Lots to Say: Wild Card Preview and Power Rankings!

Summary

The Bobby Bones Show: "Lots to Say: Wild Card Preview and Power Rankings!"

Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Bobby Bones & Matt Castle

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Episode Overview

This lively episode kicks off the new year with Bobby Bones and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle reuniting to preview Wild Card weekend, debate power rankings, and dive deep into the biggest stories and controversies surrounding the 2026 NFL playoffs. The hosts, both coming off their holiday breaks, mix playful banter, personal stories, and sharp football analysis while previewing key matchups, assessing coaching decisions, and examining the wide-open Super Bowl field.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Holiday Recap and Banter (02:32–09:03)

• Bobby and Matt exchange holiday stories—Matt details a snowy family Montana getaway, including a comically disastrous (for adults) attempt at skiing without ski poles.
• Bobby recounts spending time in Arkansas and New York, revealing more about his family and his wife's sports fandom.
• Notable Quote:
  “When you fall and you're an adult, that's a different fall.” – Bobby Bones (04:42)
  “Oh, it was hard. Right on the hip…my hip flexor started cramping.” – Matt Castle (04:44)
• The segment sets an informal, humorous tone and establishes quick rapport between the hosts.

2. Wild Card Game Previews (09:06–13:02)

• The core of the episode focuses on analysis and predictions for three Wild Card matchups:
  • 49ers vs. Eagles (09:06–10:51):
    • Matt favors the Eagles, citing rest and defensive strength, despite acknowledging Philadelphia’s own unpredictability.
    • Bobby leans 49ers, praising their offense but sharing concerns about their depleted defense.
    • Exchange:
      “They have a great offense playing a really great defense. That will be the interesting unit vs. unit.” – Bobby Bones (10:19)
  • Texans vs. Steelers (10:51–11:30):
    • Both go with the Texans, emphasizing the dominance and relentlessness of Houston’s defense, especially in the pass rush.
  • Rams vs. Panthers (11:30–12:57):
    • Matt chooses the Rams, highlighting a returning Devonte Adams and expecting Stafford to show MVP form.
    • Bobby, a Panthers fan, picks LA but notes Carolina’s tendency to “muddy up” these games and force turnovers.

3. NFL Power Rankings Reveal (30:02–34:25)

• Bobby shares his latest playoff power rankings (Chiefs barely miss the cut at #6, Cowboys at #7).

  1. Seattle Seahawks – Given the top seed and recent win over San Francisco, but even Bobby admits, "I think this is the weakest #1 in the history of the power rankings." (30:42)
  2. Denver Broncos – Praised for their elite defense and favorable playoff path.
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Recognized for balance and an underdog narrative. Matt especially credits Jacoby Myers as "a security blanket for Trevor Lawrence." (32:21)
  4. Los Angeles Rams – Offensive weapons (Puka Nukua, Devonte Adams) make them dangerous if healthy.
  5. New England Patriots – Both agree they’re well-coached, but Bobby places them slightly below elite company.

• Playful pushback and “devil’s advocate” arguments pop up throughout, highlighting the parity and wide-open Super Bowl field.

4. Biggest Playoff Storylines & Debates (17:45–29:15)

• Eagles' Decision to Rest Starters (17:45–19:36):
  Matt is critical: “I don't understand why the Philadelphia Eagles sat their starters...it made no sense to me.” – Matt Castle (17:45)
• Lack of ‘Repeat’ Talk for the Eagles: Bobby notes the media isn’t discussing a possible Eagles repeat, which is rare for a defending champ (19:36–20:39).
• A Historic, Wide-Open Postseason Field:
  They debate the impact of a postseason with no Chiefs, Ravens, Brady, or Mahomes—a situation unseen since 2014.
  • “It really makes this Super Bowl feel open.” – Bobby Bones (20:48)
  • “You just don't feel like...there’s the team that you have to beat.” – Matt Castle (21:18)
• Number One Seeds' Advantage:
  Matt shares how teams with a first-round bye (Seattle, Denver) benefit in prep/rest, referencing his Patriots experience in 2007 (22:43–24:28).
• Lamar Jackson Trade Rumors (25:04–29:15):
  Matt calls any plans to move the Ravens QB “absolutely nuts,” defending Jackson’s unique skillset. - Bobby plays devil’s advocate, citing Belichick’s “better to get rid of a player a year early than a year late” and Lamar’s heavy reliance on mobility. - Memorable Exchange:
  “I'm done advocating as Satan.” – Bobby Bones (29:13)
  “Put the angel on your shoulder, sweetie.” – Matt Castle (29:15)

5. Coaching Carousel & Best Available Jobs (34:27–36:42)

• Matt ranks the Giants as the most attractive head coaching vacancy (strong defense, promising QB Jackson Dart, solid personnel).
• Falcons come next, lauded for offensive talent (Bijan Robinson, Drake London), though concerns exist at quarterback.
• The state of other open jobs—Browns, Cardinals, Titans, Raiders—are briefly mentioned.

6. COVID Football & NIL-Era Transfers (36:42–42:25)

• The hosts reminisce about the strange experience of pandemic-era games: artificial noise, cardboard fans, and lost home field advantage.
• Discuss shifting perceptions of NIL-era college football, especially regarding player loyalty and the possibility of Heisman winners transferring for better offers.
  • “You know what’ll be crazy? When someone wins the Heisman and then transfers out...that will happen.” – Bobby Bones (42:22)

7. Final Playoff Matchups & Predictions (42:27–45:53)

• Packers at Bears:
  Matt believes Chicago’s season is a success regardless of result, praises rookie QB Caleb Williams’ progression and team resilience.
• Bills at Jaguars:
  Matt takes the red-hot Jaguars (won eight straight), while Bobby favors the “best player on the field,” Josh Allen. They discuss the criticism and job security of Bills coach Sean McDermott.
• Niners vs. Eagles:
  Bobby: “I'm going to take the Niners.” Matt, steadfast for Philly.
• Chargers at Patriots:
  Both pick New England, citing defensive edge and steady QB play from Drake Maye.
• Texans at Steelers:
  “Gotta go with the Texans. That defensive unit is just dirty.” – Matt Castle (45:49)

