Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host: Colin Cowherd
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the NFL’s dynamic strategies, evaluates team performances, and transitions into insightful discussions on college football. This comprehensive episode provides listeners with expert analyses, spirited debates, and strategic game predictions, making it an essential listen for sports enthusiasts.

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NFL Game Analysis: Lions vs. Packers

Fourth Down Strategy & Dan Campbell’s Coaching Philosophy

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the recent Detroit Lions versus Green Bay Packers game. Colin critiques the Lions' aggressive fourth-down decisions under coach Dan Campbell, contrasting them with the more conservative approaches of top NFL teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Niners.

• Colin Cowherd [03:53]: “Operating in absolutes usually does not end well. Just think about that, operating in absolutes.”

Colin emphasizes that while Campbell's "startup" mentality has its merits, the Lions are now transitioning into a more established team that must protect its leads rather than constantly taking risks. He points out that successful teams protect assets and lead strategically, a shift necessary for championship contention.

• Colin Cowherd [08:55]: “Detroit is no longer the hunter, they are the hunted. And when they go into the playoffs, the pressure now mounts.”

Green Bay Packers’ Outlook

Transitioning to the Packers, Colin assesses their current standing and future prospects. He lauds the team’s balanced prowess, highlighting Jordan Love's development and the overall strength of their roster.

• Colin Cowherd [11:57]: “Green Bay is a stock, and it is just going up, up, up. And I think it's one year away.”

He underscores the Packers' disciplined approach, especially in high-pressure scenarios, and anticipates their strong performance in upcoming seasons as key players enter their prime.

• Colin Cowherd [14:12]: “Green Bay is really good. I don't believe in playing it safe. Playing it safe is Michigan against Penn State. Second half, never throwing the ball, not going for it when you can.”

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Campbell [08:31]: “I knew how I wanted to play this game. The team knew it, and everything in me told me that, let's finish this.”

• Colin Cowherd [13:40]: “Those situational moments, and sometimes the winning isn't going forward. It's field position. It's punting. It's not beating yourself.”

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Blazing Five: Game Predictions

In the "Blazing Five" segment, Colin presents his predictions for five upcoming NFL games, providing rationales based on team performance, player conditions, and strategic matchups.

1. Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

   • Pick: Minnesota at home, +5.5 points.
   • Reasoning: Strong home performance, aggressive defense, and Falcons’ quarterback struggles.

2. Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

   • Pick: Dolphins to win, 27-17.
   • Reasoning: Miami's offensive strength and better quarterback performance despite weather considerations.

3. Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

   • Pick: Cleveland to cover the spread.
   • Reasoning: Browns' potent offense and Steelers' inconsistent defensive performance.

4. Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams

   • Pick: Bills to win, 28-20.
   • Reasoning: Bills' deep roster, Josh Allen's efficiency, and Rams' quarterback injuries.

5. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

   • Pick: Chiefs to win, 27-17.
   • Reasoning: Chiefs' home advantage, Mahomes' top form, and Chargers' offensive struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [19:26]: “Josh Allen can't get to him. And by the way, Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid could return.”

• Colin Cowherd [25:16]: “I like the Bills to win. The crowd will be more than 50%. Buffalo fans 28 to 20.”

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College Football Discussions

Shifting focus to college football, Colin engages in a detailed conversation with former coach Dan Campbell about the current landscape and future prospects of top-tier programs.

Urban Meyer and Ohio State

The discussion touches upon Urban Meyer’s legacy and Ohio State’s resilient nature despite recent setbacks.

• Dan Campbell [30:26]: “Players are more resilient than coaches. Players know you go out and practice a couple of times, you know, they got their careers to think about.”

Texas and Oregon’s Performance

Colin and Dan evaluate Texas and Oregon’s strategies, highlighting Texas' disciplined coaching and Oregon's speed and defensive prowess.

• Colin Cowherd [32:19]: “They play like him. He's a nut. You know, he's intense.”

Georgia’s Upcoming Challenges

The duo anticipates Georgia's formidable presence in upcoming championships, emphasizing the high stakes and competitive nature of Southeastern Conference (SEC) games.

