The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: "The Consequential Countdown: Lions, Lamar, and the 49ers' Path Home"

Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

Broadcast live from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and rotating guests—featuring Jonathan Zaslow and regulars—break down a packed NFL Week 17, ponder the future and legacy stakes for quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, and offer their signature blend of sports talk and cultural banter. The crew debates playoff picture chaos, player controversies, and quirky holiday traditions, all delivered in their irreverent, personality-driven style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Holiday Reflections and Celebrity Sightings

[01:58-13:42]

The show kicks off with post-Christmas energy, as Dan and guests joke about the awkwardness of belated holiday wishes, vent about the early return to daily grind, and share personal holiday stories.
Dan confides in Zaslow:

“Christmas is the Super Bowl of society, right? So it’s like there’s a letdown today because we just—society just had its whole super bowl celebration.” (Dan, 04:35)
Zaslow, who celebrates Hanukkah, muses about the “Jewish tax”—covering shifts so his colleagues can spend Christmas at home, and shares his unique Christmas dinner of falafel instead of the classic Chinese food tradition.

“We celebrate eight crazy nights of Hanukkah... I had to pay that Jewish tax. I had to work five hours on Christmas last night on ESPN radio.” (Jonathan Zaslow, 05:07)
They riff on awkward celebrity encounters, debating whether Dan’s casual greeting to John C. Reilly (“You’re the best, man. Merry Christmas!”) was a breach of etiquette. (12:02)

Holiday Language & Inclusivity

[12:41-13:42]

Zaslow pushes back on the “Happy Holidays” vs. “Merry Christmas” debate:

"If I'm out and about and you say Merry Christmas to me, I say thank you. Merry Christmas right there." (Zaslow, 13:09)
Both agree that intent trumps accuracy: wishing someone well, whatever their background, should be welcomed.

Pop Culture & Christmas Traditions

[13:42-19:10]

The show lampoons the “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” annual argument (verdict: obviously, yes).
Dan rants about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa’s poor leadership as a Christmas villain:

“Santa is number one on the biggest jerk of Christmas 2025. How say you?” (Dan, 16:56) “But Hans Gruber... number one, worst guy on Christmas.” (Zaslow, 17:07)
They find comedic depth in dissecting details from Die Hard and Rudolph—including Takagi's architectural skills and parallels to SoFi Stadium.

The Lamar Jackson Saga & DK Metcalf Controversy

[19:22-28:13]

Critical injury and drama updates:
- Lamar Jackson is doubtful for the week—a potentially pivotal loss for the Ravens, stoking rumors of a looming “divorce” with coach John Harbaugh over work habits and practice timing.
- DK Metcalf (Steelers) faces a two-game suspension after a fan altercation. The hosts scrutinize player vs. fan rights, with Zaslow asserting:
  
  “There’s no reason for DK Metcalf to be anywhere near that fan... Go tell the security. They’ll get rid of him immediately.” (Zaslow, 21:41) “I think DK got lucky that it was just two games.” (Zaslow, 22:45)
- Dan points out: had the referee seen it, DK would have been ejected on the spot, changing the playoff landscape completely.
  
  “If the on-field ref had seen that in real time, they would have tossed DK Metcalf... I think the Steelers maybe lose that game.” (Dan, 22:45-24:57)
Extended debate on fan culture and boundaries:

“There’s no reason for anyone to be wearing a stupid blue wig... I’m stunned he hasn’t been banned. It's such loser behavior.” (Zaslow, 25:51) “How about this? Don’t attempt assault on a player in a game that your team really needs to have.” (Dan, 28:08)

Quarterback Legacies & The Lombardi "Glut"

[29:23-34:11]

Dan and Zaslow speculate: Can all standout young QBs (Lamar, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Herbert, etc.) realistically win Super Bowls in the next decade?

“The math does not allow for Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen and Joe Burrow to all win Lombardi trophies.” (Dan, 29:23) “I think there’s a better chance of [Mahomes] not winning again than winning. ... Seven is about seven. Tom Brady’s one of one, man.” (Zaslow, 30:01)
They riff on generation-to-generation GOAT debates, noting “the gold jacket” standards may get stricter as the era’s depth means many greats could retire ringless.

