Hour 3: 49ers are in Trouble

Summary

Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron - Episode: Hour 3: 49ers are in Trouble

Release Date: November 24, 2024
Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf
Duration: Approximately 44 minutes

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Introduction

In this episode of Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron, hosts Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf delve deep into the current state of the NFL, with a particular focus on the San Francisco 49ers' precarious position. Released on November 24, 2024, the episode aired just an hour before kickoff, setting the stage for a comprehensive analysis of pressing sports topics.

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The 49ers' Playoff Prospects in Jeopardy

The primary focus of the episode centers on the San Francisco 49ers, whose playoff chances have significantly dwindled. Myron opens the discussion by presenting worrying statistics:

"The 49ers have a 27% chance to make the playoffs right now according to ESPN analytics. It'll go to 42% with the win against the Packers on Sunday, but it's down to 14% if there's a loss."
[00:48] - Myron Medcalf

He emphasizes the gravity of the situation by highlighting the absence of key players:

"Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are out of the game. Can't believe that happened to Nick Bosa."
[01:08] - Myron Medcalf

Matt concurs, adding his skepticism about the team's future:

"Yeah, I think they're done. I got to give my guy, Joe Fortenball, a lot of credit..."
[05:03] - Matt Jones

The duo debates the impact of injuries, particularly focusing on Nick Bosa's absence, suggesting it might have a more detrimental effect than Brock Purdy's:

"Nick Bosa, to me, actually might have a bigger impact on this game, his absence than Brock Purdy..."
[06:15] - Matt Jones

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Betting Lines and Predictions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around betting lines and game predictions. Myron initially cites a betting line favoring the 49ers by 2.5 points:

"Do you believe he [Brandon Allen] will be able to go on the road and take the Packers or should I load up Green Bay minus 2.5 and get me a victory?"
[01:24] - Myron Medcalf

Matt navigates the fluctuating odds, highlighting the Packers' defensive struggles:

"The Packers have found ways to just make games more difficult than they should be... Jordan Love just can't stop throwing interceptions."
[02:26] - Matt Jones

The conversation underscores the uncertainty surrounding the 49ers' performance, especially with their historically strong favoring in regular-season games now in question.

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Emerging Competitors: The Arizona Cardinals

Shifting focus, the hosts commend the Arizona Cardinals for their under-the-radar performance:

"The Cardinals have played better under the radar than any team in the league... Kyler Murray doesn't even come up in conversations about teams and quarterbacks that could emerge in the playoff picture."
[07:39] - Matt Jones

Myron echoes this sentiment, noting the lack of media attention despite the Cardinals' impressive stats:

"They have been an afterthought. And I don't think that's fair to them because they might be the team that upsets the whole playoff push..."
[08:08] - Matt Jones

The duo advocates for greater recognition of the Cardinals, suggesting that their continued success could disrupt the existing playoff landscape.

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Audience Engagement and Anecdotes

Intermittently, Matt and Myron engage with audience comments and share personal anecdotes. A notable segment involves discussions about the TV show "Cheaters," where Myron humorously laments:

"My kids and I watch Cheaters every night. It's the best show on television."
[13:00] - Myron Medcalf

This light-hearted exchange provides a break from the intense sports analysis, showcasing the hosts' personable dynamics.

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Monday Night Football Preview: Rams vs. Eagles

As the episode progresses, attention shifts to the upcoming Monday Night Football game between the Rams and the Eagles. Myron assesses both teams' trajectories:

"The Eagles are playing really well and nobody has noticed... Cody... that was the name of the kid from Step by Step..."
[41:23] - Myron Medcalf

Matt supports the Eagles' chances, citing their strong performance and favorable playoff positioning:

"The Eagles would have a legit chance based on how they played, man, in recent weeks."
[15:29] - Matt Jones

They discuss the Rams' potential as dark horses, with Matt expressing cautious optimism:

"The Rams get the win today, making the playoffs starts to look like a possibility."
[05:12] - Myron Medcalf

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Pick 'Em Contest and Final Thoughts

Towards the episode's end, Matt and Myron engage in their traditional pick 'em contest, offering predictions for various games. Highlights include:

• Buccaneers vs. Giants: Matt favors the Buccaneers, while Myron opts for the Commanders.
• Chiefs vs. Panthers: Matt predicts a Chiefs victory, with Myron anticipating a close game.
• Patriots vs. Dolphins: Both hosts lean towards the Dolphins, though Myron leaves room for a Patriots upset.
• Ravens vs. Chargers: A critical matchup where Matt supports the Ravens, emphasizing the need for a win to bolster their Super Bowl contention.

Throughout the contest, the hosts interject with humor and camaraderie, reinforcing their rapport.

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Conclusion

In Hour 3: 49ers are in Trouble, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf provide a thorough analysis of the NFL's current landscape, spotlighting the San Francisco 49ers' declining playoff chances amidst key player injuries. They commend the Arizona Cardinals' unexpected surge, preview pivotal upcoming games, and engage listeners with their engaging pick 'em contest. Balancing serious sports discourse with light-hearted banter, the episode offers both insights and entertainment for avid football fans.

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Notable Quotes:

• "The 49ers have a 27% chance to make the playoffs right now according to ESPN analytics..."
  — Myron Medcalf [00:48]

• "Nick Bosa, to me, actually might have a bigger impact on this game, his absence than Brock Purdy."
  — Matt Jones [06:15]

• "The Cardinals have played better under the radar than any team in the league."
  — Matt Jones [07:39]

• "The Eagles come into the year and it was Super Bowl talk... they have just quietly continued to get better."
  — Matt Jones [15:29]

• "Sam Acho was talking about how... We get to see how hard it is to stay on top in the NFL."
  — Myron Medcalf [05:47]

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.

Transcript

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

Unless you have HubSpot's AI powered marketing.

[Matt Jones]

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[Nick]

This is Matt and Myron.

