk about the Denver Broncos and head to Denver, where I live right now, actually, and find out what's happening with Bonix in this offense. Are they becoming more efficient? That was the big question mark if they're going to make a Super bowl run. And then the Rams and the Lions, a huge one in the nfc. The Rams just keep winning, but that division just stays so tough. Can they get that number one seed in the nfc? We'll find out. We'll go to all these places across the NFL. So let's start that road trip. All right, the first stop of our Thursday road trip, Joe Biscalia joins us. Joe's one of our favorites here on the show. Always provides unbelievable information with a huge matchup coming up here in Foxborough. I know he loves to spend time at that Christmas store there in Foxborough, try to get some final holiday shopping done when he fits the Patriots in in December. Joe, how you doing?
- [04:16]
Joe Biscalia
I'm great. And you know what's funny? Usually like there was like a good four or five year stretch in a row where the Bills would have to go to New England right before Christmas or just after Christmas that Christmas weekend. And and me and my wife were looking at each other like New England again. You have to go to New England again on Christmas weekend. So I can't say that I've been there. I've been to the Christmas store at an appropriate Time before, before Christmas came.
- [04:41]
James Palmer
Yeah, in the summer if you'd like as well. I, I, I love that we're having this game. I love that we have an opportunity the, the post Brady era. Maybe first time the Patriots can win the division since Brady's been gone. And this is only the second time in 50 years we have both these teams at least five games over.500 facing off with each other. So a lot at stake here. Specifically for the team that you cover with the Bills, I want to know what team shows up. Like we've seen Miami or Atlanta, then we've seen what they did against Kansas City or last week. The way Josh plays. Like can you put your finger on maybe the way the week leads up to the game, Joe, or whatever of what Bill's team we might see.
- [05:23]
Joe Biscalia
Yeah, it's been really difficult for them. Like a couple of games ago with their Houston lost, I basically roasted them and said their consistency is inconsistency like that. That was the tale of their entire season because you would have these incredible watershed W wins. Like at the time, what looked like the win over Kansas City and, and then you would come back and lose a clunker to Miami, who Miami has turned it around since that point. But the, the Bills were pretty much the catalyst to the Dolphins starting off that, that whole campaign. So I think they have improved, I don't want to say significantly over the last couple of weeks, but it had, we have seen some tangible improvements, notably from the defense. And I know you're going to say, hey, they just let up 34 points to Joe Burrow and the Bengals, but if you watched every single throw Joe Burrow made in that game, my God, that, that dude is playing like the best quarterback in the NFL right now. So I, I don't give the Bills defense a pass, but I do understand a bit. And they also came away with two huge plays in that game too. And then the Steelers game too. I thought that was really a statement game from the Bills. And since the last time we talked, James, the thing that has changed the most to me is I think the Bills have made so many changes to their defense and how they have had it evolve over the year with how they're substituting on specific situations players that they are using in the starting lineup. Above all else, getting a few guys back from injury. I think it all kind of shows to me that the defense is actually the reason why I think the Bill ceiling is a little bit higher than, than interesting than the last time we talked. And not to say they're like championship caliber defense or anything like that. But when you compare what they had to what they have now, and with the ceiling racing just a little bit, combining that with Josh Allen playing like he usually does in December and in the playoffs, I think they, they might be onto something. Even though they have their warts, even though they have their, their very specific flaws on both sides of the ball, it's starting to come around to where they're finding out about themselves a bit later than they would would have liked. But finding up about themselves right in the nick of time before they get to the playoffs.
- [07:39]
James Palmer
Yeah, that's important. And the defense is going to be huge. I feel like this might be the game to where Drake May stays in the MVP conversation or the Bills have the opportunity to maybe knock him out a little bit out of the MVP conversation. And with that said, how about Josh Allen? I feel like he's working his way back into the conversation with the playing. Does he have to play the way we saw him play against Cincinnati for this team to make a playoff run? Does that have to happen week in and week out from, from here on out?
- [08:10]
Joe Biscalia
Joe Yeah, I don't know from here on out. But in the playoffs specifically? Yeah, I think so because they've got the Browns next week and I don't think Josh has to be superhuman against the Browns. And then they've got jets. The Jets Week 18 in the finale game in Highmark Stadium. So those two games, I think he doesn't have to be the superhero, but to know that he still has that in his, in his golf bag is very important for them heading in, especially with the receiver room that the last time we chatted we talked so much about that receiver group and they've kind of found themselves a little bit into a group that they like with the receiver room. And that said, it's, it's not nearly as good as most receiver rooms in the NFL, but they're trying to figure out ways to make it work in 2025 because they really don't have any means to add significantly at this point. So I think for them with Josh playing the way that it is, the offensive line, they're about to get back to full health. Spencer Brown said yesterday that he's, he's ready to go for this Sunday against the Patriots and that's a huge, huge addition to their offensive line because he does so much both in the pass and the run game. You know, I grade out the players every single week. To me, he has been one of their three best Players in along with Josh Allen and the right guard Osiris Torrance this season. And having him back for this matchup specifically, I think is going to be humongous for them, especially with James Cook wanting to get a little bit past what happened against the Bengals too. Yeah, this is that combined with Josh playing like he did, I think is very helpful. But to answer your question, they're going to need him to do that because once the playoffs roll around, the defense is going to put a stopper on teams like they did against the Steelers. They're not going to completely come away with this game changing play one week to the next and eventually it's going to happen to go to Josh and they just hope that the defense does just enough, more so than in other playoff performances, to be able to come away with wins.
- [10:10]
James Palmer
Yeah, that's a great point. Joe wrote a great piece on, on this revamped, I guess you could call it wide receiver, generous concept, I guess. I don't know, game plan. Just feeling it out about how they're working this wide receiver room. Go to the Athletic and read that. And you know, the last couple weeks they've been running play action a little bit more than they have. And maybe part of that is hopefully teams think we've found our, our receiver group that we're going to use. But with that, you mentioned James Cook and what his importance is to this offense and the way he's running the football. But to me, I go back to that previous matchup against New England. Three turnovers in that game. New England gets 10 points off those turnovers and we've seen James Cook have a bit of the dropsies, a bit of the oopsies here, but with, with some fumbles of late. I was talking to, to a former player of a, you know, future hall of Famer essentially the other day who was just like it can get in your head. It can be something to where you start grabbing the ball a little bit tighter. You start thinking when contact comes, you start, you know, over maybe thinking the moment. Is there any thought to what's happening with James Cook? Because this is a massive, massive part of this offense that they need down the stretch.
