B (2:35)

Websites as October 2025 welcome to sharper Square Presented by Hard Rock Bet. We are part of the Volume Podcast Network. This is the betting show that makes the squares sharper and makes the wise guys pay attention. I am Chad Notman. I am joined by my co host, my companion, my compadre, my bff, Professional Better Simon Hunter. Hello, Simon.

A (3:04)

Hello, Chad.

B (3:06)

Simon. I'm laughing at our intro because, boy, we did not do any of the things that we talked about in our intro this weekend. This is our wild card weekend review with a little bit of a preview of the Steelers and Texans game. We're going to be back in 18 hours to preview the entire divisional round slate. So we will sort of identify any games, sides, totals that are moving, but we're not going to go too deep on that at the end of the show. Boy. Simon, like, if I could describe our first weekend of playoff betting as a team that we thought was doing well at the end of the season and then got their asses kicked in the playoffs, who would that be right now? I mean, it was, it was, it was ball busting.

A (4:07)

Yeah. If someone here is excited to tune in to hear me. Just a beaten down man.

B (4:13)

Beaten down.

A (4:14)

This is gonna be a big Chad show. Chad, you want to talk about your wife and kids, spend 30 minutes, tell as many stories as you want. This is a bad show. I'm a defeated man. So I'm excited to get this show over with and just move on to next week.

B (4:29)

I will say I was, I was downstairs and walking up and I'm like, I feel like I'm going in for the tongue lashing that I would get from like a boss if I did a bad job or my parents, like if I screwed up something like, my mom is actually calling me right now. She's probably just pissed about how badly I did this weekend. It's fair to say that our weekend was like a cross between Matt LaFleur's second half brain freeze, the Eagles second half incompetence, the Chargers just deciding their only option was sacrificing Justin Herbert. And none of that was good enough. It was so bad that despite the Bears, despite the Hoosiers, I went to bed sad on Sunday night. It was so frustrating on Sunday afternoon. At one point I was just staring into the depths of the TV as another touchdown was scored in the Eagles Niners game. And even my wife couldn't make fun of me. That's how bad it was in the contest. We are sitting at one and three heading into our fifth and final pick of the Steelers plus three and a half. Simon as you noticed, as you said, as you intimated, we were wrong on just about every total. We were wrong on just about every side. The only underdog who hasn't covered so far in the entire playoffs is the one we actually picked in the contest, Los Angeles Chargers. This is how bad it was. Simon, you said I could talk. I'm taking advantage of your, your depression. I was emailing with my book editor this morning. He mentioned that he's 5 and oh in the contest and almost in the top 50 and I was surprised he didn't say oh, by the way, you did so badly. I'm canceling your contract. Like it was just. It's a rough weekend.

A (6:39)

Yeah. Good weekend though if you blindly bet the trends. We Talked about dogs 4 and 1 unders where they go 3 and 2 heading into tonight's game. So we overthink it like we always do and yeah, just, just a brutal run. But yeah, again we're gonna dive into all these different games. I think it's a funny week where we talk all the time. Playoffs, it's all chaos. It's a lot of toss ups. It was definitely a weekend decided by special teams. I mean we're going to go through these games. There's plenty of these games here that the kickers really decided a lot of these outcomes. So it's. I saw the best tweet I saw was something about it was an interfere with Matt LaFleur spending less time with his family and how he's like working till 1am in May. The buddy was like hey Leflore, just go home. It does not matter. You're staying in the building until 1am in May. You're going to lose because you don't have a kicker. And that's how I feel about a lot of these teams. You put so much work in and if you don't have the right special teams, it don't matter. So yeah, pretty, pretty brutal for us to start this this weekend. One and four in the contest.

B (7:41)

One and three. We got a game tonight. Our final five were the Rams minus ten and a half. Nope. Green Bay minus two and a half. Nope. San Francisco Philadelphia under 44 and a half. We did win that one, I believe.

A (7:55)

Yeah.

B (7:56)