NFL Playoff Picture & Week 17 Picks

[36:05-53:15]

Eagles at Bills

[37:50]

Zaslow: Bills -1.5 (“I’m not trusting the Eagles right now. The Bills still have a lot to play for.”)
Dan: Eagles to win (“I disagree...I do think they’re starting to turn it around ever so slightly.”)

Steelers at Browns

[39:56]

Deep scenario talk on QB injuries, playoff pressure, and Cleveland’s defensive advantage if Mason Rudolph starts.
Zaslow takes Steelers -3 (“I have to believe Pittsburgh does what needs to be done.”)

Jags at Colts

[43:20]

Both see the Colts as a live ‘upset special’ at +6.5, praising “Old man Rivers” and forecasting a dramatic playoff seeding shakeup if Indy pulls it off.

Seahawks at Panthers

[46:03]

Zaslow likes Seahawks -7 despite a potentially trendy Panthers dog pick.

Bears at 49ers

[48:42]

Both pick the Niners, noting San Francisco could potentially play every postseason game, including a home Super Bowl, if they finish #1.

Ravens at Packers

[51:43]

Both favor the Ravens to cover (+4.5), debating whether Baltimore’s ground game and defense can keep it close.

Texans at Chargers

[53:00]

Both pick the Texans with the points (+1.5), touting Houston’s defense and calling them “perhaps the best team in the AFC right now."

Notable Quotes & Moments

On DK Metcalf and Fan Behavior:

“I’d be so embarrassed, I’d be so ashamed to be caught on television having some type of back and forth with a professional athlete. I’m a grown man.” (Zaslow, 25:51)
On the QB Logjam for Super Bowls:

“All of you guys are not getting Lombardi trophies. Guess what? That’s going to be true for Lamar Jackson and/or Josh Allen and/or Joe Burrow.” (Dan, 32:07)
On Pro Bowl Alternatives:

“Let’s replace the Pro Bowl... with the Loser Bowl. The two worst teams play; the winner gets the first overall draft pick.” (Dan, 34:11-36:05)
On Tom Brady the Broadcaster:

“Are there people out there who think... maybe a year or two later, after doing it every single week, you’ll be better at the thing you’ve never done when you first started it?” (Zaslow, 54:58)

Cultural Tangents & Show Signature Banter

Extended riff on why no pro teams have big dog mascots.
Revisiting "breakfast for dinner" as a holiday tradition:

“You can only have breakfast for dinner for the rest of your life or dinner for breakfast—which one are you choosing?” (Dan, 55:38) “Breakfast for dinner. ... French toast, pancakes, bagels in the evening.” (Zaslow, 55:38)

Key Timestamps

[04:35] — The “Christmas is society’s Super Bowl” analogy
[05:07] — Zaslow on “the Jewish tax” and holiday work
[17:07] — Hans Gruber vs. Santa: The worst Christmas villains
[19:22] — Lamar Jackson drama and Metcalf’s suspension begins
[22:45-24:57] — Impact of DK Metcalf incident on Steelers’ playoff path
[29:23-34:11] — QB legacy/congestion debate
[36:05-53:15] — Week 17 game picks & playoff implications

Tone and Style

The episode delivers the show’s trademark blend of high-energy sports insight, wry social commentary, tangential pop culture debates, and warm, slightly chaotic banter. Dan’s mix of earnest questioning and dry sarcasm (“delicious effort from you”) pairs well with Zaslow’s no-nonsense, straight-shooting delivery.

Takeaways

The NFL playoff race is more about the number one seeds than wild card scrambles.
Fan-athlete boundaries remain a hot-button issue—teams and the league must evolve in managing them.
There’s growing consensus: Not all rising-star QBs can win Super Bowls in this crowded generation.
Pop-culture talk is as much a part of the show as sports, reflected in debates from movie villains to breakfast-for-dinner.
As ever, the episode is a lively, inclusive, and occasionally irreverent “slice of heaven” for sports fans and culture lovers alike.

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: "The Consequential Countdown: Lions, Lamar, and the 49ers' Path Home"

Date: December 26, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Holiday Reflections and Celebrity Sightings

[01:58-13:42]

The show kicks off with post-Christmas energy, as Dan and guests joke about the awkwardness of belated holiday wishes, vent about the early return to daily grind, and share personal holiday stories.
Dan confides in Zaslow:

“Christmas is the Super Bowl of society, right? So it’s like there’s a letdown today because we just—society just had its whole super bowl celebration.” (Dan, 04:35)
Zaslow, who celebrates Hanukkah, muses about the “Jewish tax”—covering shifts so his colleagues can spend Christmas at home, and shares his unique Christmas dinner of falafel instead of the classic Chinese food tradition.

