Scoop City: Inside the NFL

Episode: Will the #2 Seed be Chicago's Best Chance at a Super Bowl Appearance?

Hosts: James Palmer (JP), Chase Daniel (CD)
Date: January 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the high-stakes of NFL Week 18, where playoff seeding and division titles hang in the balance. The hosts analyze quarterback performances—especially Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold—debate the importance of Chicago securing the #2 seed, and tackle the questions surrounding Jalen Hurts, Caleb Williams, and the postseason outlooks for the Rams, Bills, Packers, and more.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Week 18 Stakes and Key Storylines (02:03)

• Main focus: Number one seed battles in both the NFC and AFC, especially the NFC West (Seahawks vs. 49ers).
• Other themes: What really matters in Week 18 for playoff teams; possible future directions for organizations not in contention.

2. NFC West Showdown: Sam Darnold vs. Brock Purdy (04:47)

• CD's Take on Darnold vs. Purdy (05:31):

  • Brock Purdy gets the edge for his gameplay and resilience amid numerous injuries to the 49ers.
  • Sam Darnold applauded for his comeback and 13-win stat with two teams, but criticized for turnovers:

    “He’s turned the ball over a lot, though, this year. 14, just interceptions, a lot of fumbles... they’re winning despite him.” —Chase Daniel (05:43)

  • Kyle Shanahan termed a Coach of the Year candidate for what he’s managed with “this injury-laden team.”

• Purdy’s Progress and Hidden Talents (06:35, 09:36):

  • Purdy's anticipation and “layered throws” are highlighted as his superpower.
  • He's adding manipulation of defenses and “not really throwing blind, but manipulating defenses a lot more than maybe he has in the past.” —CD (09:47)
  • Increased arm strength and range: Purdy is throwing more to the “field” (outside the numbers).

• Purdy's Personality and Locker Room Leadership (12:45):

  • Noted uptick in confidence and “swag,” which energizes the team.
  • “When you got your quarterback out there doing the Dougie and has two rushing touchdowns, like, tell me you’re not going to play your heart out for that guy.” —CD (13:04)

3. The Fight for the NFC #2 Seed: Bears and Caleb Williams, Philly’s Troubles (13:22)

• Caleb Williams’ Growth and Playoff Potential (17:04):

  • Praised for composure in big moments (six come-from-behind 4th/qtr wins).
  • “He’s really comfortable in these situations... it’s not too big for him.” —CD (17:21)
  • Despite missing top targets at times, Williams keeps the Bears dangerous.
  • Williams’ arm strength potentially "up there with the strongest in the NFL.” —CD, referencing Daniel Jeremiah (19:19)

• Eagles’ Offensive Concerns (14:23):

  • Jalen Hurts wins, but offense lacks excitement; cited for games with zero second-half completions.
  • “He has won two games this year without completing a pass in the second half. How, maybe that’s the most impressive aspect of all this.” —JP (14:35)
  • Philadelphia’s struggles: highest three-and-out rate in the league (29.2%), problems on first down set up “second and long, then that leads to third and long.”
  • CD isn’t worried about Philly’s postseason, credits their defense for being the true backbone.

4. Other Key Division/Seeding Races (20:44)

NFC South Chaos

• Panthers, Bucs, Falcons: Complex scenarios for playoff clinches, with coaching staff jobs on the line in Atlanta.

AFC North Decider: Ravens vs. Steelers (21:57)

• Possible Coaching Changes?
  • Speculation on the futures of Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh if their teams lose, including possible shifts to TV:

    “...everybody would be clamoring for Mike Tomlin to be a part of the broadcast.” —JP (23:08)

• Game Analysis:
  • Ravens need to “just give [Derrick Henry] the ball. Forty carries, like, this is a winner-go-home game.” —CD (21:57)
  • Steelers' offense struggles for explosivity, especially without DK Metcalf; reliance on tight ends diminished due to injuries.
  • Chase questions how Steelers will score:

    “If the Ravens defense comes to play, like, I just don’t know how many points the Steelers are going to score.” —CD (25:20)

  • Ravens defense has improved drastically since early-season struggles: “arguably the best third down defense in football.” —JP (26:11)

5. New Year’s Resolutions for Bubble Teams (29:08)

Los Angeles Rams

• Resolution: Cut down turnovers, especially from Matthew Stafford.
• Early hot streak contrasted by recent struggles (“...they got going early in the year. Then as the playoffs are here, they're sort of starting to struggle a little bit more.” —CD (31:17))
• Injuries and missing red zone threats (Davante Adams off the field) are hurting late-season identity.