[Matt Jones]

The podcast I'm ready for football. I've been waiting a long time for this moment.

[Myron Metcalf]

Time is near. Time is go.

[Nick]

This is the countdown to kickoff on ESPN radio.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is cat out of kickoff here on ESPN radio presented by Progressive Insurance 888 say ESPN. We are one hour until early kickoff. Games today. Some good ones, some not so good ones. But you know what? Doesn't matter. This is NFL. You're going to like it no matter what. And maybe the game of the day if you're just looking on paper. The 49ers and the Packers. 49ers have a 27% chance to make the playoffs right now according to ESPN analytics. It'll go to 42% with the win against the packers on Sunday, but It's down to 14% if there's a loss. The 49ers listen to this stat. Pretty amazing stat to me. Myron have been favored in 36 consecutive regular season games. 36. It doesn't feel like a team that's so powerful that they should have been favored in 36 consecutive games, but they had. Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are out of the game. Can't believe that happened to Nick Bosa. He has a lot to say, but he's not gonna be able to say it today on the field because he's not going to be able to play. Which means Brandon Allen is starting at quarterback. So this is arguably the most important game of the season for the 49ers. Their playoff hopes may be at stake. And Brandon Allen, who I thought was actually a game show host, is now starting at quarterback for the 49ers. Do you believe he will be able to go on the road and take the packers or should I load up green bay minus 2.5 and get me a victory?

[Matt Jones]

I mean you. I think you loaded up right. But at the same time, the packers have fine. Have found ways to just make games more difficult than they should be. Mostly because of, you know, what Jordan Love has failed to do as a quarterback and just the picks can't stop throwing picks. I mean I think he leads the league. It's him, Mahomes and I can't think of the third quarterback. They all have 11 picks right now and that cost the packers against Chicago last week. So you would think this is a team that covers easily. They get the win against the backup quarterback. At the same time, if Jordan Love makes some mistakes, this might be closer than.

[Myron Metcalf]

Why did you. Why. Why did you tell me two and a half? I'm looking at my little app here.

[Matt Jones]

It's five and a half on the screen.

[Myron Metcalf]

Why did you. But you said two. It said two and a half. I made a mistake. I was on here. I was about to literally. I was about to literally put my fortune on the packers and then you get me all excited. Now it's a six and a half. I'm not doing that.

[Matt Jones]

Oh, it's six and a half now.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh, six and a half now. Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Why? Obviously the Nick Bo said and mostly Brock Purdy being out going to Brock Brandon Allen. That's probably why the line moved like that. But it's rare for a line to move that significantly. Right. Because the injury news isn't new. We knew Purdy was out earlier this week. Right.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, he may have had the opening. Let me just be honest. Did you have the opening line and you didn't. You didn't change it? Just be honest. We're all friends here. Nick.

[Matt Jones]

Is this in reference to me? Yep.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yes. Is that the opening?

[Matt Jones]

Who else would we be talking to? Nick, like Nick, who do you think he'd be talking to? Mikey's right next to me. Yeah, you said friends.

[Myron Metcalf]

That was the opening line. Okay? So just acknowledge it wasn't the opening line either.

[Matt Jones]

The 49ers were favored originally. If you want to go to the open opening line. And then.

[Myron Metcalf]

Where did you get two and a half? Did you just create that out of thin air?

[Matt Jones]

He's just making things. Oh, my God. I don't make things up over here. I'm on the ESPN stats and info.

[Myron Metcalf]

When was this?

[Matt Jones]

Our betting lies all season. Is that what's happening? Is that admire and that's not why you're losing. You're just making bad picks.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, I'm just saying. I don't think I'm with you, Mikey. I don't think there was a moment. These lines are from two and a half points.

[Matt Jones]

They're from Thursday. Sorry.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, so that. Well, if it is Thursday now, we're at a four point switch since Thursday. I think that's when it was confirmed that Purdy is out. There was a possibility he would be out before that, but I mean, this is a massive game for San Francisco and with their best offensive player and their best defensive player out, is it time just to do what I said to do at the beginning of the year, which is write off the super bowl loser and say that the 49ers are done?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I think they're done. I got to give my guy, Joe Fortinball, a lot of credit, man, because early in the season, he was saying this, really, coming into the year, that the 49ers wouldn't be in the game.

[Myron Metcalf]

Before you say Joe Fortenbaugh, I said before we started the season, don't be talking about Joe Fortinball just because he has great hair and you're hoping in the show.

[Matt Jones]

No, he did. He said it to me.

[Myron Metcalf]

I said at the beginning of the year. What do I always say about the super bowl loser? What do I say every year?

[Matt Jones]

Yes. No, you both make good points. I mean, Joe making a good point doesn't cancel yours, but it doesn't cancel your point. It doesn't cancel you out. Because I said Joe made a good point, too. I'm just saying he was one of the few guys who was out on the Niners really early. That's all. But you have always talked about the super bowl losers.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, let me tell you what Sam Acho said to me once. Sam Acho was talking about how.

[Matt Jones]

Wait a minute. Hold on, hold on. Wait a second. Why'd you say Sam Macho specifically? I don't. Hold on one second. I don't. I don't like what just happened there, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Because he's a lawyer?

[Matt Jones]

No, because he. I was just bringing up a random hose. You took a shot. I feel like we're talking about Sam Acho.

[Myron Metcalf]

Samuel Acho was talking to me the other day, and he was saying that. You think this is a test for Jordan Love?

[Matt Jones]

No, no. But I do. I do think you know this. It shows to me how hard it is to stay on top in the NFL because the 49ers had depth, they had wide receiver depth. They had everything you would want, it felt like. And then a couple of injuries, and now all of a sudden, you might not even get into the playoffs. You probably won't. And Nick Bosa, to me, actually might have a bigger impact on this game, his absence than Brock Purdy. Because, like, defensively, they're nothing without Bosa. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks, anything that they try to do defensively is built around Nick Bosa. So it should be an easy, lopsided win for the Packers. However, Jordan Love can't stop throwing interceptions. He Just can't stop doing it. And if that continues to be an issue, again, this could be closer than it should be. If that's the Jordan love that shows up.

