Top Five NFL Games To Watch in Week 7, Falcons Soar with Bijan Robinson, Dan Campbell Wants Detroit Rocking Again, Plus USC Legend Matt Leinart Shares What's Great About South Bend, Indiana

Summary

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The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Episode: Top Five NFL Games To Watch in Week 7, Falcons Soar with Bijan Robinson, Dan Campbell Wants Detroit Rocking Again, Plus USC Legend Matt Leinart Shares What's Great About South Bend, Indiana
Date: October 17, 2025
Main Guests: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Chris Cody, Matt Leinart

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Overview

This episode broadcasts from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, bringing the signature blend of in-depth NFL analysis, pop culture discussion, and irreverent banter the show is famous for. The crew breaks down the best NFL games to watch in Week 7, discusses the complexity of football rivalries, and welcomes Heisman-winning QB Matt Leinart for a candid conversation about the USC-Notre Dame rivalry, college quarterback development, and the mystique (or lack thereof) of South Bend, Indiana.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Football Rivalries: A Top Six List

• [01:52–10:09] Dan opens with an entertaining monologue ranking top non-regional football rivalries, blending historical context and sharp humor.
• Rankings include:
  • #6: USC vs Notre Dame (“Extreme lifestyle differences… not just the Golden Domers’ aversion to using Trojans.” – Dan)
  • Notable mentions: Dallas Cowboys rivalries, Army vs Navy at #1, and pop culture analogies (e.g., Homer Simpson v. Ned Flanders).

Quote:
“Sometimes it’s about two teams peaking in different time zones but in the same window of time leading to showdowns that play as cultural reckonings and live on past just one generation…” – Dan Le Batard [03:01]

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2. Jersey Number 17 — The Conversation

• [05:27–08:56] In their weekly tradition, the guys debate the best NFL player to wear #17.
  • Consensus leans toward Josh Allen, but Chris Cody staunchly defends Philip Rivers.
  • Playoff win critique: “Josh Allen win a road playoff game. OK, then you’ll impress me.” – Chris Cody [05:53]
  • The conversation takes a turn into relationships and football, riffing on the baked-in excuses athletes (and podcasters) use.

Memorable banter:
Chris Cody: “I want to use my wife as an excuse if I have a bad show. That’s what I want to do.” [07:07]
Dan: “Works great until you get home… then you have to answer for your sins.” [07:19]

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3. Rivalries, Scandals, and NFL Fandom

• [08:56–10:44] Further riffing on rivalries, with shoutouts to basketball (Heat vs. Knicks, LeBron against the West) and a nod to the evolving nature of sports animus.
• The guys reference the Josh Allen–Hailee Steinfeld non-scandal, poking fun at fans' need for blame when a beloved QB struggles.

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4. Interview: Matt Leinart on USC-Notre Dame & More

• [13:34–27:23]
• Blood Drive Cause: Leinart opens discussing his involvement in the Big Ten/Abbott Labs blood drive competition, emphasizing school pride and community impact. “One donation can save three lives... over 110,000 lives already this year.” – Matt Leinart [14:10]
• QB Draft Analysis: Leinart discusses the challenges of evaluating QBs for the NFL, system fit, and how talent doesn't always translate. He touts Jama Tia as a likely 2026 #1 pick, but notes, “It’s really about fit and system… at this level, it’s challenging.” [16:56]
• NFL Systems: Praises Kyle Shanahan’s and Sean McVay’s schemes, relating them to his own comfort as a former pro. “I look at Brock Purdy… that would’ve been best for my skill set.” [19:51]
• South Bend vs. LA: Leinart on Notre Dame road games: “I can’t tell you one thing better [about South Bend vs. LA]... the weather stinks, there’s nothing to do... You want to get in, you want to get the hell out.” [21:50–23:04]
• Rivalry Memories: Detailed memories of the infamous 2005 USC-Notre Dame “Bush Push” game. “They were nasty... more than a thousand kids shaking the bus. Not typical Notre Dame behavior.” [23:46–24:52]
• USC Rival Hates: “Definitely don’t like Notre Dame. UCLA is fine, little brother.” [25:27]

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5. NFL Week 7 Top Five Games – Picks & Analysis

• [34:25–48:52]
  The crew — Dan, Chris Cody, and the Fuentes brothers (with a comedic assist from “Henry Rollins” impersonator) — preview their top matchups, picking winners and highlighting trends.
• Packers at Cardinals:
  • Cody: “If Murray plays, I like Green Bay. If Brissette plays, I like Arizona to cover.” [34:31]
• Rams at Jaguars:
  • Cody: “There’s just something about these Jags, I think they should be good, but they’re not… McVay one of the best – Rams -3.” [36:05]
  • Dan: Without Nakua, Rams lose an edge.
• Falcons at 49ers:
  • Cody: “The Falcons are the most confusing team… I just start fading myself.” [37:56]
  • Dan: Falcons “about to take off” in the NFC South.
• Eagles at Vikings:
  • Cody: “I love betting a good team after they lose… Eagles -2.5 is as good as you’ll get all year.” [40:19]
  • Dan: Still believes in play-caller Kevin O’Connell, picks surprise Vikings win.
• Colts at Chargers:
  • Cody: “There’s just something wrong with these Chargers. Give me Colts +1.5.” [42:05]
  • Injuries cited as major issue for Chargers’ offensive line.
• Buccaneers at Lions:
  • Cody: "I love this game. I want to show somebody what football is… I’m taking the points, Bucs +5.5, and I just want to be alone with this game." [45:14]
  • Dan: "The Lions will rise up and depose the Bucs by a touchdown or more."
• Texans at Seahawks:
  • Cody: "I've been on [Seattle] all year. That defense, top two… I will take Seattle -3 at home." [47:41]

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6. Classic Le Batard Show Banter

• [27:44–34:25; 48:52–52:32]
  Interludes of trademark humor:
• Chris Cody laments feeling pressure to “bring the funny” post-Billy Gill.
• Cody and crew debate the best cookie (Oreo vs. chocolate chip vs. butterscotch). “If I could have one cookie for the rest of my life, give me an Oreo.” – Chris Cody [30:47]
• Air fryer vs. microwave: “Microwave ovens are the most overrated technological advancement... Air fryer has the microwave beat six ways to Sunday.” – Dan [32:21]
• Theoretical math about microwaving cookies: “I say 11 to 17 seconds is the sweet spot.” [31:14]
• More food analogies and bellyaches, keeping the banter light.

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7. Pick Six Player Props

• [48:52–53:10]
  The group debates strategy and offers prop picks for DraftKings' Pick Six:
  • Dan predicts Justin Herbert and Matthew Stafford will each throw an INT.
  • Jalen Hurts “Tush Push” rushing TD, Ladd McConkey TD, Travis Kelce TD.
  • Chris Cody suggests Travis Hunter under 39 receiving yards, calls out Dan: “If you take the over on an interception, that’s like taking an under.” [51:32]
  • Mike Fuentes and Gino argue over classic props, beef Wellington, and the positivity of betting “overs.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On NFL fandom and blame:
  “They can’t blame the football. So they blame the girlfriend. They’re just reaching for answers.” – Show Panel [06:33]

• On QB evaluation woes:
  “Sometimes you get caught up in you can run fast, you can throw the ball 80 yards…but when it comes down to it, it comes down to mental. It comes down to system and the way you’re being taught.” – Matt Leinart [19:07]

• On South Bend:
  “The weather stinks. There’s nothing to do in South Bend…You want to get in, you want to get the hell out right away.” – Matt Leinart [21:53/23:04]

• Classic football wisdom:
  “There are now more Super Bowl viable teams in the NFC than there are in the AFC.” – Dan Le Batard [34:56]

• Chris Cody on food & football:
  “I want to be alone with this game. I don’t want anyone to see me when I’m watching this game.” [45:41]

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Timestamps for Essential Segments

• 01:52 – Dan’s Top 6 Rivalries Monologue
• 05:27 – Jersey #17 Debate: “Phil Rivers vs. Josh Allen”
• 13:34 – Matt Leinart Interview Begins (Blood Drive, QB Draft, South Bend, Rivalries)
• 34:25 – NFL Week 7 Games Countdown & Picks
• 48:52 – “Pick Six” Prop Section
• 30:13, 31:14, 32:21 – Comedy breaks, cookie and air fryer debates
• 45:14 – “Bucs vs. Lions”: Cody’s Love Letter

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Tone and Style

Staying true to the original, the episode bounces between sharp sports analysis, nostalgic football reminiscence, and quick-fire, playful humor among friends. The in-jokes, sidebars on food, and meta-commentary on the nature of fandom and sports podcasting give every segment a sense of accessibility and relatability for diehard listeners and casual fans alike.