“We celebrate eight crazy nights of Hanukkah... I had to pay that Jewish tax. I had to work five hours on Christmas last night on ESPN radio.” (Jonathan Zaslow, 05:07)
They riff on awkward celebrity encounters, debating whether Dan’s casual greeting to John C. Reilly (“You’re the best, man. Merry Christmas!”) was a breach of etiquette. (12:02)

Holiday Language & Inclusivity

[12:41-13:42]

Zaslow pushes back on the “Happy Holidays” vs. “Merry Christmas” debate:

"If I'm out and about and you say Merry Christmas to me, I say thank you. Merry Christmas right there." (Zaslow, 13:09)
Both agree that intent trumps accuracy: wishing someone well, whatever their background, should be welcomed.

Pop Culture & Christmas Traditions

[13:42-19:10]

The show lampoons the “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” annual argument (verdict: obviously, yes).
Dan rants about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa’s poor leadership as a Christmas villain:

“Santa is number one on the biggest jerk of Christmas 2025. How say you?” (Dan, 16:56) “But Hans Gruber... number one, worst guy on Christmas.” (Zaslow, 17:07)
They find comedic depth in dissecting details from Die Hard and Rudolph—including Takagi's architectural skills and parallels to SoFi Stadium.

The Lamar Jackson Saga & DK Metcalf Controversy

[19:22-28:13]

Critical injury and drama updates:
- Lamar Jackson is doubtful for the week—a potentially pivotal loss for the Ravens, stoking rumors of a looming “divorce” with coach John Harbaugh over work habits and practice timing.
- DK Metcalf (Steelers) faces a two-game suspension after a fan altercation. The hosts scrutinize player vs. fan rights, with Zaslow asserting:
  
  “There’s no reason for DK Metcalf to be anywhere near that fan... Go tell the security. They’ll get rid of him immediately.” (Zaslow, 21:41) “I think DK got lucky that it was just two games.” (Zaslow, 22:45)
- Dan points out: had the referee seen it, DK would have been ejected on the spot, changing the playoff landscape completely.
  
  “If the on-field ref had seen that in real time, they would have tossed DK Metcalf... I think the Steelers maybe lose that game.” (Dan, 22:45-24:57)
Extended debate on fan culture and boundaries:

“There’s no reason for anyone to be wearing a stupid blue wig... I’m stunned he hasn’t been banned. It's such loser behavior.” (Zaslow, 25:51) “How about this? Don’t attempt assault on a player in a game that your team really needs to have.” (Dan, 28:08)

Quarterback Legacies & The Lombardi "Glut"

[29:23-34:11]

Dan and Zaslow speculate: Can all standout young QBs (Lamar, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Herbert, etc.) realistically win Super Bowls in the next decade?

“The math does not allow for Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen and Joe Burrow to all win Lombardi trophies.” (Dan, 29:23) “I think there’s a better chance of [Mahomes] not winning again than winning. ... Seven is about seven. Tom Brady’s one of one, man.” (Zaslow, 30:01)
They riff on generation-to-generation GOAT debates, noting “the gold jacket” standards may get stricter as the era’s depth means many greats could retire ringless.

NFL Playoff Picture & Week 17 Picks

[36:05-53:15]

Eagles at Bills

[37:50]

Zaslow: Bills -1.5 (“I’m not trusting the Eagles right now. The Bills still have a lot to play for.”)
Dan: Eagles to win (“I disagree...I do think they’re starting to turn it around ever so slightly.”)

Steelers at Browns

[39:56]

Deep scenario talk on QB injuries, playoff pressure, and Cleveland’s defensive advantage if Mason Rudolph starts.
Zaslow takes Steelers -3 (“I have to believe Pittsburgh does what needs to be done.”)

Jags at Colts

[43:20]

Both see the Colts as a live ‘upset special’ at +6.5, praising “Old man Rivers” and forecasting a dramatic playoff seeding shakeup if Indy pulls it off.