8. Show Wrap and Teaser for the Next Episode (46:37–47:04)

• Bobby teases an upcoming show with two-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan.
• Both hosts rejoice in their successful preview marathon and wish everyone a good NFL weekend.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Adult Skiing Mishaps:
  “When you fall and you're an adult, that's a different fall.” – Bobby Bones (04:42)
• On the Eagles Resting Starters:
  “I think that was a bad decision by coach Sirianni. Yeah, I said it.” – Matt Castle (18:35)
• Historic Playoffs:
  “It’s the first time since 2014 that there are no Chiefs and no Ravens and no Patrick Mahomes and no Tom Brady and no Peyton Manning, no Matt Castle. That's been way longer.” – Bobby Bones (20:48)
• On Trading Lamar Jackson:
  “Absolutely nuts to move on from Lamar Jackson or trade Lamar Jackson.” – Matt Castle (25:04) “I'm done as the devil. Put the angel on your shoulder, sweetie.” – (29:13–29:15)
• Power Rankings Transparency:
  "I think this is the weakest, number one in the history of the power rankings... but that's the name of the game." – Bobby Bones (30:42)
• Playoff Parity:
  “There are dominant players and units, but there aren’t dominant teams.” – Bobby Bones (22:05)
• On NIL Transfers:
  “When someone wins the Heisman and then transfers out...that will happen.” – Bobby Bones (42:22)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Holiday Reflections & Banter: 02:32–09:03
• Wild Card Previews: 09:06–13:02
• Power Rankings & Analysis: 30:02–34:25
• Biggest Playoff Stories: 17:45–29:15
• Head Coaching Market: 34:27–36:42
• COVID Football Memories: 36:42–37:55
• NIL & College Transfers: 41:27–42:29
• Remaining Playoff Picks & Analysis: 42:27–45:56
• Outro & Tease: 46:37–47:04

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Tone & Style

The show strikes a balance between sharp sports analysis and loose, comedic rapport. Bobby often takes the everyman/fan perspective, while Matt delivers insider football insight, drawing on personal experience. “Devil’s advocate” debates are a running joke, and the episode features plenty of good-natured ribbing and self-awareness about sports talk clichés.

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Summary Usefulness

This episode is ideal for football fans seeking an engaging yet thorough playoff preview, complete with team and coach assessments, narrative contrarianism, and relatable off-field stories. Both casual listeners and hardcore NFL devotees will appreciate the banter, insight, and clear explanations behind each pick and ranking.

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Next episode’s teaser: Logan Ryan (2x Super Bowl champ) will join for further playoff breakdowns and more behind-the-scenes stories.

Transcript

[Bobby Bones]

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A delicious bowl of grapes? Yes.

[Bobby Bones]

Yes, that.

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[Matt Castle]

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[Bobby Bones]

Bobby Bones and Matt Castle is a production of the NFL and iHeart podcasts.

[Apple Card Sponsor]

We got lots to say.

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[Bobby Bones]

Lots to say we're better here and.

[Matt Castle]

We hope you stay.

[Bobby Bones]

Cause we got lots to say.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Apple Card Sponsor]

We got lots to say.

[Bobby Bones]

Now here's Bobby and Matt. All right, welcome to the first episode of the year, my newly bearded mountain man. Thank you, co host Matt Castle. I'm Bobby Bones. How was the holiday? What'd you guys do?

[Matt Castle]

It was great. We got out of town after Christmas. The day after Christmas, we went up to Montana.

[Bobby Bones]

Oh, so you did it here first?

[Matt Castle]

We did it here first, because, you know, travel and presence and all that with kids, it's a little much. So we went literally the morning after Christmas and went up to Montana. We've got a place up there and it was spectacular. It snowed the first day, the white, full white, blizzard style. And where our places, it sits up on the plateau, backs up to the Bitterroot National Forest. So we did that. We went skiing for a day, which, look, I like to ski, and I've only done it, I promise you, once before this, and I had a blast. But it was like one hill, very easy. There wasn't a lot of snow up where we went before. And then we went to this hill in Montana. And I get this. We get a lesson from the instructor. We go out there, and my wife, who's actually the skier, she didn't ski because she had a lower back thing going on. So I'm out there with five kids. We're trying to go down these bunny hills, kind of relearn the mechanics of how you ski. And I'm fine with that. But my daughter gets down to the bottom of the hill, my youngest daughter, and she's like, dad, I'm over it. Like, take me up to mom. So you got to grab the rope on the side. It pulls you up the bunny hill. So we get up there, I got to kind of get her out of her skis. I'm tripping all over the place. Take her over to my wife, finally. But then by the time I get back, they've already done a few runs and the guy's like, hey, let's go hit the slopes. I think they're ready. And I was like, dude, there's no chance I'm ready at all. Like, I just learned how to pizza again. But the other caveat to that was the simple fact that I'm a 43 year old male and they don't give me poles because I'm a beginner. They want you to learn how to balance and do all that. So I literally have my hands out in front of me as if I have poles, and I'm like trying to ski and I'm going down. I get off the lift the first time, totally ate. It just felt like such a little kid. It was brutal and it was zero degrees, but it was a great time.

[Bobby Bones]

When you fall and you're an adult, that's a different fall.

[Matt Castle]

Oh, it was hard. It was hard right on the hip. And then my hip, my hip flexor started cramping. And I was like, you guys go ahead he's like, no, we're gonna wait for you. I was like, I don't think that's a good idea.

[Bobby Bones]

Well, then you wonder, too, after you've fallen as an adult, if anything is hurt, because you might get up and go, I think I'm okay. But you're an adult, so you have adult fights, and you think, is it just my adrenaline that says I'm okay? Am I going to realize that I've torn something once I get back to the cabin?

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. And that was the issue, too, was because you get locked into these ski boots, and the only way you're. You're, like, stuck in this position going in, and like, my knees were hurting. I'm going, I'm not that good to be going down real hills. Like, I need. When I say bunny slope, just give me something like that where I can just kind of learn. Go this way and that way. I mean, this one hill looked like treacherous to me. It was a double black diamond. I'm sure it was like the most novice hill. And then you got to cut across, and then they had these. These lanes that you're skiing that are 12, 15ft across. And if you look down, it's straight down. And I'm like, I'm going to die out here. This would be one way to go out on the ski hill in Montana. On my second time skiing, just can't do it. But nonetheless got through skiing. That was awesome. Four Wheeling. Went to some really nice dinners, had a fireworks show at the top of the mountain with the whole family. And it was a great way because you get to unplug and you just spend family time. How about yourself?

[Bobby Bones]

Well, I've never been skiing, but double black diamond sounds. It was funny, even though I don't understand it.

[Matt Castle]

Double black diamond, I guess from what they say is the most difficult ski slope that you can go down. And so you only go on it if maybe you're professional or you've got a death wish or anything like that. The first time I went. Well, maybe it was the third time I went snowboarding when I was younger, going down this trail, and I think I'm on a bunny slope, and then all of a sudden it gets narrower, narrower, narrower. And then all of a sudden I stop and I look down, and it's straight down. It's got moguls, and it's like a chute that you're supposed to draw. You see those guys on those videos, and I was like, there's nobody else around. I'm like, what am I supposed. I look over, it says, double black diamond. I go, I gotta get down some way. And you know, I've watched enough of those cool videos where I'm like, okay, I'll just jump. Do this. So I jump once, jump twice, catch the front edge, go right out into powder. I'm up to almost my waist in powder. I can't get out. I can't dig myself out. I'm trying to. I'm there for like, 30 minutes.

[Bobby Bones]

Sounds like quicksand.