The LA Chargers plus three and a half. Negativo. Pittsburgh plus three and a half tonight. Our last ones in were the Rams and Packers. Did not matter. The last ones out with the totals of those two games. Did not matter. We did love the Chargers Pats under two cash by about four touchdowns, but that never made it into the Contest conversation. Wild card unders have hit at a 60 clip since 2010. All games were outdoors. Reminder, tonight's game with the Steelers is outdoors. That line did move down from 39 and a half. I think it's holding about 38 and a half. But hopefully people bet it because we did talk about earlier in the week or maybe you're fading us at this point. We wouldn't, you know, we wouldn't blame you. Los Angeles Rams -10 and a half of Carolina. You tried to warn me, brother. I made us put this one in. I own it. Shame on me. The gods gave us a chance to enjoy another bet on the Panthers and I freaking blew it. I was checking Twitter because when you're in pain, that's the best thing to do. And someone tweeted, chad Simon tried to warn you a thousand different ways. But I gotta tell you, it started exactly like we hoped. You know, the scratch, the ramp square early off of the two path or miscues. But this is what's going on. Like the, the disastrous last 90 seconds of the Rams, I think is indicative of something else, which is we saw a few times yesterday, teams go forward and fourth down in their own, like in the five yard line or left the opponent, and when they don't convert, it kills their momentum. And this is. That was the turning point for the game for the Rams. That was it. After that it was like a, a battle, one battle after another.

A (9:45)

Yeah, I just hated this game as a week went along and you know, the, the big theory for me, the big thought, I guess would be just all the stats information we had about how basically, you know, these big bad wolves during the regular season, when it comes playoff time, it just, it's always close games and 10 and a half is a ton of points to cover in a playoff game. And again, I don't hate the bet, but all the other outside stuff freaked me out. And the biggest one was just going to be, will the refs make these games close? And again, I have tons of opinions on the refs. People know these things. But this game really was the ref.

B (10:21)

Oh my God.

A (10:22)

Carolina, I mean, they kept, you know, I think it was a third and three. They called a pass interference in the end zone, put the ball in the one. And you know, Bryce Young, he was kind of puttering a little bit midway through the second third quarter and, you know, took a deep shot. Wasn't even PI. They called it anyway. And that kind of sparked something. I mean, he just, you know, Bryce Young, we've seen it when he gets into a little bit of a rhythm, he's a really talented quarterback. So, yeah, Panthers fans, I'd be really excited. It looks like you have a guy that in the biggest moment, which is the playoffs, he showed up big, made some big time throws. So yeah, bad bet, didn't deserve to cover it at all. And this Rams team, like all of us, you know, we've said it all year, great offense, but my God, is that defense bad? Like they are just one or two corners short, it looks like. So be interesting if they can make a Super bowl run having such a bad defense. We've seen it time and time again, right? It's all about the quarterback play. So they can overcome it like they did in this game, right? Stafford, incredible last two minute drive, you know, gets them to 34 points on the road in a playoff game. Like that was really impressive by Stafford. They needed it just because, like I said, Bryce Young, he drove that field and scored that touchdown. I don't know about you, but I was like, my God, Bryce Young just stole this game. But yeah, Stafford, a composed veteran, drove the field and won this game. So yeah, it's a bad, bad bet by us. Even worse. All these games, I was told there was rain. I don't think it even rained once in this entire game. So as bad as we had, what are we, one and three this week, these weather people, the weather forecasters were worse. Over a hundred this week. I don't think there was a rain or snow in any game they predicted. Just every game was perfect weather, clear skies. I think the only thing we had was it was cold for the Bears game. As if that mattered anyway. So, yeah, this, this game, totally missed. Read on the under. It went over for like at halftime.

B (12:14)

Yeah, it was, it was gross and disgusting. You're not wrong about the refs. The Rams were penalized nine times in this game. They were the least penalized team in the NFL this year, right? Nine times they were penalized in this game. And look, you're talking about that, that PI like it's, it's. They're up 17 7. The Rams, they recover a fumble in the Panthers territory instead of the easy field goal they go for on 4th. Don't convert immediately after. Panthers get a long PI for a completion. Young scramble. Long PI, long completion. Young scrambles for a touchdown instead of 20 to 7 and 17, 14. And then puka drops a touchdown pass just before the end of the half. Puka doesn't drop anything. He drops in his hands a touchdown pass. That's when I was like dead bet. Time to move on. Rams just played with their food. It's so interesting to me and this was a common theme. We'll talk about this next with the packers and the Bears. Like teams bad habits show up and are accentuated the most in the playoffs. And we thought the Rams would be perfect in this game and that's how they would cover the 10 and a half but they played with their food. It's what they've done with what we talked about was their Achilles heel. Still, Matthew Stafford snatched their hearts. Did hurt his finger though. Green Bay at Chicago. Green Bay was a two and a half point favorite. Like this was a late change and another one we were cruising making up for the debacle that was the Rams and I was willing to to sacrifice the Bears because Indiana had me so happy. Fate intervened, Simon and I, I was forced to make an emotional commitment and so I had to and like at some point I just turned and I'm like, I don't care about the bet. I get what I deserve on the bet. I'm on the Bears. I love the Bears. Go.