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For anyone who missed the show:
You’ll come away understanding Week 7’s juiciest NFL matchups, why USC-Notre Dame is pure college football theater, and why an Oreo and a well-timed air fryer can make gameday that much sweeter.

Transcript

[Dave Damaschek]

Hi. And hello, fellow football Americans. Have you ever noticed how buying boots can sometimes feel like picking your punishment? Like, either you get comfort or durability, but never both. Well, lucky for me. And now for all fellow football Americans. I just found Brunt Workwear, and I swear I got my pair of boots yesterday. And it's like the first time your team finally drafts someone good, it's a total game changer. I picked up the Marin boots, and I'm telling you, they. These things were crazy comfy right out of the box. No hot spots, no sore arches, no breaking. Just lace up and go. I'm not jiving you. Like I say. Listen, if I were jiving. What's that noise? What is that?

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, I mean, it could be a.

[Dave Damaschek]

Drum, but in this case, it is.

[Mike Fuentes]

Really a pair of boots and a.

[Dave Damaschek]

Pair of boots that I really love. They're not just comfy, they're tough, too. Built to last, built to move. And somehow they still feel like sneakers. I don't know what kind of sorcery Brunt is using, but I'm into it. And Brent's not just about boots. They've got heavy duty pants, weatherproof jackets, all of it designed for people who get their hands dirty. You're not going to see this stuff on a Runway. You'll see it on a roof, in a garage, at the job site, and perhaps on a future Football America podcast. Bottom line, Brent was tired of the workwear brands out there cutting corners. You work too hard to be stuck.

[Mike Fuentes]

In uncomfortable boots that don't hold up.

[Dave Damaschek]

So they built something better. Boots that are insanely comfy and built for any job site. And get this, you can actually wear them to work, and if they're not right for you, just send them back. Who does that? Brunt. That's who. And that's how confident they are. For a limited time, our listeners get $10 off at Brunt. When you use code FBA at checkout, just head to bruntworkwear.com use the code FBA and you're good to go. And after you order, they'll ask you.

[Mike Fuentes]

Where you heard about Brunt.

[Dave Damaschek]

Do us a favor and tell them. And it was from this show, Football America, in case you forgot that, too.

[Mike Fuentes]

So we got Notre Dame and USC on Saturday, then Chiefs v. Raiders, and Dallas v. Washington on Sunday. Three words for rivalry games. Ooh, la and la. Most rivalries are owed to sharing the same neighborhood. Capulets v. Montagues, Duke v. Unc, Homer Simpson v. Ned Flanders. Because whether it's love or hate, proximity engender strong feelings. But then there are the rivalries based on more than mere contemptuous familiarity. Sometimes it's about two teams peaking in different time zones but in the same window of time, leading to showdowns that play as cultural reckonings and live on past just one generation. Among sports best non regional rivalries Lakers Celtics is probably number one with the Yankees versus Dodgers right behind. But let's rank the top six in football at number six. Extreme lifestyle differences between the ancient rivals at sunbaked USC and dreary old Notre Dame. And I don't just mean the Golden Domers aversion to using Trojans. I'll also throw Notre Dame v. The U in here as redundant as the vibes are. At number five, Tom Brady v. The Manning brothers. Yeah, If Ole Ms. BMOC Archie Manning had met his future wife Olivia in Oxford with future considerations, Peyton and Eli Brady would probably have a dozen Lombardi's. Then there are the Dallas Cowboys, who have so many non regional rivals where you can even leave out there are three NFC east foes, all of whom reside 1500 miles away from Texas. At number four there's Cowboys v. The Nine. With Staubach's comeback in 72 and the catch in 81. And in three straight early 90s championship meetings, we knew the survivors reward was going to be the Lombardi Trophy. At number three, Cowboys. Packers might be even bigger if Bob Lilly tackles Bart Starr on the QB sneak at the end of the ice Bowl. In 67. NFL champs wouldn't hoist the Lombardi Trophy, it'd be the Landry Trophy. Bigger still though, at number two, Cowboys v Steelers back in the 70s when pro football was still just rounding the corner on its way to passing baseball in popularity, Dallas and Pittsburgh were fraternal twin heavyweights, Shiny Stars v. Steely Braun. 9 Super bowl appearances between them in the decade, twice against each other, then again once in the mid-90s. To this day, when Dallas or Pittsburgh plays on a road game, the stadium is half filled with their supporters. That's how deep the roots sank across football. America, the that and all others go behind. Number one though. Armyv Navy. Not many visuals better than the sea of Cadets in gray and Midshipmen in black, preferably with a light snow falling all around. In almost any rivalry, the participants claim it's the only game on the schedule that matters. But as far as I can tell, the only head to head where that's actually the case is between these two. Anywho, here comes another weekend of football. Let's get to this show so I can go sit on that couch behind me for the next 72 hours. Start the show. Yes. Hi and hello, my fellow football Americans. Welcome to episode number 17. Welcome to NFL Week 7. We are presented as ever by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. Coming up, Matt Leinert and Chris Cody. Not together though, I don't think. Let's start this show like we do every show by honoring the guy who wore our episode. The best in pro football history. Number 17. This feels like an easy one, fellas. Josh Allen has got to be the choice, right? There's Geno. There's Mike Fuentes. There's Chris Cody along. Welcome Chris Cody. Hope all's well on your end. Thanks for joining the show. Let's start with you. Any 17s you want to volunteer here?

[Chris Cody]

Best celebrate TD celebration 17. Jalen Waddle. We're going to give him that.

[Mike Fuentes]

Philip Rivers.

[Chris Cody]

I think I can make the argument Philip Rivers over Josh Allen. Okay, Josh Allen win a road playoff game. Okay. That's all I want to say. I might be cherry picking the one stat where Philip Rivers is better than Josh Allen. He has three playoff wins on the road. Okay, Josh Allen win away from home. All right, then you'll impress me.

[Mike Fuentes]

Wow. Never had a road playoff win. That's never registered for me. But your. Your larger point feels kind of true, if cynical. I mean they're kind of Josh Allen's track and if he ain't careful, he's going to be this generation's Phil Rivers or as I've said before, Dan Marino, which is to say Lombardi residing the rest of eternity out there on Marino Island. Any Chris or Gino or Mike? Any thoughts to the latest non scandal scandal brewing this week among Bill's fans it seems which is that Haley Steinfeld is somehow dragging Josh Allen down by turning him into a three dimensional human being instead of mere football player.

[Gino]

Sounds like they're just reaching for answers. They can't. They can't be a good team.

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, they, they've been down this road. They've been hurt before. So I don't blame them for. For having. But the other side of the coin is. Or I guess the question is philosophically, do you care at all? People always do. The thing about like I don't care what the football players politics are. Do you care to know that he is in fact, like I say, a human being who has other interests or do you want him to be Tom Brady willing to get divorced from a supermodel in favor of Grabbing onto another Lombardi.

[Chris Cody]

I want to use my wife as an excuse. I have a bad show. That's what I want to do.

[Mike Fuentes]

Right. Smart.

[Chris Cody]

Yep.