[Matt Castle]

Oh, it was the worst ever. So I'm sitting there, I'm like, I wonder if they're gonna come rescue me. And they're like. And because my board was stuck. And so now I'm. Now I've got my gloves off, trying to get the bindings off. Can't get the bindings off. So I'm digging out. I'm literally digging a hole in the snow. I crawl back out onto the slope and go down on my stomach like this, just over these moguls. And it was the worst experience. I show up 40 minutes later, and my family's like, where were you? I was like, I was dying in the woods. You guys didn't come.

[Bobby Bones]

You were doing double black diamonds. That's what I hear.

[Matt Castle]

I mean, it was the worst ever. So that's what a double black diamond is now.

[Bobby Bones]

The joke still hit. Even though I didn't know what it was, it still hit.

[Matt Castle]

That was good. Yeah, thanks. Appreciate that.

[Bobby Bones]

We went to Oklahoma and Arkansas. We stayed at our place in Arkansas.

[Matt Castle]

Don't be enthusiastic about it when you say it, though. Went to Oklahoma.

[Bobby Bones]

In Arkansas, it was a normal Christmas. It wasn't Montana in the winter, snowing. We have a house in Fayetteville, and everybody came. And then we went to Oklahoma and we came home for a few days. And then my wife's birthday, so we went to New York for a few days after. As you guys went in after Christmas, we went in the day after New Year's.

[Matt Castle]

Smart.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. Because we didn't want to deal with that. And we were going in while everybody was coming out, so even the hotel was nobody there.

[Matt Castle]

So. Smart.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, it was nice.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

So. And then back at it. Watched all the games. My wife's one pregnant, but super cool like that.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

There's an understanding now.

[Matt Castle]

Does she like sports? Does she watch sports with any.

[Bobby Bones]

She comes from a massive sports family. I. She's obviously not in a team she doesn't care about, and her job isn't to watch sports. So there's a level difference in Us.

[Matt Castle]

Right.

[Bobby Bones]

But she is a die hard Sooners fan and she probably watches 40 thunder game a year. She doesn't watch any of the West Coast.

[Matt Castle]

Really?

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, she watches most Thunder games. I guess they play over 80 games. Her dad watches every Thunder game.

[Matt Castle]

Oh, so they're die hard Thunder fans.

[Bobby Bones]

Die hard. Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

That's cool.

[Bobby Bones]

So yes, she played sports, is an athlete when she wants to be and follows sports mediumly if it's her team.

[Matt Castle]

Got it.

[Bobby Bones]

So that's what's up.

[Matt Castle]

Okay, that's what's up.

[Bobby Bones]

It's weekend preview time presented by DraftKings. From first touchdown score to anytime, TD props or thrill of live in game betting, every snap is loaded with opportunity. Let's preview three specific games. Pick your winner. 49ers, the Eagles, Matt Castle. Go.

[Matt Castle]

This is a, this is going to be a great game. I feel like this is going to be one of those games that people tune into because I 49ers, I think they always have a great plan going into these playoff games. I believe in Kyle Shanahan, but they've had so many injuries. I have to go with the Philadelphia Eagles in this one. At home they're well rested, even though that's one of my topics of conversation if we talk about it. But they're well rested and I just think that that defense for Philadelphia will keep them in the game and hopefully their offense can figure it out.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm going to 49ers and it's a bit like what you're saying, but you're looking at the 49ers have a really good offense and no defense.

[Matt Castle]

No, they've got a good defense.

[Bobby Bones]

No, they're all hurt.

[Matt Castle]

The 49ers are all hurt. They still have a decent defense.

[Bobby Bones]

They played their, their, the fourth and fifth DB last. They have nobody.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, they're on their fourth middle linebacker.

[Bobby Bones]

That's my point. How good are you going to be when you're playing your third and fourth and fifth string guys?

[Matt Castle]

Well, they're pretty good because you picked them.

[Bobby Bones]

I did. I did pick them. I think they have a great offense playing a really great defense. I think that will be the interesting universe's unit.

[Matt Castle]

It'll. It'll be interesting because even going back to a week ago when they played Seattle, I thought Seattle did a tremendous job defensively and shut down that offensive unit that have been so explosive, so good and consistent throughout the year. I believe that that works in favor to the Philadelphia Eagles because they will watch that, that film and understand what did they take away? How did they do it? And that might be an advantage for Philadelphia going into this game.

[Bobby Bones]

Texans, Steelers. I'll go first. I think the Texans defense is just so good. I think they're the second best defense in the NFL. I think that unit probably wins that game. And the Steelers, they already got kissed by an angel.

[Matt Castle]

They did get kissed by an angel. I do think they get some help back. DK Metcalf's coming back this week. Watt came back last week. So they, they're definitely elevated unit than what they were just even a week ago. But at the same time, I agree with you. I'm going to go with Houston. I think that defense is relentless, especially pass rush. And where Aaron Rodgers has struggled this year, it's when they haven't been able to protect him consistently. And with this front that they have for Houston to be able to get after, Aaron Rodgers is going to be the key for them.

[Bobby Bones]

I'll throw up the Rams at the Panthers. That's kind of it. It's exhibition game, right?

[Matt Castle]

I don't know if it's that because the Panthers beat them during regular season in a critical game and Panthers are one of those sneaky teams that everybody's counting them out and it's, it's one of those games that you go, okay, they're at home. If they play, if they play well, who knows. But I'm still going with the Rams, especially because I believe devonte Adams is going to be back. They're going to have the full arsenal of their weapons and Matt Stafford probably will be the MVP this year.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm going with the Rams exhibition game. I like the Panthers. I keep pounding.

[Matt Castle]

Wasn't that your team?

[Bobby Bones]

It is my team. It's the team.

[Matt Castle]

That's your team. Yeah, that's your team.

[Bobby Bones]

But I have to be non biased here and I think the Panthers goal in games like this is to trap the other team in a real sloppy game.

[Matt Castle]

You got. You have to.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, like you. Because they're not just going to play. It's just not going to be one touchdown after the other. Both side bounce, bounce.

[Matt Castle]

I don't feel like it's going to come down to just one play. It's going to be the Panthers being able to get some turnovers, you know, create turnovers. It's going to be big explosive play where maybe the Rams blew a coverage or something like that. Because if you look at it on paper you say the Rams should dominate this game based on personnel and coaching. But at the same time the Panthers have proven whether it's been Green Bay, whether it was the Rams that they can beat, quality teams that they just got to muddy it up.

[Bobby Bones]

Muddy it up.

[Matt Castle]

Muddy it up. That's a football term if I've ever seen one kid.

[Bobby Bones]

That was the week in Preview presented by DraftKings. DraftKings Sportsbook. Every drive, every play, every moment. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now. Use the code to say one word. To say T o S a y like our show. Lots to say to turn five bucks into 300 in bonus bets. If your bet wins in partnership with DraftKings, the Crown is yours.

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[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Games with Names. Now let's get into the serious stuff. We're talking football food, specifically Daisy French onion dip.

[Matt Castle]

That is serious.