- [11:18]
Joe Biscalia
Yeah, I don't think he's there just yet. He's. To describe his personality, he, he cares but also he has a, doesn't care about him to where he just kind of let lets thing go off his shoulders. So I think that's important to have that short term memory sort of deal. This, this fumbling thing was also something for him early in his. Bill's career, too. And it, you know, he corrected it. It didn't really pop up, but the last couple of years, for the most part, and then, you know, it's. It reared a tugley head at the worst possible time against the Bengals, or so they thought, which to me, at that point, it looked like the game was over because you knew the Bengals were about to march it down and score a touchdown. But lo and behold, it's Bill somehow march it back in with that game. But that said, I think with James Cook, they're. They are. They're confident in him. I think he's confident in, you know, this not becoming a huge problem. And it was very telling that as soon as that happened, they immediately went back to him, snap after snap after snap after snap. It wasn't a quick hook like it has been in, in past years with him. They know he knows better. They know that he's going to protect the ball when it, when it comes down to it. So I think they're going to have to go through some more ball security stuff, and he has to be very aware that the Patriots are going to be punching at it time and time again throughout the game. And that what you brought up was a talking point from a lot of the Bills players yesterday. In listening to them, they said, you know, we learned about the Patriots, that you can't turn it over against them, and that that will be a huge piece of their puzzle because they know the Patriots are really not apt to turn the ball over themselves. So if they're going to want to win, they knew, they know they need to play a clean game, and Cook will be certainly cognizant of that.
- [13:09]
James Palmer
Yeah, James Cook. Did those fumbles knock me out of the postseason in my fantasy league? Yeah. I'm not bitter at all. I'm not bitter at all. James lost by point. James could have gotten into the end zone twice. My name's name, but that's. That, that's okay. But listen, also, New England knows about a running back having issues holding onto the football. So maybe it's like, you know, hey, guys, this happened with Andre Stevenson early in the season. This is what we need to do to knock it out for James Cook. That's going to be a massive part about the way this game is played, about how the Bills can control the, the football and keep Drake May off the field. You have a prediction before we go, Joe, on this one.
- [13:43]
Joe Biscalia
I'm, I, I'm. I'm going to be boring and say I still need to watch a bit more of the old Bills Patriots game to get there, but I'm leaning towards the Bills way just because I, I, I really like their mentality heading into this one. But the one thing I will say is that Sean McDermott throughout his career is.03 against teams coming off the bye and Mike Vrabel is six and oh, with Tennessee coming off the buy. So it would have to be a complete uprisal of, of both of those trends for it to happen. But that said, it is the time of year the Bills knows. The Bills know what's at stake. They know that the Patriots are going to be wanting to shut the door on them immediately. And I think this Bill's team doesn't often get the opportunity to play the underdog role anymore like they used to, but when they did, they loved it back in the day. And I think this, even though they're favored, I think this might kind of serve as that sort of return to that mindset, even temporarily to go, oh, you want to win the division, maybe not by us. They're downplaying it. They're saying, oh, you know, we're not really giving it much credence for the, for the hat and T shirt game or anything like that, but you know, there's, there's going to be something there inside the building where they're going. Yeah, that's, that's not happening on our watch, so I'm leaning that way. But, you know, I, I haven't solidified it just yet.
- [15:12]
James Palmer
Awesome, awesome. Great stuff. Job. I appreciate it. Enjoy Providence. We'll talk to you soon.
- [15:17]
Joe Biscalia
Sounds great, James.
- [15:19]
James Palmer
All right, moving on. On our Scoop City Thursday road trip, good buddy of mine Nick Cosmetor joins us. Nick, this is the biggest question I think everybody's asking both of us in town. Has a run game been found? Is RJ Harvey going to be able to carry this run game? After the loss of J.K. dobbins, we saw some, some good moments, I'll bet, against the Raiders team. What's your thoughts?
- [15:43]
Nick Cosmetor
Yeah, I think the jury is still out in terms of can they put together a running game that they can truly lean on during this, this playoff run. But I do think there were some really encouraging signs against the Raiders, and in part because, you know, when you look at a team put together three drives of at least 14 plays and nine minutes, you, you can't do that without the running game factoring in. And I just thought that RJ Harvey, forget the opponent for a minute, was just a lot more Decisive than we saw him the first two weeks after having taken over that lead back role. And you know, he looked to me like a guy that. Okay, doesn't necessarily look like, like a rookie now. I always think that when you, when you get past the stage of however many games you had in college being a season, so now they're, they're at week 13 or whatever it is, like you're not really a rookie anymore. And particularly because he's had this lead role now for close to a month, I think he's starting to get a little bit more comfortable with, with you know, the job and all aspects of it. Against Washington, I go back to that overtime drive he catches, catches a pass in the middle of field, breaks a tackle, gets a 12 yard first down on the next play, picks up a blitz that helps Bonix get out of the pocket and hit Adam Troutman for another first down. And then of course Harvey finished that drive with a five yard touchdown. He's been really good near the goal line, getting into the end zone. So I think there's a lot of encouraging things that we've seen over the last couple of weeks. The question now is can they put it together consistently enough to have that run game, really be able to anchor their offense during the playoff run?
- [17:15]
James Palmer
Yeah, it's a great point. And specifically down the goal line, it's interesting because I was having this conversation Maurice Jones drew a couple of weeks ago specifically about RJ Harvey and he was a big fan of him coming out and he was just like, man, you don't understand. The reason he bounces everything outside is it is a split second decision to find your spot in the between the tackles. And that's something that a lot of rookies are a little bit like, I'm safer out here. And that's something that RJ has done a lot and it seems like maybe there's a little shift in that in finding his way between the tackles. So we'll see if that continues to go. How about the offense as a whole, Nick, like you wrote about it, make sure everybody checks it out on the Athletics. Just what we're seeing because that's the one aspect of a consistent bonix. An efficient bonix in this offense could be the one maybe thing that everybody's looking at as this team's looking to honestly make a Super bowl run.