• Dan Campbell [34:55]: “Georgia is going to be like a home field advantage. I know Texas, they’ve heard they gave back a lot of the tickets.”

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Campbell [32:01]: “They play like the fastest team in the country. And defensively, they had 10 sacks last week against Washington.”

• Colin Cowherd [35:22]: “SEC is different, by the way. You know all the recruiting. So you were at Bowling Green recruiting two and three star guys. Then you go to Utah, you get a little better player.”

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Conclusion

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd" offers a multifaceted exploration of both NFL strategies and college football dynamics. Colin Cowherd, complemented by insights from Dan Campbell, provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of game tactics, team developments, and future predictions. This episode stands out as a critical resource for fans seeking in-depth analysis and expert opinions on the ever-evolving world of football.

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Notable Highlights:

• Strategic Analysis: Comprehensive breakdown of fourth-down decisions and their impact on game outcomes.

• Team Evaluations: Insightful assessments of the Detroit Lions’ transition from a startup mentality to a championship-contending team.

• Player Development: Focus on Jordan Love’s progression and its significance for the Packers’ future.

• Predictions: Thoughtfully reasoned game picks in the "Blazing Five" segment, reflecting a deep understanding of team dynamics and player performances.

• College Football Insights: Engaging discussion on the strengths and challenges faced by top college programs, emphasizing coaching strategies and player resilience.

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For those who missed the episode, "Best of The Herd" is a must-listen, encapsulating the essence of Colin Cowherd’s sports commentary with depth and expertise.

Transcript

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt Levine]

The forces shaping markets and the economy are often hiding behind a blur of numbers.

[Amanda Mull]

So that's why we created the Big Take from Bloomberg Podcasts to give you the context you need to make sense of it all.

[Matt Levine]

Every day in just 15 minutes, we dive into one global business story that matters.

[Amanda Mull]

You'll hear from Bloomberg journalists like Matt Levine.

[Dan Campbell]

A lot of this Meme stock stuff is, I think, embarrassing to the SEC.

[Matt Levine]

Follow the Big Take podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

[Questlove]

People. My people, what's up? This is Questlove Man. I cannot believe we're already wrapping up another season of Questlove Supreme. Man, we've got some amazing guests lined up to close out the season, but you know, I don't want any of you guys to miss all the incredible conversations we've had far. I mean, we talked to Amerie, Johnny Mar? E, Jonathan Sch, Billy Porter, and so many more. Look, if you haven't heard these episodes yet, hey, now's your chance. You gotta check them out. Listen to Questlove supreme on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey everyone, I'm Madison Packer, a pro hockey veteran going on my 10th season in New York.

[Dan Campbell]

And I'm Anya Packer, a former pro.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hockey player and now a full Madison Packer stand. Anya and I met through hockey and now we're married and moms to two awesome toddlers, ages 2 and 4. And we're excited about our new podcast.

[Amanda Mull]

Moms who Puck, which talks about everything.

[Colin Cowherd]

From pro hockey to professional women's athletes to raising children and all the messiness in between.

[Dan Campbell]

So listen to moms who puck on.

[Colin Cowherd]

The iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever.

[Dan Campbell]

You get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. This is the Best of the her with Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports Radio. All right, it is a Friday. What a game last night. Lions and Packers. This is the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Blazing 5 I think this is actually one of the better weeks for numbers. Blazing five one hour from now. J Mac, what'd you make of last night? Lucky Dan Campbell.

[J. Mac]