A (14:29)

Now the real question is did you take them live as opposed. No, I took them live. I think at half they were 17 and a half points spread and it might have been 10 to one or 11 to one on the money line. And it honestly I made the bet thinking there's no way it's going to happen. But just in case it does and you know, K does something crazy in the fourth quarter, I want to at least have some money on this. And you know, I think it was 21 to 6, three minutes left in third quarter and I think the next clip you put up is it's like 21:9 with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Just all these numbers that keep putting up on the screen of like, oh, it's impossible. The bears thinking their 100 year history never came back for more than down five points in the playoffs. And yeah, Caleb scored 25 points in the fourth quarter. Doesn't even sound real to say that really did happen. And you know, the kicker for Green Bay, again, I'm not going to put too much on him but at the end of the day that's yeah, you can blame the defense. They were exhausted at that point. The Green Bay defense had no legs left. It's all about the kicker. You miss two field goals, an extra point in a game in which you know you should have won a thousand times over, it just totally shifted everything. I think your guys Kicker was perfect. I think he went through field goals, didn't miss an extra point, and at the end of the day, that's what decided the game. So, yeah, Green Bay, I know if you're a fan, you want to fire the floor right now. What does he throw?

B (15:58)

Don't do it.

A (15:59)

Yeah, exactly. I, I wouldn't do it unless, you know, you're getting horrible or something like that. Maybe I could lie to myself, but he's such a great offensive mind. He, he knows what he needs to work on, right? He needs to work on how to manage a lead and that this whole season, like you said, there are ugly warts popped up. What? They have five straight three and outs. Whatever it was, it was a debacle how they treated that second half. Like Jordan Love, you know, threw for over 300 yards, four touchdowns. You shouldn't be losing that game. No turnovers. I mean, Caleb, first two turnovers he's had, so he threw two picks. I think it was the first time he had done that since week three of his rookie year in a game like that game was playing exactly what you thought, which was okay, first time in the playoffs, it's all fat. It's too fast for Caleb right now. And it was, it was too fast for him for three quarters. And then once he settled down, they started running that, you know, prevent defense. He got into a groove. I mean, that, the Loveland connection between him and this tight end, man, it's crazy. 100 receiving yards for a rookie tight end. They said it was like the first time it's happened since the 80s or something like that. So, yeah, Bears fans, you're awful defense. But at the same time, why not us? Like, if I, if I was a Bears fan, I would say, why not us to win, make our run to the Super Bowl? You have the talent, you have the coaching. Your Achilles heel will consistently be that defense. I mean, like we said, they, they couldn't stop a cold. And then you basically forced five straight three and outs or whatever. It was like the defense, when they need to, they step up consistently. This Bears defense and you know, you lost your tackle. I don't know if you're your left tackle, your right tackle, and then you lost TJ Edwards, can they overcome that? Maybe. I mean, they've overcome everything else, but my God, what a, what an incredible win. And yeah, if you're a fan of the Bears, Caleb Williams, you just got to be seeing roses right now. Like, if it's as good as it gets, that sucks. But if I was A Bears fan. I would say this is just the beginning. Like we are. This is just the beginning of the next five to ten year run. So this could be the change of the guard. Man, the Green Bay has owned you guys for 25 years here. Maybe this is the flip chat. So I'm just excited for Bears fans. As much money as this game cost me, all you can do is laugh, right? I think the read was right. It's just playoff football happened. So at the end of the day, it was a bad bet because we lost it.

B (18:09)

Well, look, number one, unlike the, the Rams, I don't. I don't have any regrets about this bet. It was. It was 20. They had scored 27 total points. We were on the under and the packers were up by 15 points. Right. So. And the Bears had a 5% chance to win. With a quarter left in the game, there was no reason to think the Bears were going to come back and win this game and that they were going to end up scoring as many points as they did in this game. Like, this was a good bet. And the, you know, even when the Bears. I think the Bears cut it to 2116 and their odds or their percentage chance to win moved up a little bit, then the packers scored again and it's 2716, and all of a sudden the Bears are back down to 5%. And then on what will ever forever be known now as the Jumpman throw. I don't know if you saw that video from NFL Memes, but when Caleb made that miraculous Perfect pass on 4th and 8, like sideways, the way his body was composed, it's the exact silhouette of the Michael Jordan Jumpman logo. You may have missed it because all.

A (19:29)

I've done since Saturday, I missed.

B (19:32)

Oh, it's unbelievable. Like, it's the exact silhouette, the way his legs are splayed and the way his arms are out. It's the exact silhouette of the Jumpman logo. All I've done for 48 hours is watch videos of the Bears and the city of Chicago celebrating. And to your point about the rivalry, Ben Johnson just deciding to lean into it and own it. No fear. And then doing what they did against the Packers. Matt Mitchell, play this clip, because this is Caleb to me right now, understanding who he is and what he can do with this team.