[Myron Metcalf]

By the way, this is like, I. There are, like, three opinions I'm known for. I love the Kentucky Wildcats, right? I think the SEC is the best football conference. And I'm on record every year saying, fade the super bowl loser. And you go out and cite Joe Fortinbaugh, and that just means every time you.

[Matt Jones]

It wasn't personal, man. I'm just saying he just made a good point. That's all I'm saying.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, so Cardinals and Seahawks. Samuel was saying the other day, we used to work with Joe. Like, I love Joe. But that's my opinion. And you cite it to Joe.

[Matt Jones]

No. Okay, you're right.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Cardinals are a one point favorite going into Seattle. This continues my trend of the NFC west plays each other six times a year, but this is a big one. The Cardinals have played. Cardinals have played better under the radar than any team in the league. And if they win this game, according to our good friends at ESPN analytics, they have a 73% chance of winning the NFC West. Do you think the Cardinals get it done on the road today in Seattle?

[Matt Jones]

I think they have a good chance. But, I mean, I know we spent the year talking about nobody believes in Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. Nobody believes in Sam Donald. Nobody even talks about Kyler Murray. Like, Kyler Murray doesn't even come up in conversations about teams and quarterbacks that could emerge in the playoff picture. And that is just amazing to me. He's playing some of his best football. Completed 69% of his passes, 12 touchdowns, three interceptions. I think they've won four in a row. But, like, no one cares about the Cardinals. It is a really fascinating story. You would think when the 49ers are down, when the Seahawks have been up and down, when the Rams have been injured and the Cardinals are playing really well, you'd think we'd start saying, hey, maybe this is a sleeper team. Maybe this is a quarterback that we need to talk about more. In even the MVP conversation. Nobody cares about the Cardinals. They have been an afterthought. And I don't think that's fair to them because they might be the team that upsets the whole playoff push, man, if they keep playing this way.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, I mean, I think they've played really, really well. It's easy just to forget how good Kyler Murray has been in his prime, mainly because we've had A couple years where we haven't seen it, but also just because look, Arizona plays in that late slot every week. They're never the main game. It's always got, you know, poor Chris Myers calling the game like always on Tubi. Yeah, exactly. It is always on to be, to.

[Matt Jones]

Be game of the week.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. You have to like switch off from cheaters 24 hours channel in order to see Arizona play.

[Matt Jones]

And I just don't.

[Myron Metcalf]

No, I just don't think people know much about them. And so, I mean they're going to go into here week 13 next week potentially having the NFC west all but unlock and most people won't know anything about them.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, especially if they win today. I mean, the Seahawks got it done last week. I guess the Niners a team that had their number for a long time, but Geno Smith was good down the stretch. So it's pretty amazing to me that this Cardinals team has put itself in this position. And I don't think we've ever talked about them as a potential contender with, you know, the Vikings and Packers and Lions and all those other teams that we talk about every week. So I don't know what else they have to do, but you win today and you can't avoid that conversation.

[Myron Metcalf]

Have you ever watched Cheaters, by the way?

[Matt Jones]

Oh, yeah. Every. Every. Yeah. Now they got like Peter Guns.

[Myron Metcalf]

Oh my goodness.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Joey Greco was on it.

[Myron Metcalf]

I don't want Peter Guns. No offense to Clark Gable's grandson. I'm a, I'm a Joey Greco guy. Joey Greco walks in there with his little one sliver of silver hair and he stares into the screen and is like, yeah. Myron claims that his love is true forever.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

But Sarah, you think it stays? Oh, I, I don't care. I hope it stays. It is awesome. And you know, all those shows were shot in Dallas. Dallas should be the least cheating community on the planet after 20 plus years of cheating.

[Matt Jones]

But yeah, you don't notice that like somebody's coming to your home. Like, how do they get the cameras in there? How do they do all that stuff, man? Yeah, bring it back.

[Myron Metcalf]

Coming up, forget no offense to Peter Guns. Go back to Jared. Coming up, the Rams are Super bowl dark horses. According to some people. They have a chance to upset the Eagles tonight. That's next here on CAT Data Kickoff on ESPN Radio.

[Nick]

Football Sunday on ESPN Radio. Bo Nicks has worked his way into the Rookie of the Year discussion.

[Myron Metcalf]

Touchdown Bo Nix.

[Matt Jones]

He is playing great and this week.

[Nick]

He leads the Denver Broncos fight for the postseason Into Las Vegas to face Gardner Minshew. And the Raiders coverage begins today at 4 Eastern on select ESPN radio stations. Matt and Myron, the podcast get in Zone.

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Myron Metcalf]

Autozone restrictions apply. Ryan Reynolds here for, I guess my hundredth mint commercial. No, no, no, no, no, no, don't. No, no, no. I mean, honestly, when I started this, I thought I'd only have to do like four of these. I mean, it's unlimited to Premium Wireless for $15 a month. How are there still people paying two or three times that much? I'm sorry, I shouldn't be victim blaming. Here, give it a [e-mail] switch whenever you're ready.

[Matt Jones]

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[Myron Metcalf]

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[Matt Jones]

CD tails.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is Cat Data Kickoff here on ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance. He's my Metcalf. I'm Matt Jones. We got people writing in who are enjoying this show. One person writes, matt, my kids and I watch Cheaters every night. It's the best show on television. I don't know if I'd watch that with my kids.

[Matt Jones]

I know the kids should be watching it. Yeah, I don't know if that's good for the kids.

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, I. Yeah, well, I don't know. I mean, it's not the most wholesome show.