Things broke his way. Yeah, pretty fortunate on four down almost every freaking time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I think the lesson last night and I don't care if you're a football coach, a CEO or a parent, operating in absolutes usually does not end well. Just think about that, operating in absolutes. Dan Campbell now coaches like we always go for it on fourth down. And this morning, lion fans, oh they feel great and it is great when you're three thirteen and one. But do you know the team since Dan Campbell arrived in the NFL that don't go for it on 4th down? Do you know who they are? The Chiefs, the Bills and the Niners. They protect leads. You're no longer the hunter, you're the hunted. You're now IBM. You're not a startup company. Dan Campbell can no longer be a pro wrestler living up to the gimmick. They lead the NFL in fourth down attempts and fourth down conversions and you feel great this morning. But that's not who you are anymore. It's like when you're young, put your money in bitcoin. When you're old, put it in bonds. It's a different life. The Runway now. Your players are now in their prime. They're going to get very, very expensive. You're going to have to move off them. You're playing consistently with leads. In my lifetime, I don't ever remember a team winning the super bowl that had the all season label of man. They are risky. New England wasn't. Kansas City isn't. Buffalo isn't. That's not what wins championships. Last year against Dallas, by the way. Two point conversions week 17. Remember we kept going for those. It cost you the game and it cost you the playoff tiebreaker. So this eventually won't win. Kansas City, Buffalo and San Francisco. Since Dan Campbell came in the league, the three winningest teams don't go for it. They're protecting leads, protecting assets. Like right now, Detroit should be buying insurance for this mansion they've built for all these beautiful assets they have. But they're just used to losing. The Tigers lose, the Pistons lose. The Lions lose. It's Loserville, and they've never been in this spot. But you are no longer the looking uphill and everybody else. You're looking down at everybody. You're leading these games. You need to ensure wins. Reckless is not going to. I mean, like that play when there's 43 seconds left and you go for it. Kick the field goal. Even analytics said kick the field goal. Good God. Just take the lead. Green Bay's got 43 seconds and no timeouts left. And they just stopped you on third and one. They couldn't do it on fourth and one. This thing. Jared Goff fell down. It was almost a disaster. Just take the lead again. When companies grow, when you're a startup company, you can take swings at stuff because you have nothing to lose. Detroit now has stuff to lose. Super Bowls, not games. Home field advantage. Here comes Philadelphia. Super Bowls. Minnesota is on your heels. You have a lot more to lose now. I don't believe in playing it safe. Playing it safe is Michigan against Penn State. Second half, never throwing the ball, not going for it when you can. For 43 seconds left, take the lead is not playing it safe. It's playing it reasonable. And everybody in life has to pivot again. Stuff I did at 20s, I'm not doing once I have kids. Stuff I invested in when I was 20, I'm not doing now. I don't have the Runway to make that kind of money. Detroit's different now. They're looking down, they're not looking up. You gotta pivot. And they're a very good team, but they're so beat up defensively now. The margins are getting tight. The margins are getting very small in these games. They don't look like they did in October. And that means situational football will be king. That's why Andy Reid is winning Super Bowls. It's why Sean Payton has turned around the Broncos in year two with a rookie quarterback. He's winning. Those situational moments, and sometimes the winning isn't going forward. It's field position. It's punting. It's not Beating yourself. So this morning, everybody feels good, but I just. To me, 43 seconds left. Going for it. Golf almost falls. What if there's a fumble? And then, I mean, seriously, when he fell, I'm thinking, oh, my God, this reminds me of Joe Posarczyk. The Giants and the Eagles, 30 years ago in the NFL. You guys don't remember that if you're in your 20s and 30s. That was almost a disaster of epic proportions. It's like, oh, my God, here's Dan Campbell after.

[Dan Campbell]

I just felt like we needed to end it on offense, you know, And I did not want to get that ball back. And I believe we could get that. I believe we can convert. It's a hell of a call by Ben. You know, it just. I knew how I wanted to play this game. The team knew it, and everything in me told me that, let's finish this. And so we did.

[Colin Cowherd]