[Julian Edelman]

Got to try these delicious new dips from Daisy. These are so delicious. They're like homemade dips made with real herb and spices and other ingredients you'll find in your kitchen. Also made with some Daisy sour cream. Daisy sour cream is a long standing staple for Taco Tuesday.

[Matt Castle]

You know what I do when I get my street burrito?

[Bobby Bones]

I get the squirt Daisy. Yeah. And every bite.

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[Matt Castle]

I know you.

[Julian Edelman]

I'm a huge sour cream guy. I love sour cream top. So I think burritos can't live without sour cream.

[Bobby Bones]

I completely agree with that.

[Julian Edelman]

They also have daisy ranch dip. I love ranch dip.

[Bobby Bones]

That's great.

[Julian Edelman]

I love it with crackers, wings, plain potato chip, the ones with the little crinkles, maybe some bell peppers. So get out there and give Daisy French onion dip a try. You will not regret it.

[Bobby Bones]

You have a matte camouflage green van.

[Matt Castle]

It's right out there. The sprinter van.

[Bobby Bones]

I saw it. It's massive. Oh, yeah, it's cool. The color.

[Matt Castle]

12 passenger. 12 passenger. Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

You don't often drive that over here.

[Matt Castle]

No, I don't. It's because my truck, all of a sudden it started doing this thing where we're driving down the street and it'll Shut off the engine, it stops, the acceleration won't go. You have to all of a sudden pull off to the side, put it in park, put it back. And then all of a sudden it turns right back on, you're okay. And then more and more it'll just shut off. And I thought it might be a little scary. That's not safe to drive.

[Bobby Bones]

I don't know much about cars.

[Matt Castle]

I don't know much about cars. But I know if you're driving 40 miles an hour and you come to a stop or if you're accelerating and the car shut traffic, it's usually not a good thing.

[Uber Eats Sponsor]

What the heck?

[Matt Castle]

I have no idea. So I had a tow truck come over, pick that thing up today, take it over to Goat Serviced, and I decided to drive my sprinter van. And I like the sprinter van. The easiest car to drive ever.

[Bobby Bones]

I've spent some time before my band got a bus. We were in a sprinter van.

[Matt Castle]

So we drove luxury sprinter van.

[Bobby Bones]

Though yours was not at first, it was a car. At first we went car, normal van, sprinter van, bus. But yours is cool and the color's cool. Did you guys paint it that green?

[Matt Castle]

We got it wrapped. We got it wrapped. It needed a facelift. It was like all black, fading a little bit. And I was like, let's stall this thing up.

[Bobby Bones]

You guys see it? No, I gotta see it. I didn't know who was outside.

[Matt Castle]

Delivery guy.

[Bobby Bones]

It looked like a really cool delivery guy who's driving because I thought it was camouflage at first because it's kind of like got two.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, I'm not that man. I'm not met that man yet.

[Bobby Bones]

And then. But it was parked here at the house where Matt normally parks. And I was like, oh yeah, he does have five kids. Maybe that's his ride. It's. It's the coolest sprinter event I've ever seen.

[Matt Castle]

Well, the reason we did it originally was because you have five kids in an Escalade. There's seven seats. So if my wife and the kids are going somewhere, you've got that. But if they ever wanted to bring a friend or something like, like that over to the house, we had no room. So I was like, let's get a sprinter van. So we got your legit 12 person sprinter van.

[Bobby Bones]

I would say if I didn't.

[Matt Castle]

But it's got bench seating so then the kids can all spread out. So there's not fighting when we go somewhere altogether. And it's great on long road trips. I mean, yeah, man, it's a. I want One just. Yes. Yes, for me.

[Bobby Bones]

Is it a tank like to.

[Matt Castle]

No, it's. Dude, it is a baby. It drives like one of Bobby's Bentleys. Okay. That's how smooth this thing is. Okay.

[Bobby Bones]

Okay. Let's go back and forth, but you're on today, buddy.

[Matt Castle]

You're funny today.

[Bobby Bones]

It's the beard. It's the beard. It's like Samson and Strength.

[Matt Castle]

There you go.

[Bobby Bones]

Wow, look at you. You want to go first? Give me something.

[Matt Castle]

You always give me some first, but I'll take it. I don't understand why the Philadelphia Eagles sat their starters in the last week of the season knowing that there was potential. I know that there was maybe small potential, but they could have been the two seed, which potentially gives you another home game, which is a huge advantage in the playoffs when you're playing at home versus on the road versus quality opponents. And so that was very confusing, especially because it was ripe for the taking after Chicago lost to the Lions, which you knew was going to be a battle because Chicago wanted to win that game. But the Lions are a good football team, so there was a possibility, but they sat their starters, and I just don't know why they would do that unless maybe they were content with being the third seed. But at the same time, it made no sense to me. I think that that was a bad decision by Coach Arianni. Yeah, I said it.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, that's your boy.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, and he's my boy. And he's still my boy. He understands it. But, yeah, it was confusing to me.

[Bobby Bones]

Maybe they want to play the Packers. Is that something? If you're the two, you'd play the seven. Do you think it was possibly they'd rather play the 49ers. Did you think that far ahead?

[Matt Castle]

I think the 49ers is probably a better football player.

[Bobby Bones]

I think so, too. I'm just trying to figure it out. When you see.

[Matt Castle]

I see. I just don't. I don't think that you look at it like that. If you have the opportunity to be the 2 seed.

[Bobby Bones]

But then why. That's my point exactly.

[Matt Castle]

And I don't think that that has been answered.

[Bobby Bones]

Maybe he just. It was health. It was all health.

[Matt Castle]

It might have been health. Just like we're going to be as healthy as we can going in this playoff run. We know we'll have at least one playoff game and then we're going to go on the road. But at the. To me, the more that you can be at home and take. Take advantage of that is just a huge asset for your team going into.

[Bobby Bones]

The playoffs, maybe you knew that you were going to play at home for possibly, well, at least the first round, maybe the second round. But health greater sign that that has.

[Matt Castle]

To be what it came down to.

[Bobby Bones]

Well, I made a list of things that aren't being discussed at all, and one of them is the Eagles repeating. Nobody's talking about.

[Matt Castle]

Nobody's talking about it.

[Bobby Bones]

And they're in the playoffs.

[Matt Castle]

They're in the playoffs.

[Bobby Bones]

And it's really not something that I'm hearing anyone talk about or address. If it's any podcast I listen to or shows I watch, no one's going we think the Eagles can repeat. And that is so rare for a champion to return, make it to the playoffs again. And people not make that one of the big stories.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. And it's because of the narrative throughout the course of the season. The offense, they don't have an identity. They're going up and down. There's struggles, there's conflict in the locker room. When are they going to get A.J. brown involved? Because this defense has been elite all year long. They Saquon Barkley didn't have the same stats he had last year. They had injuries on the offensive line. So those question marks are there. There's no doubt about it. But this is a team that is battle tested. They did it last year and all they have to do is get a little momentum rolling. And this is a dangerous team that undoubtedly could be back in the super bowl this year.