[Matt Jones]

No, it's. It's not.

[Myron Metcalf]

I remember. I remember listening to your picks at the beginning of the year. You did say that you didn't think the 49ers would make the playoffs. Myron was very angry at you and you gave the stat. I don't remember what it was, but the stat about the super bowl loser. So I will take up with you on this. I thought you were crazy at the time. It looks like you might be right. You weren't.

[Matt Jones]

No. I've always given you credit for that Super Bowl. You have promoted the super bowl loser thing for years. I just said Joe Fortinball made a good point and you were like, joe Fortinball who? You know what I mean? Like it was, you know, the exact.

[Myron Metcalf]

Point that I make about.

[Matt Jones]

I was just noting that he made a good point. That was all.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's one of the things they do, by the way, for folks listening at home at espn, like, they'll put on the screen other people making the points that we're making. You know what it means. So, like, I want to make a point, and they'll go, well, Harry Douglas made that point, so use Harry Douglas's. And I'm like, why can't I use mine? Why do I have to use Harry Douglas's example of making the point? But that's the way. And I understand that's maybe. No, no. I don't seem to play it a lot during the show. Sunday Night Football is the Eagles and the Rams. Not a bad game, Myron. I think if the Rams want to be a contender, this is a great one for them. They're 4 and 1 in their last five games after they started 1 and 4. So they're 5 and 5. You win this game, making the playoffs starts to look like a possibility. The Eagles, on the other hand, third straight season, starting eight or two. Eight and two or better. It's the first time they've ever done that, by the way, in franchise history for three straight years. Saquon Barkley, I think, has been one of the big stories of the season. 1347 yards from scrimmage this year. Yeah, you know, it's interesting with him and Derek Henry, there'd been this kind of idea for a while. I mean, that running backs, you know, it's not worth paying. Those are two guys that went and got paid. It's worked out for both of them. Do you think it continues to work out and the Eagles get the victory tonight in la?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, it feels that way. Although they're playing a Rams team that, you know, has proven when they're kind of healthy, they're really good. And we saw the turnaround they had a year ago in getting into the playoffs. It's just a tough situation. Right, because the Rams got to keep winning at a really high level, I think, to get into the playoff picture, but the expectations aren't that high for them. Like, the Rams get into the playoffs, it doesn't really matter what happens. I think people will see that as a success considering how they started. The Eagles came into the year and it was super bowl talk. So you lose to this Rams team and people will continue to feel like maybe you're falling short of the standard, even though you've played really well. The best thing for the Eagles may have been that preseason Jalen hurts, Nick Sirianni drama because a lot of people were out on them, thought they didn't have a chance, and they've just quietly continued to get better. And I think they are the number two team in the NFC right now. If I had to pick the NFC championship, it's Lions, Eagles. And the Eagles would have a legit chance based on how they played, man, in recent weeks.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I mean, I don't think that's a controversial opinion. What's fascinating to me about the Eagles is what are they? Are they 8 and 2 right now? They're 8 and 2 and their fans still seem to want to fire the coach. Like it's almost. It is unbelievable to me how disgruntled that fan base is right now with a team that's 8 and 2 and one game back from having home field advantage in the playoffs. It's almost like a win or bust mentality for a team that it doesn't feel like has the talent to win, be win or bust. But it's really kind of how their fans are this year.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, again, they came in with the super bowl buzz. You paid Jalen hurts a year ago. Things didn't work out last season. You come into this year after Jason Kelsey retires, but you add pieces like Saquon Barkley. I mean, you got one of the top receiving duos in the league, if not the top receiving duo with AJ Brown and devontae Smith, who's out today. But it's all there. And now to me, what hurts Nick Siriati and what kind of helps these Philly fans who are upset? Will it ever get easier than this to get to a Super bowl in the nfc? San Francisco's down. You know, the NFC south is nothing. The NFC north has alliance team that's never been in this position. So I think that's why you got people who are still a bit disgruntled. This is a fairly favorable path to get to a Super Bowl. And then you got a Kansas City team over there that doesn't look invincible. I get why they're getting a little antsy despite being a winning team.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, well, I mean, they're sitting there right now. It looks like they have a definite shot at having home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They don't have their division locked up, but they have a two game lead. They've got to feel pretty good about where they sit. They've won six straight games. It's just, I don't know what it takes for that group to sort of feel like this has been a good year, because every year, or, excuse me, every week, it seems like they still are on Sirianni about every single thing he does. It's just an interesting dynamic with their fan base. Now to go to the Rams, to the other side. They had 402 yards in their total yards in their game against the Patriots, zero turnovers. The second time this year they've had it. They still right now have a 15% chance to make the playoffs. But if they were to win tonight, that starts to rise. Am I crazy to still believe in the Rams? I think two weeks ago I told you they were my sleeper super bowl team. It still looks a little bit sleepy, but am I crazy to still think it could happen?

[Matt Jones]

It's not crazy because everything still feels wide open. Like, the only thing I know about the NFC playoff picture is that the Detroit Lions are going to be the one seed. I feel like. Right. I know Philly's right there. Beyond that, what else do we know? The NFC west has been a mess, you know, And I think the NFC south, who knows what happens there in the NFC north has been a battle with a bunch of teams that, outside of Detroit, are good, not great. So I think there's a chance if they continue to win. But you got to win today to stay on that path. You know, being at home and beating Philly would say a lot about who the Rams are.

[Myron Metcalf]

I think one person writes. Matt, I would like for you and Myron to rank, in order, the following five NFL color commentators. Tom Brady.

[Matt Jones]

Okay. Do they work for us?

[Myron Metcalf]

Can I read it? Or would you like to interrupt while I'm trying to read this? Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Chris Collinsworth, Greg Olson, or Troy Aikman? All right, we can't put Troy Aikman on the list. Work here. People get. People get upset when you do that. So let's just. Brady, Romo, Olson, Collinsworth. If you're ranking them on how much you like them in order, where are you going?