I loved Dan Campbell's ethos and the way he built this startup, but they're not a startup. You know, they're. They're not first year after blockbuster Netflix. They're like the king of streaming. Like, this is the best roster probably in football. They're setting records. I mean, last night is a prime example of what playoff football looks like. Detroit couldn't run the ball. They couldn't run the ball. They got into a tight game at home. That's a playoff game. And again, I just think this city has had so many losing teams that they don't realize now they're no longer the hunter, they are the hunted. And when they go into the playoffs, the pressure now mounts. You'll be a number one seed. It mounts. Teams are tight. Your defense isn't as good. You're beat up. No reason to be reckless. No reason to be. There's a big difference between taking smart, reasonable risk and reckless. But this morning, everybody feels great. Let's talk Green Bay. So I've said this a few times. The packers are the Lions last year. They're one year away. They're really, really close. Green Bay is excellent head coach, excellent quarterback, excellent skill people, excellent. Jordan Love is. He just needs more seasoning. When he came out of Utah State, he was a project. Well, he's not a project anymore, but he's not quite there. You saw in the first half, he only had three completions. The last two years he started off and he has to literally go into the Matt LaFleur school of quarterbacking. So he's only started 30 games. And to give you some idea of how few that is, Mac Jones has 45 starts, okay? He's got like 50% more starts. So, I mean, Jaden Reed almost got no looks last night. So Jordan Love is really, really good. So is the coach, so is the running back. So are the skill people really good. But I feel like there's. There's steps in everything. You really see it in the NBA. Giannis was good, then he was great, then he was dominant. There's a title, then he gets older, then he gets aging, then he gets hurt. Like, there's steps to all this stuff. San Francisco is a great example. Last five years, they felt like Detroit, that's the best roster probably in the NFL. And then all of a sudden it gets expensive and brittle, and all of a sudden it fall. So right now, Green Bay is a stock, and it is just going up, up, up. And I think it's one year away. Maybe not. Maybe they shock the world. But Green Bay is 9 and 4. So they've lost to the Lions twice, the Eagles and The Vikings. They're 9 and 0 against everybody else. So they're losing to the right teams. And last night I thought, I'll be honest with you, when they got the interception. So they start the second half of the ball, they get a touchdown, and they get an interception and get another touchdown. I thought it was Green Bay's night, and we'll talk more about that. But they're close. They're really, really close. There's not a. There's not much about Green Bay I don't like. And here's their coach after told our team, I mean, we're going to have to earn the right to potentially come.

[Dan Campbell]

Back here, and it's not going to.

[Matt Levine]

Be easy, and we got to put.

[Dan Campbell]

In the work and.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I'm confident in the resiliency of our group and that they're going to continue to fight and push each other.

[Matt Levine]

To get better and stay connected, because I do think we have a pretty good football team.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm watching those two teams last night with my wife, Ann, and she's from Detroit, and I'm like, what you're watching are two really, really good football teams. Top five team. Those are two top five teams in the league. Detroit may be number one and Green Bay be number five. Whatever. Those are two top five teams. And I kept thinking, poor Chicago. Poor Chicago Bears. I mean, you better get the right coach, because Green Bay is not. They don't have players in their prime yet. Jordan Love's not in his prime yet. All those receivers, tight ends, they're not in their prime yet. Detroit's players are just Pen Sewell are just entering their prime. So Detroit's a year ahead in my opinion of what Green Bay is. But I kept thinking, boy, Chicago, you could add a Harbaugh. You whiffed on that. You better get a rock star at coach because Green Bay for the next five years is super bowl category starting to meet next year and Detroit's there now. That was a really good product last night. J. Mac. People complain about officiating, get to that later. But that was really good coaching. Quarterback play, intensity, there was drama, there's great skill. I thought Green Bay's defense, you know, like really slowing down the Detroit running train was something not many people have done that.

[J. Mac]

Who do you come out looking better in this game like going forward this season? I know you mentioned next I think Detroit's.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think to win a Super bowl you generally have to have six or seven really elite players in their prime. And I think Green Bay maybe has one Jair Alexander ish maybe one and then they have about five guys like Jordan Love next year by Thanksgiving he's in the prime. I don't think they're. I think all these gal they're skill players feel like Thanksgiving next year. They're all moving into. They played 20 games, 25 games. They're moving into their prime.

[J. Mac]

I just look at that Packers 31 points. Jaden Reed did nothing. He had one target, zero catches. Jaden Reed is super dynamic. They scored I believe four straight times when they had the ball in the second half. Yeah, I come away from this like you don't want to see the packers in January. This team looked to me really good. Defense wasn't healthy. I well, by the way, sign on the packers for me.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way. Oh yeah. Going forward, defenses statistically get hurt more than offenses. Both those defenses last night beat up.

[J. Mac]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Offense is healthy, defense is beat up. So of the many reasons offense has taken over this league, the Niners great defense couldn't stop Holmes in the Super Bowl. Right. Like we see Kansas City's great defense, you know, struggles in Super Bowls to stop Philadelphia, what you're finding is as the league has become more offensive and quarterback centric, the other reality, the other truth statistically is defensive players get hurt more than offensive players. And last night there's like seven different defensive starters out and the offenses are hummingbirds.