[Bobby Bones]

A tried a tested team that's made it to the super bowl and won a Super Bowl.

[Matt Castle]

Right. And the super bowl that they lost was an incredible game.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. I'll go with how this is a truly historic postseason field because there are no Chiefs and no Ravens. I'm not going to say no Bengals because they haven't made it the last couple of years. But it's pretty crazy. It's the first time since 2014 that there are no Chiefs and no Ravens and no Patrick Mahomes and no Tom Brady and no Peyton Manning, no Matt Castle. That's been way longer. But it really makes this super bowl feel open.

[Matt Castle]

It does. It feels like an open field. And I believe that's the parody of the NFL in general. But even when you look at this field and we discussed it probably a few episodes back, you didn't feel like there was one significant dominant team in this year, this year's AFC or nfc, because either one.

[Bobby Bones]

You're right.

[Matt Castle]

You just don't feel like, hey, this is the team that you have to beat in order to get there. Because if we can't get past this, they're going back to the super bowl like the Chiefs have been to what this is the first time since 2021 that they won't be in the super bowl this year because they're not. Didn't make the playoffs. But you just don't feel that this year there's a lot of parity and you feel like there's going to be a lot of games that you're going to have some upsets with lower seeds over higher seeds potentially, because there's some levity to this group.

[Bobby Bones]

I think there are dominant players and units, but there aren't dominant teams. If you're like quarterbacks, you got to go Josh Allen, right. Then a one quarterback, you also, I mean, you got to go to Philadelphia, you probably got to go to the Packers a bit. Jordan Love still Stafford for sure. The Rams, I think defensively, you look at the Broncos probably one, Texans at two. Seattle's got a good defense. Like there are really great defenses. You can go to prolific offenses, but there really isn't a all the way through team that you expect to be dominant. And there's not a team to beat, I don't think in either the AFC or the nfc.

[Matt Castle]

Right. And I do believe this year more so than years in the past, that number one seed for both Seattle and then also for Denver is huge because of the home field advantage because of the extra week of rest that they get before they start this playoff run. They've got to win two games to get to the super bowl versus three games to get to the Super Bowl. That that means something. And I've been on the New England Patriots in 2007 when we had that buy, and it's refreshing. Your body gets healthier, but you also have another week of preparation where you can reevaluate yourself. Where do we have to go and get started on that game plan a lot earlier than what you would in a shortened week or a normal week.

[Bobby Bones]

Do you prepare for both teams?

[Matt Castle]

They do an advanced scouting. So what they'll usually do is, okay, we're one of two opponents. So they'll start advanced scouting the week prior to that and they'll start putting together reports. And then as soon as that game ends, it could be the Saturday game, it could be the Sunday game. You're going to start getting material. And the coaches are already a step ahead. They might be working on potential run game thoughts, potential pass game thoughts for both. So the coaches are working harder than the Players are that first week because we're really, it's a little bit more low key. They're trying to protect the players, but you're getting out there getting reps, running our basic fundamental plays that we have that will be universal in every game plan. But because we're in New England and a lot of teams do this, we're a game plan team. So it's based on, hey, the defensive unit. There are four, three defense. They, they like to play man to man. We're going to create a game plan to beat that. The primary coverages that you're going to get, but the other team might be a 3, 4 defense. So the run scheme is going to be different, the protection schemes are going to be different. So there's always these things that you navigate. The game plan will never be the same week to week, but if you're.

[Bobby Bones]

By and it could be one or two teams, I can understand doing what you do and making sure you stay sharp. But are you preparing against both or are you not wanting to have any sort of mental mix up? So you just let that lie?

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, you let it lie. As a player, they're not trying to overwhelm you with, hey, we're going to put together two games, game plans. We're relearning both this and that because that's. That that would be obnoxious for a player and I think it would overwhelm you. I guarantee you could do it.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, like week 14. Give me everybody we might play and.

[Matt Castle]

I'll start right now for the next five weeks.

[Bobby Bones]

Let's go practice against them all.

[Matt Castle]

On to the Super Bowl.

[Bobby Bones]

That's right. All right, what do you got?

[Matt Castle]

There's all this discussion right now about the Ravens potentially moving on from Lamar Jackson. I think that would be absolutely nuts to move on from Lamar Jackson or trade Lamar Jackson because I know he's had some injuries and I know he's maybe getting a little bit older, but the guy is so dynamic and so special. And I think that there's been a number of reasons why they struggled this year, but I don't think he's the primary reason. And I, I just, I think you set yourself back. If you trade somebody like Lamar Jackson, even though you could get three potential first rounders, I don't know what he'd go for in the market.

[Bobby Bones]

I hate to be devil's advocate or play the devil. What's that term?

[Matt Castle]

Let me be, let me, let me play devil's advocate.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, whatever people say, let's play, let's play in the Devils because I agree with you quarterbacks, even if you get a top 15 first round quarterback, they're still 50%. Like you don't know if you're going to get a good quarterback.

[Matt Castle]

Right.

[Bobby Bones]

But I'll play devil's advocate, as you guys say in the biz. Bill Belichick once said, you want to get rid of somebody a year before they go bad, not a year after. And Lamar is so mobile. Yes, that's not going to last now. It'll last for another year or two for sure. But you're not going to be 35 years old playing that same style that makes him so successful. He throws the ball wonderfully. I'm not taking anything away. But he also is so mobile that it opens up a lot of throwing lanes.

[Matt Castle]

Yep.

[Bobby Bones]

Playing devil's advocate, as you guys say in the biz. Yeah, in the biz, if you can get two or three first round picks and you can cut them or you can move on a year early instead of a year late, why would you not at least look at it?

[Matt Castle]

But how old is Lamar? 29? 30.

[Bobby Bones]

29? 30. Yeah. 28. Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

He came in the league when he was like 19 years old. So he's got some time here. He's 28. We're away, we're further away from 32.

[Bobby Bones]

Even then, how many 32 year olds do you see but running for? By the way, I agree with you. I'm just as they said, it has.

[Matt Castle]

Lamar Jackson skill set. What 30 year old's going to have Lamar Jackson? He's a freak of nature. He's a generational talent. And all I'm saying is when you talk about moving on from Lamar Jackson, that means you're changing your whole identity.

[Bobby Bones]

He turns 29 tomorrow. So when this airs, he's 29, okay?

[Matt Castle]

No, he's not 29. He's 28 as we're talking.

[Bobby Bones]

No, but when this airs, he'll be 29.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, maybe, maybe, maybe tomorrow.

[Bobby Bones]

I agree. Quarterbacks are so hard to get, but.

[Matt Castle]

They'Re so hard to get. But you're talking about changing your ide offensive identity. How you call the game is now you have to look at your offensive coordinator. Does he fit what we want to do? Potentially if we draft this young guy coming in and it's just going to look completely different. And what he does, he makes defenses play 11 on 11 football because of his ability to run the ball. And I understand what you're saying as he's.

[Bobby Bones]

No, I'm being Devil's Advocate. I'm not saying it as me.