[Mike Fuentes]

Yeah. Always got to have places to point at other people's. To other people to blame.

[Gino]

It works great. Until you get home. Yeah. Then you get home and you have to answer for your sins.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Mike]

Ryan Tannehill, Josh Allen, same amount of AFC championship appearances.

[Gino]

Also had a crazy wife.

[Mike]

Same amount.

[Mike Fuentes]

That's really what it's about. And what you have to do is structure your life and marry a woman who doesn't care at all about football, nay, doesn't care at about what you do during the day. At least not enough to consume your work. Then you're in the sweet spot. Then you're threading the needle because you can blame her and she'll never be aware of it. Also, hall of Famer Harold Carmichael, the tallest football player I've ever seen. Devonte Adams with the Rams, of course, Terry McLaurin. And then there's Doug Williams in Washington, unfortunately, because he only wore that number, I believe, when he was on a team whose name we can't say. We agreed a couple of weeks ago here on the show that the politically correct among us have made it. And it's weird. We knew all the bad words, all the. All the racial slurs, all the. All the kind of xenophobic things you could say, but in our lifetime, in this millennium, even we have dropped a new slur into the mix and now we can't say it anymore. I feel uncomfortable with that.

[Dave Damaschek]

Chris.

[Mike Fuentes]

I'll say you.

[Dave Damaschek]

I.

[Mike]

What a question to get dropped on you. How do you feel about racial slurs?

[Mike Fuentes]

Chris, you can say it if you want to. That's your choice. Look, football. America is a free country.

[Chris Cody]

Looking like me, I try to avoid all of this. So I don't. I say, want to talk right now. I kind of want to just take an elevator, push the down button, and head to the floor and get out of here.

[Mike Fuentes]

Chris or Fuentes, Boys, did I get all the non regional rivalries? Did I mention them all in that. In that little monologue at the top?

[Mike]

I kind of feel like we had like a Miami vs. Cleveland thing during the LeBron era, especially those first couple years, because of the whole, like, Comic Sans letter. Yeah, well, it was a basketball rivalry, but I remember we really wanted to stick it to Cleveland because they were just, you know, there was a lot of nonsense being Talked just because LeBron decided to come down here. I mean, you can do Heat, Nicks but that's regional. That's east coast rivalry.

[Mike Fuentes]

Right.

[Mike]

So, yeah, so like anything kind of.

[Mike Fuentes]

But yeah, that may. That's a great one though, Mike. And in fact, I have made the case for LeBron against the entire Western Conference. And if you can't beat him, join him, which is what he did with the Lakers. But up until that point, how many finals did he go to in a row or however? Maybe seven or eight times his east, his team from the east played a Western Conference team that's been a pretty strong rivalry over the course of his career.

[Mike]

At least eight.

[Dave Damaschek]

Right.

[Mike]

Because he had four in a row with the Heat and then I think he had four in a row against the Golden State Warriors. I want to say. I want to say it was almost a decade of LeBron in the Eastern Conference going to the NBA Finals and.

[Mike Fuentes]

Then there used to be the. The USA versus ussr, Whether it was hockey or basketball or any else. But that, that ship is sailed because now they're our closest friend from what I hear. All right, listen, we have a lot to get to here. Me and the Fuentes boys have to get through the pick six. We also have your week seven countdown, the best games upcoming. And we're going to tell you who's going to win them and by how much. But first, let's talk about that USC Notre Dame rivalry. Let's talk about quarterbacks in our league and the guys that are toiling still in college football on their way to the NFL with a guy who knows a thing or two about all those subjects. And Matt Leinert.

[Dave Damaschek]

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[Mike Fuentes]

And I think there's going to be.

[Dave Damaschek]

A good payout for anybody who is riding with the Denver Broncos offense playing over there across the Atlantic this weekend. I think Bo Nix is going to throw a couple of touchdown passes. I think DK JK Dobbins is going to get into the end zone. In other words, I think the Broncos are going to roll. But that's just the tip of the Iceberg. Here's the kickoff bonus new DraftKings customers get $50 in bonus picks with just a $5 entry on your first pick set. So this season, play your player instincts. Download the DraftKings Pick Six app now and use the code Damashek. That's code Damashek D A M E S H E k play just $5, get $50 and pick six bonus picks. Make the call. Ride the upside in partnership with DraftKings pick six, the crown is yours. Hi and hello, my fellow football Americans. Your old pal Dave Damaschek here, I'm sure, just like you, when my kids were born, everything changed. There's this overwhelming feeling that hits you. It's not just about love, it's this deep need to protect. Suddenly every decision you make is about them and their future. Aside from Sundays when you're trying to.

[Mike Fuentes]

Figure out who's going to win the big game.

[Dave Damaschek]

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[Mike Fuentes]

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[Dave Damaschek]

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[Mike Fuentes]

Here he comes everybody. The Heisman Trophy winning two time national champion from usc. He's also the host of Throwbacks.

[Dave Damaschek]

He now wants his fellow Trojans giving blood by December 5th if possible for the Big Ten and Abbott Labs. The second annual we give Blood Drive. My guy Rob Michael at the head of Abbott Lab. So shout out to him in this small world.

[Mike Fuentes]

You can check out [e-mail] Abbott or.

[Dave Damaschek]

You can text donate to 222688 great work.

[Mike Fuentes]

Matt Leinert how are you, man?

[Matt Leinert]

Dave, I'm good, man. Thanks for having me fired up to be a part of this campaign for year two. As you just said, huge blood shortage in our country. One donation can save three lives. How about this? Last year, this campaign kind of competition to get all these Big Ten schools involved, save 60, 000 lives this year. We're over 110, 000 already. We're only halfway through the season. So that's a shout out to all the people out there who have given blood. I'll be given blood this year for usc. We finished last. Last year. We had a terrible participation, so we need to get back. But yeah, big10.org backslash Abbott to go find out more about where you can do it and how you can donate. But it's been great, man. It's been great to be a part of this. Obviously, you know people at Abbott, they've been phenomenal. And the winner, this winning school gets a million dollars to advance student community health, which is cool. A lot of kind of weekly prizes too. So a lot of incentive there. And it's just really to get, really to get the student body involved for these schools and. And all that. So donate for someone you love, donate for your school, whatever have you, and go say go save a life.

[Mike Fuentes]

Everybody likes competing, right? So this is a chance for usc, people in my alma mater, Indiana University, riding high in football. I was going to say you guys.

[Matt Leinert]

Well, not a basketball school anymore, but.

[Dave Damaschek]

Well, we're both.

[Mike Fuentes]

That's what we are. That's what we are. Matt, let's actually dip in on. On some college football here. Fill in the blank for me, if you would. The first quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft will be.

[Matt Leinert]

Oh, God, that's a good question. The first quarterback taken in the jama tier.

[Mike Fuentes]

Oh, that's a little. Because of the injuries and otherwise.

[Matt Leinert]

Yeah, I mean.

[Mike Fuentes]

The injury.

[Matt Leinert]

Yeah, the injury. I think he rushed it last week. I mean, I don't know. I think the decision making was. Wasn't his best. But I think that kid, for what he is and how he plays, I think he's a special talent. I believe that. And I think he's got a great shot. Now there's. Gosh, I mean, I still think Kate Klubnick is going to be up there. There's a lot of. There's a lot of really good players. This is a deep class. I think Matier is probably, when it's all said and done, will be the head of the class, is my opinion.

[Mike Fuentes]

There There was last spring in the 2025 draft, a lot of, A lot of people saying. A lot of the experts were saying, don't take any of these guys, wait until 2026 because it's so QB rich. But now we've seen Arch Manning probably fall back a little bit. Drew Aller. And so it goes. Why do you suppose the 10th overall pick in 2006 NFL Draft? What's your opinion on this? Why is QB evaluation in this millennium still so tough?

[Dave Damaschek]

It's still like a 55, 45 proposition.