[J. Mac]

How about the packers by the way defensively taking away the big gigantic play from the Lions? Remember Monday Night Football? There was all these 70, 80 yard plays, none of that for the Lions, I think their longest play was 28 yards. They're keeping everything in front of them with the two high and I just come away like Detroit look good but that Green Bay team four or five in the red zone. They looked awesome to me last night on the road. Hostile environment. I think packers could make the NFC championship would not surprise me at all.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, wouldn't me either. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.

[NPR Host]

Pacific apple cart is the perfect card for your holiday shopping. You can apply on your iPhone in minutes and start using it right away. You'll earn up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase, including products at Apple like a new iPhone 16 or Apple Watch Ultra. Start holiday shopping for your friends and family today with Apple card subject to credit approval. Apple card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more at applecard.com Jon Stewart is back.

[Jon Stewart]

In the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast. The Daily Show Podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio. Apparently Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt Levine]

The forces shaping markets and the economy are often hiding behind a blur of numbers.

[Amanda Mull]

So that's why we created the Big Take from Bloomberg Podcasts to give you the context you need to make sense of it all.

[Matt Levine]

Every day in just 15 minutes, we dive into one global business story that matters.

[Amanda Mull]

You'll hear from Bloomberg journalists like Matt Levine.

[Dan Campbell]

A lot of this meme stock stuff is, I think, embarrassing to the secular.

[Amanda Mull]

Amanda Mull, who writes our BusinessWeek Buying Power column.

[Colin Cowherd]

Very few companies who go viral are, like, totally prepared for what that means.

[Amanda Mull]

And Zoe Tillman, Senior legal reporter, Courts are not supposed to decide elections. Courts are not really supposed to play a big role in choosing our elected leaders. It's for the voters to decide.

[Matt Levine]

Follow the Big Take podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

[Questlove]

Good people, what's up? It's Questo Questlove and Team supreme and I have been working hard to bring you some incredible episodes of Questlove supreme with guests you definitely don't want to miss. Now, one of the things I love about this Questlove supreme podcast is we got something for everybody, every type of music lover. We enjoy speaking to the people who were the face of some movements and some people you've seen on stage or TV or magazine covers. But we also love speaking to the folks who are making it happen behind the scenes and they paved the way for those that followed. You know, keystones to the culture. This season we've had some amazing one on one conversations like M. Pill chatting up with hitmaker Sam Holland, Sugar Steve chatting with the legend Nick Lowe, and I've had pleasures of doing one on one conversations with Willow, Sonata, Maitreya, Kathleen, Hannah and the rza. These are conversations you won't hear anywhere else, so make sure you go back and you check those episodes out. All right, Listen to Questlove supreme on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can begin with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here we go, our Blazing five. That's a hot one. Let's blaze it up.

[Dan Campbell]