- [18:02]
Nick Cosmetor
Yeah, I think the first thing I look at is since they came out of the, by the last three are really going back to the Kansas City game. So the last three weeks they've really cut down the offensive penalties. That was a big point of emphasis because Sean Payton's like, we're getting all these third and longs because you know we're getting too many holding calls or procedural penalties that are handicapping us on all these drives. And it's, it's how you get into these chunks of three and outs. Last three weeks they've only committed a combined six offensive penalties. Their, their average distance to gain on third down has gone down sizably as a result. And that's created a lot more the efficiency. The second thing is that they, they've really trimmed down the number of deep shots that they were taking. There was a stretch earlier to mid season where it almost seemed like, I don't want to say reckless with, with how many they're taking, but there wasn't the intentionality there of really when they were firing up these deep shots. Through the first 10 weeks, Bo Nicks had more deep passes, deep pass attempts than everybody except for Matthew Stafford. And yet he was only completing 29% of those throws. And so when you're using it that much and it's that inefficient, it really starts to bog down your offense. Last three weeks, only 10 combined deep throws, he's completed five of them, but really been, I think just a lot more comfortable using his legs to get out and find, you know, kind of the intermediate shot, the, you know, the check down, whatever it might be in order to stay ahead of the sticks and then getting to, you know, they're, they're good on third down when they're in manageable situations. We saw it against the Raiders seven out of 12, most of those were pretty manageable third down scenarios. That's when Bo Nicks is really good and we've seen that. So I just think they're doing a couple things that are making them more efficient and if they can continue that and add more improved running game that we were just talking about, I think that's their formula. Particularly when we look at this Sunday and a Green Bay defense that just does not give up a lot of shot plays.
- [19:54]
James Palmer
Yeah, they really don't. Make sure everybody goes back and watches yesterday's episode with Kurt Warner on there. He had a lot of great things to break down about Bonix, what he likes, what he needs to see to help him with this playoff run with Sean Payton and company. You mentioned Green Bay and you mentioned third down. When I look at Green Bay's offense, let's flip it to the other side here and how good they have been on third down, specifically third and long. It's like unbelievable. Like 44% on third and seven or longer which is like an insane amount of conversions for that. I look at what they can do with Jordan Love and go downfield and take these shot plays and the Broncos issues with maybe PI issues downfield and some of the things that have happened in the deep passing game against them. How do you see Denver secondary being able to handle these shots that you know Jordan Love's going to be aggressive. Nick.
- [20:44]
Nick Cosmetor
Yeah, you mentioned it and I think that's a real key aspect of this game. Denver is the number one defense in terms of limiting opponent explosive plays. They're just even a hair better than Green Bay is in that regard. But you, you mentioned the penalties that that's an as. That doesn't really get baked into that stat. Right. Because a penalty non, non play doesn't count to the formula and Denver has had issues with that, particularly Riley Moss. And the thing that's challenging about Green Bay is, you know, they have four different receivers that average 12 yards a reception. They're very egalitarian offensively. You can't really hone in on any one guy. Lately it's been Christian Watson. You know, he's, he has averaging 85 yards receiving and has three touchdowns in his last two games. But it can really be anybody and that's what makes them I think so effective. That's where Denver that, that's why you build though the secondary that they have over the last three weeks they've really kind of shuffled in personnel and part of that was when Pat Certain was out, Jade Baron and Chris Abrams Drain got obviously got a lot more playing time during that time. Played well and Vance Joseph says they've earned the right to continue to be part of this thing. And so they're, they're kind of matching up in ways in which they're using six, seven defensive backs within the span of a couple plays. So I'll be really curious to see how they kind of disperse that that playing time this week in order to create some of the matchups that they want to. Because yeah, you, you the part of the reason they're so good on third and long or third medium or longer is because Jordan Love against the blitz has been fantastic this year. He knows where he wants to go. He obviously has the mobility to escape some of that pressure. So can Denver get to him with four or with simulated pressures that look like blitzes but bring four? I think that's going to be another key aspect of this game.
- [22:27]
James Palmer
Yeah, I remember talking to somebody in the building, Nick, when, when certain went down and they were like this, this may be a positive in the long run. Like we may get a chance to get some of these guys some run. And when we look at it, you know, in the back end of the season, we might be a better secondary for this handful of games that Pat Miss and I love that you touched on that. I want to kind of go macro here and this week and Jacksonville next week. How important do you think this two week, you know, window is here for Denver with as well as Jacksonville is playing? And I think this is a game that they would want to make sure everybody pays attention to them in Denver and their underdogs against Green Bay. Obviously everybody's looking to see is Denver going to slip up or are they going to take another step? How. Where do you look at these next two games now?
- [23:10]
Nick Cosmetor
Well, I think these next two games got a lot more important once Jalen hurts his fifth turnover of that game Monday night landed in Tony Jefferson's hands because now the, the margin for air. Yes, Denver has a two game lead in the AFC West. However, as we know, the Broncos and Chargers will meet in week week 18. So really you can kind of look at it as just a one game lead because if the, if the Chargers were to win that game, they'd obviously have the tiebreaker, having already beaten Denver earlier this season. So the margin for AIR to win the west, while Denver's still in very good position for that, it tightened up after that game. So I would just say right there, from the standings perspective of it, these, these two weeks are huge. And again, you, you wanna, you want to show that like coming into Denver this time of year, you kind of want to put the fear in other teams that are going to have to do that if you can win the division or get the number one seed. The Broncos have won 11 games in a row at home and Powerfield has turned into really one of the better home field advantages in the league. You know, you go there every, every, every week. It's been really rowdy this year. So yeah, I just think being able to kind of continue to build on what you're doing and, and really again, striking a little bit of fear into anybody that's going to have to come there come January.
- [24:24]
James Palmer
Yeah, for sure. Okay, real quick before you go, because I just got asked this and you can be very brief with this. Where do you think Micah lines up on Sunday?
- [24:31]
Nick Cosmetor
Everywhere, Just about everywhere. The one thing I'll say It was interesting. I'm sure you caught this. Sean Payton, after the game against the Raiders, is talking to Max Crosby that it mic'd up and he says, look, we have these, we have these different plays that when you're off the field that we're going to run. Problem is you never come off the field. So I'm actually curious to see. Micah Parsons plays a ton, but, but 80% of the snaps. There will be some times that he's not on the field. Can Denver take advantage of those? I think that's as interesting as, you know, how they handle him when he is on the field.
- [24:59]
James Palmer
I have an idea where he might line up. I'll text you. This is awesome, man. I'll see you on Sunday. Should be a great one between these two. A home underdog for a team that's won 10 straight week 15. You don't see it very often. It's going to be fun.
- [25:11]
Nick Cosmetor
Nope. But, hey, Bo Nix's mom thinks they're going to win, so there's that.
- [25:14]
James Palmer
That's all that matters. Mom's opinion. Nick, Take it easy.
- [25:18]
Nick Cosmetor
Thanks.