[Matt Jones]

I think Olson is number one.

[Myron Metcalf]

Olson's one. All right.

[Matt Jones]

I think. Yeah. I think Olsen's one. I think Collinsworth is two, Romo three, Brady four.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. I mean, Brady doesn't add a lot for me on the broadcast. Does he do much for you? Like, he doesn't really.

[Myron Metcalf]

I thought. I think he's. I think he was awful early. I think he's gotten a little better, but for me, well, you don't have to stop the music. I'm still giving my list.

[Matt Jones]

Keep the music playing music.

[Myron Metcalf]

He stopped the music before I even get to my list. For me, it's, It's. It's Brady's clearly last. Romo's third. I'm going to go. Olson second. And I think I got to go with Collinsworth because there's just something about like. Like when he does, like the Eagles tonight, he'll be like, oh, no, Mike, Mike. I mean, Jalen hurts. Like, I mean, I mean, I just. There's something about when he does that. It kind of feels like, you know how John Madden. It used to feel like this is a big game if John Madden is on it. That's how I feel about Chris Collinsworth. So I think I'm going to have to put him first.

[Matt Jones]

I like that. No, I like it. No, it's.

[Myron Metcalf]

For me, it's hard for me to know because of. With. With Buck and Aikman, by the way, because I watched the Mannings. I don't. To me, the Mannings are the most entertaining thing with football. When the first half of Monday Night Football games with the Mannings and Belichick, I don't care so much when they bring on comedians and that suffice. It distracts it. But the Mannings in Belichick, I think are awesome.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Or, you know, as the supportive ESPN colleague I am, I will have eight men and Buck on one tv and then I'll have the Mannings on a second tv. Both quality program.

[Myron Metcalf]

How do you listen to both of them? Each TV has a remote over each other.

[Matt Jones]

No, each TV has its own remote. So you can just. Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

So which one?

[Matt Jones]

I got TVs down there.

[Myron Metcalf]

Which one do you listen?

[Matt Jones]

Listen to both. Listen to both.

[Myron Metcalf]

You listen to both? How do you listen to both at the same time?

[Matt Jones]

How do you not? I don't. Y'all got TVs down there? Like, what do you. What do you mean, not all TV noise?

[Myron Metcalf]

The Harbaugh brothers are facing off again. Who will win?

[Matt Jones]

A lot of noise. Hey, it's Evan Cohen.

[Myron Metcalf]

Coming up Monday, the Giants release Daniel Jones. Where will he go next and who.

[Matt Jones]

Will be the quarterback of the Giants long term?

[Myron Metcalf]

We'll discuss Monday, 6am Eastern on Sportsman, like ESPN Radio, ESPN2 and ESPN. You.

[Nick]

Matt and Myron, the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is cabinet to kickoff here. ESPN Radio, presented by Progressive Insurance, Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf. So we looked it up. Myron Metcalf was saying that Joe Fortenbaugh said, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And it was things that I thought I Said. So they looked it up, Myron. They looked up to see. Because I claimed that. I said before the season started, the 49ers would not make the playoffs because that is what the super bowl loser does. Now, I haven't heard this clip, but our producer, Nick, he went and dug up that preseason show. And here's what I said before the season started. It's like I was saying about Cincinnati, I don't like the vibes, you know, but guys holding out, best players holding out. One guy wants to get traded, ends up having to stay. You know, I've never been a huge purdy guy, even though the facts keep going against me a little bit. I just don't feel. I just don't feel. And you're going to have to pay him. This might be the last year that you get him at a good price. I think the 49ers are on the trajectory down, so I'm going to end up. I'm going to take the ramp.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. That wasn't as strong as you.

[Myron Metcalf]

What do you mean, that wasn't as strong?

[Matt Jones]

You said.

[Myron Metcalf]

I literally said the trajectory down and that they weren't going to win the NFC West.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Yeah. That wasn't as. You've been stronger, actually. Honestly, I don't think that helped you as much as you think. Joe. Joe.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm pretty adamant. Dug it up. Will you stop with Joe? I don't want to hear about what Joe said. I'm just telling you. You sit here talking about Joe, what Joe said.

[Matt Jones]

I was on the. I've been on show. I'm telling you earlier.

[Myron Metcalf]

You're on show with me every week. Why are you talking about being on with Joe?

[Matt Jones]

You both have. You both have said.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, I'll tell you what, I was talking about Samuel Acho, and he was saying a lot of interest.

[Matt Jones]

Samuel Acho for very specific reasons. And I don't think it's the same thing because I'm just bringing up Joe because you both made strong points about a Niners team that shouldn't have been trusted.

[Myron Metcalf]

I've heard Samuel Acho makes some very strong points, too.

[Matt Jones]

Okay, listen, David Dennis could do the show next week. I'm fine with it. Bring him to Cincinnati. If that's what you want to do. I'm okay with it. Make us want to actually watch these. I crash the set and kick stuff over. If that's what you want to do. Yeah, I just. What are we talking about? We talk about the Niners.