Fire it up.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's Collins, Blazing Fox, Falcons and Vikings. I'm going to take Minnesota at home, lay the five and a half points. They're a great home team. Four of their wins have come by over six points, top 10 in scoring offense and scoring defense, number five this year. And here's the issue. They are aggressive. They are second in the league in takeaways, fourth in sacks and Kirk Cousins for Atlanta is reeling. He looks old. They'll come after him in his last three games. Zero TDs and six picks and a passer rating in the 50s. I think the Vikings playing for more and have more momentum. 33:24 I like the Vikings to cover jets and Dolphins so I get an offensive coach and a better quarterback with extra rest. Forget the Packer game, it's cold weather at home. Tua, above 60 degrees, has a 104 passer rating. He's 3210 in games with warm weather and 155 at home under Mike McDaniel and the Jets. Aaron Rodgers, like Cousins, looks tired in the second half. Shut out against the Seahawks in the second half. This is a bit of a quarterback mismatch warm weather TUA at home against aged Aaron Rodgers and the jets by the way are a bad road team, a bad second half offense and I think again the Dolphins playing for more in this spot right? Like, I mean they are like Minnesota is looking at it thinking could we be a number one seed. Miami has to win just to get into the playoffs. I like the Dolphins to win 27:17. Browns at Steelers I like Cleveland plus six and a half. That's way too many points. First of all, they have the number one offense in the NFL since Jameis Winston became starter. They will score. Pittsburgh's coming off a hard fought road winning division. Five straight games decided by one score. And by the way the Steelers are 2 and 3 when they allow 20 plus points and Jameis Winston is a starter. Cleveland scores points. Okay, so I like the Steelers to win but you watched that Denver defense that had been fantastic. They got lit up by Cleveland. Cleveland's offensive personnel and coaching and Jamis, he can be crazy. And the pick sixes, they almost won that game with two pick sixes. I think the Browns cover. I think The Steelers win 24:23. Bills it rams. Boy do I like the bills this week. Minus three and a half. 15 straight regular season wins in December or January. They are built, they are deep, they're getting healthier. They lead the NFL in second half point differential and you cannot get to Jared. Josh Allen can't get to him. And the way the Rams can disrupt teams is getting to the quarterback. Well, Josh Allen doesn't get sacked. And by the way, Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid could return. The Rams have a bigger issue right now. Matt Stafford's beat up. Not he's playing well, but he's beat up. He's struggling on third down. And Stafford has the lowest pass rating in the league when under pressure. Two touchdowns and five picks. He's got a bad ankle. So I love Josh Allen and the Bills in this spot. By the way, he's played them twice and has completed almost 80% of his throws against the Rams. I like the Bills to win. The crowd will be more than 50%. Buffalo fans 28 to 20. Bills Chargers at Chiefs Bad spot for the Chargers. I'm going to lay the four points and take Kansas City. They're 60 at home this year. And by the way in December, January and February in the Mahomes era they're 236 at home. Good home team. Mahomes over the last five games is starting to heat up. 100 passer rating 68% completion percentage. The Chargers offense wasn't good to start now. J.K. dobbins out. Ladd McConkey not practicing. This was a reasonably anemic offense. It could be worse. Maybe they'll hang around for the first half, but they're one in three against teams with winning records anyway. They're very good. They win the games they should win, but they don't have the ability to beat excellent teams. And I like the Chiefs. I'll lay the points to win 27 17. I think it is a It could be a rough, rough late afternoon for Justin Herbert without Ladd McConkey. So I like a lot of favorites. I like the Vikings at home. Vikings right now think they have a shot to be a number one seed. Dolphins with extra rest I think Cleveland's offense will keep this close. Buffalo is a great December January team. We've seen that. And Kansas City with a little extra rest. Andy Reid off a bye. Andy Reid with extra time is money. And the Chargers. The Chargers defense won that game against the Falcons. It was not their offense. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Did you know? The PayPal debit card now earns you 5% cash back in the monthly category of your choosing groceries, health, restaurants, beauty, gas and apparel in up to $1,000 of monthly purchases. 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[Matt Levine]

See paypal.com rewardspal Cashback earned as points redeemable for cash and other options on up to $1,000 spend per month. The PayPal debit MasterCard is issued by the Bancor Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International, Inc. And may be used everywhere MasterCard is accepted.

[Jon Stewart]

Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast the Daily show podcast everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get.

[Matt Levine]

The forces shaping markets and the economy are often hiding behind a blur of numbers.

[Amanda Mull]

So that's why we created the Big Take from Bloomberg Podcasts to give you the context you need to make sense of it all.

[Matt Levine]

Every day in just 15 minutes, we dive into one global business story that matters.

[Amanda Mull]

You'll hear from Bloomberg journalists like Matt Levine.

[Dan Campbell]

A lot of this meme stock stuff is, I think, embarrassing to the secular.

[Amanda Mull]

Amanda Mull, who writes our BusinessWeek Buying Power column.

[Colin Cowherd]

Very few companies who go viral are like totally prepared for what that means.

[Amanda Mull]

And Zoe Tillman, senior legal reporter Courts are not supposed to decide elections. Courts are not really supposed to play a big role in choosing our elected leaders. It's for the voters to decide.