[Matt Leinert]

It. Well, there's a lot of things, I think, first of all, and we've seen this fit and system in place, when you get to the highest level is literally the number one thing that you need. There's been a couple outliers, right? There's, there's, gosh, Andrew Luck is the big one that stands out even though he retired. I, I think Trevor Lawrence is now starting to play pretty good. Like, there's guys that. They're just so talented that you can fit them in and they're going to make the guys around them better, right? And that just, it just happens, the system. And again, we're seeing it, right? I mean, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, I mean, even Caleb Williams, year two now is playing really good football with Ben Johnson. And I just think there's so much of that and I was a part of that. And again, I'm not going to compare myself to those guys, but when I went from Arizona to Houston and I played for Gary Kubiak, Mike Shanahan system, Kyle Shanahan's now system, Sean McVeigh, right, that tree, it was the best I'd ever felt as a quarterback. No, like playing the. Playing the position, right? Just being a quarterback. What does that mean? Right? The reads, the progressions by footwork, all the things that go. All the nuances of the position. Not just going to be an athlete and playing. And I, and again, my, I got injured and all those things. So I think, I think you're seeing that at that level, right? It's really hard. And then when you go at the collegiate level, the, the game has just changed so much. Like, anybody can throw. A lot of these guys are completing 80 of his throws. It's just the NFL, NFL game is different. We've also seen a lot of players at the collegiate level, like, they're not getting developed as well. Look, the Arch Manning thing is interesting, right? He's so young. Like, we were like. And again, I was guilty of it and I love Arch. I love the fam. I think Arch is going to be really good player. He just hadn't played a lot, and we were just so. Well, he's big and he's got this arm. And, like, all of that doesn't. Like, like, it doesn't mean that much. We were just a little sidebar. We were just talking about, like, Cam Scatter Boo in our big new meeting. It's like, why was he the fourth round? Well, because he doesn't have the measurables. Right? He's. He ran a 4, 6 or 7. He's not a sexy pick. He doesn't run a 4 2. Like.

[Mike Fuentes]

Like.

[Matt Leinert]

But he's a hell of a football player. And a lot of that kind of can translate over to quarterback. Sometimes you get caught up in. You can run fast, you can throw the ball 80 yards and all that, but when it comes down to it, it comes down to mental. It comes down to the system and the way you're being taught. And I think that's. To answer your question, it's just.

[Mike Fuentes]

It's 50.

[Matt Leinert]

50, man. You go to a certain organization, like, it's challenging.

[Mike Fuentes]

I mean, I think that's exactly right. If you're paying attention, you have to contextualize where you're dropping that guy. I mean, west coast offense for you seems optimal. Who is the guy who you look at in the NFL now at that position and say, if he can do it, I could do it, too. I wish I would have been in that system in full health and all of that.

[Matt Leinert]

Well, it's. I mean, gosh, that's an easy one for me. It's. It's. It's Brock Purdy, it's Shanahan. Right? Because that's. That's where I just felt my, My. My best. The. The play action, getting the ball out fast. Like, the, the progressions are tied with your footwork. Like. Like, that's.

[Mike Fuentes]

It's just.

[Matt Leinert]

It's just taught very differently. Like, I was so, you know, Dan Orlofsky is a good buddy of mine, and he does a great job on TV and breaking down. And we were in Houston together, and we've talked about, like, I went there and I'm like, oh, wow. This is like, my footwork is tied with my progression. And if one's not there, you go to two and you go to, like. It was just the way it was taught, and it seems kind of easy, but it was just taught so intricately and the nuance. And then once you mastered it, it was like that's the reason why a lot of these guys. That's the reason why a lot of people think, oh, you can kind of plug and play. Like, look at Mac Jones. I mean, I know I didn't play too well last week, but, like, you can kind of put a guy in there. They're going to play better because the way it's taught. So for me, I look at that. I mean, I think McVeigh is kind of like, he. He's the same thing, but he's evolved even more so because he's got a guy like Stafford, who's really, really special. But that would be the one man like, that would be the one that would be probably best suited for my skill set.

[Mike Fuentes]

I was just going to say, I could see you going across football America down to south beach and thriving in the Miami Dolphins system, as a matter of fact, very similar to.

[Matt Leinert]

I mean, McDaniels again. I mean, they're all the. Again. That tree is. That's. That coaching tree is spread throughout all of the NFL right now. And a lot of quarterbacks, I mean, Miami's struggling, obviously, but a lot of quarterbacks are playing at a high level in that system.

[Mike Fuentes]

I don't know if you heard. Big one for the Trojans upcoming this Saturday against the arch rival Notre Dame. It is really one of the, if not the most distinctive rivalries out there in sports. I mean, one is in South Bend, Indiana. The other is in the entertainment capital of the world. What is.

[Dave Damaschek]

Tell me one thing.

[Mike Fuentes]

Because you've been in both towns, you've spent a little time. Tell me one thing better about South Bend, Indiana than Los Angeles, California?

[Matt Leinert]

I mean, I can't tell you one thing better.

[Mike Fuentes]

You can't tell me one thing?

[Matt Leinert]

No. Nope. The weather stinks. There's nothing to do in South Bend.

[Mike Fuentes]

There's that big Jesus guy hanging up.

[Matt Leinert]

Touchdown. Jesus is staring at you the whole game. It's a little awkward. You know, it's good, though, when you beat him up there.

[Mike Fuentes]

We haven't.

[Matt Leinert]

I think we haven't beaten them since 2011, so. Look, I respect Notre Dame. I always have. Doesn't mean I like them that much. They're a really good football team.

[Mike Fuentes]

This is.

[Matt Leinert]

This is like. And I'm not even saying this like, this is a tough game for USC to go on the road and beat a team like that. Especially the win last week was huge. It was. It was monumental for the perception of this program. And I believe that. I believe one game can do that. I really do. You consistently. You got to Be able to do that at the, at the. At the level to be great and to go into that state in the way they're playing, the way they can run the fall, the way. It's C.J. carr, who, by the way, he's going to be talking about the draft in a couple of years. He might be the number one pick. It's a.

[Dave Damaschek]

It's.

[Matt Leinert]

It's tough, it's a challenge. But that, that game last week gave. Gave the boys some confidence, you know, and it proved that they can. They can do it.

[Mike Fuentes]

So. So we'll see.

[Matt Leinert]

When you get to. Last thing I'll say, when you get to South Bend, you want to get. You want to get in, you want to get the hell out right away, man. There's not. There's not much to do out there, I'll tell you.

[Mike Fuentes]

That connects us back to 19 years ago. And I've talked to Reggie Bush. Not. I mean, I've talked to him about the Bush push and all of that, but he told me a great story about how insane it was when you guys got there. And by the way, I should also say this collective wisdom goes that the USC Texas game might be the greatest of all time, that the greatest game was not even the best game that season. The best game that season was, in fact, SC Notre Dame. That was a gem for all of time. But Reggie told me that the student body was out there and you guys were scared for your lives to some degree, weren't they? Shaking the buckets, in other words?

[Matt Leinert]

I think it was the only time because I had been. I've been in Notre Dame twice. I was. I was there as a backup or my, My. My redshirt year, which we lost. And it just. It never was like, a place where it didn't feel like. I don't say important, but, like, it just. It just like, was. That year was different to Reggie's point. We got there and we always do our. Like, we get in town, we go do our little private walk through, mess around on the field, kind of have fun like we always do. And they had like a thousand kids. I mean, there was a ton waiting for us where the buses drive in and that. They hadn't done that before. And so we were like, okay, like, these boys, like, it's a big game, right? It was ready. And they were saying. They were saying, I'll. I never forget. I remember, like, coming off the bus with Sarkeesian, and he kind of put his arm around me, and we were like, going through, like, this tunnel, like These fans made. Like, we had security. You always have security, team security. But, like, they made, like, this tunnel, and they were just. They were signs. They were talking their stuff. They were nasty. I was like, oh. Like, this is not. This is. This isn't typical Notre Dame behavior, you know, so they brought it. Listen, they brought it. They were a good football team at.

