The Herd with Colin Cowherd: 3 & Out – NFL & CFB Best Bets (Oct 2, 2025)
Host: Stuckey (Action Network)
Guest: Ty Franklin
Theme: Deep-dive analysis of the upcoming NFL and College Football weekend betting slate, with a focus on injury impacts, best bets, and evolving game dynamics.
Episode Overview
This episode features Stuckey and Ty Franklin previewing the NFL and college football games of the week with a heavy focus on gambling angles. They analyze injury lists, breaking news, roster issues, betting trends, and more to identify the best betting opportunities. The tone is irreverent, conversational, and expert, with a mix of sharp betting data and inside football knowledge.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kicker Evolution & Endgame Impacts
(04:51–09:41)
- Modern Kickers Are Changing the Game
- The panel discusses Vic Fangio’s comments about the revolution in field goal kicking.
- Field goals from 60+ yards are becoming common due to advancements in preparation and the manipulation of "kicking balls."
- Stuckey: “A 60 is the old 50 now. It’s kind of like inflation… The kid in Dallas is going to hit a 70 yard field goal, like, get ready, it's coming.” (05:04)
- Implications for late game strategy and betting, as kickers give teams a much larger potential scoring range in the final minute.
- Ty Franklin: “It’s going to lead to longer field goals. I think the league did it…they want more points, that’s what they’re trying to do with the kickoff rule. It really impacts the end of games.” (07:09)
- Old School Coach Talk
- Fangio’s candid presser style is praised for being a throwback: “He just talks like a coach would talk back in the day… He gives no shits.” (09:41)
2. NFL Betting Slate – Game-by-Game Analysis
A. Browns vs Vikings (London Game)
(11:30–17:47)
- Both see value on the Browns due to Vikings’ severe O-Line injuries.
- Stuckey: “Browns’ defensive line is going to dominate this game. What can the Browns do? They’re just going to lean on the run.” (13:25)
- Cleveland’s Judkins and ball control expected to be the difference.
- Concerns over rookie QB Gabriel in his first start but see him as solid against the blitz.
B. 49ers at Rams
(19:47–20:53)
- Rams injury luck and market movement noted.
- 49ers’ historical edge in fan support for road games.
C. Denver at Philadelphia
(23:58–29:19)
- Eagles’ vulnerability: O-line injuries, decline in both running and passing game.
- Ty Franklin: “This team is getting by on smoke and mirrors…Eagles are like the new Chiefs— it looks ugly, but they just win somehow.” (25:31, 28:26)
- Strong consensus: Take Denver plus the points; chance for an outright upset.
D. Ravens at Texans
(29:19–34:44)
- Ravens "year from hell" with Lamar and key defenders out.
- Ty Franklin: “This defense right now looks like the worst defense in the league. Which makes sense if you’re playing without your whole D-line and five or six Pro-Bowlers.” (30:52)
- Lines have moved from Baltimore -10 to Pick’em; no strong lean with unknowns but prefer Texans at plus points before the moves.
E. Lions at Bengals
(30:52–34:44)
- Bengals are a buy-low spot after dreadful offensive showings and catching Lions with their own secondary injuries.
- Stuckey: “Home dogs of 10-plus over last 20 years: 60% against the spread.” (33:28)
F. Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks
(34:44–39:11)
- Tampa’s offensive line/injury crisis vs Seattle’s under-the-radar pass rush.
- Ty Franklin: “Seattle’s defense is top five in pressure rate, bottom two in blitz rate. They don’t blitz and are getting a ton of pressure." (37:13)
- Baker Mayfield due for turnover regression; strong spot for Seattle -3 or better.
G. Chargers at Commanders
(39:11–41:43)
- Chargers’ O-line collapse forecasted as massive problem; matchup uncertainty due to Washington QB health.
- Pass on betting without more info.
H. Saints at Giants, Jets at Cowboys, Panthers at Dolphins
(41:44–42:36)
- Ty Franklin played all as contrarian underdog bets— Giants’ rookie QB on the road, Jets as live dogs, Panthers in a letdown spot for Dolphins.
I. Buffalo at New England
(42:36–45:00)
- NE’s run offense not dynamic enough to exploit Bills’ injured defense.