[Matt Levine]

Follow the Big Take podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

[Questlove]

Good people, what's up? It's Questo, Questlove and Team supreme and I have been working hard to bring you some incredible episodes of Questlove supreme with guests you definitely don't want to miss. Now, one of the things I love about this Questlove supreme podcast is we got something for everybody, every type of music lover. We enjoy speaking to the people who are the face of some movements and some people you've seen on stage or TV or magazine covers. But we also love speaking to the folks who were making it happen behind the scenes and they paved the way for those that followed. You know, keystones to the culture. This season we've had some amazing one on one conversation like I'm pay pill chatting up with hitmaker Sam Holland, Sugar Steve chatting with the legend Nick Lowe. And I've had pleasures of doing one on one conversations with Willow, Sonata, Maitreya, Kathleen Hanna and the rza. These are conversations you won't hear anywhere else, so make sure you go back and you check those episodes out. All right? Listen to Questlove supreme on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs and A casual tone that you take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

One of the great college football coaches of all time, Urban Meyer. Three national championships, two at Florida, one with the Buckeyes, now part of the big noon kickoff. All right, so let's go back and address the Ohio State stuff. So there's two schools of thought. First of all, when you come in as a heavy favorite, you can be a little cautious, perhaps as a coach, maybe that was Ryan Day. There's the other argument that Will Howard was not on his game and he looked at that Michigan offense and said, you know what? We're going to win this thing 1710. It's just we're going to get out of this thing. We don't want to. We don't want to play around here. You tell me when you watch that, do you think Will Howard and Will Howard has been a bit hot and cold for my taste, but he's talented. Kid was part of this. Ryan Day changing a game plan in game when he wasn't real confident in his quarterback after early mistakes.

[Dan Campbell]

You know, I watched this thing a couple times because I'm on the Big Ten Network on Sundays and I was there and I really couldn't believe what I watched in person. And I spoke to Ryan Day this week and, you know, we've all been there. As a coach, you're there on the sideline, your defense is playing phenomenal. The opponent is really struggling. You throw a turnover early in the game and give them a freebie, you know, and you maybe lose a little confidence in your quarterback. There was a little bit of blustering wind out there. Yeah, you know, I could come up with all kinds of different reasons, but we've all been there. And I'm sure if Coach Day and Chip Kelly had another opportunity, they probably make do a little thing, a bunch of a few things differently.

[Colin Cowherd]

When you had a devastating loss in your career, it's agonizing. How do you attack it as a coach?

[Dan Campbell]

Well, I'm the poster child on how not to handle it. I'd lose. Shoot, I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep for months after that. Here's the problem. When you lose that game to the Wolverines, you know, in the old days, you went to bad bowl game and you got pissed off and you just started working again for next year. Ohio State's in the hunt. They're still one of the top teams, if not the most talented team in the country. They've got playoffs, they got this going. So you got to rinse and repeat, man. You got to go. You got to not worry about it. I talked to Coach Day about it and he said absolutely. And players are more resilient than coaches. Players know you go out and practice a couple times, you know, they got their careers to think about, they got their performance and they got the reality of playoff team coming up. So you just got to move on. You know, it's a much different era with this playoff than it was in the old day when you lost a game like that because you had to, you know, you had to eat that thing for a whole year. You don't. It's over. Move on to the next one.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I still think the three best teams I've seen are Ohio State, Texas and Oregon. Oregon plays this week, tomorrow against Penn State. When I see Oregon, I don't quite see Texas, Ohio State athletes close. What I see is speed and coaching. How would you. I mean, it's. They spread you out. They got California speed everywhere. When you look at Oregon, what would terrify you as a defensive coach or a coaching staff facing Oregon if you're Penn State this week?

[Dan Campbell]

I think they're the fastest team in the country. And I don't talk about 40 yard times. I talk about the way they play. And defensively, they had 10 sacks last week against Washington. And Tosh Lepoi, the D coordinator, is phenomenal. He used to be on my staff. I love that dude. They play like him. He's a nut. You know, he's intense.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's just.