- [25:20]
James Palmer
All right, our Thursday road trip around the NFL continues. Nate Atkins joins us now, covers the Rams brilliantly for us. You've been, you've been working, man, and you're going to keep working at these two games in five days, and they're two monster ones. With you got the Lions and you got the Seahawks in the division. It's okay. Glad we got you. That's what I'm saying. I'm glad we got you, Nate, that you had the time to do this. That's. That's what I'm, that's what I'm saying here. Let's start with what you. You've recently kind of put together. I know we've talked a little bit about this. Thirteen personnel that, that the Rams are using so much, and it's, it's just actually an anomaly almost because this is just out of the norm for Sean McVay's past and his history and what he's used to doing. But, man, it is taking this offense to a whole nother level and oftentimes you don't get better when arguably your. Your maybe best weapon is off the field a little bit. But why are they even more difficult to defend with what you're seeing when you break it all down?
- [26:14]
Nate Atkins
Yeah, it's been a fascinating evolution for them. They came into the year and they wanted to run a little bit more 12 personnel just to get Matthew Stafford under center and doing more play action. And just taking fewer hits now that he's 37 and he has a back issue. But ever since, you know, they, they were, they started the season just peppering the ball to Puk and a kuh and it looked like he was going to push for 2,000 yards, but he was getting banged up quite a bit. There were multiple games he had to leave for different injuries and then he had to miss a couple weeks with a high ankle sprain. And all of a sudden they're in Baltimore spending a week out there to practice before a trip to London and they don't have Puka and they've got all this time on their hands in the hotel just sitting around and they start drawing up these 13 personnel plays which they thought was just sort of a one week thing. Get to the bi week, get Puka back and they get out there gets the Jaguars and they score four red zone touchdowns and four chances out of 13 personnel. And it was partly the tight ends went for 100 yards. But all of a sudden that was the game where devonte Adams scored three touchdowns and he had only had like one coming into that. And so all of a sudden they just decided, hey, you know, why, why not keep going with this? And they've used it pretty much ever since that moment that was right before the buy. And then you know, that, that kind of spawned that sparked them on a five game winning streak and now they're to a point where they are five and oh, in games where they run at least 10 plays of 13 personnel and they just had a season high 40 plays out of that against the Cardinals where they put up 530 yards and 45 points and it was the first time that they've had three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a game since the 2001 Rams. The greatest show on turf. So it is crazy how they have found a way to, yeah, take one of their best players off the field. And early on that was Pukinakua and it was a little weird to see him at, you know, 45% snaps and it was like, you know, this is one of the best players in the NFL and they were, they were just not using him as much. But now they've, they've kind of gotten into a rhythm where he's out there a little bit more. It's, it's, it rotates between whether he's off the field or devonte Adams. If they're in the red zone, it's, Adams is out there because he has 14 touchdowns, most in the NFL. No one seems to know what to do with him down there, you know, but there's times where it's Puka who's also a really good blocker, but he's got to be fresh enough to do that and not be trying to do it while injured or battling an injury. And so it's just giving them a certain balance where They've been the NFL's best rushing team since mid season, and last week they put up 249 rushing yards on the Cardinals. Initially, it felt like if they bring out three tight ends, then teams are just going to go heavy and how do they run? But right now they have teams in a bind where if they go heavy, then they throw with those guys and they go play action. If they go light, then they run it. And with the way their offensive line is playing, it's just very, very difficult to stop. So for right now, it's become a way to load, manage a little bit with Devonte Adams and Pukinakua. And it's also a way to lean into a run game that's playing really well and a way to get Blake Corum on the field more. When you also have Kyron Williams, it's just kind of diversified their offense to where they're using a little bit of everyone and then saving Puka Nkua and Devonte Adams for what they do best, which is Puka more on third downs or kind of chunk plays to start drives, and Adams finishing the drive in the red zone. And so for right now, it's. It's something Sean McVay hadn't done really ever, and now they're doing it a lot, and it's. It's turned into their most balanced offense they've had since the Greatest show on Turf.
- [30:07]
James Palmer
Yeah, it's been outstanding to watch. And this is something a lot of teams are doing, right? Going with heavier personnel, trying to put defenses in binds like you said. And I was talking to somebody in the league the other day who said, you know, this might really benefit Puka, this, you know, limiting these snaps a little bit in terms of health. He's a guy that prides himself so much on the physicality he plays with. He's not enormous, right? He's not huge, but he loves to be physical and maybe this might have a healthier Pukinakua heading in for a Super bowl run. You mentioned with Stafford, too, and I think they're right near the top of the league in terms of play action under center, bootlegs under center. That stuff has been really, really working well. For them, them versus Jared Goff. Is this still a thing or are we past this? I mean, I was. They both had 49 quarterback wins in two division titles since this trade. We obviously know the Rams got a Super bowl, but is this still a thing, this trade with these two quarterbacks?
- [30:58]
Nate Atkins
I think in a historical way, they're always going to be linked just because of the rarity of trading one starting quarterback for another starting quarterback. And they're both quite good. And then really it became a pretty much a win. Win for both teams, if you think about where they were at the time. So the Rams got a Super bowl out of it, obviously, and. But the Lions and I covered that team just a couple years before that trade. That was about as hopeless as a franchise could be where their star quarterback doesn't want to be there. It's a total rebuild. Usually when you're a bad team and you're searching for a quarterback, I mean, those teams stay bad for a long time. But all of a sudden, the Lions in a couple of years are a perennial playoff team. And so it's not a thing within. I don't think it's a thing as much within the players, the locker room, the coaching staff, they. They all have a lot of respect here for what Jared Goff brought them when he was here, and then they're happy to see him succeed elsewhere, but they don't. You know, they're. They're not regretting anything about what they did to go get Matthew Stafford, especially with the season that he's having and those two guys having covered Stafford. And I've talked to Jared a little bit. I don't think those are guys that read a lot into that. And, you know, there were a lot of emotions at the time. I know Jared Goff felt like he was just kind of cast aside, and there was a lot more excitement for Stafford, and that's when the Lions were rebuilding. But that's. That's become his team in Detroit and they're putting up seasons that they haven't for half a century with him. So I think he's very happy over there. And Stafford certainly is having the most fun he's ever had he here. And so it's more of kind of a fun thing to think about just the way that two teams found a new path by just swapping their quarterbacks. But I don't. I don't think it. There's animosity or anything too much more beyond that.
- [32:46]
James Palmer
Yeah, I think it's just be something we're going to Always focus on in terms of just seeing what the success is with both. Because it's, such as you said, a rare trade when we flip it to the defensive side of the ball and you look at Jameer Gibbs, who might be the most electric player and explosive player in the league right now with what he's doing with the football in his hands. What do you see the Rams doing? Trying to limit him now, they've been good against the run. So, you know, as. As a team this season, I think 3.9 yards a carry have only given up four rushing touchdowns this season. I think that's the fewest in the NFL. Is it. Is there a thought of we have to focus, though, also on him as a pass catcher, him out of the backfield. The other. What's the approach to stopping Jameer Gibbs?
