The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 3 – "Raiders on the Clock, Most Must Win & Best Week in Sports"

Date: January 23, 2026

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, the crew dives into NFL playoff storylines, including the high-stakes decisions facing the Las Vegas Raiders with the number one pick, debates over the "most must-win" game and individuals of the weekend, and a lively segment on who had "the best week in sports." The show’s signature banter, sports insights, and jokes are joined by listener calls, reflections on TV sports programming, parenting advice, and the ever-present culinary delights of "Meat Friday."

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Preparing for the Upcoming Snowstorm and "Man Cave" Logistics

• Dan discusses the approach of a huge snowstorm and floats the idea of the crew sleeping over at the studio for logistical and team-bonding reasons.
  • Todd prefers staying in a hotel (“I have to watch the game, you know, by myself… I am going to stay in hotels so that I’m close to the studio for Monday.” [03:32]) instead of the group “sleepover.”
  • Seaton jokes about saving money and effort by working remotely: “We zoom in on Monday. That doesn’t work for you?” [04:25]
  • The segment underscores the team's chemistry and annual winter rituals.

2. The Las Vegas Raiders and the Number One Draft Pick

• Dan reignites debate by suggesting the Raiders consider trading their number one overall pick and compares it to the Bears’ successful trade that netted them DJ Moore and multiple prime picks:
  • “I would at least explore trading the number one overall pick if I’m the Raiders… I’d certainly consider it.” [08:19]
  • Paulie details the Bears’ haul and how the Panthers’ struggles only made the deal sweeter [09:01].
  • Dan muses about other potential suitors and notes, "No harm if somebody is not going to give you a treasure trove for it, but I'd certainly consider it." [08:55]

3. Charles Barkley’s Workload at ESPN

• The show discusses Charles Barkley’s recent lament about his limited on-air time since moving to ESPN:
  • Barkley on the Dan Le Batard Show: "I'm not going to do all these damn shows...[but] I wish that we had been on more during the first half of the season." [10:11]
  • Dan advocates for more regular Barkley appearances: “If I’m spending this money, I have them on once a week... Just do a half hour roundtable.” [10:51]
  • The panel reflects on appointment-viewing, network over-saturation, and the unique draw of Barkley, Shaq, Kenny, and Ernie.

4. Must-Win Playoff Scenarios and Legacy Angles

• Dan launches a roundtable on which game, or whose performance, is most “must-win” this weekend:
  • Todd: “Sean Payton... doing it with a backup quarterback... comes to mind first for me.” [24:03]
  • Seaton: “It’s must win for Matthew Stafford and the Rams… another super bowl appearance for Stafford might help his legacy.” [24:41]
  • Marvin: "I’m gonna go with Sam Darnold, I think, coming back from the Jets, Vikings, now here. Let's do it." [25:28]
  • Paulie: “I’ll go with the Patriots… way ahead of schedule and it may not happen again.” [25:48]
  • Dan: “No guarantee you’ll be back. Just ask Joe Burrow… Dan Marino. Win the game, get in the Super Bowl.” [26:05]

5. Listener Calls: Sports Trivia and Real Life

• A caller quizzes the crew on conference championship droughts and brings up the Cowboys’ playoff struggles [27:33].
• Another listener, a new father, seeks advice on work/life balance and early parenting:
  • Dan: "Be as present as possible... volunteer to do everything and give your wife breaks..." [29:16]
  • Seaton: “Sleep when [the baby] sleeps—don’t worry about errands, don’t worry about chores.” [30:54]
  • Marvin shares a touching NICU story: “Don’t take anything for granted. Shout out to all my NICU parents... Just be happy they’re healthy.” [31:15]

6. Who Had the Best Week in Sports?

• The panel offers their picks for individuals or teams with the week’s best sports moments:
  • Todd: “Jared Stidham... is in the total spotlight and is one win somehow away from the Super Bowl.” [33:07]
  • Seaton: “Mike Vrabel... rolling through by far the easiest schedule... to another super bowl appearance.” [33:58]
  • Marvin & Paulie: “Indiana football. They won the national title… sports immortality, it can never be taken away.” [34:34-34:40]
  • The segment devolves into playful ribbing over originality and show hierarchy, as Dan reminds everyone: “My name is on the show!” [36:22]

7. News and Looking Ahead

• News breaks that Philip Rivers, recently retired NFL QB, is interviewing for the Buffalo Bills head coaching job. Dan opines:
  • “The more [coaching interviews], the better because I want you coming in and telling me what you see with my team.” [41:45]
• The group looks ahead, predicting what the big sports headline on Monday will be. Picks include:
  • Todd: “Backup Broncos go to the bowl.” [44:19]
  • Seaton: Predicts a potential quarterback controversy in Denver. [44:32]
  • Marvin & Paulie: “Sam Darnold Seahawks get to the Super Bowl.” [45:02-45:10]

8. Heartfelt Closing: NICU Stories and Health

• The show closes with more reflection and gratitude from callers and Dan regarding challenges and blessings around childbirth, NICU stays, and keeping perspective.
  • “All you want is a healthy baby, that’s it.” [46:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you say to the Jets, you want Fernando Mendoza, this is what we want. Two first this year, two first next year. Maybe they say you’re crazy. Okay, Arizona, you interested?”
  — Dan Patrick [08:34]

• “I only watched TNT to watch them. I mean, I did watch Rizzoli and Isles. Yes, yes.”
  — Dan Patrick on inside the NBA crew [11:55]

• “How do you feel when your team chirps before a big game? Love it or hate it? Right now, 77% hate it.”
  — Seaton, on fan poll [16:08]

• “You have no clue on how to—”
  — Dan to Todd, on betting (after Todd’s meandering point-spread anxiety) [18:19]

• “The more [interviews], the better, because I want you coming in and telling me what you see with my team.”
  — Dan Patrick on coaching searches [41:45]

• “Be as present as possible... It just works... give your wife breaks...”
  — Dan Patrick, on being a new parent [29:16]

• “Don't worry about errands... Sleep when they sleep, and your life is going to be so much more manageable.”
  — Seaton [30:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:06–05:18: Meat Friday preparations, snowstorm plans, and sleepover logistics
• 08:19–09:15: Raiders’ number one pick trade debate, Bears-Panthers trade redux
• 10:11–12:54: Charles Barkley on ESPN, TV sports programming
• 13:58–14:45: Panel reflects on TNT, "must-see TV" appeal
• 16:08–17:10: Fan poll—pre-game trash talk: love or hate?
• 24:03–26:05: "Most must-win" game and individual of the weekend
• 29:16–31:15: Caller: new dad asks for parenting advice; NICU stories shared
• 33:07–34:40: “Who had the best week in sports?” panel
• 41:45–42:46: Philip Rivers interviews with Buffalo; coaching searches
• 46:54: Dan’s reflection on new-parent gratitude and health

Tone & Style

The show maintains its classic blend of sports analysis, camaraderie, and banter throughout. Dan combines sharp insight with warmth, the “Danettes” inject humor and honesty, and listener calls add authenticity and variety. The tone is conversational, open, and frequently playful, with sincere moments during calls and the closing segment.

Summary Takeaway

This hour of The Dan Patrick Show encapsulates everything fans expect: informed but irreverent sports debate, affectionately combative banter, a mix of serious and silly, and the kind of relatable, real-life reflections that make it a staple for sports radio listeners. Whether discussing blockbuster trades, playoff ramifications, or sleepless nights with newborns, the show connects with its audience through a mix of expertise, empathy, and fun.