[Dave Damaschek]

The end of the day.

[Matt Leinert]

You know, we made. Obviously made the play at the end to win, but it'll. It'll feel that way this year. This year's a big game. I mean, playoff eliminator for Notre Dame. You know, just huge stakes for usc. If they lose, they still can run the table and probably make a playoff. But they got Oregon. They got a tough schedule. So this feels like it's a must win for both teams, in my opinion.

[Mike Fuentes]

I agree. It's an elimination game, probably on both sides of things. Last thing, I want to know who you hate more, Notre Dame or ucla? I feel like it's probably Notre Dame.

[Matt Leinert]

It's not even close.

[Mike Fuentes]

Cause UCLA is more of a punchline to you, little brother at this point.

[Matt Leinert]

Yeah, a little brother. Like, never a rivalry. My wife went to UCLA. I don't. I don't like. I don't look at UCLA. And by the way, I loved Cade McNown era growing up. That was my favorite football team. I loved UCLA basketball.

[Mike Fuentes]

That's because you, me, and Kate have something in common. We throw some left.

[Matt Leinert]

So, like, I. When I played ucla, there wasn't like.

[Mike Fuentes]

Yeah, when you're in.

[Matt Leinert]

When you're in it. But there wasn't. It wasn't great games. You know, I'm not just saying that, but it didn't. It just. Notre Dame just felt different. It just felt bigger. And it was bigger because of that game and the history of it. It just. You just felt it bigger. So definitely don't like Notre Dame. UCLA is fine. I find myself. I want them to get back, you know, Like, I love Jerry Newheisel. No, Rick Neuheisel. Like, I'm happy for them right now. I know Nico personally, so, like, yeah, I root for those guys. Like, obviously. I always want USC to win that game, too, though.

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, by the way, as I let you go here, UCLA and USC was freshened up with the home jerseys returning. Pete Carroll and Rick Newheisel agreed on one show hosted by Dave Damaschek. I got them on the phone together to agree to both wear the home jerseys and take.

[Matt Leinert]

So you're a.

[Dave Damaschek]

That's right.

[Matt Leinert]

It's a. I love that the Home. And home is amazing because like our home jerseys are great. Our white jerseys I don't like. I never liked ucla. The powder and gold is whatever, but the home on home is good. Congratulations, Dave. I didn't know that. Fun fact about.

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, thank you and you're welcome and all the rest of it. And I mean, congratulations to you. I remember watching you make that all time nails drive the throw to Dwayne Jarrett and beyond. And that's got to imbue you for the rest of your life with a confidence like I did that there's nothing too tough for me. So go give blood, trophy fans.

[Matt Leinert]

Yes.

[Mike Fuentes]

And win this race. The second annual one. Great stuff from Matt Leinert. You get a T shirt. You get the pride of. Of.

[Matt Leinert]

Yes.

[Mike Fuentes]

You know, touting your school and all the rest of it. Matt Liner, we appreciate the time, man. Good luck this weekend.

[Matt Leinert]

Awesome, Dave. Thanks, buddy. I appreciate you, man.

[Mike Fuentes]

There he goes. Nice fella, right? I like him quite a bit. I did learn though in the. In the little interim here that Mike Fuentes is playing her. You have a belly ache. I'm like, yes.

[Mike]

The food we got for lunch here, not that great. I'm not going to say any names.

[Matt Leinert]

Wow.

[Mike]

But it's hurting right now.

[Chris Cody]

Complaining about free food.

[Gino]

I know.

[Mike]

I mean, it hurts. It hurts. What do you child, you know? Oh, yeah. So, okay.

[Matt Leinert]

Yeah.

[Mike Fuentes]

What genre of food was it?

[Mike]

I don't want to say. I don't want to say.

[Mike Fuentes]

But was it what kind of food it was.

[Mike]

Listen, after you put Chris Cody on the spot about racism in the first segment, I am not going to.

[Gino]

You don't want to disparage any sponsors.

[Mike]

Oh, no. Let's just say there was a lot of salt and now it's hurting my tummy.

[Mike Fuentes]

That's almost so saying a type of food would be an insult to a nationality. Is that what you're getting at here?

[Mike]

Crazy times here in football America, Dave Damasak. Anyway, we got some games coming up and we have Chris Cody here to get through them. So you want to start with that anytime. That'd be great.

[Mike Fuentes]

I do. I do want to get to. To all that stuff. I do want to say very quickly though, while I have here thanks to my fellow football Americans who take the time to drop us a line on YouTube or social media in general, especially my guy, our football American of the week is in fact a Brit. It's James McNeil, man. He always is dropping a line. Positive words we appreciate. You can drop negative ones too, if you like. He. He Spoke up about the Steve Smith senior conversation. A lot of feedback on that one. People really enjoyed that and also enjoyed the ray of sunshine named Colleen Wolf earlier this week. Go back and listen to both of those. Hey, Chris, Cody, big news down there in South Beach. Billy Gill, moving on. I was curious watching that from afar. Really nice stuff from Dan LeBatard and what he had to say about Billy and best wishes to him. But where you're concerned, does this sort of make you like Casey Affleck at the end of Goodwill hunting? Like, oh, Will went to see about a girl on the other side of. Of the country. That means I ride shotgun from here on out. Is that your move now?

[Chris Cody]

I think I'm feeling the pressure of having to be funny. Billy's funny, and there's a lot, like the people on the show that bring the funny. We've been losing those in recent months. So I feel like I'm feeling the pressure to be extra funny now, but. And, you know, leverage contract talks.

[Mike Fuentes]

I'm.

[Chris Cody]

I'm looking at all of it, Dave.

[Mike Fuentes]

Hmm. Okay, well, listen, I mean, maybe if you start talking about what kind of food is upside in your belly, that would be funny. Matt Leinert was talking about giving blood. The question I didn't have time to ask him is, what's your favorite kind of cookie? Because that's what they give you when you get blood. They give you a prize. They give you a nice cookie, your choice. Give me, Chris Cody, your favorite type of cookie.

[Chris Cody]

Wow.

[Matt Leinert]

Okay.

[Chris Cody]

I feel like I'm going to get judged hard for this. And this has been a controversial thing with me and my friends before. My favorite cookie. Give me an Oreo.

[Gino]

I'm with you.

[Chris Cody]

Just give me.

[Gino]

I'm with you.

[Chris Cody]

I'm telling. I know there. I know it's not good for you. I know it's like regular, packaged and processed. Give me an Old Fashioned. I don't need that double stuff.

[Mike]

Thank you.

[Chris Cody]

Just give me a normal amount of stuffing. Just give me an Oreo. Give me a nice glass of cold milk.

[Gino]

I don't even drink milk anymore, but I'll do it for the Oreo.

[Chris Cody]

I'm going to go Oreo. I mean, obviously I love the chocolate chips. I love an oatmeal cookie, but if you just. If I could have one cookie for the rest of my life, give me an Oreo.

[Mike]

Just one Oreo.

[Mike Fuentes]

I don't want to be precious, but if I'm gonna have any cookie, it'll be a chocolate chip, but so long.

[Dave Damaschek]

As it's Nice and warm.

[Mike Fuentes]

Because when you get the gooey chocolate chips. What's. What. What's possibly gonna beat that? Nothing. Is the answer there. The other one.

[Chris Cody]

How long do you microwave?

[Mike]

Yeah, how long? Chocolate chip cookie.

[Mike Fuentes]

Good question.

[Mike]

It can be too gooey. Yes, you can. It can be too gooey.

[Chris Cody]

I still want to be able to.

[Mike]

Pick it up, correct? Yeah. If it's flopping. Not for me.

[Mike Fuentes]

No, no, no. Yeah. Listen, I'm not a lunatic. I say the sweet spot is 11 to 17 seconds. I don't know your microwave oven, but that's. That's about the range that I'm saying.