- [33:27]
Nate Atkins
Yeah, it's going to be tricky because, you know, there have been a couple games now that Christian McCaffrey has really got them as a receiving back when the 49ers have been to force the Rams to play two linebackers. That's not the strength of this team, is to try and cover with their linebackers, at least on players as good as that. And so what the Rams want to do is they want to live in dime and nickel personnel. It's gotten a little harder because they don't have Quinton Lake, who I think is actually their best defensive player. He was big in terms of communicating and setting those matchups and then adding to the coverage. And so it is a challenge this week because also, you know, they've got David Montgomery on Detroit where they can just slam him up the middle. And if they can create. The Lions can create a balance between making them tackle David Montgomery and stay on the field and then throwing to Jameer Gibbs, you know, that's going to work pretty well. So the Rams have really been a good run defense this year. They don't really give up anything explosive at all. But I do think if you can and if you can use one of those running backs leaking out into a receiver situation, I think that's. That's probably your best chance to use that position. To the Rams detriment?
- [34:41]
James Palmer
Yeah, for sure. And so it's something I kind of have my on real quick. Are they doing anything differently with these two games in five days is as big as they are. Did they do any prep beforehand? You know what I mean? Sometimes you don't ever want to admit it as a staff, but we were working a little bit. I know the second one is a divisional game so you oftentimes know a lot about that opponent. But what's the approach here with these two?
- [35:03]
Nate Atkins
So they went through a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, which is something they normally do at some point later in the season. But this felt like the perfect time to do it just because they've got two games in five days and one of those is a trip to Seattle and we know how difficult that is and how important that game is going to be. So they're giving a few more rest days to guys that otherwise, you know, aren't really battling injuries, but just could use a little bit of time off. I think they embrace the fact that once they get through that stretch, it's a mini by, you know, before they really a long mini buy because they'll play Thursday against Seattle and then not until Monday night against the Falcons. And so it's really getting through that. So they activated or they're planning to activate two two Atwell from injured reserve. That gives them one more fresh option that they can add to this 13 personnel approach and just really kind of load manage everyone. But it's also tough because they have to do everything they can to win these games. They're going to be very difficult games and they're going to have to, you know, use their best players and their best plans. So it's, it's really challenged the coaching staff to come up with a plan that's a little different, especially going up against Seattle second time matching up against that team. And Seattle's defense gave them quite a few problems actually in the passing game last time they got through because they intercepted Sam Donald four times. But going into Seattle that that's less likely to be the path this time. So they just know as a coaching staff, they have to put together their best plan to use a wide range of these players and in a way that doesn't overextend, overexert any of them, but also can obviously go and win those games because it just feels like this NFC west race is going to come down to that Rams Seahawks second matchup.
- [36:50]
James Palmer
Yeah, it's going to be fascinating to watch. Many people believe this is the best team in football. So we're all, you know, keeping an eye on what happens over the next five days. Nate, appreciate it. Thank you. We'll have you back soon.
- [36:59]
Nate Atkins
All right, thank you.
- [37:01]
James Palmer
All right, Coming up on Scoop City, we have Jake Seeley joining us. He always brings a list to me. I'm bringing a list to him. My favorite Rivers. What are they? Stay tuned to find out have you ever heard of Gold Belly? It's this amazing site that honestly, I do order from all the time. It's where you can get the most iconic famous foods from restaurants all across the US and they will ship it anywhere across the country. It's perfect for hosting loved ones. It's a truly magical. I'm not just exaggerating with these adjectives, by the way. Unforgettable gift making this holiday season. One that you'll talk about for years. Gold Belly can ship really show stopping meals from the country's best steakhouses to iconic Joe's Stone Crab in Miami. Oh my gosh, I love that place. And I can't get enough the famous desserts like the Christmas pie cake and Martha Stewart's incredible cakes. You can get them sent right to your door again anywhere in this country. And why am I saying this? Because the holidays really are the perfect time for this legendary gift of legendary flavors with something like, you know, Junior's cheesecake from New York City. Listen, I cover the NFL, so I am away from my family during the holidays. It's either Thanksgiving and I'm on my own and it's Christmas and oftentimes maybe I have my family, but I don't have my parents. And my mom loves to make me feel close to her around her favorite holiday of Christmas. Why not send a Dubai chocolate cake to me which she has done in the past and has changed my Christmas day with my family easily. And it's. I'm getting just unbelievable quality sent to my house. Just it just arrives and I'm having cake. It's as simple as that. And she knocks it out of the park. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for anyone on your list or you want to impress your friends and family with an unforgettable meal, make hosting a breeze maybe this holiday season. Go to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with the promo code Scoop. That's goldbelly.com code Scoop for 20% off your first order.
- [39:04]
Michelle Bernstein
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can be unpredictable.
- [39:07]
James Palmer
I had joint pain and I couldn't move like I used to. I needed relief.
- [39:13]
Michelle Bernstein
I got Cosentyx.
- [39:15]
James Palmer
It helped me move better.
- [39:17]
Cosentyx Representative
Cosentyx Secukenumab is prescribed for people 2 years of age and older with active surgery. Psoriatic arthritis. Don't use if you're allergic to Cosentyx before starting get checked for tuberculosis. An increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur like tuberculosis or other serious bacterial fungal or viral infections. Some were fatal. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms like fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough had a vaccine or planned to. Or if inflammatory bowel disease symptoms develop or worsen, serious allergic reactions and severe eczema like skin reactions may occur. Learn more at 1-844-cosentyx or cosentyx.com.
- [39:58]
James Palmer
Ask your rheumatologist about Cosentyx.
- [40:03]
Michelle Bernstein
You know you've reached peak couple energy when your undies Match me. Undies Match me has you both covered literally in super soft, ultra modal undies, socks, PJs and loungewear. Festive prints. Check. Cozy vibes. Double check. And right now, it's deal season. Get up to 50% off site wide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Take your couple game to the next level with Meundies Match Me. To get deals up to 50% off, go to Meundies.com acast Enter promo code acast that's me. Undies code acast.
- [40:47]
James Palmer
Welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. That means Jake Seeley's gonna join us and we're gonna talk about some fantasy football. Even though I am no longer in the postseason, I did not make the playoffs. The goal line was a big issue for me. James Cook, Isaiah likely with the drop. It was. It's over, Jake. It makes me not want to play next year and then when the draft time comes around and I'll play again.
