The Bobby Bones Show – "Lots to Say: Second Half - NFL Power Rankings, Playoff Hopes, and Week 14"
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Co-Host: Matt Castle
Guest Contributor: Kevin
Episode Overview
In this episode, Bobby Bones and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle dig deep into the current NFL landscape as the regular season barrels toward the playoffs. They break down the top power rankings, playoff scenarios for major franchises (including the Chiefs and Cowboys), and discuss the parity and unpredictability in the league this year. The hosts swap stories, debate MVPs, recount personal experiences, and preview key Week 14 matchups, bringing their trademark humor and candid opinions.
Main Topics & Discussion Points
1. Arkansas Football and Coaching Carousel
- Quick update on Arkansas hiring Ryan Silverfield as football coach:
- Neither Bobby nor Matt knows him personally, but Bobby relays positive feedback from a friend.
- “Is the fan base excited?” Matt asks.
- Bobby: “I'm dead inside. Just generally from the season, I'm dead inside.” [04:06]
- Discussion meanders to Lane Kiffin’s coaching career, with Matt recalling playing with him at USC:
- “He was just… a punk little kid came in. It was literally his first year coaching.” [04:41 – Matt]
- Shares a funny story about an on-field scuffle between himself and Lane Kiffin.
2. NFL Power Rankings (Bobby Bones' Top 5)
Timestamps: Starting at 08:48
Bobby reveals his top 5 NFL teams as of Week 14, with debate from Matt:
- Kansas City Chiefs (6–6)
- Despite their record, Bobby still believes in Mahomes and Kelsey.
- “They are a heavy 6 and 6. Like they’re a 6 and 6 that could still win the championship." [09:13 – Bobby]
- Chicago Bears (9–3)
- Strong rushing attack, but record feels "like a 7 and 5."
- “You are what your record says you are.” [10:34 – Bobby]
- Rams (9–3)
- Devonte Adams leads NFL receivers with 14 touchdowns.
- Impact of Puka Nakua and Matthew Stafford highlighted.
- Denver Broncos (10–2)
- “The only team that makes me more nervous than the Chicago Bears is the Denver Broncos.” [11:42 – Bobby]
- Praising their resilience—they've won nine straight games where they trailed.
- Big props to CB Patrick Surtain: “There are only like two guys in the NFL right now that I feel very Revis about…and it’s Surtain.” [12:34 – Bobby]
- Matt brings memories of Champ Bailey’s shutdown ability [13:02]
- New England Patriots (11–2)
- “The Patriots again. Drake May leads the league in passing yards.” [16:19 – Bobby]
Note: Bobby pokes fun at his own rule about not trusting second-year QBs, but notes three of his top five teams have them.
- “I’m not changing my mind. I’m learning new things as new information is presented.” [15:55 – Bobby]
Cowboys (6th): Bobby slips them in at the end. [18:21]
3. NFL Parity, Playoff Picture & Team Dynamics
- Matt: “There’s not that dominant team... it’s a fascinating year because there’s a lot of parity and you see upsets every week.” [22:25]
- The unpredictable NFC, as discussed by Bobby and Matt—“Any of those teams can win the freaking Super Bowl.” [27:41]
- Analogy: NFC = SEC in college football (tough, deep), AFC = Big Ten (top heavy).
- Detailed breakdown of both AFC and NFC playoff seedings and scenarios, injuries, and team strengths.
- Example: Broncos as "Indiana" of the AFC—overachieving, scrappy [28:04]
- Bobby: “If Buffalo ends up going in as the seven seed... nobody was going to want to play them in the playoffs.” [28:21]
4. Chiefs & Cowboys Playoff Odds
Timestamps: 28:52–35:48
- Both teams have a 24% chance (per Kevin) to make the playoffs; key games outlined.
- For Chiefs: Upcoming schedule and what must break their way.
- For Cowboys: Need to win out; Week 14 vs. Lions is an elimination game.
- Matt asserts, “I don’t think anybody wants to play Dallas right now at this point in the year.” [34:24]
- Dak Prescott discussed as playing at an MVP level but likely won’t win due to team record.
- “He’s playing out of his face!” [35:17 – Bobby]
- MVP debate: “You can’t really win the MVP on a .500 team, right?” [35:19 – Bobby]
- “If they go on a run...” [35:26 – Matt]
5. Quarterback Debate and Hot Takes
- Contrast between Lamar Jackson and Dak Prescott’s playoff reputations (Lamar has won 3, Dak 2).
- Bobby: “If you get a bye, that should count as a win.” [41:05]
- Football and basketball "hot takes" around how certain stats should be counted (e.g., QB/WR should get yardage for PI, assists in basketball for made free throws after a foul).