A (20:09)

Yeah, they wanted us. What I heard they. They wanted in. They got it.

B (20:22)

I mean, the guy's in his. In his place right now. I'm loving the way this team is connecting with Chicago. It hurts. We lost. The bet hurts. We lost the under that was really sort of the tipping point into a really bad weekend for us. But, boy, I'm waking up as a Bears fan and I am elated.

A (20:42)

Yeah, I bet you are. As. As someone who's always disliked the way Nick Sirian has gone about his business. Ben Johnson right there with him, just unreal. I mean, that freeze frame of him with his mouth open like a 10 year old gonna shake Leflore's hand. Yeah, you love him because you're embarrassed.

B (20:58)

Oh, he's got such douche tendencies, though.

A (21:01)

And I think it's amazing, dude. Holy. To do that to that, man. But, hey, you won. You can do whatever you want when you're a winner. Like we always say, winners can do whatever they want. It's the way it goes.

B (21:12)

I don't even know where it's coming from because, you know, I saw the floor on.

A (21:16)

You know where it's coming from. I told you know, he's a psycho.

B (21:18)

I know, but I saw, like, the floor on part of my take, I think. Or. Or I think it was part of my take where they asked him. Big Cat might have asked him, like, do you even know Ben Johnson? He's like, no, I don't even know the guy. So, like, the fact that he's made it personal is just. He's a crazy division.

A (21:34)

A long time, right? From Detroit to the Bears. So I get it. Green Bay has always been the top dog, and that's. You got to take them down. So, you know Ben, like we said, he's a crazy person, but that's exactly the man you want running that Bears team.

B (21:47)

San Francisco and Philly under 44 and a half. So we were on the side here, too, but we put the under into the contest. Under 44 and a half. I mean, we barely. We barely got this one. We. We needed AJ Brown to drop that ball just to make sure there wasn't a threat. But look, this is how bad is in Philly, you know, I know you know this. I'll spare you. My older son who's in Philly, goes to school in Philly, doesn't even like sports. Texted me yesterday that he thought it was time for AJ Brown to go or the offensive coordinator to go. Then my younger son sent me a TikTok of these two dudes in Philly. It was freaking hilarious. They're like, this isn't even fair. The Niners had so many injured players, the Eagles could not properly prepare. And then I sent you that video of the. Of the kid, like, the 10 year old, who was just all Philly. He's like, this was my birthday present and it sucks. You were surprisingly quiet on the text chain the past 24 hours. So I don't know if you've been seeing anything or not.

A (22:54)

I've just, I've been dead close, Shut the blind, totally put on all the sad music. Just living into the sadness. But yeah, A.J. brown right now in Philadelphia is known by A.J. clown. He is hated right now in the city. And that's how it is. If you run your mouth, you act like the big dog and everyone has to cater to you. People have to walk on eggshells around you. You. You show up and lay that game out there. It's. My God, is that. Was that embarrassing? And in true AJ Clown fashion, he shook all his teammates hands and didn't say a word to the media. Just got out of Dodge because a man would face the media. AJ Clown is not a man. Now, AJ Brown, who is a man I'm hoping can turn it around and come back to us next year because he's. It's basically we cut them, we trade them. It's 20 million of dead cap. Yeah, I'd much rather have the cancer that is AJ Brown on the team and all of his bullshit, because when he puts it together, he's an incredible receiver, but inexcusable. Quitting on routes, those drops, all of it. You're just like, oh, my God, I can't believe how bad he was. But end of the day, as much as I want to give crap to this Eagles offense and how bad the OC is, I think they'll correct it. They'll fire the guy. I was honestly shocked by how bad Fangs was in this defense. Fangio, you know, the great coach he is, I can't believe he gave up 13 points to this 49ers team in that fourth quarter. Like, it just was shocking because the Eagles, I think they're up 1310. They felt like they were totally dominating this game, totally dominant.

B (24:26)

I kept thinking like, they're one touchdown away from giving us the COVID and shutting this down.

