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

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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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