- “That’s mine.” [42:22 – Bobby] (after arguing for stat changes)
6. Notable Quotes & Banter
- On Lane Kiffin as a player:
- “He tried to come at me and he tried to, like, grab my shoulder and I literally body checked him. I said, don’t ever put your hands up. I mean, just the dumbest thing I could have possibly done as a player.” [05:36 – Matt]
- On sticking to fandom despite pain:
- Bobby: “If I hibernate until Arkansas gets good again, this might be the last you see of me ever, guys.” [08:26]
- On new information:
- “I’m not changing my mind. I’m learning new things as new information is presented.” [15:55 – Bobby]
- On the Bears’ coach’s physique post-game:
- “He took off his shirt and just flexed on the whole league.” [43:33 – Matt]
- Bobby: “Tan it and then give it little...draw them on, yeah, draw something on with a pencil.” (re: spray tans and abs) [45:46]
7. Injury Updates and Impact Players
Timestamps: 46:08–48:45
- Key injuries discussed:
- Sauce Gardner (Jets) – calf strain, not headed to IR.
- Justin Herbert (Chargers) – surgery on left non-throwing hand; may affect under center snaps.
- Cowboys’ Diggs – possible return vs. Lions, key for defense in elimination game.
- Joey Bosa (Chargers) – hamstring; status day-to-day.
- General note: Fewer superstar QBs lost to season-ending injury than previous years.
- “It’s an offensive league. The face of the league is the quarterback.” [48:54 – Bobby]
8. Mike Tomlin and Steelers’ Future
Timestamps: 48:59–51:42
- Debating Tomlin’s tenure and calls for his firing:
- “Maybe it is time for Mike Tomlin to move on. I don’t think that they’re going to fire him... But it just might have run its course, is what I’m saying, with the Steelers…” [49:19–50:38 – Matt]
- Bobby calls Steelers’ recent history “winning purgatory.” [51:02]
9. Week 14 Preview — Key Matchups
Timestamps: 51:42–54:24
- Cowboys @ Lions: Both pick Cowboys.
- “I’m gonna run with the hot hand and I’m gonna go with the Cowboys.” [52:00 – Matt]
- Bengals @ Bills: Both pick Bills.
- “Just tough to go to Buffalo in December and win.” [53:22 – Bobby]
- Bears @ Packers: Both take Packers, with a promise from Matt:
- “If the Bears beat the Packers, I am never going to bet against them again. I’m going to take my shirt off and get a spray tan.” [54:15 – Matt]
10. Personal Asides and Closing Banter
- Matt on finishing his college football schedule and family time.
- Bobby on his own injury rehab and trying high-tech recovery equipment.
- Extended, lighthearted spray tan conversation, referencing his time on Dancing with the Stars [44:02–45:46]
Notable Quotes by Timestamp
- “I’m dead inside. Just generally from the season, I’m dead inside.” — Bobby, [04:06]
- “I’m not changing my mind. I’m learning new things as new information is presented.” — Bobby, [15:55]
- “There’s not that dominant team… there’s a lot of parity and you see upsets every week.” — Matt, [22:25]
- “I don’t think anybody wants to play Dallas right now at this point in the year.” — Matt, [34:24]
- “He’s playing out of his face!” — Bobby, on Dak Prescott, [35:17]
- “Maybe it is time for Mike Tomlin to move on.” — Matt, [49:19]
- “If the Bears beat the Packers, I am never going to bet against them again. I’m going to take my shirt off and get a spray tan.” — Matt, [54:15]
Key Segment Timestamps
- Arkansas Coaching Carousel: [03:22–04:18]
- Lane Kiffin Story: [04:35–07:49]
- Power Rankings Unveiled: [08:48–16:07]
- AFC/NFC Parity: [22:25–27:41]
- Chiefs & Cowboys Playoff Math: [28:52–35:48]
- MVP & Stat Debates: [35:19–43:11]
- Week 14 Matchup Picks: [51:42–54:24]
Summary Takeaways
- The 2025 NFL season is one of the most unpredictable in memory, with true parity and no invincible teams.
- Power dynamics are shifting, with second-year QBs headlining several top teams—in direct contradiction to Bobby’s prior skepticism about young QBs.
- The playoff races in both conferences remain wide open, with elite teams like the Chiefs and Cowboys in real danger of missing out.
- Dak Prescott’s play has been elite, but team record overshadows MVP consideration.
- Injury impact is discussed with an emphasis on current “walking wounded” still contributing, unlike previous seasons marred by major QB injuries.
- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s long run may be reaching a natural end, mirroring Andy Reid’s exit from Philly.
- Week 14 features must-win scenarios, with the show’s picks favoring Cowboys, Bills, and Packers.
This episode blends NFL insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and candid debates, perfect for fans seeking an informed yet entertaining breakdown of the current football landscape.