- [41:08]
Jake Seeley
Your biggest issue is everybody should be playing doubleheaders against the median. So your second score. Because it sounds like a lot of those weeks you would have been solidly in the playoffs if not for that.
- [41:18]
James Palmer
Nobody scored more points again. Nobody had more points against than me, which obviously you can't do anything, so.
- [41:22]
Jake Seeley
You have a bad defense is what you're telling me.
- [41:24]
Nate Atkins
You're the Bengals?
- [41:25]
James Palmer
Yeah, of course I'm the Bengals. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Virtually non existent. Same thing. All right. You usually come to us with a list. Yeah, I'm coming to you with a list today. Okay. Philip Rivers has come out of retirement. I'm not sure if anybody's told you about this, but he's 44 years old, Jake. Oh, you have. Okay. He's come out of retirement, so I'm gonna give you my 10 favorite rivers. Okay. Are you ready? Yes. Okay. Number 10, the Amazon. Okay.
- [41:57]
Jake Seeley
I mean, that feels like it has to be like higher immediately, but keep going.
- [42:02]
James Palmer
Number nine, the Nile. Maybe I'm biased, but number eight is the Colorado River.
- [42:08]
Joe Biscalia
Okay.
- [42:09]
James Palmer
Because I've rafted it Floated it, whitewater rafted it. It's a favorite river of mine. Okay, that's number eight. Number seven, riverboat gambling. Think it's a really good time when you get on the. When you get like. You're like, I'm on land, but I'm not really on land. Riverboat gambling. That's number seven. Okay, Number six, a little film that takes place on a river starring Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon and John C. Reilly. River Wild. I believe the kid from Jurassic Park's also in it. River Wild is a tremendous caper movie on a river which you very rarely see in Meryl Streep. Dynamite River. Okay, okay. Number five, Lazy rivers. Is there anything more fun than a lazy river? Just chill and enjoying Lazy river.
- [42:54]
Jake Seeley
I saw a video where you can do that in Hawaii down the mountain and it takes you through caves. It's a lazy river that goes down the mountain.
- [43:02]
James Palmer
Like a real life lazy river. Not like. Yeah, yeah, like where the jets are moving you around and then a kid gets off his raft and he gets pulled blazed from his family and you save him and everybody makes you. You make you feel it.
- [43:12]
Joe Biscalia
Great.
- [43:12]
James Palmer
Okay, number four, River Phoenix. Tremendous. I was wondering if he was gonna make it. He's a top fiver. River Phoenix Stand By Me is a top movie for me. And I also loved him as young Indiana Joe. He was just outstanding. Number four, River Phoenix. Number three. This was a gift given back and forth between a lot of members of my family in the late 90s. That was Billy Bass, Take Me to the River. The Billy Bass thing that hung on your wall. Drop me in the water.
- [43:41]
Jake Seeley
I live in Virginia since I was 8 years old. I hate those things because they are everywhere.
- [43:48]
James Palmer
They're everywhere. Do you want to know something? I did. So my basement to go down was like, stairs go down, then a landing, then a turn and then stairs go down, right? So at that landing, I hung a Billy bass right there, which it's motion activated. So when you're in high school and all of a sudden you hear, take me to the river. Oh, you know, somebody's sneaking in, coming down the stairs to see if mom's coming down, hanging out. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [44:11]
Joe Biscalia
Okay.
- [44:12]
James Palmer
Genius, James. Number two, A River Runs Through It. I'm a huge Robert Redford fan. I think River Runs through it is an outstanding film. And number one on my favorite rivers. The compact disc, it was blue with four individuals across the front. It's still one of my favorite CD compact discs of all time. Weezer lead singer Rivers cuomo will be my number one Rivers on this list. River Como. What do you think?
- [44:41]
Jake Seeley
So good list. You're missing two.
- [44:44]
James Palmer
Okay.
- [44:46]
Jake Seeley
Old Man.
- [44:47]
James Palmer
Old Man River.
- [44:48]
Jake Seeley
Yeah. So Old Man River.
- [44:50]
James Palmer
Okay.
- [44:51]
Jake Seeley
That was the first one that came to mind to be kind of tongue in cheek, but no. River City Ransom, the video game, the one of the best early beat em ups like River City Ransom needed to.
- [45:02]
Joe Biscalia
Be on your list.
- [45:02]
James Palmer
River City Ransom. Okay. I'm making 11 after the Amazon. River City Ransom. Okay.
- [45:10]
Jake Seeley
No Danube or anything like that?
- [45:11]
James Palmer
No, no, we're just going with them. I think it's a pretty good list though. Okay, let's talk some fantasy here for people that are still participating. I had to. I thought this is a good deal.
- [45:23]
Jake Seeley
Because of Philip Rivers.
- [45:24]
Joe Biscalia
Nevermind.
- [45:24]
Jake Seeley
I was like, what made you come up with that? Yeah.
- [45:26]
James Palmer
Whoa. Okay. Are you going to be able to talk some fantasy football, Jake? Is your mind.
- [45:30]
Jake Seeley
Apparently not.
- [45:31]
James Palmer
Okay. Okay. Well, some people are in the postseason. Myself not included. But listen, who's going to lead some teams into the postseason? Playoff winners, if you will. How are we going to get to that title, Jake?
- [45:45]
Jake Seeley
Yeah. Playoff winners is what you should have done. You got to do that voice with it. We're talking playoffs. There you go. That was a good one. I'll give you two and then we'll pause because I know where the next two are going. But the two that I think that might be on roster that people might be hesitating to use. The first is a running back, Woody Marks. Woody Marks has been somebody I've been a fan of since came out of college, wondering what the Texans were doing all year long. But as you saw Demeka Ryan's during their buys, like they're not rookies anymore. I guess buys is what makes players not rookies anymore. But whatever it's been over the last four weeks, 21 touches a game. Nick Chubb just got banged up. His yards after contact percentage is higher than Bijan Robinson and Travion Henderson. Now I'm not saying Woody Marks is better than them or even in the conversation, to be honest. It just kind of gives you an idea of what he's been doing even behind that offensive line. And it's got the second best schedule. The Texans down the stretch for running back, specifically with the Cardinals, Raiders and Chargers. So love some Woody Marks. If you got here with him, you can trust him. And then at wide receiver, since the day he came back, I was telling people on waivers, pick him up. He performed. People were still hesitant because they had been disappointed by him in the past and like pick him up, pick him up, pick him up. And people finally have picked him up enough. But you can also start him in the playoffs. Christian Watts, like I know like I said years before, people were like, oh my gosh, I just wish Christian Washington could be what we wanted to be. He is what you want him to be. And I know people are worried about the Broncos this week, but twofold. Jaden Reed just came back. Which as you, I mean you well know, everybody knows. But I really liked what I thought would happen and did happen with Jaden Reed is that he kind of filled the Tucker Craft void more than anything. That intermediate to solve things up downfield. Yep. And then we know how good Patrick Swift. Like I know people are hesitant this week, but what we also know is that big wide receivers, 6 4, 200 plus pounds Christian Watson can sometimes, especially with their speed, get behind. Certain it doesn't happen all the time, but I'm bringing it up just to say that I'm not concerned about him this week, but especially after this week. He's got the best two game set of schedules for wide receivers in the final two weeks. So Christian Watson, maybe you're hesitant this week, but if you have that buy even better in the next two weeks after that, keep him in your lineup, not you.