[Myron Metcalf]

We're talking about the Monday Night Football, the Ravens and the Chargers are playing Monday night. Ravens 2 1/2 point favorites in LA. Chargers been on a roll. Great game last week against the Bengals, a game that may have ended the Bengals playoff chances. It's a third meeting between John and Jim Harbaugh. You may remember the other two. One was on Thanksgiving, the other was in the Super Bowl. The only brothers to ever meet as head coaches in NFL history. I'm sure we'll get a lot of talk about that. But it also features the second best scoring offense. That's the Ravens. Against the top scoring defense, that's the Chargers. Great chance to see how does Lamar play in one of these big games? That's always kind of been a criticism to see how can he do when it really matters. The Ravens last week had a season low in points against the Steelers. They also had three turnovers in the loss. It was a. It was a physical, brutal game. I think it led. The Steelers end up losing on Thursday Night Football to the Browns. What do you see happening on Monday Night Football tomorrow night?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I feel like the stakes are changing for Lamar Jackson. You know what I mean? We have spent a lot of this season talking about Josh Allen, what he has to do in the postseason. Obviously Lamar has two MVPs, was in a position to get his third. I think Josh Allen now is the front runner there. But. But his path to trying to get a ring is just getting only more difficult. Like I think with the loss last week against Pittsburgh. Now you're out of the one seed conversation. Like there's no way, I think, to capture the one seed. So you're going to have to go on the road and maybe a lot, maybe through Buffalo and Kansas City. You just can't afford to lose on Monday to the Chargers because you can't afford to slip in the seating and end up having a more difficult path. Because as much as people like Lamar and everything he's done and he's proven the expectation is you have spent a ton of money in Baltimore to be a Super bowl winner and we haven't seen that yet. And if you continue to lose games like this on Monday night and you're a five or six or seven seed, it's going to be harder for Lamar to ever capture a ring. But I think they have disappointed so far because you've had a path to that top seat, you've had a path in that conversation and you just can't be consistent enough. So Monday's another opportunity to maybe start fresh. But if they lose, don't talk about The Ravens and the super bowl conversation for the rest of the year?

[Myron Metcalf]

Yes. You're that adamant about it if they lose? I mean, this is a good. This is a good Chargers team. It's like on Monday night. I don't know that you can on the road. They're coming off a difficult game on the road at Pittsburgh. I don't know that you can just write them off.

[Matt Jones]

I think you do. I think you have to because we've done this to Buffalo many times. We do this to other teams. Lamar is just so likable. We don't like saying this about the Ravens, but if you can't go and beat Pittsburgh because of all of those self inflicted mistakes, you lose to Kansas City.

[Myron Metcalf]

That's not on Lamar. Justin Tucker missed two kicks. That's not on Lamar.

[Matt Jones]

I understand that. It's not all on Lamar Jackson. At the same time, nobody cares that Josh Allen hasn't had his two top receivers playing in the same game in many outings this season. No one cares about what Mahomes has or doesn't have. We got to do the same thing with Lamar that we do for the other elite quarterbacks. Joe Burrow wasn't his fault in Cincinnati and that didn't stop anybody from knocking him even though he had completed 70% of his passes. Stop the kid gloves thing with Lamar Jackson. If they lose tomorrow, they're not a Super bowl team and we need to get them out of that conversation.

[Myron Metcalf]

Always so mean to Lamar and he doesn't do anything.

[Matt Jones]

I like Lamar a lot and he just.

[Myron Metcalf]

Are you worried about Justin Tucker, by the way? I mean, like the Justin Tucker that is going to potentially go in the hall of Fame, he just hasn't looked like that at all this year.

[Matt Jones]

It's weird. I don't know, but like, you know, it weird. Things start happening, man, when things get rocky. But like at the same time, this team is good enough to where Justin Tucker shouldn't be in those positions where he's got to make two field goals to give this team a chance to win. You got Derrick Henry, you got Lamar Jackson. You've added to your receiving corps. The defense has been good. Like you have all the tools to avoid being in these one score games. But the Baltimore Ravens have not consistently been the dominant team that people expect him to be. And if the bar is that for Kansas City and Buffalo and all these other teams that we talk about as contenders, stop sparing the Ravens. Stop. Stop saying when the Ravens lose. Well, it wasn't all on Lamar. We don't do that with other guys. So at this point in his career, we're not helping Lamar by taking those.

[Myron Metcalf]

Expectations harsh with that. I don't think it's harsh at all.

[Matt Jones]

I don't think he has to win a Super Bowl. I think. I think he has to win a Super first.

[Myron Metcalf]

Maybe first make a Super bowl and then talk about winning one.

[Matt Jones]

But that's a fair expectation, right? Is it a fair expectation?

[Myron Metcalf]

I mean, it's a fair expectation in his career to make a Super Bowl. I think that. But I mean, this particular year, I think they can lose this game and still have a really good chance because of exactly what you said, which is the weaknesses on the other teams. You know, the other. Ultimately, we know what this playoffs in the AFC is going to be like. We already know what it's going to be. We know it's going to be the Chiefs. We know it's going to be the Bills. We know it's going to be the Ravens. Now, the Steelers have thrown a wrench into this because the Steelers right now have the NFC north, but their schedule gets harder. And I do think it's a. It's a more difficult path for Baltimore if they have to. Well, actually, you know, I'm not sure. Well, no, it is. It's a more difficult path for Baltimore if they have to go as a five seed because they have to play one road game. But either way, here's the bottom line. No matter what, the Baltimore Ravens are going to have to play the Bills and the Chiefs to make the Super Bowl. That's going to have to happen. And they're probably going to have to win on the road against both of them. I don't think whether they beat the Chargers or lose to the Chargers, it changes that basic fact, which is this is all going to come down to if they can go into Kansas City and if they can go into Buffalo and get a win.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that's fair. I mean, that's the reality of the situation. I guess what I'm saying, Matt, is if you can't beat the Chargers on the road in a. In a building that's not hostile. Hostile. Right. That no one goes to play a charge in that building and says, oh, no, what about their fans? So, like, they're going to be more Ravens fans in that building than Chargers fans. If you can't execute in that kind of a situation, why should anyone believe you? If you got to go to Buffalo and Kansas City and some of the most hostile arenas in the entire NFL? Yeah. So that's Why I would take them off the list.

