Podcast Summary: "GBF- So Many Upsets" – The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

Introduction

In the episode titled "GBF- So Many Upsets," hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz dive deep into the tumultuous landscape of the NFL, focusing on unexpected team signings, quarterback dynamics, and a special segment called "Bracket Bonanza." The conversation is peppered with humor, insightful analysis, and engaging banter, making it both informative and entertaining for sports enthusiasts.

Major Topics Discussed

1. New York Giants' Dilemma: Russell Wilson vs. Jameis Winston

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the New York Giants' controversial signing of Russell Wilson shortly after committing to Jameis Winston. This move has left fans and analysts puzzled about the Giants' quarterback strategy.

• Chris Cote (00:58): "After signing Jameis Winston... the New York Giants then decided to also sign Russell Wilson... broke the heart of Jameis Winston who signed a two-year deal just last week."

• Mike Ryan (04:07): "I don't necessarily believe that it takes them out of drafting a quarterback at number three. I do think it takes them out of trading up to number one."

• Stugotz (07:04): "Jameis, I thought, this is going to be the greatest contract for a starting quarterback that a team has signed in a long time."

The hosts debate whether this move indicates the Giants are hedging their bets or if they're genuinely confused about their quarterback needs. They analyze potential financial implications and speculate on future draft strategies.

2. New England Patriots' Strategic Acquisition: Stefan Diggs

Next, the conversation shifts to the Patriots' acquisition of Stefan Diggs, examining whether this high-profile signing will pay dividends or fall flat.

• Billy Gill (09:50): "I started to think of Stefan Diggs as rich man's Brandon Cooks... Stefan Diggs never scared me when he was in the division with the Bills and he still doesn't with the Patriots."

• Chris Cote (10:36): "He is coming in and he will obviously be better than Kendrick Bourne... weird thing... seems like he's not going to scare their opponents."

The hosts question Diggs' impact given his recent injury history and compare him to other receivers in the league, pondering if the Patriots have made a wise investment.

Special Segment: Bracket Bonanza

A highlight of the episode is "Bracket Bonanza," where the hosts create and discuss their NFL playoff brackets, predicting potential upsets and championship outcomes.

• Chris Cote (15:50): "We're going to start with the 1 versus 16 seed... Do we believe that the 16 seeded Tennessee Titans will upset the number one seeded Buffalo Bills?"

• Billy Gill (16:48): "Give me the Dolphins."

Throughout the segment, Dan, Stugotz, and Billy Gill engage in lively debates over various matchups, often anticipating surprising results. They navigate through teams like the Chargers vs. Raiders, Bengals vs. Chiefs, and Eagles vs. 49ers, showcasing their differing opinions on team strengths and potential upsets.

Notable Picks and Discussions:

• Giants vs. Commanders: Stugotz ultimately picks the Chiefs over the Commanders, citing consistent performance and leadership.

• Eagles vs. 49ers: The consensus leans towards the Eagles advancing, despite playful banter about potential upsets.

• Bears vs. Vikings: Both hosts back the Bears, emphasizing their improved offensive line and leadership.

The segment concludes with the Chiefs emerging as the champions of their Bracket Bonanza, reinforcing their dominance in the AFC.

Interactive Segments: More Mike Lee

Following Bracket Bonanza, the hosts engage listeners with interactive questions, challenging each other to predict player awards and free agency moves.

1. Comeback Player of the Year

• Question: "Who is more likely to be comeback player of the year? Aiden Hutchinson, Christian McCaffrey, or Dak Prescott?"

  • Chris Cote (41:10): Chooses Aiden Hutchinson, predicting a strong defensive comeback post-injury.

  • Billy Gill (41:31): Considers Dak Prescott but ultimately leans towards Hutchinson for a more plausible comeback narrative.

2. Player Performance Improvement

• Question: "More likely to have a better season in 2025 than they did in 2024: Saquon Barkley or Sam Darnold?"

  • Billy Gill (43:37): Picks Sam Darnold, anticipating a career year with possible team improvements.

  • Mike Ryan (43:43): Initially leans towards Darnold but acknowledges the difficulty in comparing Barkley's potential.

3. AFC East Receiving Leader

• Question: "After Tyreek Hill, who will lead the AFC East in receiving? Josh Palmer, Stefan Diggs, Jaylen Waddle, or Garrett Wilson?"

  • Chris Cote (46:00): Selects Garrett Wilson, based on team dynamics and personal preference.

  • Billy Gill (46:36): Favors Khalil Shakir, citing potential and team alignment.

4. Free Agency Signings

• Question: "More likely to get signed next: Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, or Tyler Lockett?"

  • Chris Cote (47:31): Chooses Keenan Allen, believing his experience and performance make him a top target.

  • Billy Gill (48:06): Also picks Keenan Allen, highlighting his decorated career despite injury concerns.

5. Coaching Changes

• Question: "More likely to get fired this season: Shane Steichen with the Colts or Mike McDaniel with the Dolphins?"

  • Billy Gill (50:47): Leans towards Shane Steichen, criticizing his quarterback decisions.

  • Chris Cote (51:07): Discusses both coaches but remains undecided.

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the Bracket Bonanza segment and hints at future changes to the podcast lineup. The hosts express their enjoyment of the episode's discussions and tease upcoming content for the following weeks.

• Chris Cote (50:00): "I wondered if the audience likes Bracket Bonanza as much as we do."

• Billy Gill (50:35): "Chiefs fans very happy. Commanders' fans happy."

The hosts emphasize the unpredictability of the NFL season, aligning with the episode's theme of "So Many Upsets," and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more engaging conversations in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes

1. Chris Cote on Giants' Signing:

   "After signing Jameis Winston... the New York Giants then decided to also sign Russell Wilson... broke the heart of Jameis Winston who signed a two-year deal just last week." (00:57)

2. Mike Ryan on Draft Implications:

   "I don't necessarily believe that it takes them out of drafting a quarterback at number three. I do think it takes them out of trading up to number one." (04:07)

3. Billy Gill on Patriots' Stefan Diggs:

   "I started to think of Stefan Diggs as rich man's Brandon Cooks... Stefan Diggs never scared me when he was in the division with the Bills and he still doesn't with the Patriots." (09:50)

4. Chris Cote on Bracket Bonanza Upsets:

   "We're going to start with the 1 versus 16 seed... Do we believe that the 16 seeded Tennessee Titans will upset the number one seeded Buffalo Bills?" (15:54)

5. Billy Gill on Chiefs' Dominance:

   "Chiefs Kingdom Chiefs kingdom. The AFC dominance continues." (32:24)

6. Mike Ryan Final Pick:

   "After careful consideration, I've decided that I think it's time for some new blood in the winter circle. It's time for a new Goliath to take over in the NFL. And I'm going to say that that is going to be the Washington Commanders. They win the game." (36:14)

Conclusion

"GBF- So Many Upsets" offers a comprehensive look into the strategic maneuvers within the NFL, highlighting the complexities of team management and player performance. Through engaging segments like "Bracket Bonanza" and interactive discussions, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz provide listeners with nuanced perspectives on the unpredictable nature of football, keeping fans entertained and informed.