The Dan Patrick Show (Guest Hosts: Covino & Rich)
Hour 2 – "Wild Underdog Round, Last One Standing"
Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
On this lively episode, Covino & Rich fill in on The Dan Patrick Show, mixing signature humor with sharp sports analysis. They dive deep into the unpredictability of NFL Wild Card Weekend, question how anyone can confidently pick playoff winners, and debate the proper etiquette for watching big games with rival fans. The show also features their crowd-favorite trivia segment "Last One Standing," and wraps with some playful pop culture talk—most notably, Tom Brady's rumored dating life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. NFL Wild Card Weekend: Underdogs Rule the Day
[03:26-13:25]
-
Unprecedented Parity:
The hosts highlight just how tightly matched most Wild Card games are, suggesting there’s no clear favorite in five out of six contests.“All these games did… I don’t think any of these teams, except maybe the Rams…have a gimme game.”
— Steve Covino [13:32] -
Game-By-Game Breakdown:
- Rams vs. Panthers:
Rams seen as heavy favorites, but Panthers get some "props" for scrapping into the postseason. Still, it's the only matchup that feels close to a lock.- “10 and a half point favorites. ...We all agree Rams should win this game pretty easily.” — Steve Covino [04:44]
- Packers at Bears:
Line keeps swinging; hosts say it feels like a “pick 'em”—truly a coin toss due to historic rivalry and recent play.- “Would you be shocked at either of these teams winning? ...It really is [a 50/50].” — Danny G. [05:46]
- Bills at Jaguars:
Bills’ path looks clear, but the Jags’ late-season surge makes them dangerous—hosts cite their 13-4 record and strong coaching.- “The Jags, if the season went on another month... would end up being the 1 seed.” — Steve Covino [07:23]
- Eagles vs. 49ers:
Niners get “courtesy” 3-point road underdog status, but the perception is San Francisco could easily win.- “I do believe your 49ers could win that game.” — Rich Davis [09:13]
- Chargers at Patriots:
Patriots’ strong record might hide their easy schedule; Chargers get points for rest and potential. Patriots’ 14-3 feels “soft.”- “If you really believe that they were a 14-3 powerhouse, they wouldn't be favored by a field goal….” — Steve Covino [10:43]
- Texans at Steelers:
Hottest team in the league (Texans, nine straight wins) vs. Steelers’ experience and the return of key players like DK Metcalf.- “Who could be hotter than [the Texans]? So Steelers hands are full.” — Rich Davis [11:27]
- Rams vs. Panthers:
-
Parlay Woes:
The group laughs about their annual parlay attempts—usually good for an 0-6 or 1-5 finish.- "No one's gonna get them all." — Steve Covino [13:15]
- “Lorena got them all wrong…then got them all right next week!” — Rich Davis [13:18]
2. Watching Playoff Games: Alone, With Friends, or Mixed Company?
[16:10–22:00]
-
Fan Etiquette:
Should you watch big games with rival fans? It’s a polarizing topic after Dan Byer (a Seahawks fan) refused a game invite from Rich, preferring to watch alone rather than in enemy territory.“There is no way that I would be able to go to that party… I want to watch the game by myself…”
— Dan Byer, via playback [17:33] -
Mixed Emotions:
Hosts recount past awkward group viewings (rival fans spoiling the vibe, playful trash talk going too far), emphasizing the importance of knowing your company.“I’ve told one of my Eagle fan friends…yeah, I don’t want to watch you because you’re gonna bother me…”
— Steve Covino [18:50] -
General Consensus:
Most of the group agrees: for huge games, “mixed company” is risky—sometimes even fans of your own team can mess up the energy, depending on their outlook.“It’s even hard to watch with fans of your own team sometimes, because it depends what kind of fan they are. Are they positive or are they a negative fan?”
— Danny G. [21:48]
3. Parenting vs. Playoff Football: Scheduling Frustrations
[13:32–16:10]
-
Sports Dad Dilemma:
Covino vents about kids’ flag football games being scheduled right during key NFL playoff matchups, leading to feelings of missing out and guilt for “watching the phone instead of your kid.”“I’m just shocked that, like, flag football is even being played on Super Bowl Sunday. ...Then you feel like an ass when you’re watching your phone instead of your kid...”
— Steve Covino [14:16] -
Perspective:
Others joke the world doesn’t revolve around the NFL, even if it “should.”
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On the NFL playoff field:
“No one has a gauge on any of these wild card games this weekend except for maybe Rams–Panthers. Besides that you’re just picking out of a hat.”
— Steve Covino [40:09] -
Game-watching etiquette:
“If you’re really invested...even though that person may be playful in the moment—whatever, but, like, that’s not time or place when you’re on the edge of your seat like that.”
— Rich Davis [21:22]
Segment Timestamps
| Time | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:26 | NFL Wild Card Weekend matchups breakdown | | 10:24 | Chargers–Patriots depth, questioning Pats’ record | | 11:03 | Texans–Steelers: Hot streak vs. playoff experience | | 13:32 | Wild Card unpredictability, parlay jokes | | 13:34 | Kids’ sports scheduling vs. NFL playoffs | | 16:10 | Group viewing vs. alone/mixed company (“Dan Byer” segment) | | 22:00 | “Last One Standing” sports trivia game begins | | 35:00 | Isaac Lowencron anchors sports news update | | 42:48 | Tom Brady & Alex Earl dating rumors, age-gap banter | | 44:34 | Episode wrap-up and teasers for next show (move to Vegas) |
Special Segment: Last One Standing
[26:01–35:00]
- Fast-paced sports trivia where panelists and callers compete with only five seconds to answer.
- Notable moments:
- Johnny from Detroit Lakes, MN, steals the attention with colorful (and slightly chaotic) enthusiasm.
- Isaac Lowencron dominates the rounds, winning with deep NBA and NFL knowledge.
- Sports trivia topics included: Most NFL head coaches per franchise since 2000, Most NBA all-time field goals attempted.
Pop Culture & Tom Brady Update
[42:48–44:45]
-
The hosts discuss Tom Brady’s rumored flirtation with influencer Alex Earl, questioning the “half-your-age-plus-seven” dating rule, and reflecting on the media buzz around “Dr. Pepper baby.”
“He’s single, bro… You think Tom Brady is getting with every young hottie that wants him, I think you’re crazy…”
— Steve Covino [44:39]
Episode Tone and Style
Breezy, humorous, and conversational—Covino & Rich keep things light while delving deep on NFL analysis. The banter is playful, peppered with behind-the-scenes stories, running inside jokes, and audience shout-outs. Their style keeps sports talk accessible and relatable, even during trivia contests or pop culture tangents.
Summary Takeaway
This episode is a quintessential Covino & Rich experience: deep sports insight meets witty, relatable takes on everything from NFL parity to group game-watching etiquette and celeb gossip. If you love unpredictable playoffs, sports talk that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the occasional pop culture sidebar, this hour is a must-listen.