[Myron Metcalf]

People probably won't believe them, honestly. And I think they're going to go into those games with people being skeptical. Just like, I mean, if we end up with Josh Allen going into Kansas City in the AFC championship, people are going to be skeptical. You have to win one of these games for people to believe you. 888, say, ESPN. By the way, Chargers. I mean, we just, we always do these games with them. We skip over the Chargers. They're really good. Justin Herbert is having quietly a heck of a year. He's not even mentioned in the MVP stuff because of Lamar and Josh Allen. But Justin Herbert has been really, really good.

[Matt Jones]

He's been good. But what happened last week is exactly what worries you about the charges. They just collapse, man. Like, that has just been the challenge. They end up in these fourth quarter situations where you're like the game is yours and they don't. They just make it much more difficult than it has to be.

[Myron Metcalf]

They did pull down the last week last week.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, that made sense. Last couple years.

[Myron Metcalf]

Last couple of years. They would have lost that game last week and this time they actually won it. So that is a, that is at least a step forward now. We're going to make our picks here on week 12. My lead over Myron continues. It's becoming, it's coming desperation time. Just like the Ravens have to win at the Chargers, Myron's going to have to prove he can win one week in this pick em contest. We'll do it next here on Countdown to Kickoff.

[Nick]

Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers in the playoff hunting his first year in Los Angeles and now faces his toughest test yet, his brother John. And the Ravens get the very latest with the voice of Monday Night Football Joe buck tomorrow at 1:15pm Eastern on Carlin versus Joe on ESPN radio and on the ESPN app, Matt and Myron the podcast.

[Myron Metcalf]

It is cabinet to kickoff here on ESPN Radio. We are presented by Progressive Insurance. Insurance for motorcycles, boats and RVs for production, for protection on the road and on the water. See how much you can save at 1-800-progressive and progressive calm. Last week a lot of upsets in the NFL. I went seven and six. Myron chance to make up some ground. Also goes seven. Six makes up no ground. That makes me 92 and 50 on the year. Myron is 87 and 55. That's five games back. But there are seven weeks to go. Myron, do you. It doesn't matter though. Good record. You're competing. Unless you like Moral victories. You're going for six straight years of losing. Do you feel like you could make it up in the next few weeks?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I do. I think not only do I feel I will, that's a guarantee I'll win this competition.

[Myron Metcalf]

You say that every year. You've never won the competition.

[Matt Jones]

Well, this year's. I'm a new person.

[Myron Metcalf]

Well, it's good to hear. I'm glad you're a new person. All right, let's get started. It is time to take your pick.

[Matt Jones]

Take your pick.

[Myron Metcalf]

You take your pick.

[Nick]

It's time to take your pick.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, what's up first?

[Nick]

Buccaneers at Giants.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, the Tommy DeVito thing, man, it's just gonna be a lot, but the Bucks need this, man. They're getting healthier at this point. They've averaged, I think, almost 28 points a game. But just the wind tally hasn't proven that they're one of the better teams in this league. Obviously, the block kick against Kansas City, they get to win over a new quarterback in a terrible franchise in New York. Give me the Bucks.

[Myron Metcalf]

Mike Evans is back. Unlike Myron, I don't hate Tommy DeVito and don't have, like, any sort of angst against him. I feel like he's a nice young man with a great story that's trying to make it, but he can't beat Tampa Bay today. I'll take the Bucks to win on the road. Who's next?

[Nick]

Chief said Panthers.

[Matt Jones]

If Kansas City. I mean, there's no way for Kansas City to lose this game. It's just a matter of how much they win by. So Kansas City. But if Bryce Young is good, you know, who knows what that means for him going forward.

[Myron Metcalf]

This game will be. Let me make you predict this game will be close in the fourth quarter. Chiefs will win, but you'll look up and it'll be like you're going to look up and it's going to be 20 to 17. Chiefs with the Panthers driving in the fourth quarter. You remember I said that? Wow. Write that down. I guarantee Chiefs will win, but the Panthers will be in it at the end. Who's next?

[Nick]

Cowboys at Commanders.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, I don't think Jaden Daniels is healthy. I think he's got a rib injury. You know, we're going to find out at the end of the year that he's been playing through it, but he's got enough to beat the Cowboys and Cooper Rush and everything that they bring to the table. But watch for Jaden Daniels in his health in this game. Because a big hit could take him out.

[Myron Metcalf]

Cowboys are awful. They might be playing as bad as anybody in the league right now. Literally. They might be the worst team in the league today. So I'll take the Commanders to win. What's next?

[Nick]

Patriots at Dolphins?

[Matt Jones]

There's an interesting one man. You know, in the in the Brady years, the Patriots would lose these games against Miami when they weren't as good. Two and company are playing better since he's returned from the concussion. But Drake May is quietly making noise as a rookie quarterback. I think that'll continue. But give me the Dolphins to win.

[Myron Metcalf]

The Dolphins should be better than they are and they're just not. Even with Tua's return, I think this is another game. This is going to be close in the fourth quarter. This is going to be a game that's a one possession game goes either way. I'm going to take the Dolphins, but barely. I could totally see the Patriots winning this game, but I don't want to give Myron one. So I'll take the Dolphins. But just like with the Panthers and the Chiefs, this one I think comes down to the end, but I'll take the Dolphins. What's next?

[Nick]

Titans at Texans?

[Matt Jones]

You see how you can manipulate the system. You didn't go with what you wanted because I'm just telling you what this game's going to be like.

[Myron Metcalf]

If I was going to bet in this game, I'd be betting on the Patriots and the Panthers. The Texans.

[Matt Jones]

The Texans will win this game, but CJ Stroud will throw two interceptions. Mark my word on that. Against the Titans past events. It's better than people realize. So I will pick the Texans. But watch for that.

[Myron Metcalf]

Texans win big. This is one I do not think will be close. CJ Stroud is going to bounce back from a couple rough performances and will destroy Tennessee today. What's next?

[Nick]

Lions head Colts.

[Matt Jones]

Man, this is not a guaranteed especially if Anthony Richards Richardson is playing better. Colts always find a way to make it ugly, but that won't be enough against this Lions team. I think the lions win by 10.