- [47:53]
James Palmer
And I don't even know if Sir Tan travels with him the whole game.
- [47:55]
Nate Atkins
Honestly, that's a really good point too.
- [47:58]
James Palmer
Yeah, exactly. With the way the the packers are built. Okay, then let's go with saboteurs. Saboteurs. I like this guys.
- [48:09]
Jake Seeley
That might send you down the river. There you go.
- [48:14]
James Palmer
Bodies floating. Bloated bodies in the river.
- [48:16]
Nate Atkins
Bloated bodies.
- [48:17]
Jake Seeley
That makes a really good site in your mind. Tony Pollard just came off a huge game. But I will caution people because Tony Pollard last year with all the touches was barely an RB2. This year before we got Tajie Spears back, barely an RB2. It was his first double digit score since week five. He has one of the worst schedules for running backs with the 49ers, Chiefs and Saints on top of it because it's the Titans offense. His four goal line carries the entire season and has converted just two of them. I mean I guess 50% is not the worst rate in the world, but the four goal line opportunities is. It was one of the two of four. The four is the big thing and a quarterback. Now I could look stupid after this game against the Commanders but the biggest thing about Jackson Dart that I'm hesitant with is that before and we knew this 46% of his value came from rushing. And of that 46%, almost 60% was from the rushing touchdowns. And he had 11% design rushing yards. And so I'm bringing that up to say this is that I know who Jackson Dart is the player. Like, I'm not just going to throw a bunch of metrics at everybody. But in that first game, back zero design rushes, no touchdowns, 20 yards on the ground. If they're going to do this to him for the rest of the season, it's going to be bad for us in fantasy now, maybe they just wanted to do that first game back the by. They see the commanders and they open up the doors again. I want to see it before I trust him. Just because we know that Dart is only going to throw maybe 200 yards and a touchdown. He needs to be able to do it on the ground. And if he's not, he's going to kill you in the fantasy playoffs.
- [49:47]
James Palmer
Saboteurs.
- [49:48]
Jake Seeley
Saboteurs.
- [49:50]
James Palmer
It's like that, like, shiny object right there. You're like, he can do it. But it's like Jake tells you why you might want to go elsewhere.
- [49:58]
Jake Seeley
He's Giants. Daniel Jones, right now.
- [50:00]
James Palmer
Whoa. Giants. Want to hear that, man.
- [50:05]
Jake Seeley
I said right now, right now.
- [50:07]
James Palmer
Okay.
- [50:08]
Nate Atkins
Right now, right now.
- [50:09]
James Palmer
There it is. Do you feel upset that I did a list and you didn't do a list, or did you know, I actually.
- [50:14]
Jake Seeley
Appreciated because it was perfect timing because I'm going to see John Cena's final match on Saturday. So I did the top 10 WWE matches since John Cena debuted in 2000. So I knew you had nothing.
- [50:24]
James Palmer
So nothing to contribute to that at all. Absolutely nothing to contribute to that. I appreciate it. That's why we did the most perfect timing with that. I appreciate it. Yeah. All right. Next Thursday, I'll do my favorite tributaries and reservoirs.
- [50:38]
Joe Biscalia
Will.
- [50:39]
James Palmer
Will be where we head.
- [50:40]
Jake Seeley
No Deltas. Throw some of those in there.
- [50:42]
James Palmer
Yeah, Our favorite Deltas. Yeah. I didn't even have the Mississippi on that. What do you think about that?
- [50:47]
Jake Seeley
It's overrated.
- [50:48]
James Palmer
It's America's. Yeah, I think it's overrated, too. Yeah. It killed my boy Jeff Buckley. I'm not a fan of that.
- [50:53]
Joe Biscalia
Okay.
- [50:53]
James Palmer
Coming up on Scoop City, finishing this out on a Thursday. I'm gonna tell you what's going on inside the Chiefs facility as they are hanging on at, I won't say their record, trying to get into postseason. More Scoop City. Coming up.
- [51:09]
Michelle Bernstein
Take control of the numbers and supercharge your small business with Xero. That's X E R O With our easy to use accounting software with automation and reporting features, you'll spend less time on manual tasks and more time understanding how your business is doing. 87% of surveyed U.S. customers agree. Zero helps improve financial visibility. Search Xero with an x or visit xero.comacast to start your 30 day free trial. Conditions apply. Dashing through the store, Dave's looking for a gift.
- [51:42]
James Palmer
One you can't ignore.
- [51:44]
Michelle Bernstein
But not the socks he picked.
- [51:45]
James Palmer
I know, I'm putting them back.
- [51:46]
Michelle Bernstein
Hey Dave, here's a tip.
- [51:48]
James Palmer
Put scratchers on your list.
- [51:49]
Jake Seeley
Oh, scratchers.
- [51:50]
Nick Cosmetor
Good idea.
- [51:51]
Michelle Bernstein
It's an easy shopping trip.
- [51:53]
James Palmer
We're glad we could assist. Thanks random singing people.
- [51:56]
Michelle Bernstein
So be like Dave this holiday and give the Gift of Play Scratchers from the California Lottery.
- [52:02]
James Palmer
A little play can make your day. Please play responsibly. Must be 18 years or older to.