Buffalo Bills

• Resolution: Find someone other than Josh Allen to step up and “take over the game.”
• Allen’s off-script magic is uncontainable, but in-structure play is less feared by opposing defensive coaches.
• “Josh Allen... feels the pressure to be perfect every single game. And more often than not, he has been. But when he’s not, someone else needs to step up.” —CD (34:12)
• CD highlights the importance of “not getting bored with check-downs,” referencing Tom Brady as the gold standard for patience (36:46).

Green Bay Packers

• Resolution: Consistency on both sides of the ball.
• Packers “look unstoppable” on paper, but have had trickiness and inconsistency, particularly in periods with key injuries.
• “It took a long time to find who they were... they know who they are. That's a run-first team.” —CD (38:16)
• Defensive changes after the loss of Micah Parsons, more blitzes and simulated pressure (38:51).

Malik Willis Free Agency Discussion (39:49)

• CD and JP discuss Malik Willis as a top free agent QB—he’s shown growth and could get a bridge starter-style offer in free agency.

  “He is going to get paid for sure. He's the top free agent quarterback in my opinion.” —CD (39:49)

6. Light-Hearted Close: New Year’s Traditions (44:58)

• Both hosts agree New Year's is “overrated” in adulthood.
• Chase Daniel's family doesn’t stay up late for the ball drop; James Palmer reflects on the challenge of working NFL duty on New Year’s Day.
• “If the wife says it’s overrated, then we’re good... it just doesn’t hit the same anymore.” —CD (45:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Brock Purdy’s leadership:
  “When you got your quarterback out there doing the dougie and has two rushing touchdowns, like, tell me you’re not going to play your heart out for that guy.” —Chase Daniel (13:04)

• On Jalen Hurts’ unusual ‘winning ways’:
  “He has won two games this year without completing a pass in the second half. How, maybe that’s the most impressive aspect of all of this.” —James Palmer (14:35)

• On Caleb Williams’ arm strength:
  “Caleb Williams is up there for the strongest arm in the NFL after that free play touchdown to Colson Loveland. Dude, I don’t doubt that.” —Chase Daniel (19:19)

• On the Ravens/Steelers coaching future:
  “Everybody would be clamoring for Mike Tomlin to be part of the broadcast.” —James Palmer (23:08)

• On Josh Allen and 'playing boring':
  “The whole thing is like, don't go broke taking a profit. Which means... just take completion, take. At some point, you're going to get bored. And [Allen] wants to make these superman plays. That's when he's dangerous.” —Chase Daniel (36:07)

• On adult New Year’s:
  “If the wife says it’s overrated, then we’re good... it just doesn’t hit the same anymore.” —Chase Daniel (45:22)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 02:03 – Week 18 stakes and show preview
• 05:31 – Darnold vs. Purdy: who’s more impressive?
• 06:35 – Analysis of Purdy's improvement
• 09:36 – Breaking down Purdy’s “superpower” throws
• 12:45 – Purdy’s rising confidence and influence
• 13:22 – The NFC #2 seed: Eagles and Bears
• 17:21 – Caleb Williams’ composure and arm strength
• 21:57 – AFC North: Ravens vs. Steelers preview
• 29:08 – New Year’s resolutions for Rams, Bills, Packers
• 39:49 – Malik Willis free agency discussion
• 44:58 – Closing segment: New Year’s at home

Summary

This episode is a dynamic rundown of late-season NFL pivots, with rich quarterback analysis, playoff seeding scenarios, and candid team critiques. The chemistry of Palmer and Daniel keeps the insights flowing and relevant, while their expertise delivers value for even the most plugged-in NFL fans. The episode concludes with relatable banter, grounding the overall high-stakes football talk in a bit of real-world, family-focused humor.