Seahawks at Panthers

[46:03]

Zaslow likes Seahawks -7 despite a potentially trendy Panthers dog pick.

Bears at 49ers

[48:42]

Both pick the Niners, noting San Francisco could potentially play every postseason game, including a home Super Bowl, if they finish #1.

Ravens at Packers

[51:43]

Both favor the Ravens to cover (+4.5), debating whether Baltimore’s ground game and defense can keep it close.

Texans at Chargers

[53:00]

Both pick the Texans with the points (+1.5), touting Houston’s defense and calling them “perhaps the best team in the AFC right now."

Notable Quotes & Moments

On DK Metcalf and Fan Behavior:

“I’d be so embarrassed, I’d be so ashamed to be caught on television having some type of back and forth with a professional athlete. I’m a grown man.” (Zaslow, 25:51)
On the QB Logjam for Super Bowls:

“All of you guys are not getting Lombardi trophies. Guess what? That’s going to be true for Lamar Jackson and/or Josh Allen and/or Joe Burrow.” (Dan, 32:07)
On Pro Bowl Alternatives:

“Let’s replace the Pro Bowl... with the Loser Bowl. The two worst teams play; the winner gets the first overall draft pick.” (Dan, 34:11-36:05)
On Tom Brady the Broadcaster:

“Are there people out there who think... maybe a year or two later, after doing it every single week, you’ll be better at the thing you’ve never done when you first started it?” (Zaslow, 54:58)

Cultural Tangents & Show Signature Banter

Extended riff on why no pro teams have big dog mascots.
Revisiting "breakfast for dinner" as a holiday tradition:

“You can only have breakfast for dinner for the rest of your life or dinner for breakfast—which one are you choosing?” (Dan, 55:38) “Breakfast for dinner. ... French toast, pancakes, bagels in the evening.” (Zaslow, 55:38)

Key Timestamps

[04:35] — The “Christmas is society’s Super Bowl” analogy
[05:07] — Zaslow on “the Jewish tax” and holiday work
[17:07] — Hans Gruber vs. Santa: The worst Christmas villains
[19:22] — Lamar Jackson drama and Metcalf’s suspension begins
[22:45-24:57] — Impact of DK Metcalf incident on Steelers’ playoff path
[29:23-34:11] — QB legacy/congestion debate
[36:05-53:15] — Week 17 game picks & playoff implications

Tone and Style

Takeaways

The NFL playoff race is more about the number one seeds than wild card scrambles.
Fan-athlete boundaries remain a hot-button issue—teams and the league must evolve in managing them.
There’s growing consensus: Not all rising-star QBs can win Super Bowls in this crowded generation.
Pop-culture talk is as much a part of the show as sports, reflected in debates from movie villains to breakfast-for-dinner.
As ever, the episode is a lively, inclusive, and occasionally irreverent “slice of heaven” for sports fans and culture lovers alike.

The Consequential Countdown: Lions, Lamar, and the 49ers' Path Home

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Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: "The Consequential Countdown: Lions, Lamar, and the 49ers' Path Home"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Holiday Reflections and Celebrity Sightings

Holiday Language & Inclusivity

Pop Culture & Christmas Traditions

The Lamar Jackson Saga & DK Metcalf Controversy

Quarterback Legacies & The Lombardi "Glut"

NFL Playoff Picture & Week 17 Picks

Eagles at Bills

Steelers at Browns

Jags at Colts

Seahawks at Panthers

Bears at 49ers

Ravens at Packers

Texans at Chargers

Notable Quotes & Moments

Cultural Tangents & Show Signature Banter

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style

Takeaways

Summary

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: "The Consequential Countdown: Lions, Lamar, and the 49ers' Path Home"

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Holiday Reflections and Celebrity Sightings

Holiday Language & Inclusivity

Pop Culture & Christmas Traditions

The Lamar Jackson Saga & DK Metcalf Controversy

Quarterback Legacies & The Lombardi "Glut"

NFL Playoff Picture & Week 17 Picks

Eagles at Bills

Steelers at Browns

Jags at Colts

Seahawks at Panthers

Bears at 49ers

Ravens at Packers

Texans at Chargers

Notable Quotes & Moments

Cultural Tangents & Show Signature Banter

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style

Takeaways