- [52:08]
Michelle Bernstein
Purchase play or claim we spend a third of our lives in bed, so why settle for ordinary sheets? Miracle made sheets use NASA inspired silver infused fabric to keep you cool, clean and comfortable all night long. The silver naturally fights bacteria so your sheets stay fresher up to three times longer. That means fewer washes, clearer skin and better sleep. They're soft, breathable and built to last. An affordable luxury that actually delivers. It's not magic, it's science inspired by innovation, designed for everyday life. Because sometimes the simplest upgrades make the biggest difference this Christmas, upgrade your sleep or give the gift of better rest. Go to trymiracle.com clean to try miracle made sheets today you'll save over 40% and when you use promo code clean, you'll get an extra 20% off plus a free three piece towel set. You know what's faster than your paycheck? Literally everything. It's time to get your pay up to speed with Earn in. You can access your paycheck pay as you work instead of waiting days and weeks for a paycheck. Get up to $150 a day with max of $750 between paydays. No interest, no credit checks and no mandatory fees. Because hey, it's your money. Download the Earn in app now to get it and join millions of people making any day payday. That's ear n I n Earnin is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Expedited transfers available for a fee. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit Earnin.com for full details.
- [53:49]
James Palmer
The College Football Playoff bracket is set. After a roller coaster of a season, the final 12 will thrash it out to make January's national championship game. And the Audible, the Athletics dedicated college football podcast, led by Bruce Feldman, Stuart Mandel and Ralph Rousseau, will cover every blade of grass on the field. Who have you guys got to go all the way? I know who I got. Oh, baby. Go Bucks.
- [54:14]
Jake Seeley
All right.
- [54:15]
James Palmer
Welcome back to Scoop City on a Thursday. James Palmer here with you as we close things out, I mentioned what's going on with the Chiefs. What are they thinking right now as they sit at a record of 6 and 7? Stop. Listen, I want to take you inside the facility a little bit as talking to some sources there, because right now where things stand is a place that we've never seen in the Patrick Mahomes era. We already know that they are not going to win the division, which they've done every single year all seven years that Patrick Mahomes has been a starter. We now will have a different team, whether it's the Broncos most likely right now or the Chargers will win the AFC West. Now, Mahomes has been to the AFC Championship game in every single season he's been a starter. That's all seven seasons. That's at least the AFC Championship Game. That could still be in play, but a lot of things need to happen for that to still be in play. Right now, they have a 14% chance of making the postseason. They lose to the Chargers, that drops to a 1% chance. They win out the rest of their games. That's about a 50% chance, but they need some help. Why is it dropped to a 1% chance? Because right now we could be having a show on Scoop City with Chase, Daniel and Diane Orsini and myself, and we're breaking down. For the first time ever in this Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs have been eliminated from the postseason. Now they can be eliminated with a loss to the Chargers, a Bills win, and two of these three teams get wins, the Texans, Colts and Jaguars. That's very realistic because a lot of those teams are playing very, very good football. And that would eliminate the Kansas City Chiefs. So what is the mindset inside this building right now? Well, I was texting with a couple of sources and this one quote was brought to me and I thought it was brilliant. It said, I'm told we have a hopeful depression right now inside the building that we still know that we have a chance, but obviously chances are very slim and we know we could be playing better with the talent we have. So there is a, quote, hopeful depression. What's exactly gone wrong during this time period? Well, I was told it's really kind of like we're a band, maybe a rock band, maybe a jazz band. I don't know what type of music you listen to, but say a band with many pieces and oftentimes when a band sounds really good, they're all playing in the same rhythm, they're all playing together, they're all playing on the same beat. I was told we're not playing like a band that's on its same beat. We have a lot of talented musicians, but we are not playing within rhythm. We are not playing together in that sense, if we do find a way to start playing in rhythm, they still believe they could win a Super bowl this year. That's how talented they think they are. So that's the mindset within the Chiefs building. Andy Reid still believes hope is an extremely important thing, and I think they believe that they have some veterans, that this might be it for them. And I know they want to play for them as well. So we'll see what happens with the Kansas City Chiefs. But the fact that there's a realistic path for them to be eliminated from the Postseason in Week 15 is just something we've never seen before. And so we're going to keep an eye on it and we're going to see if that band can continue to, I don't know, find its way. And if they do, we'll see. If they don't, well, they'll have some more gigs in 2026. All right. I want to thank everybody who's been a part of Scoop City on a Thursday. James Palmer, that's myself, Joe Biscalia, Nick Cosmeter and Nate Atkins joined us as well as Jake Seeley. Everybody, enjoy your week 15 of football. Keep an eye on that scenario I mentioned about the Kansas City Chiefs.
- [57:38]
Michelle Bernstein
Mic check one two. Are we recording? Hi, I'm Michelle Bernstein, an award winning chef, restaurateur and mom. I have a lot on my plate, including my psoriatic arthritis symptoms. That's why I was prescribed Cosentyx. It helps me move better.
- [57:56]
Cosentyx Representative
Cosentix Secukenumab is prescribed for for people 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis. Don't use if you're allergic to Cosentyx. Before starting, get checked for tuberculosis. An increased risk of infections and lowered ability to fight them may occur like tuberculosis or other serious bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Some were fatal. Tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms like fevers, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough, had a vaccine or planned to or if inflammatory bowel disease symptoms develop or worsen, serious allergic reactions and severe eczema like skin reactions may occur. Learn more at 1-844-cosentyx or cosentyx.com Ask.
- [58:33]
Michelle Bernstein
Your rheumatologist about Cosentyx.
- [58:38]
James Palmer
You may have heard that your home equity was off limits, but more and more people are using it to reach their goals. A home Equity investment from HomeTap gives you cash in exchange for a share of your home's future value. And you can use it for anything from paying down debt to making renovations to handling emergency expenses, all without monthly payments. HomeTap get more from homeownership get more from life visit hometap.com to see if you pre qualify in seconds. That's hometap.com subject to eligibility Terms and conditions apply.
- [59:07]
Michelle Bernstein
You know you've reached peak couple energy when your undies match Meundies Match Me has you both covered, literally, in super soft ultra modal undies, socks, PJs and loungewear. Festive prints? Check. Cozy vibes? Double check. And right now, it's deal season. Get up to 50% off site wide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Take your couple game to the next level with Meundies Match Me. To get deals up to 50% off, go to Meundies.com acast Enter promo code acast that's Meundies.com acast code acast Imagine.
- [59:49]
James Palmer
The impact when everyone gets the right tool for the job.
- [59:51]
Nick Cosmetor
That's Odoo.
- [59:52]
Cosentyx Representative
Every app is designed to be easy.
- [59:54]
James Palmer
To use, so employees spend less time learning the software and more time doing their jobs.
- [59:59]
Nick Cosmetor
Experience true speed.
- [60:00]
James Palmer
Reduce data entry with smart AI and a fast UI.
- [60:03]
Nick Cosmetor
Check out odoo@odoo.com that's o d o o dot com.