A (24:31)

And even then they go down to kick the field goal and it's 1610. So we are covering at that point and you know, just an incredible drive by purdy Eagles fans. Once again, we talked about the refs. They're all in their feels about the refs here and I get it. I feel like every time we got a first down, it was a holding call. And you know, this 49ers team, we've talked about how banged up they are. Trent Williams playing on one good leg. They had one penalty for 15 yards the entire game and that was that call. And I think Hertz, Hertz slid. The guy hit him. Yeah, you know, dangerous play to the head wherever it was. I mean, every play you watch, Trent Williams is literally holding guys and pulling guys back and Purdy scrambling on a play and they're holding guys and it's just, you know, you can call holds on the Eagles. We have to call it both ways. So the Eagles at home had seven, seven penalties, 48 yards. I mean, what are we doing? Is there not a home field advantage in every way? There's, you know, between all the footage and stuff I think Eagles fans are upset about, but at the end of the day, this was not a Super bowl winning team. So it sucks because to me it's just another year we wasted. And we talk all the time, you know, if you do well in life, especially in your job, you will get more grace and you can do more things you want to do. And Nick was able to hire his best friend as the offensive coordinator and it was a train wreck. This was the number two offense in all of football last year and this year they grayed out. Now I'm looking at right now it's the 20th ranked offense. So nothing's changed. I mean the Lane Johnson piece didn't help, but I've been refreshing social media all day today waiting for the news. We fired Patulu and it never happened. So I don't know, it's, it's bad vibes right now for the Seagulls team. But yeah, the 49ers, well deserving, you know, banged up team. Purdy showed up, played great and yeah, his reward is a short week now on the road and going against the.

B (26:20)

Seahawks with no Kiddle.

A (26:23)

Yeah, no Kittle.

B (26:24)

I mean it's remarkable how they've like they're playing receivers who hadn't been making catches the entire year and then they're ended up with 100 yards receiving. Like truly special game for the Niners, but the truth is until the third, until the fourth quarter, they were getting by on three big plays and the Eagles really should have just put them away. The fact they didn't on the city of Philadelphia. Interesting. Also we said about the Rams, we said about the packers, the Eagles, they came undone in the exact way they've come done undoubtedly all year. This point teams are who they are. You got to take that into account when we're doing the handicap, all these.

A (27:10)

Stats before we leave this game just because there are so many insane ones. The Eagles, Basically, they had four drops on third down against the 49ers in the wild card round. That's the most third drops the team has had in regular season and playoffs since they began tracking in 20 2006. So historical like, I mean, I know it's the day if you're a Jalen Hurts hater. Yeah, it's a great day. You just can Barry the guy and everything like that, but my God, talking about leaving a man out for dry, I couldn't believe that they had four drops on third down, which is just unheard of the last 40 seasons. Teams with zero turnovers, 35 plus minutes of possession are 282 at home in NFL history or last 40 years. The two losses, the Eagles this past Sunday to that 49ers team and the Bills in 2023 against the Chiefs.

B (27:58)

Wow.

A (27:59)

Just historical like it wasn't Patrick Mahomes coming through that door, it was Brock Purdy. So yeah, that just shows the coaching. It's. It's the big Achilles heel right now for this Eagles team. So I trust ownership. They'll do something. They just can't roll us back. And again, I, I think Nick Sierra has obviously deserved another year. But if there's guys out there like horrible, potentially a guy out there like Leflore, that's a real conversation to have. So it's going to be a really interesting next week here in Philadelphia. What's going to happen on this head coaching position?

B (28:31)

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A (30:31)

With Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app is a podcast designed for hunters and fishermen to enjoy success. I like the idea of like, hey, put me on a big deer. You know, hey, there's a big deer out here. He's doing this. Be looking for this deer. But I also love doing it on my own. I love going out there and saying, running my cameras. I love patterning the deer. I like showing up at the right time, checking the wind, knowing what stand I need to be in. And then whenever it all comes together and it happens, that's the most satisfying thing ever. So when you do it on your own, it's like, I then can hang my hat. But if I had somebody say, hey, pull up on these dots and get catch them right here and you're going to win. And then when I go in it's like, yeah, it's cool, I won the tournament. The ultimate goal is done. But it's like, dude, when you find them and you make them bite, that's the puzzle.

B (31:23)

I love it.

A (31:24)

Listen to Lines and Tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey everyone, it's Ed Helms and I'm Cal Penn and we are the hosts of Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast I am talking to film and TV critic, radio and podcast host and Harry Potter super fan Rhianna Dillon to discuss Audible's full cast adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. What moments in this audiobook capture the feeling of the magical world best for you or just stood out the most? I always loved reading about the Quidditch matches and and I think the audio really gets it because it just plunges you right into the stands. You have the crowd sounds like all around you is surround sound, especially if you're listening in headphones. Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audio Book Club on the iHeartradio app.

B (32:27)

Or wherever you get your podcasts. On June 11, 1998, a deputy from.

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing. It's an all out manhunt for John Ajay. Every search and rescue team in LA county has been called in to help. Within days, tips started flooding into the Sheriff's department.