[Chris Cody]

I must have a really strong microwave because I feel like I've thrown that thing in for, like, nine seconds before, and the thing's bubbling.

[Mike]

Yeah. What do you think? It's true, though. It is subject to different microwaves, but, like, wattage every once in a while to staying with chocolate chip cookies. I know they're not good at all, but sometimes I just really want Chips Ahoy. Yeah. I don't know what it is. And I have the same, like, craving sometimes for bad fast food like Subway.

[Gino]

Right.

[Mike]

I know it's not good. Unless they want to sponsor football American, then. I love Subway. You can't get a better sandwich in America than Subway. Go down to your local Subway, get something. But, you know, it's not considered good. Even though in football America it's great and you just. I just want a meatball sub.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah.

[Mike]

Even though I know it's not the best meatball sub to some people, to me, I love it.

[Gino]

It's the best.

[Chris Cody]

Gino just mentioned this. Can we. Hey, microwaves. Can we get on the same page?

[Mike]

Yeah, that's a good idea.

[Chris Cody]

Why do I. Why do I have to, like, know how. I don't know how many watts my microwave is? Okay.

[Gino]

Yeah.

[Chris Cody]

For every microwave. So I don't have to look at the package and be, like, doing them. I'm doing a math equation.

[Mike]

Yeah. Exactly.

[Chris Cody]

How many minutes I got to do this?

[Mike]

Yeah. I have a question.

[Mike Fuentes]

Hot take. Hot take. Microwave ovens are the most overrated technological advancement in my lifetime and are now completely outmoded thanks to the air fryer. The air fryer has the microwave beat six ways to Sunday. Okay, maybe it's a tick slower, but it's worth the difference. Do not microwave. The number one thing to not put in the microwave, but put in your air fryer instead. Pizza. Leftover pizza is so much better out of an air fryer than it is out of the microwave.

[Dave Damaschek]

Yes.

[Mike]

I Had a question about your microwave, and now I can't remember it.

[Chris Cody]

I actually find a vet move is you. You zap it in the microwave for like, 30, 45 seconds just to, like, kind of get the process going. And then it takes less time. And then you finish it in the oven or the air fryer. That way you get that crispiness you're looking for, but it doesn't take as long.

[Mike]

That's a. That's.

[Mike Fuentes]

Yeah, it's like you're giving. It's almost like Frankenstein's monster. You've taken the parts of what was a human being, and now you've made it into a whole nother human being, except it's a cookie.

[Mike]

What you're saying is we got game.

[Mike Fuentes]

Picks to make, but I do want to say this. The butterscotch cookie is very good. Although I cannot quite distinguish what is the difference between butterscotch and caramel. They're very close cousins, at minimum.

[Mike]

Butterscotch. Why are you 7 75?

[Mike Fuentes]

You don't like a butterscotch. You don't like a. A nice butter. You ever eat a butterscotch pudding? Another hot take from Dave. Better than chocolate pudding.

[Mike]

No, not.

[Mike Fuentes]

Not.

[Mike]

Not for me. Clash.

[Mike Fuentes]

Butterscotch pudding is a Pennsylvania thing. Yes. All right, listen, enough of this jive. Let's move on to what's important, and that is our countdown. The NFL Week 7 picks. We'll count them down from five, all the way down to one. We're going to tell you who's going to win them here, and let's start it off with the Green Bay packers at the Arizona Cardinals. At the time of this recording, we don't know if it's going to be Kyler Murray or Jacoby Brissette. For what it's worth, Jacoby Brissette has been pretty efficient in that offense. As it stands, The Cardinals are plus six and a half at home. Total is 44 and a half. Let's start with you, Chris Cody, who you got in this one?

[Chris Cody]

This is simple. If Murray plays, I like Green Bay. If Brissette plays, I like Arizona to cover.

[Mike Fuentes]

Wow.

[Chris Cody]

Just doing the math here of just something off with Murray in that offense. I like the way Brissette's moving that offense, and it's just. That's a lot of points. Green Bay is one of the few teams in the league that I actually think is good. We had a long list of teams that are good at the beginning of the year. I feel like that list is dwindled down a little bit, but I Right there. I'm going mur. If Murray plays, I like Green Bay to cover. If Brissette plays, I like a close game.

[Mike Fuentes]

You know what? There are now more super bowl viable teams in the NFC than there are in the AFC. Also joining us for the Week 7 picks, iconic front man of black flag, Henry Rollins. Who do you have in the packers and Cardinals? Okay, so he's going packers and he doesn't seem to care who's a quarterback for the Cardinals. I love what I'm looking at.

[Chris Cody]

I love what I'm looking at. By the way, if you're, if you're listening to this experience, you need to be watching it. I just want to tell the audience.

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, I mean, listen, even if you didn't like Black Flags music, even if you're not into hardcore, the ladies had to appreciate the, the shirtless physique of Henry Rollins. I'm gonna go with the packers here one way or the other. No matter who's opposing them, the packers are starting to emerge as one of those real contenders. Packers 28, 26. Next up, it's the Rams paying a visit to the Sunshine State. The home team, the Jags are plus three in this one. No Puka Nuku. It would seem the Rams on the east coast here, so the cross country travel is not a factor here. 45 and a half is the total at the time of this recording. Chris Cody, how say you two teams.

[Chris Cody]

That we're going to talk about here in these games annoy me. The Jags are one of them. I just can't figure them out. I was big on them coming into the year. Travis Hunter thought he was going to be a gem. He hasn't really emerged yet. Think Trevor Lawrence is good yet. That offense you got, Brian Thomas Jr. Just dropping passes right in his hands late in that game last week. I just. There's just something about these Jags. I think they should be good, but they're not. And I Love and Rams McVeigh one of the best offenses in the league. I'm going Rams -3.

[Mike Fuentes]

I don't mean to have a chip on my shoulder about the j. About the Indiana Hoosiers, but I do sense people are looking for a reason to jump off the bandwagon and I think that has gone on for quite a while during the Trevor Lawrence era with Jacksonville. I do think to your point, if Brian Thomas catches a pass, they may be win a big game last week and now they are. They are one of the teams we're buzzing about. Like can this team actually Go to the Super Bowl. Let's hear from Henry Rollins on this one. Boy, he really seems to be into the Rams in this game. I'm going to go with the Jaguars winning this one 23 to 20. Confounding stuff. And the RA if you've been paying attention to them, without Nakua, they are a different team, obviously, and a worse one at that. Moving on. At number three in our countdown here, it's the Atlanta Falcons. It's The San Francisco 49ers. The Niners laying two and a half here. Total is 47 and a half. Chris Cody, how say you Falcons?

[Chris Cody]

The most confusing team to me in this league outside of maybe the Jags there. It's just they're the other annoying team for me in this. I can. I hardly ever get them right. My gut here tells me San Francisco. So I'm going to fade myself and take the Falcons plus two and a half.

[Mike Fuentes]

Interesting tortured logic there, Henry. Rollin, I'll say you sorry.

[Chris Cody]

Go ahead.

[Matt Leinert]

Hey, D. Well.

[Chris Cody]

Dave, you don't have teams that you just get wrong. Like, I just have. There's just. There's just teams that I refuse to bet because I just can't get them right. So I just start fading myself with them because I just can't figure them out.

[Mike]

I think Henry Rollins with the Falcons there. By the way.

[Mike Fuentes]

I was just gonna ask. I'm sorry, Chris. I was a. It was a little disrespectful on your part. He's a. He's a legend after all. I wasn't exactly sure who Hank just took there. It was Falcons. That's what you're saying, Gino. That's your best guess.

[Mike]

He said. I think he said atl. So.

[Gino]

Yeah.

[Mike]

So he's not a. Yes. So. Yeah.

[Gino]

Sometimes it's hard to interpret, you know, screaming lyrics.