[Myron Metcalf]

Caste is on this game for us right after this. We talked to him. You know Detroit's going to go in. Might be a little lethargic due to being in the Applebee's of cities, but they'll come through at the end. Be tough. Detroit will get the victory. What's next?

[Nick]

Vikings at Bears.

[Matt Jones]

Man, the Bears are right there with the packers, you know, and they're playing better under a new regime. But I think the Vikings will Overcome some Sam Darnold mistakes and get the win here. Give me the Vikings.

[Myron Metcalf]

Bear down. Caleb Williams is going to get his big victory today at home. They play. They should have beaten Washington, should have beaten Green Bay last week. No more shoulders. They're woulda. They're going to woulda win this game. Give me the Going to woulda. The Bears are going to win this game right here today. I'll take the Bears. What's next?

[Nick]

Broncos at Raiders.

[Matt Jones]

It's not fair to people in the South. Can say stuff like gun or wood. Nobody questions. Y'all just get to say. Say whatever you want, man. We got the Broncos here.

[Nick]

Broncos at Raiders.

[Matt Jones]

Brock, listen, I think Bo Nicks can win rookie the year. Like, I don't know if Jay Dan's is healthy with the rib thing, but Bo Nicks is playing incredible football at this point, man, and it's just hard to overlook. That'll continue today. Give me the Broncos.

[Myron Metcalf]

I can't wait to bet against the Broncos first round of the playoffs. It's going to happen and it's going to happen. They'll win today. Give me the Broncos. Who's next?

[Nick]

49Ers at Packers.

[Myron Metcalf]

It's a good one.

[Matt Jones]

No Brock Purdy. Yeah. No Brock Purdy. No. No. Nick Bosa changes everything. Packers a win, but Jordan Love's interception streak will continue and it'll be a close game in the fourth quarter, even.

[Myron Metcalf]

Though it shouldn't be on Saved by the Bell. My favorite band was the Zach attack, and today my favorite team to win is the Pack Attack. Give me the packers to beat the 49ers. Just like Zach attack. Play so well with Screech and all the rest of them on Saved by the bell. What's next?

[Matt Jones]

Came to my school.

[Myron Metcalf]

God. Don't want to.

[Nick]

Cardinals at Seahawks.

[Matt Jones]

Go ahead. Screech came to my school, man. It was. It was cool. They, like, follow him down the hall. He had to go into a room with security. I think the Cardinals are quietly playing. That's a real story. No joke.

[Myron Metcalf]

But you act like people would care. Like, that's the least. I mean, like, good in the 90s.

[Matt Jones]

Screech coming to your school?

[Myron Metcalf]

Screech came to my school, but Screech.

[Matt Jones]

Came to my school. That was. Don't. Don't spoil my big childhood moments, all right? I think Kyler Murray. This will be the game when people go, well, wait a minute, maybe the Cardinals are a sleeper in the nfc. They beat the Seahawks. Kyler Murray plays great again.

[Myron Metcalf]

Skippy from Family Ties came to My school. And it didn't change. It didn't change the fact that I'm going to take, you know. Who'd you pick? The Cardinals. I want to give you a chance to win. Who'd you pick? The Cardinals. I'm gonna take the Seahawks. I'll go against him to give him a chance to get a chance.

[Matt Jones]

You're gonna take that district. He's just giving you one.

[Myron Metcalf]

I'm just. He needs it. I'm taking it.

[Matt Jones]

I don't care about this. I care more about what he said about Screech. I'm not really worried about, like, that meant a lot to us, man.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah. Cody from Step By Step came to my school. What's next?

[Nick]

All right, Eagles at Rams.

[Matt Jones]

Big game, man. And I think the Eagles win this, and I think we're going to be talking more about them being potentially the number one seed and battling the Lions for that because the Eagles are playing really well and nobody has noticed.

[Myron Metcalf]

Yeah, I'm going to take the Eagles, but, man, I want to pick the Rams, but I just. I can't. I think the Eagles get the win. I'm going to take Philadelphia. But that is a. That's a tough one. Gosh. I want to do it, but I don't think I'm going to. Yeah. Cody. That was the name of the kid from Step by Step, isn't that right? The next door neighbor.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Cody. Yeah.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right. All right, who's up next?

[Matt Jones]

That wasn't Topanga.

[Nick]

Chargers.

[Matt Jones]

That wasn't Topanga. Right. That was different. Ravens at Chargers. Lamar needs this, man. The one thing you know about a Chargers game is it's going to be a one score game in the fourth quarter. And the question is, can the Ravens finish? Do you pick them in that situation? In primetime? I will pick Lamar and the Ravens to win in that situation. But if they lose, man, it's going to be a different conversation about their super bowl contendership. Is that a word? Contention. Contendership. Contenders.

[Myron Metcalf]

All right, you just stop trying to say words. I'm going to say the Ravens will take the win on the road. Keep you from stumbling around trying to make up words. Baltimore and Lamar get their big win in la. Thank you all very much. Just keep. Just stop. Thank you all very much for listening. Big day of football. We will see you next week in Cincinnati. Be looking on social media for where we'll be. This has been Cabinet to kick off on ESPN Radio. Hey, it's Greeny. And a huge Monday is on the.

[Matt Jones]

Way after a sensational weekend of football, both college and pro, and we're looking ahead to what could easily be a.

[Myron Metcalf]

Preview and AFC playoff game with the.

[Matt Jones]

Chargers and Ravens on Monday night. It greeny starting 10:00am Eastern on ESPN.

[Myron Metcalf]

Radio and the ESPN app.

[Nick]

Thanks for listening to Matt and Myron the Podcast. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning at 10am Eastern on ESPN radio, the ESPN app and on SiriusXM channel 80. Matt and Myron the Podcast.