B (32:51)

The rumor around the drug scene was that a deputy was taken care of.

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Is this the story of a man who just got lost in the desert? Or of a cover up inside the nation's largest sheriff's department?

A (33:05)

A homicide captain saying detective, do not.

B (33:09)

Find out if this guy's guilty or innocent. Who does that?

C (33:13)

Valley of Shadows a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert. Do you have any advice for us.

B (33:23)

While looking into this disappearance? I wouldn't do it alone.

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Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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B (34:02)

E standard.com all right, listen. This Miami Indiana game is being played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The fabulous, the famous Hard Rock Stadium is hosting 2026 college football championship game. The stadium is going to be rocking not too far away from the stadium. The best place to stay for my money in South Florida, the very cool Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Folks, I know this place very well. The Guitar Hotel lives up to the hype. I've stayed there, I've played there, I've wanted to move in there. Even me. Even me, the picky eater that I am. I can't avoid going all in on the good times and the Good food, full casino, and a sports book. Makes you want to skip the Florida beaches. Thanks to our friends at Hard Rock, I'm going to be in town for the Miami Indiana college football championship game on Monday. I'll be there all weekend, be roaming around the casino and the sportsbook, soaking it all in, hammering the Hoosiers on my Hard Rock Bet app. I hope to see a bunch of you down there if you're around. If you're hanging out, visit the sportsbook, come around the casino. I'm just going to be roaming around for the weekend for sure. So please, please, please say hello. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Hard Rock down there in Hollywood. All right, one more game to recap. Los Angeles Chargers plus three and a half at New England. What the fuck are we doing? We. We. We fooled ourselves. We made a big mistake. I don't know how we ended up here. We let all of the trends deceive us into believing that Justin Herbert was a playoff quarterback and this offensive line could somehow hold up. And we were wrong.

A (36:11)

So you're one of those people you think of. The offensive line wasn't good enough in this game.

B (36:14)

The offensive line was fine, but like.

A (36:16)

I'm going to read you some stats, Chad.

B (36:18)

Oh, God.

A (36:21)

His average time to throw against the patriots was almost 3.5 seconds. That's the highest number of his career and the highs of since week 8 of 2024. So again, people are going to make excuses. Oh, my God. You see Herbert, all these guys flying around them. I think you're right, Chad. I think maybe it is. The lights are just too bright for Justin Herbert.

B (36:43)

Yeah, I like this wasn't a. The offensive line wasn't the issue. He got sacked a bunch, but the dude couldn't.

A (36:50)

That was on him all the right. He couldn't make a play now. He missed open guys, he had bad reads. And honestly, the game went how I thought it was going to, right? Patriots hadn't played a legit defense all season. They got held to 16 points like that. That for them is very low output. Right. That's as good as you're gonna get for shutting down Drake May, who, you know, once again in his first career playoff game, he had the jitters and they could not take advantage of it. Once he settled in that second half, he played great. Tons of props. Drake May. So Herbert, yeah, he screwed us like that pick. I don't know if that was the first quarter, the second quarter, the opportunity was right there and he had four downs, couldn't get even A first down, let alone get in the end zone. And yeah, Herbert totally laid a neck here. And you know, just like Jalen hurts has his haters, Justin Herbert has his truth. There's people that absolutely love them. They. They'll just let it slide. They'll blame the offensive line and we'll keep it moving to next season. But I'm right there with you. I'll back Herbert now. No problem in the regular season, but playoffs, it's got to be right up there on our big board for the rest of his career. We really have to think about it. Is it the, is it the team's fault or is this on Justin Herbert because, you know, the first time around, what was it? 27 to 7, the lead. They blew the Jags. His next time it was against Houston. A great defense. We didn't against him this game. I really thought it was going to be off to the line that disappointed and let him down. It. It wasn't though. It really fell all onto him. He had time, he had, he had protection. He just looked totally lost and flustered against a Patriots defense. So tons of credit to Variable, you know, had these guys prepared, well coached defensively. But you know, you go on the road there and you score three points, that's just, just embarrassing, honestly, for this Chargers team. So, yeah, bad read like you said. Obviously we both wish we had simply just put the under in and yeah, this, this one was brutal. Especially because even the teasers, I couldn't believe it didn't cover the ten and a half, you know, nine and a half teasers. Just insane how bad the Chargers were in this game. So, you know, Patriots, they got, they gotta. They're gonna have an interesting game next week. Obviously it's either gonna be Houston or the Texans, but I'd be pretty happy if I was the Patriots team and dodge the Bills, right? I'd much rather get Texans or Houston or Texans here, Pittsburgh coming in than Josh Allen. So yeah, I, I see what Patriots fans are saying, right. Their path, two games away from super bowl pretty insane if you're a Patriots.

