Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: 3 & Out - Shedeur Sanders Getting His CHANCE, MVP Futures Odds, Rams WITHOUT Stafford
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host John Middlekauff dives deep into several pivotal topics shaping the NFL landscape. The primary focus revolves around Shedeur Sanders' emerging opportunity with the Cleveland Browns, an in-depth analysis of MVP futures odds, and the potential ramifications for the Los Angeles Rams in the absence of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

2. Shedeur Sanders’ Opportunity with the Cleveland Browns

John Middlekauff opens the discussion by examining the Cleveland Browns' quarterback predicament. With Matthew Stafford facing injury concerns, Sanders, the son of famed coach Deion Sanders, is poised to seize the starting role. Middlekauff emphasizes the unpredictability of opportunities in professional sports, noting that unforeseen circumstances often pave the way for emerging talents.

Notable Quotes:

• [25:30] John Middlekauff: "Shador Sanders is getting an opportunity to start this game. And who knows, maybe the entire preseason depending on injuries..."
• [26:45] John Middlekauff: "Nothing is more true than in football. You know, Brock Purdy is one of the most talked-about players in the NFL because his opportunity came because Trey Lance shattered his ankle and then Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot."

Key Points:

• Matthew Stafford's Injury: Stafford's back issues are now a significant concern for the Rams, creating an opening for backups.
• Sanders' Aptitude: Shedeur Sanders is viewed as a promising candidate, potentially outperforming current backups like Jimmy Garoppolo.
• Opportunity Through Adversity: Middlekauff underscores that opportunities often arise from others' misfortunes, a common theme in the NFL's dynamic environment.

3. MVP Futures Odds Analysis

Transitioning to individual accolades, Middlekauff explores the current landscape of MVP futures odds. He identifies the leading contenders, evaluates their chances, and discusses potential dark horses who might disrupt the expected outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• [15:45] John Middlekauff: "Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are the favorites to win the MVP. They are both like 3,4 to 1 to win the MVP... but I think I'm going to get pretty aggressive with some futures."
• [17:20] John Middlekauff: "Mahomes is already won two of these in a weird way because I think it's hard for people like Lamar's already won two. Josh finally got over this."

Key Points:

• Favorite Contenders: Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are positioned as top candidates, each carrying their team's success and individual prowess.
• Mahomes and Burrow: Patrick Mahomes continues to be a strong MVP candidate due to his consistent performance and team’s success. Joe Burrow is also highlighted for his potential, contingent on the Bengals' defensive improvements.
• Dark Horses: Middlekauff speculates on less obvious candidates like Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley, who might emerge as strong contenders if their teams perform exceptionally.
• Strategic Betting Insights: John shares his betting strategy, leaning towards futures and division bets rather than week-to-week performance bets.

4. The Impact of Matthew Stafford’s Injury on the Rams

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to assessing how Matthew Stafford's back injury could influence the Los Angeles Rams' season. Middlekauff debates the team's resilience without their star quarterback and evaluates the effectiveness of their backup options.

Notable Quotes:

• [25:14] John Middlekauff: "If Stafford goes down, can you please help me bring him back to reality on the impact of Stafford in their likelihood to be good without him?"
• [30:50] John Middlekauff: "I'm really confident sitting here before he throws a preseason pass that he's going to make the team. But what about next year? They got two first-round picks. I think we all agree they are going to suck."

Key Points:

• Stafford vs. Garoppolo: Middlekauff argues that Stafford is significantly more talented than Garoppolo, suggesting a sharp decline in team performance if Stafford remains sidelined.
• Team Dynamics: The Rams' offensive line and overall team coordination are scrutinized, with concerns raised about their ability to compensate for Stafford's absence.
• Future Forecast: Speculation on the Rams' future, especially regarding their draft picks and potential need to re-enter the quarterback market, is discussed.

5. Mailbag Highlights

The episode features a mailbag segment where listeners submit questions ranging from quarterback performance comparisons to team strategies and draft dynamics. Middlekauff provides thoughtful, analytical responses, drawing from his extensive knowledge of the game.

Notable Questions and Responses:

• Impact of Stafford's Injury: Listeners inquire about the realistic implications of Stafford's absence. Middlekauff reinforces the idea that the Rams may struggle significantly without him, potentially missing the playoffs.
• Comparison of Quarterback Eras: A question about the best quarterback eras leads Middlekauff to compare current quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning with past legends, ultimately praising the current group for their extraordinary talents.
• Micah Parsons' Contract Negotiations: Discussions about contract negotiations between players and management reveal Middlekauff's insights into the complexities of NFL dealings and agent involvements.

Notable Quotes:

• [40:50] John Middlekauff: "What era of quarterbacks would you consider the best era ever? I think if you're older, you feel pretty confident about saying, well, I grew up on Marino, Elway and Joe Montana..."
• [50:00] John Middlekauff: "I do think Baker has something in common with both these guys. One is Cam Newton, who was number one overall, Matt Ryan was number three... Baker Mayfield, number one overall pick."

6. Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

Towards the end of the episode, Middlekauff shares personal stories, including his admiration for broadcaster Greg Papa and the heartfelt experiences surrounding Papa's battle with cancer. These reflections offer a humanizing glimpse into the lives behind the sports commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• [50:20] John Middlekauff: "Greg Papa will shut down a bar. Greg Papa will party. Greg Papa will have a good time. He is one of those personalities that when people meet, they just love him..."
• [55:10] John Middlekauff: "It's just, it's just a pretty cool slash powerful moment within this situation. So I'm excited to watch 49er preseason games..."

Key Points:

• Greg Papa's Influence: Middlekauff recounts his friendship with Greg Papa, highlighting Papa's legendary status and the impact of his diagnosis on the sports community.
• Sports and Personal Connections: The host emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and respect within the sports industry, illustrating how these connections shape his perspectives and experiences.

7. Conclusion

In wrapping up, John Middlekauff reinforces the unpredictable nature of the NFL, the ever-present potential for emergent talents to reshape team dynamics, and the ongoing excitement surrounding MVP races and team performances. His blend of analytical insights and personal anecdotes provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current sports environment.

Overall Highlights:

• Shedeur Sanders is spotlighted as a potentially transformative player for the Cleveland Browns amidst quarterback uncertainties.
• MVP Futures are analyzed with a focus on top quarterbacks, while also considering under-the-radar candidates who could make significant impacts.
• Matthew Stafford’s Injury presents a critical challenge for the Rams, with speculation about the team's ability to remain competitive without his leadership and skill.
• Listener Engagement through the mailbag segment enriches the discussion, bringing diverse questions and perspectives into the conversation.
• Personal Stories add depth to the episode, fostering a connection between the host and the audience beyond just sports analysis.

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and personal reflections presented by John Middlekauff in episode 3 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.