[Mike]

He's nodding yes.

[Mike Fuentes]

So he's.

[Mike]

He's right.

[Mike Fuentes]

That makes sense. I mean, yeah, Henry's been Michael Penix guy since. Since way back. I'm going to take the Falcons here in a big spot. I said it a couple few weeks ago that the ceiling is now the NFC title game for the Niners, which means that there will be no home game in Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara for them because they lost the Jenga piece. The whole thing imploded when Nick Bosa went out. They can only go so far without him. That goes twice without Fred Warner now. So they're really doomed. Bob Sala is going to do some good work there. And I wouldn't be surprised in the short term if he does rise up and slows down Pennix and company here. I do have a hunch though that these Falcons are about to take off here after the big win. I like them and here's how much I like them. I still think my preseason pick that they're going to win the NFC south is in play for them. The Buccaneers have been riding awful high but but those close victories as the advanced analytics people always want you to understand is there is a regression there. You don't always win every one score game. So I expect the Bucks to come back down to earth and the Falcons to continue their rise. All right, next up, Eagles, Vikings. Vikes plus two and a half total is 43 and a half at the time of this recording. Unless there is an update for us, Mike or Geno, I don't think they've announced if it's JJ or Carson Wentz. Have they?

[Gino]

I haven't seen it. Have you seen it?

[Mike Fuentes]

I haven't seen any news on that yet. Chris Cody, you're picking a little blind here. Do your best.

[Gino]

Should they give it back to JJ McCarthy?

[Chris Cody]

I love betting a good team after they lose. And you know what's even better than that? Betting a good team after they've lost two in a row. I think the value you're getting here with the Eagles is as good as you'll get all year. Everyone wants to panic about this team and the pass offense. I think they're just fine. I think they will win this game pretty easily. I like the Eagles minus two and a half. It's one of my favorite bets of the week.

[Mike Fuentes]

This is a tough one. Henry Rollins, how say you? Hey Vikings. So he's taken. You know what that that spiritually is a better fit for him. You know, Norseman, tough guy, you know, ancient and all of that. To answer your question, Fuentes, I think that they should go back to JJ McCarthy because that's what Koc was wanted at the start of the season. Now what I also said was, I don't know what was it a month or so ago? Why are they not in the market for Kirk Cousins? I get it's the heavy contract and all of that, but in all of pro football outside of Atlanta, that's a pretty good fit. There's familiarity and all of that. I think if you had Kirk Cousins under center we would be buzzing more about the Vikings whether over Carson Wentz or J.J. mcCarthy. But still, as I keep saying, I will ride with the clever play caller and who he chooses to have at the Trigger. So if he wants Wentz in there or jj, I ride with KOC here. I'm going to pick, I guess, the upset Vikings 27, 21. Nick Sirianni. It's, you know, it's an odd year, so it's a down year for this Eagles era, I suppose. Just found out a few weeks ago. AD Mitchell knows what I'm talking about. It's the Indianapolis Colts making their way back out to Los Angeles where AD Mitchell had his infamous little play there. The Chargers are laying a meager point and a half. Your total is 48 and a half.

[Chris Cody]

Chris Cody choose the Chargers and the Dolphins played a close game. All right, that's my analysis. The Colts plus one and a half. I. I haven't been a buyer of these Colts. I know everyone's telling me they're good. I'm not sure I'm buying them fully yet, but there's just something wrong with these Chargers. I know they're hurt on the offensive line. Give me the Colts plus one and a half.

[Mike Fuentes]

Well, I mean, I think you. You hit the nail on the head here. They're just trying to survive being down two potentially dominant tackles. One, they kind of got by without. But in the short term, they are suffering the effects of the Jenga theory, that thing that offense has kind of imploded. And in just a slightly smaller matter, but not a. Omari and Hampton and Najee Harris are both down. So. So this is a diminished offense we're looking at. I thought it was a. As far as that goes, I thought it was a huge win for them to rally against the Dolphins in their state there. I think that maybe imbues them with a different level of confidence in this era. And I wouldn't be surprised if it's enough for them to. Because it allowed them to maintain their lead on the Chiefs. Wouldn't be surprised if they end up winning the division by that margin. That one victory that they got against the very, very sad Dolphins. Henry Rollins, how say you?

[Mike]

I think he met Chargers Charge.

[Mike Fuentes]

Chargers.

[Mike]

Yeah.

[Mike Fuentes]

Yeah, yeah. He really. It feels like he was really trying to emphasize the first syllable in. In that team's name. Right. I got that right. Charge.

[Dave Damaschek]

Charge.

[Mike Fuentes]

Charge.

[Chris Cody]

Seems like the Chargers might need to find an alternative option at tackle.

[Mike]

You son of a. That's a good one.

[Chris Cody]

Come on, Dave. Give it to me.

[Matt Leinert]

Dave, that's.

[Mike Fuentes]

You're working on trying to be funnier and this is your first foray. I am. I'm not going to get in the way. No notes on that. I want you to build up your confidence here. Let's see if we can before we get in this week's pick six here. Last things first in terms of picking the week seven games we've got a Monday Night Football double header. We talked with Colleen Wolf earlier in the week about this. I mean if your life is so full that you have time to complain about more football on Monday night. I don't. I you know I I'm envious of you. I think it's great to have especially when they're staggered start times. It gives you twice the chance of seeing a good game on Monday night AKA the worst day on the calendar every week. So let's do it Tampa. And and by the way huge games too. Huge Monday night game side by side. By the way nobody ever complains when there are two good games on at the same time. I don't know why Monday has been villainized for this. We love it on Sunday, right? Although Kirk Herb street did complain. Another person who probably doesn't have much to complain about in this world so it he's allowed to to worry about too many good games on a Saturday. But let's pick these ones. Buccaneers Lions Home team Detroit laying five and a half Chris Cody, how say.

[Chris Cody]

You My favorite team to bet last year versus my favorite team to bet this year Lions last year. Bucks this year. I want to give this game a hug. I wish I could take this game on a date. If I could send this game to just like if I want to show somebody what football is and how fun it is this is the game. I want to show them I love this game. I'm taking the points. Give me the bucks plus five and a half and I just want to be alone with this game. I don't want anyone to see me when I'm watching this game.

[Mike Fuentes]

No pants required.

[Matt Leinert]

Yes.

[Mike Fuentes]

Henry Rollins, how say you? No shirt required. The hell. What did he roar like? A lion.

[Mike]

I think it's a lion's roar.

[Chris Cody]

First I was like is he picking the Rams?

[Mike]

That's not in this I think it's a lion's roar.

[Mike Fuentes]

Simba over there. I know that that I bet you the lion share of betters are going to lean on the Buccaneers given how close their game seemed to be and they've beaten some heavyweight teams and they've done it in the last min minute. I think the Lions are especially after what we just saw in Casey. They are going to rise up and they are going to depose the Bucks by a touchdown or more. I will take the Home team there. The other one is the Houston Texans still desperate against the Seattle Seahawks. One of the great stories so far, Sam Darnold. I don't know where producer Bradley is today, but he always loves to talk about Sam Darnold as an MVP candidate. And Gino loves to talk up that Seattle defense. In fact, fact, he recently. I don't know if you heard about this, Chris. He decided to replace the Dolphins with the Seahawks as his favorite team. Meantime, choose wow.

[Gino]

Just for the rest of the year. Man, I can't.

[Mike Fuentes]

I can't take too that a few.

[Chris Cody]

Years ago with the Chargers and they. Dolphins immediately got good and the Chargers immediately.

[Gino]

Maybe, maybe that'll work for me.

[Chris Cody]

But on this one, you know how earlier I said I can't get the Falcons right? This is the opposite. I can't. I am so on the point with both of these teams. I don't think I've missed the Texans or a Seattle game all season. I know these teams. This is an easy one for me. I love Seattle here. I've been on them all year. That defense, I think top two, like, is that the best defense in the.