B (39:11)

I, I feel like with Herbert, he talked a little bit about it yesterday and sort of questioned himself. Is, are the playoffs different and like, should people. Is it fair to judge him for what. What's happened so far in these three playoff games? You hate to criticize a guy when he's down, but look that they had so many chances to put that game in their favor. The Patriots were really struggling in that game. The fact that there was low solo scoring was really giving the Chargers a chance with every drive to put themselves in the lead in that game, and they just couldn't. Couldn't get there. I was going to say something about shame, but I don't want to. I don't want to preview anything.

A (40:10)

I don't want to.

B (40:10)

I don't want to preview it yet.

A (40:11)

That's going to continue into the postseason. Shame.

B (40:13)

And, well, I don't know. I feel like, you know, thematically, this is the show where we should be flogging ourselves. So whether we continue it in the postseason or not, we're certainly doing a shame, shame of the week this week. Let's talk about the Bills Jags for a second, though.

A (40:31)

To get back in the game, the Bills needed every bounce of the ball.

B (40:34)

To go their way because, you know, Matt Mitchell, our podcast producer, even though we spent so many hours debating this, smugly guaranteed a Bill's victory. He was adamant. He broke out his, you know, 1992 Bill's Super bowl sweatsuit. He was so confident. He was just giddy, sending us pictures. Good for Josh Allen. Good for the Bills.

A (40:57)

You gotta believe if you're a Bills fan, don't go away and fasten your seatbelt. Yeah. Another game, though, feels like, you know, Lian Cohen, his first head coaching playoff game. He blew this game. Let's. Let's not miss words here. And I, again, it's going to come down to the kicker who, you know, little is getting crushed. He should be because he's on Twitter trolling Vikings fans the day before a game and then goes out and misses a kick. That changed everything. I mean, cost me a ton of money. I had Jags plus a half. Jags, Moneyline first half. And they got crazy call to even put him in that spot. Right the offside.

B (41:34)

Yes.

A (41:35)

A second back, and then he misses that kick and they lose this game by three. So, you know, Trevor Lawrence, 18 of 30200 yards, three touchdowns, two picks. They overcame the picks, but I don't get why they were throwing them like they. They couldn't pick. They picked up if like 6, 7 yards per carry running the ball. They could not be stopped running the ball. And for some reason, they had him 30 pass attempts. I don't. I didn't really get that by Liam Cohen. And on the flip side, Josh Allen, he's why we call him Superman. He's the best. I mean, it's someone that we've given tons of accolades to who's done zero postseason stuff for good reason because he's so talented and in this game, 80% completion percentage. And again, I'm not. I wasn't trying to talk shit about the Bills, but you don't have a number one receiver like Cooks. A guy they just picked up is out here making huge plays for them. Like, it's crazy how bad the receiving core is.

B (42:30)

And can. Coleman made a play.

A (42:32)

Yeah, Coleman did, and it was a nice play. Threw the defender down. But, you know, in a game where you're averaging three yards per carry, he put it all on him with a bad leg, a bad foot, maybe concussion. It just. You can't get over how great of a quarterback is. Yeah, it's unfortunate for him. He's got an. A. Truly an idiot of a head coach, Sean McDermott. And the defense is just so bad, I don't know how they're going to overcome it. But you got Josh Allen. Your path might be Bo Nicks and then Drake may like, this is. This, is. This is getting real now. Because I really did think this was gonna be a true test for them. And, you know, Josh Allen show up in a big way, but, yeah, just, you know, like I said, not that I wish he was on a different team, but Sean McDermott, even when he speaks after the game, I'm just like, this man is such an idiot. Someone asked him again about the tush push because I don't know if you remember, they tried to ban the tush push.

B (43:22)

Yeah, yeah.

A (43:24)

Now it's like, you know, they're the best team. The NFL are running the play now this season, like it's been their bread and butter. And in that game, I think they had a tush push for 10 yards.

B (43:32)

Yeah.