[Matt Castle]

As the devil.

[Bobby Bones]

Yes.

[Matt Castle]

You're saying, like, he is susceptible to injury, especially the older he gets, because he. He is a guy and he's going to move slower.

[Bobby Bones]

He's going to move slower as he gets older.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. So he'll run a 4. 3 instead of a 4. 2. But what I'm saying is this guy's special, and I believe that he's coming into his prime. He's already won two MVPs. I mean, the guy's in the prime of his career. They've got to get. He's got to stay healthy. There's no doubt about that. And there's ways to call a game to not put him at harm, in harm's way, so to speak.

[Bobby Bones]

But you're not going to allow him to do what he does best if he's not in harm's way. I don't know.

[Matt Castle]

He threw some bombs the other night, which was pretty sweet.

[Bobby Bones]

He hasn't. What's he done in the playoffs, by the way? I'm a fan. Don't. Don't make me be devil's advocate. I'm done.

[Matt Castle]

I know.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm done advocating as Satan.

[Matt Castle]

I know what you're saying about playoffs, but we could make the same case for Josh Allen, right?

[Bobby Bones]

He kind of, but Kind of.

[Matt Castle]

Yes, it's the same.

[Bobby Bones]

But only kind of. No, not the same.

[Matt Castle]

Really.

[Bobby Bones]

Josh Allen's had more success than Lamar Jackson has.

[Matt Castle]

Okay.

[Bobby Bones]

Even this year he made it. Lamar didn't. That's true, but I'm not. That's the devil talking. I'm done as the devil.

[Matt Castle]

That's the devil.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm done as the devil.

[Matt Castle]

Put the angel on your shoulder, sweetie.

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[Bobby Bones]

You want the power rankings?

[Uber Eats Sponsor]

Yes.

[Matt Castle]

Are the Chiefs in there?

[Bobby Bones]

They just missed. Chiefs at six, Cowboys at seven.

[Matt Castle]

I can't wait.

[Bobby Bones]

Who do you think my number one is?

[Matt Castle]

Seattle.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. We'll get to it. Number one, Seattle Seahawks.

[Matt Castle]

Yes.

[Bobby Bones]

Had they not beat San Francisco, I don't know they'd have been number one, but that's the name of the game. Win the games. And they, they beat San Francisco pretty, pretty, pretty handily.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, yeah, so.

[Bobby Bones]

And they got the one seed and you just have a, It's a free week.

[Matt Castle]

They can run the ball, they can play defense. Sam Darnold's getting it done with his arms, his legs. They've got good skill on the outside. Jackson, Smith and Jigba, dude, that dude is a stud.

[Bobby Bones]

I will say that I think this is the weakest, number one in the history of the power rankings at the first week of the playoffs because I don't think Seattle is the team to beat. I think they have an advantage because they don't have to play a week one game.

[Matt Castle]

I do think that they're the team to beat. And the reason I say that they played in the toughest division.

[Bobby Bones]

You just said there was not a team to beat. So you can't change it.

[Matt Castle]

Well, I can't. I'm playing devil's advocate.

[Bobby Bones]

Okay, got it. Go ahead.

[Matt Castle]

I'm playing devil's advocate, but I'd say.

[Bobby Bones]

Here, take my pitchfork.

[Matt Castle]

They, they've earned it because they played in the toughest division in football. Rams, 49ers. I know Arizona is Arizona right now, but week in, a week out, they proved it. They've won 14 games. They're. They deserve to be the number one seed.

[Bobby Bones]

I agree with you. They deserve to be the number one seed. I don't think they're the quote team to beat though, because I don't think there is one. But I hear you. I'm.

[Matt Castle]

We both agreed with that.

[Bobby Bones]

And number two, you can't deny it. It's Denver.

[Matt Castle]

Knew it. Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

You can't. They are the number one seed. They get a free week. Their defense is, in my opinion, number one in the NFL.

[Matt Castle]

Lights up.

[Bobby Bones]

It's the number one defense in the NFL. You know me, I'm not a big second year quarterback guy, but you gotta.

[Matt Castle]

You gotta take your hats. You tipped your hat to him.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm tipping.

[Matt Castle]

Just the tip.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, just the tip.

[Matt Castle]

Okay.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, only the tip. Number three, Jacksonville Jaguars.

[Matt Castle]

I like it. I like it.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm falling in line with. They don't get any respect.

[Matt Castle]

They don't get any respect. Defense takes the ball away. Stop the run. Trevor Lawrence coming into his.

[Bobby Bones]

They're pretty balanced. They are.

[Matt Castle]

They run the ball really well.

[Bobby Bones]

I don't think they're the best at anything, but they're good at both things.

[Matt Castle]

You know who's really helped them is Jacoby Myers coming in. When they made that trade, he became a security blanket for Trevor Lawrence and their offense has taken off since he's coming in. So that trade, just when you look at it, surface level, you're like, okay, not a. Not a big move. But then all of a sudden you start to watch the production and how it's gone up since he's arrived in that building. And I'll say he's been a key player for this team to continue to reach new heights.

[Bobby Bones]

Sign a new deal, too, right? Didn't he come in and sign and he benefited from the Travis Hunter injury?

[Matt Castle]

Yes, he did.

[Bobby Bones]

They needed a weapon.

[Matt Castle]

They don't even have Travis Hunter.

[Bobby Bones]

I know. And he was the weapon.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

Next up at number four, the Los Angeles Rams.

[Matt Castle]

Yes. Yes. Like that. I thought you would have had those two switch, but I'm with you.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, the Rams. The recent Rams.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

Have not been super impressive, but they haven't had Devonte Adams.

[Matt Castle]

I know. It's like a cheat code, too. You put Puka Nukua and Devonte Adams on the same field. Who are you going to cover? Who are you trying to. Well, number one, I'm starting with Puka. I'm going to try to take him away.

[Bobby Bones]

Red zone, though. They would just throw to devonte. It was just touchdown guy.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. Because you have to pick your poison because they've got good tight ends. Then you got two freaks on the outside. You can run the football. I mean, it's really defense. It's really difficult for a defense to decipher. Okay, how are we going to attack this offensive unit with all these different weapons?

[Bobby Bones]

Number five, the New England Patriots.

[Matt Castle]

Number five, New England Patriots.

[Bobby Bones]

I think a lot of people would have them a little higher.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, I think they would.

[Bobby Bones]

I. But how high are you? Are you going to have them at three? And that's the highest you'll probably have them is at three. You can't put them over Denver.

[Matt Castle]

No, Denver's two, right?

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. So three.

[Matt Castle]

I would have probably put them at.

[Bobby Bones]

Three over the Rams.

[Matt Castle]

Over the Rams. Well, you put Jacksonville above the Rams. I would put Jacksonville at 5.

[Bobby Bones]

I'm not talking about me. I would have put Jacksonville. I put Jacksonville at three because it's like I root for a little guy.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, you're Cam.

