The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: NFL Hot Takes, Ross Tucker

Date: September 4, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests/Contributors: Todd McShay, Paulie, Seaton, Marvin, Ross Tucker

Overview

The final hour of The Dan Patrick Show dives deep into the NFL season’s “hot take” tradition, as Dan and his crew each deliver their boldest predictions for the AFC and NFC (the fifth annual “Hot Take Draft”). The panel debates whose takes are the hottest, with plenty of humor and playful banter. Later, respected analyst Ross Tucker joins to share his outlook on surprising NFL contenders and discuss the direction of NFL scheduling and policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fifth Annual NFL Hot Take Draft

[03:02–18:08]

Flashbacks to Last Year’s Takes

• The group recalls previous bold (and often wrong) predictions.
  • Dan: Jets to Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers winning MVP (“Very hot, very wrong.” – Dan Patrick, 04:33)
  • Paulie: Russell Wilson as Steelers’ playoff starter, Will Levis as most improved, Kyler Murray playoff starter for Cardinals.
  • Todd: Bo Nix leading Broncos to 10 wins, Giants regressing to 4–12–1, Saquon Barkley with 1,500+ yards/10+ TDs for Eagles.
  • Marvin: Jeffrey Simmons for DPOY, Jets to AFC Championship, Sam Darnold Pro Bowler, Raheem Morris Coach of the Year.

2025 Hot Takes – NFC & AFC

Each contributor delivers two NFC and two AFC hot takes.

• Seaton’s Hot Takes:

  • NFC: Cowboys win Super Bowl 59 vs. Bengals, Panthers win NFC South
    • “Hot and wrong.” – Dan Patrick, 08:33
  • AFC: Joe Burrow wins MVP, Colts make playoffs
    • “I have no problem with wrong, as long as you’re hot.” – Dan Patrick, 08:38

• Todd’s Hot Takes:

  • NFC: Giants start 0–4, bench Russell Wilson for Jackson Dart; Saints start 4–2.
  • AFC: Trevor Lawrence and the Jags win AFC South but lose in Wild Card; Browns start 0–8, win first game in Week 10.

• Marvin’s Hot Takes:

  • NFC: Jared Goff wins MVP; Commanders miss playoffs.
  • AFC: Patriots win the AFC East (worst to first); Kyle Hamilton (Ravens) wins DPOY.

• Paulie’s Hot Takes:

  • NFC: Rams beat Eagles in playoffs, Baker Mayfield is MVP runner-up.
  • AFC: Joe Burrow throws 50+ TDs, Mike Tomlin voluntarily steps down as Steelers head coach.

• Dan’s Hot Takes:

  • NFC: Matthew Golden NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; Commanders miss playoffs.
  • AFC: Joey Bosa leads NFL in sacks for the Bills; Titans make playoffs.

Bonus/“Morbid” Takes & Debate

• Paulie predicts Goodell announces retirement before 2026 draft.
• Seaton and Todd discuss potential rule change-caused quarterback injury spikes and Tua considering retirement midseason, which Dan calls “a buzz kill,” highlighting a more serious tone, quickly acknowledged and apologized for by Todd.

Quote Highlight:

• “Just like life, it’s more important to be hot than right.” – Paulie, 54:14

2. Conversation with Analyst Ross Tucker

[25:22–41:32]

Ross Tucker joins to offer his own takes and address broader football topics.

Ross’s Hot Takes:

• NFC:
  • Predicts a major rebound for the 49ers (“a 6–11 team from a year ago…going to the Super Bowl”) based on their “easiest strength of schedule in last 10 years” and returning core (Fred Warner, Kittle, McCaffrey).
    • “I think the Niners bounce back in a major way.” – Ross Tucker, 26:36
• AFC:
  • Daniel Jones leads Colts to the playoffs, saving jobs for Steichen/Ballard.
  • Broncos with Sean Payton/Bo Nix unexpectedly reach the AFC Championship Game.

Dan’s Reactions & Panel Banter:

• Dan agrees on sneaky Niners resurgence.
• Discusses skepticism about the Patriots’ overhype, with insight into the team’s recent spending spree and trivia: “The highest paid player in Patriots franchise history is Milton Williams.”

Notable Quotes:

• “Your takes are like cookies from the oven—you don’t need the oven mitt for them.” – Dan Patrick, 29:00

Belichick & Brady Legacy Talk:

• Should Belichick/Brady have a joint statue in New England? Ross says no, suggesting Belichick’s reputation has declined sharply since leaving the Patriots.
  • “They better put the Belichick one up soon. I mean, I can’t remember very many guys that have done more to diminish reputation over the last five years than Belichick.” – Ross Tucker, 32:03

NFL Scheduling & International Games:

• Both Dan and Ross express concern about scheduling divisional matchups, specifically Chargers–Chiefs, as international games.
  • “To lose a home game to Brazil ... If you’ve ever seen the Chargers host the Chiefs, half the fans are Chiefs fans anyway. But it’s still a home game.” – Ross Tucker, 38:27

18-Game Schedule Negotiations:

• Dan proposes adding four roster spots if/when moving to 18 games; Ross agrees, emphasizing the importance of benefits for bubble players and tying extra spots to increased player benefits.
  • “Those [extra roster spots] are music to the ears of the vast majority of the guys that are going to vote on that CBA.” – Ross Tucker, 41:20

3. Show Wrap-Up, Headlines, and Listener Calls

[47:10–54:17]

• Panel shares tongue-in-cheek headline ideas for Eagles–Cowboys kickoff game.

  • “Missing Parsons: Eagles offense dominates.” – Marvin (48:01)
  • “How do you like Dak? Philly picks apart Prescott 29–23.” – Todd (47:25)

• Listeners chime in with their own hot takes, including one suggesting Jerry Jones will be remembered as the “best GM in Eagles history” (51:46), evoking laughs.

• Paulie delivers the show’s wry motto:

  • “Just like life, it’s more important to be hot than right.” – 54:14

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Very hot, very wrong. That's our motto.” – Dan Patrick (04:33)
• “I have no problem with wrong, as long as you’re hot.” – Dan Patrick (08:38)
• “Those are respectable...your takes are like cookies out of the oven—you don’t need an oven mitt.” – Dan Patrick to Ross Tucker (29:00)
• “I can’t remember very many guys that have done more to diminish reputation over the last five years than Belichick.” – Ross Tucker (32:03)
• “Just like life, it’s more important to be hot than right.” – Paulie (54:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Recap of Last Year’s Hot Takes: 03:02–07:10
• 2025 Hot Take Draft Begins: 08:11–18:08
• Morbid/Bonus Takes Reaction: 15:05–18:08
• Ross Tucker Interview: 25:22–41:32
• Headlines & Listener Calls: 47:10–54:17

Tone & Takeaways

The show maintains a light, irreverent tone with plenty of ribbing between the crew and a touch of self-deprecation—especially when reviewing past failed predictions and emphasizing the fun, “it’s better to be hot than right” spirit of the hot take exercise. Ross Tucker brings a balance of thoughtful analysis and relatable, inside-the-league perspective, and the segment touches on serious issues (CBA, player safety, Belichick’s legacy) without losing the show's entertainment flair.

Useful For:

• Fans prepping for the NFL season looking for bold predictions and context.
• Anyone interested in the intersection of sports analysis, media banter, and league policy.
• Listeners who love behind-the-scenes commentary—with a strong emphasis on humor and candor.