- Lean Buffalo, but monitor injury reports.
J. Chiefs at Jaguars (Monday Night)
(45:00–48:02)
- Disagreement on side: Stuckey prefers Chiefs, Ty Franklin likes Jaguars as home dogs.
- Jaguars’ defensive improvement and the Chiefs’ offensive issues debated.
- Ty Franklin: “This Jaguars team is still undervalued a bit… their D is one of the most improved in the league.” (46:34)
3. College Football – Key Matchups & Futures
A. Texas at Florida
(52:29–54:00)
- Defensive battle expected, both QBs (Lagway, Arch Manning) have underwhelmed.
- Stuckey: “Is Arch going to throw for 150? Are they going to move the ball against this team?” (53:15)
- Florida has motivation to shut down highly viewed Arch Manning.
B. Miami at Florida State
(56:11–59:35)
- Miami’s physical dominance in the trenches noted; Florida State questioned for consistency and ceiling.
- “I do think Miami is the best team in the country in the trenches on both sides.” (58:25)
C. LSU Outlook
(59:35–61:13)
- Officially declared “done” as national title contender due to persistent O-line and run game woes: “They don’t have a run game, they can’t protect the quarterback.”
D. Oregon & Penn State Reactions
(61:13–62:36)
- Oregon’s rise as the “newest brand” in college football, powered by Nike, and a true national contender.
- Praise for Oregon's physicality and freshman QB.
E. Other Futures
(65:36–66:34)
- Texas A&M is a sneaky dark horse if defense continues to round into form.
- Oklahoma's season in jeopardy due to QB injury and brutal remaining schedule.
F. Alabama, Vandy & The SEC Gauntlet
(66:34–71:38)
- Recognition of Kaylin DeBoer’s coaching acumen at 'Bama.
- Vanderbilt highlighted as an “offensive wagon”; might have major say in SEC and playoff berths.
- "Vandy hosts LSU next week. They could knock out LSU. …They're probably going to pull an upset or two." (70:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“A 60 is the old 50 now. It’s kind of like inflation. … The kid in Dallas is going to hit a 70 yard field goal.”
— Stuckey (05:04) -
“This team is getting by on smoke and mirrors. … [The Eagles] are like the new Chiefs – it looks ugly, but they just win somehow.”
— Ty Franklin (28:26) -
“This defense right now looks like the worst defense in the league. … If you’re playing without five or six your whole D line and then five or six Pro Bowlers. Tell me another team that can survive that.” — Ty Franklin (30:52)
-
“Oregon had a rebuilt offensive line and rebuilt … Like the recruits that they’ve got on the defensive line, they’re all young too. They’re going to be around for another year. Like they dominated that game at the line of scrimmage.” — Ty Franklin (62:36)
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 04:51 — Impact of modern kickers and late game betting
- 11:30 — Browns-Vikings London analysis
- 23:58 — Eagles’ core problems & Denver as a live dog
- 29:19 — Ravens-Texans and Lions-Bengals spread moves
- 34:44 — Offensive line injuries across the NFL, Bucs-Seahawks match-up
- 39:11 — Chargers-Commanders O-line crisis
- 45:00 — Chiefs-Jaguars Monday Night preview
- 52:29 — Texas-Florida defensive slugfest, Arch Manning’s challenge
- 56:11 — Miami-FSU, SEC landscape, and LSU “done” verdict
- 61:13 — Oregon as a national CFB player
- 65:36 — Texas A&M futures and Oklahoma’s QB crisis
- 66:34 — Bama, Vandy, and the wild SEC road
- 70:03 — Vanderbilt’s impact on the playoff picture
Summary
This episode is a dense, entertaining, and sharp run through the week’s most intriguing pro and college football matchups with an emphasis on betting. Injury reports, market moves, and tactical trends are all explored in-depth, with frequent references to historical data, power ratings, and game scripts. Quotes and timestamps allow fast reference for listeners/ bettors wanting instant takeaways.
Stuckey and Ty’s chemistry blends actionable advice, big-picture insights, and irreverent asides, making the show both informative and fun for sharp players and casual fans alike.