[Bobby Bones]

Little. Arkansas.

[Matt Castle]

Where the Panthers.

[Bobby Bones]

74. I keep pounding, though.

[Matt Castle]

NCAA records.

[Bobby Bones]

74.

[Matt Castle]

74.

[Bobby Bones]

All right, last one. What do you have?

[Matt Castle]

The head coaching jobs? I think it's going to be an interesting cycle this go around. You've got Browns, Cardinals, Giants, Falcons, Titans, Raiders. And you look at some of these different teams, I believe Giants probably are the best put together team and roster right now for a coach to come into their defensive front. I mean Brian Burns had 16 and a half sacks. Abdul Carter started to come on. They still have Thibodeau, they've got studs across the board and you can build around that. But then you look at the offensive side of the ball. Jackson Dart, as long as he stays out of the blue tent.

[Bobby Bones]

He, yeah, he's in that tent a lot.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, he, he's going to learn how to protect himself. I'm, I feel confident about that. But he showed enough this year with limited personnel around him that he can get it done and make plays continuously. So I'm, I'm high on him. I think Scatter Boo is going to come back. Malik Neighbors obviously is a true number one wide receiver and they have a left tackle and Andrew Thomas that is a lockdown left tackle. So there's a lot of pieces to work with from an organizational standpoint. Falcons is another team that you look at.

[Bobby Bones]

I would love to go coach the Falcons.

[Matt Castle]

I mean Bijan Robinson, they just don't.

[Bobby Bones]

Have a first round pick. Other than that like they're pretty loaded.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. I mean Bijan Robinson, Drake London, they've got a good offensive line, a lot of young talent on the defensive side of the ball and I, I'd say the Giants first but Falcons second just because there's a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position. Michael Penix, while I like him a lot, he's injured a lot and that dates back to his time when he was even Indiana. Indiana, Washington.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

And now he's got the acl. He's got to come up with that and I, I trust that Kirk Cousin can go out there and get it done, but I don't know if that's the same stability that you have with a young second year quarterback in Jackson. Darth.

[Bobby Bones]

It's crazy. Pennix played for Indiana because that's when they sucked.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, that's when they actually that was the COVID year and that's when he put himself on the map, I think. And they ended up winning, I don't know the north or the south division just because it was shortened and they didn't have to play certain teams because I don't know if Michigan played that year or something like that but he, he balled out.

[Bobby Bones]

Playing devil's advocate. I don't remember that year. It was Covid.

[Matt Castle]

Maybe it wasn't.

[Bobby Bones]

I went to a Covid football game. I watch Arkansas play Tennessee.

[Matt Castle]

Oh. Cause you're a Big booster. You were the only person in the stands.

[Bobby Bones]

There weren't many people there. And they piped in noise. It was all piped in noise.

[Matt Castle]

Was that the weirdest experience?

[Bobby Bones]

It was weird.

[Matt Castle]

See, I never played during COVID and so. But when you'd watch, you retired by then I was. So all of a sudden you start to look at the stadium and, you know, remember when they used to put the fake cutouts up there?

[Bobby Bones]

But even fans look like fans. Yeah, baseball did that a lot behind the plate.

[Matt Castle]

It was crazy. But even talking to these guys, they're like. It's the weirdest. You come in the stadium and it's like pregame music and stuff like that. But then they put in fake crowd noise. But you can hear everything the defense is saying and adjustments and what you're doing at the line of scrimmage because there's just. There's nobody in the stands. And they said there was no, like, major momentum swings. Because, yes, you're making a play, but you're not doing it in front of people. It's like you're scrimmaging out there in the backyard.

[Bobby Bones]

It was like wreck flag football. How much momentum are you going to get? Exactly.

[Matt Castle]

It's wild.

[Bobby Bones]

My final is the Packers. They're 0 and 4 in their last four games.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, they're limping into the playoffs like.

[Bobby Bones]

They became the fourth team in NFL history to make the playoffs after losing their final four games.

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Games.

[Bobby Bones]

Interesting. And on the flip side, you almost look at the Buccaneers and go, they. They didn't make it because they lost all their final games. Yeah, they won their final game, obviously, but, man, I think they were six and one to start.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, they were rolling. Remember when we were early in the season, we're pounding our chest. At least I was. You might have been playing devil's advocate.

[Bobby Bones]

But I like to play devil's advocate.

[Matt Castle]

But Baker, mvp, like, three or four games in a row. Give him the ball. With less than two minutes, he comes back.

[Bobby Bones]

You know what?

[Matt Castle]

The other trippy part about that. I was thinking about that the other day watching. It was. Atlanta was playing who? New Orleans. New Orleans. And the fates of both Tampa Bay and the Panthers. They're sitting at home watching that game against four division opponents, cheering for one or the other team because that dictated their future. It's wild to think about that and be so helpless because you can't do anything about it at that point. You're at.

[Bobby Bones]

The Bucs won the Rain Game the day before, but because they had blown all those games Late, right. They were completely out. But you got to look back at Atlanta beating the Rams. Had they not beat the Rams, they wouldn't have even been in the mix. Hate to play devil's advocate, but yeah, the entire division was doing something that day. Something watching, waiting, just looking at the bracket on Saturday. The Rams are going to Carolina. I think we both feel like the Rams are going to win that.

[Matt Castle]

I feel pretty confident about that.

[Bobby Bones]

Packers at the Bears.

[Matt Castle]

I think that's such an intriguing matchup. Third time around. Packers, like we just said, are limping in the playoffs. Chicago though, the both, both of those games that they had were great games.

[Bobby Bones]

And recent too by the way.

[Matt Castle]

Recent.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

Chicago was driving late in that game. Caleb overthrew the ball in the first matchup for, to end the game for an interception. But then this, the second game that they had, they get, they score a touchdown, get an onside kick, score another touchdown, go to Ottoman, throw the bomb for a touchdown. So these are two opponents that know each other really well. It's going to be in Chicago, which I don't know how much that matters because they're both understand what. It's cold, it's going to be cold. Both teams playing cold weather environments. I just think it'll be an interesting cat and mouse game between these two coaches because fundamentally they know what their schemes like, what type of defenses where their weaknesses are. And Micah Parsons not being out there is a huge factor in this game for Green Bay.

[Bobby Bones]

If the Bears lose, is this season still a success for them? 100% because they weren't expected.

[Matt Castle]

They weren't expected to. Right. They come off what a 4 win season last year I believe it was. And Ben Johnson comes in as a first year head coach with a second year quarterback and you start to see the development of this team and who they're going to be and they start to build that identity they invested in that offensive line last year. You saw them run the ball consistently. Caleb Williams has gotten better now. I still think there's parts of his game that he needs to continue to work at which is really just like it's the check down balls, it's the easy ones that he misses sometimes because the home run potential is there every single game. The guy is special and it has unique physical qualities. But overall to go out and win games in the manner in which they did mentally tough football team and started to follow their head coach and the coach has done a tremendous job.

[Bobby Bones]

Do you feel like Caleb Williams is.