[Mike Fuentes]

League in terms of numbers. They rank high in, in every relevant category. And you know, especially when they're at home, this is a big spot. Monday Night Football, all of that, the crowd will be even louder than usual.

[Chris Cody]

A few weeks ago I was, you know, you were still getting them as like underdog. I feel like the, the Vegas is kind of caught up with Seattle here. So I don't love. I wish it was two and a half but I will take Seattle minus three at home.

[Mike Fuentes]

Precursor to the grunge scene up there in Seattle was Henry Rollins and Black Flag. Henry Rollins, who you got in this one? Did he even make a pick? I don't think he made. I don't think that was a proper pick. He just, I think he's had it. Okay. Hey, Henry Rollins, what an honor to have you on the show. Best to you and the boys in Black Flag. I'm going to take the Seahawks. As I already indicated. Lay the three confidently. They'll take care of the Texans. Your eyes are not lying to you. The Texans are not very good and against that pass rush, they have no shot. All right, as promised, here's this week's pick six. And it's presented as ever by DraftKings. DraftKings. The Crown is yours. And bonus, Henry Rollins took off. I don't know where he went, but Chris Cody is still here as we jump into it. I hope Cody can Help us win the million dollars. This is downright embarrassing for all of us. And I'm not just gonna wear this alone.

[Dave Damaschek]

This is on you as well, Mike Fuentes.

[Mike Fuentes]

You too, Geno. Maybe Chris will be the difference maker here. It occurs to me as I'm about to tee him up for you, I think I've taken one under all season long here. Is that. Does that make me too glass half full?

[Mike]

I mean, you're a positive person, but I think we were all pretty much discussing here that overs are just more fun to bet than unders. Because I've always said this. If you bet an over those cash early example, if you had Drake London.

[Mike Fuentes]

Last touchdown ones for sure.

[Mike]

Well, yeah, touchdown, that's its own thing.

[Chris Cody]

Why do you want to cash early? Slow burn, baby.

[Mike]

No, man. There's nothing like watching a primetime game knowing the money's already in the I to want.

[Chris Cody]

Put that $20 in there and let that thing slow cook. I want to watch that thing.

[Mike]

But what if you cash early and then you know what?

[Matt Leinert]

Maybe you get in on a little.

[Chris Cody]

Live and you're cooking multiple likes. You're just trying to. You're overcooking.

[Mike]

No, no, I get. I get my meat. It's done. Guess what? I'm hungry again. I want another one.

[Mike Fuentes]

Wow.

[Mike]

All right. I go back to the buffet. Yeah. Let me get a second beef Wellington, brother.

[Chris Cody]

Wow.

[Mike]

Boom.

[Chris Cody]

So crew beef Wellington.

[Mike]

Yeah, I just. I was just thinking of food and I'm like, what? What. What comes out that. So you can just grab.

[Mike Fuentes]

It's really hefty Now. Now you got me thinking again about Chris Cody and his meat. Watching that Bucks and Lions game, I don't know what he's going to be doing between his football and his meat.

[Dave Damaschek]

Nobody.

[Chris Cody]

Nobody look at me during that game. I'll tell you that much.

[Mike Fuentes]

I wasn't planning on it, if that. If that makes you feel any better. All right, let me give you. Let me give you my six for the pick six and then you guys can chime in. Justin Herbert is going to throw an interception. It just takes one for you to be a winner here. He's had four in his last four games. Next, Matthew Stafford is also going to throw an interception. Jacksonville leads the league with 10 picks so far this year. Jalen Hurts is one of our favorites here on the pick six to get into the end zone with a rushing touchdown. I don't know if you've heard Tush push is. Is a big play in Philly. Lad McConkey. That's right. Mike Fuentes, I'm. I'm stealing him from you. Now that he has found the end zone, I say he's going to do it again here. So it's not all bad for Justin Herbert, Travis Kelsey with all the pass catchers coming back and the one of the most overused phrase, take the top off the defense. So now you're going to have Rasheed Rice and now Xavier Worthy is going to be able to take the top off the defense. That's going to mean less attention paid to the future hall of Famer Travis Kelce. I say he gets into the end zone again this week and then Quinshon Judkins is going to get a touchdown. I know he hasn't had one in a couple of weeks, but the Dolphins defense, I don't feel like stacks up with the Vikings or Steelers defenses against which judgments didn't get into the end zone. He will this time around. Cody.

[Dave Damaschek]

What?

[Mike Fuentes]

What? What do you like there or do you want to replace one of those?

[Chris Cody]

I want to react to yours for a second. Fuentes is calling you negative. I think if you take the over on an interception, that is like taking it under because you're being negative about what you think that player is going to do. Follow me here.

[Mike Fuentes]

Yeah, okay.

[Chris Cody]

Like he's not being overly like you're saying, oh, you like overs. You're just overly positive.

[Mike]

Yeah, but it's positive for you. It's negative.

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, but it's. That's. He's hoping for bad things. But the number, like taking it under.

[Mike]

But the number is more than one. But it's neg.

[Chris Cody]

Whoa.

[Dave Damaschek]

Yeah.

[Mike Fuentes]

This is heavy. This is heavy.

[Mike]

Wow.

[Mike Fuentes]

This is like an unwarm chocolate chip cookie Oreo.

[Mike]

Yeah, I think I need a minute there.

[Chris Cody]

This is an Oreo.

[Mike]

Yeah.

[Mike Fuentes]

I mean, you know, I try to keep the pace going here because we only have so many minutes to speak about pro football and beyond each week. Week on Football America. At some point we need to get a deeper dive and I have to take you to task. Of all the cookies on the planet earth, you're rolling with an Oreo. Self esteem issues. Chris Cody, do you want to throw one out here?

[Chris Cody]

Yeah, I'm gonna go try. As I said earlier about the Jags, just don't know what's wrong with them. I'm going Travis Hunter under at time of recording 39 yards.

[Mike Fuentes]

Like it. Next up, Mike, how say you?

[Mike]

So I'm not the lad McConkey thing. I loved lad that week, but now that he's calling him a Little bit, not so much. Travis Kelsey, I get what you're saying. They'll be more people out, but that also means more pass catches to cash touchdowns. And Kelsey, we all know he's on the back end of his career, so if you don't like any of those, put Saquon Barkley in there for a touchdown. He hasn't scored a rushing touchdown in the last two weeks. Do one this week.

[Mike Fuentes]

They have a lot of people that they have to please all of a sudden between Saquon and AJ Brown and Devonte Smith. But I hear your noise, Gino. You want to throw one in?

[Gino]

All right. If I had to take one out, it would be lad McConk because it looked like Quentin Johnson's going to be back. But for me, I'm going to go, Bill Crosby, Merritt here. Dallas makes you score and can't stop anyone. Plus, they've also, like, consolidated the running back carries in Washington now. So I'm gonna say Bill Crosby, listen.

[Mike]

Bill Crosky, I know what you're doing with that, all right? I know what you're doing. It's a bad joke. I don't like that. Okay?

[Mike Fuentes]

It's not a job. It's not his joke. It's the guy. So he wants to be called.

[Mike]

Bill knows what he's doing. He knows what he's.

[Chris Cody]

Real quick.

[Mike Fuentes]

I know he does. It's weird.

[Chris Cody]

Next episode, you guys got to tackle best NFL player ever with a. With a hyphen in his name.

[Mike Fuentes]

Oh, okay. Challenge accepted. I know my. I like that quite a bit. And by the way, good news for you, Chris Cody. We found one person that you're definitely funner than. Funnier than Bill Crosky. He's. He's welcoming this weirdness in here. Go eat some Oreos. We appreciate the time with you and with Matt Leinert and with you fellow football Americans. We'll be back after Week 7 to try and make sense of all it for you. Until then, for everybody here at Football America, thanks so much, fellow football All Americans.

[Dave Damaschek]

It's been a thin slice of heaven.