A (43:33)

Play. And it's why we all think Sean McDermott's an idiot. If you're so successful at it, no one got it. Why would you not kneel there and run 40 seconds off? Like we always said, They're. They got lucky that their stupidity worked out for him because Trevor Lawrence threw that pick. But a minute left, Trevor Lawrence, easy, could have drove that field, got a touchdown there, and Mahomes has done it in 13 seconds against them. So like you said, it seems like these coaches don't learn from their past mistakes sometimes. And that's my favorite. Sean McDermott, just the. The final two minutes, his coaching is just so bad. So I, I'm. I have tons of questions about this team, but I keep saying to myself, like, this is what we get for doubting Josh. Josh Allen, he was never going to lose this game. Right? So, yeah, tons of props to the Bills and got the monkey off his back, right? He needed to get that first road when he finally got it now. So Josh, he's got to have the confidence of belief to talking about how is, how does his body react to what he just went through because he was beaten up in that game. The Jags were hitting so hard that entire game. So yeah, I know it's a tough spot for them because now they're what, on a short week going to play Denver. But that's just them. That's the breaks. These one seeds get teams off short weeks. It's been that way now ever since they went to seven teams.

B (44:43)

Listen, congrats to Josh Allen. Congrats to Bill's mafia. Congrats to Matt Mitchell. Congrats to the entire neighborhood that Matt Mitchell lives in who are just eating free ice cream as long as the Bills continue advancing in the playoffs. Shame, shame, shame. Simon, it's got to be us. We had a chance to do two things in the wild card weekend that we have done religiously in the entirety of our show together. Bet the Panthers as big underdogs at home and bet Mike Vrabel. We did neither. The best coach against the spread in NFL history. We did not bet him our favorite team to bet as underdogs. We did not bet them. We out thunk and out talked and outmaneuvered ourselves into losses. So shame, shame, shame on us.

A (45:47)

I guess I'll be quick. I'll shame A.J. brown. Shame on you A.J. clown. I just. The whole city is so heartbroken right now and you know, I want to give the guy the benefit of doubt just because he's such a talent receiver, but to act like he did all season and then go out there and drop three passes like that and, you know, pouting on the sideline and I know it makes me feel like an old man, but my God, I wish he just had an adult in his life to shake him. It's just, he's just one of those classic people. He thinks the grass is greener on the other side and it's not. The grass is green right below your feet, brother. I just hope someone could get in his ear and talk to him because that, that game and again, there's a lot of things that happen in it, but it's. How do you not blame him? Just so many crucial third down plays did he just not show up for. So yeah, shame, shame on you AJ CL.

B (46:42)

It worked out against us, but the winner of the week has to be Caleb Williams. Just because he preached it. He Walked it. He did it. The Bears get the Los Angeles Rams with injured Matt Stafford at home. Couldn't be more excited for this Bears team. Caleb Williams, winner of the week, but my hero. My hero of the week.

A (47:06)

Okay, I, I.

B (47:09)

There's no one to choose for any of our winning bets because we barely won any bets. And the one game we won't get anyone.

A (47:14)

You want no one's question. I just. You said winner of the week. I'm making sure it's your hero. Hero.

B (47:19)

He's a hero that came along to save the Bear season. All right, reminder to contest players size and totals in the contest again in the divisional round. Thank God we got so many choices. Simon says is Pittsburgh plus three and a half. We got a shot for redemption here. Chad's choice was the Rams minus ten and a half. Negativo. Brass balls. Chargers plus three and a half. Oh, no. Rock in a hard place. Green Bay minus two and a half. No good. Sharper square. Chad had Chicago. Green Bay under 45 and a half. Simon had the Eagles minus four and a half favorites. Parlay Rams. Yay. Green Bay, no. Philly, no. Underdog. Parlay. Pittsburgh, yes. We don't know, but Los Angeles Chargers, no. Before we get out of here, Simon, final thoughts on Houston at Pittsburgh.

A (48:10)

Yeah. Still feel confident with the Steelers couple. Two and a half popped up, which was nice to see. Public right now is 5 and oh this week. If you would just blindly bet with the public, you would be 50 this week. So they've been nailing the sides. I'm hoping it comes back to their way. We get one here with the Steelers. And just before we go, Chad, my last stat. Playoff passing touchdowns. Juwan Jennings, two. Justin Herbert, two. God damn you, Juwan Jennings.

B (48:41)

That's amazing, Simon. I couldn't have gotten through this without you. And without Matt Mitchell, this was. I was dreading this all day. Felt like agony waiting for the show. I appreciate you being here for me. I appreciate Matt Mitchell being here for us. Appreciate everyone who's been listening. We hope you'll continue. This has been Sharper Square presented by Hard Rock bet, part of the Volume Podcast Network. We will be back with Sharper Square on Tuesday to go over the divisional round slate. Watch or listen on YouTube at Sharper Square like this video. Subscribe to the channel. Download some Spotify, Apple pods, wherever you get your pods. Rate. Review. Subscribe. Leave us five stars. Say whatever you want. Feedback is a gift. Till next time. Love you.

A (49:21)

The road to the super bowl, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Detours and shattering collisions. But the final prize makes the trip worthwhile. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.