[Matt Castle]

One of yours at usc?

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

Yes. He won A Heisman Trophy there.

[Bobby Bones]

Just asking. No reason to come at me with that sort of tone.

[Matt Castle]

He's a Trojan through and through.

[Bobby Bones]

But he didn't start there.

[Matt Castle]

That's true, but we're on the Nil era.

[Bobby Bones]

No, I know.

[Matt Castle]

Most of the kids on USC right now did not start there.

[Bobby Bones]

Most of the kids everywhere.

[Matt Castle]

Everywhere.

[Bobby Bones]

I know. Yeah. He did play two years, though, too.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah.

[Bobby Bones]

So he won that. I just wonder if you have, like, an association with him as being, like, one of the USC guys.

[Matt Castle]

Yes, I do. I mean, I totally understand the point that people make. Well, he started at Oklahoma and followed Lincoln Riley there. But with the rules being what if he was there for one year, won a Heisman Trophy and then went somewhere else because he's collecting money, I don't know if I'd have the same feeling about it, but because he finished his career and then went into the NFL as a Trojan.

[Bobby Bones]

You know what'll be crazy? When someone wins the Heisman and then transfers out. If that hasn't happened. That will happen.

[Matt Castle]

It will happen.

[Bobby Bones]

That will be crazy.

[Matt Castle]

Yes, that will be crazy.

[Bobby Bones]

Because someone just offers them more money, so they're going to jump.

[Matt Castle]

Oh, we're going to give you $10 million to come play for us. Okay, I'll come.

[Bobby Bones]

Bills at Jaguars.

[Matt Castle]

Another fascinating matchup.

[Bobby Bones]

Pick your poison. I know we flirted with this a little bit, but pick your person.

[Matt Castle]

I'm going to go with Jacksonville.

[Bobby Bones]

Wow.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. I'm going to go with Jacksonville at home. I think that they're riding the hot streak right now. What have they won, eight straight? Something like that. Nine straight. Trevor Lawrence is operating at a really high level.

[Bobby Bones]

Crazy. They've won nine straight. They were a higher profile team. This would be the story.

[Matt Castle]

Nine straight.

[Bobby Bones]

This is just also a story. Yeah, but because they're Jacksonville.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. And I like Liam Comb, but I also think defensively, they're playing good defense. They're stopping the run. Their number one rush defense in the league. And, you know, for Buffalo, they've got to take some pressure off of Josh Allen. They can't put it all on his lap, which they probably will end up doing anyway. And if they can't get that run game going with Cook and they do get that, then they're going to have potential to get after Josh Allen and see what happens. See if they can contain him.

[Bobby Bones]

It was eight, by the way. You're right.

[Matt Castle]

Eight. See, see, I did my research.

[Bobby Bones]

What was your instincts?

[Matt Castle]

Got to do my research.

[Bobby Bones]

I'll go with the best player on the field.

[Matt Castle]

Yep. I agree with you, Josh Allen.

[Bobby Bones]

No, you can't agree. You just picked the Josh Allen.

[Matt Castle]

I agree with your thought. I agree with your thought process.

[Bobby Bones]

You're right every point because you're just jumping on every. I like it.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, I'm just. I'm agreeing with your thought process. Yep. Yep. I agree with that thought process.

[Bobby Bones]

I just. If it's close in my mind, I go with the best player on the field. Yeah, I think it's Josh Allen. Man, if Buffalo doesn't win this game.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, it's interesting because I do believe that there's a lot of messaging and all this stuff about Sean McDermott, like, is it something. If they fail this year, is he a guy that's potentially on the cusp? I don't believe that they're going to make a Change with Sean McDermott. I think he's a hell of a football coach and. But at some point, especially like you've already mentioned, with no Patrick Mahomes and no Lamar Jackson and no Joe Burrow, you've got to be able to advance deep in the playoffs and hopefully this would be the year for them.

[Bobby Bones]

Niners, the Eagles. I'm going to take the Niners.

[Matt Castle]

I got to take the Eagles. I think we've discussed this and you know my feelings on it.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. Chargers at Patriots.

[Matt Castle]

I believe the Patriots are going to get it done. I know that Brable is a defense that is going to be try to create pressure up front. And when you look at Justin Herbert, I think he's been sacked like 54 times this. This season. He's been banged up a little bit. Now they do have some wide receivers that can be explosive, but. But I believe in the defensive unit for the Patriots and I just think Drake Mays shown consistently throughout the season that he can get it done at a really, really high level, MVP type level.

[Bobby Bones]

I hope for your sake, both of you guys sake. The Patriots win. They should win. Thank you. Yeah. Two Patriots fans on the show.

[Matt Castle]

I'm a Patriots fan for sure.

[Bobby Bones]

Texans at Steelers.

[Matt Castle]

Well, you didn't say who you're going for.

[Bobby Bones]

Oh, go to Patriots. Why not?

[Matt Castle]

Oh, okay. Cool.

[Bobby Bones]

Best player on the field. I think the Patriots are better than the Chargers, so I'm not going to do that. Where I did that with Buffalo and Jacksonville. I thought that was pretty close. Like I would have to really weigh and then just point and guess so. But I'm going to go with the Patriots.

[Matt Castle]

Okay.

[Bobby Bones]

All right. Texans and Steelers.

[Matt Castle]

I got to go with the Texans. That defensive unit is just dirty.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah, they are. All right, that's it.

[Matt Castle]

We did it.

[Bobby Bones]

We did it. We can preview two games Saturday, one game Monday.

[Matt Castle]

The Monday is a. Threw me for a loop.

[Bobby Bones]

Yeah. It feels almost disadvantagey for that Monday game.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. Because how do they do they guarantee schedule them the late night game Sunday. Like they've.

[Bobby Bones]

I don't know.

[Matt Castle]

I don't know how.

[Bobby Bones]

Depends who it is.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, it's interesting. Cause I think that would be a clear disadvantage if you have a shortened week and you've got to play devil's.

[Bobby Bones]

Advocate no longer until you have to play on Monday so you can rest your players even more.

[Matt Castle]

Oh, so they're both fresh until they're not.

[Bobby Bones]

I hate to be devil's advocate, but.

[Matt Castle]

We'Ve said that word.

[Bobby Bones]

I didn't even know what the word was at first. I couldn't find it in my brain. That's it. Thank you, guys. We'll have another episode soon with Logan Ryan, who won two Super Bowls with Patriots. Friend of mine played with Matt.

[Matt Castle]

Best friend of yours. You guys worked out together and played pickleball.

[Bobby Bones]

We did all that, but he'll be on, so be looking out for that episode very soon. Maybe even the same day. Thank you. That's Matt Castle. That's kickoff. Kevin. That's Brandon Ray.

[Matt Castle]

I'm Bobby Billings.

[Bobby Bones]

We've had lots to say. Have a good NFL weekend, everybody. We'll see you guys next week. Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle is a production of the NFL and iHeart Podcast. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.