[Dan Campbell]

Everything's full speed. They play like that on defense, on offense, I mean, they're legit. Legit. And I didn't know that. I went out and saw him in spring practice and I thought probably a lot like you did. I don't exactly see Ohio State or Georgia or Texas, but I'm watching them now and they are the right. They are the number one team in the country. They play faster than anyone else in the country.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, they're really fun to watch. I've been so lucky through the years to get a cover and they're so much fun to watch. Texas, I've always said this. There's three glamour programs in college football, Miami and Coral Gables, USC and Texas, and it offers their own challenges. Now. When they win, the media goes gaga. And you turn on any sports network. It's all we're talking about. But there's A lot of distractions in la, Coral Gables and Austin. And I always feel like even with the good Texas teams and SC teams, you know, they've got a lot of things to do on a Thursday night. Do you worry about that with Texas? You know, in Columbus, once the weather turns, I mean, kids can get in trouble, but you know what I mean. Austin at 72 degrees, go down to 6th Street. Is Texas different this year? Are they focused? Do they have a northern ideology? A tough physical ideology? Pay attention and don't get loose.

[Dan Campbell]

I think so. I picked them last year. You know, Coach Sark, we did a game and he invited us to watch him practice. And that was the closest thing I've ever seen to our 2008 Florida team. You know, the big, thick defense, alignment and an elongated skill guys and. And NFL draft picks all over the field. We watched them practice. Excellent coaching staff, very disciplined. So I actually picked them last year and, you know, I think they're going to be right there this year. They got a reprieve, man. They got a lifeline when they got their butts kicked by Georgia and they've been playing great ever since. You know, I know Quinn Urey's got a little injury they're dealing with now, but I think they're locked and loaded. Here's what about Georgia, though? I'm worried. All due respect to Georgia, I've never what they're getting ready to walk into a Mercedes Benz stadium. And I coached in a couple of three SEC championship games. Colin. I think it's bigger than the national championship. When I was there, whoever won that SEC championship was going to win the national title. That's how good the conference was and the atmosphere. Georgia is going to be like a home field advantage. I know Texas, they. I've heard they gave back a lot of the tickets. This is going to be an inferno that Texas walks into. And if Texas can. The key is, and I'm just. If I'm giving a pregame speech, get first downs. That's it. Don't worry about winning the game. Get first downs and calm the environment down. That's how you calm it down. Do not turn the ball over. No sacks. But that, all due respect to Texas has been in some big games. I'm not sure they've been in one like this one.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, SEC is different, by the way. You know all the recruiting. So you were at Bowling Green recruiting two and three star guys. Then you go to Utah, you get a little better player. Then you go to Florida and you get Ohio State. How Does Ashton Gentee. How does he end up at Boise State? That's where you are. How in the world does that kid get missed by all the Buckeyes and Wolverines and Notre Dame and uscs?

[Dan Campbell]

Well, I go back to, like, Joe Burrow was fairly unrecruited. So a lot of these cats are just underdeveloped when coming out of high school. What's even more amazing is Ashton Jente stuck with his team last year. I'm sure he could have made seven figures or more at some other school. And he is legit. His lower body is powerful. I can't wait. I can't wait to see him play. And I was one of those naysayers because I'm like, okay, he's playing in a conference, you know, that, you know, could he do that against the big boys? And he certainly did against Oregon. He almost had 200 yards rushing. So this kid is legit. I can't wait to see him tonight. We're here. I can't wait to see him.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, finally. You know, Belichick, I said earlier, belichick groveling to 18 year olds. Give me a break. I'm like, this isn't going to. He doesn't. He's not a college coach, right?

[Dan Campbell]

Oh, I got to know him so well as a Florida, and we became very good friends. And I'm like you. I'm like, I just don't know. I mean, for Coach Belichick to be sitting in his office in an agent, and this is what's going on now, because I have many friends, obviously, in the business, and an agent shows up at your office and. Or a high school recruit and they start demanding money from you. And I, I'm just. I've known Coach Belichick a long time. I. I couldn't do it. I couldn't. I couldn't do that. I'd have to say, get out. Get out of the office. You know, let's get better grades. Let's, you know, take care of yourself a little better and perform a little better and let's have a chat. So God bless him. He's 70. I think he's 70 years old or something. And he still wants to keep going. So God bless him, man, if he wants to do it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Are you ever going to coach again? You could coach. You have good energy.

[Dan Campbell]

I love what I'm doing. No, I don't. I don't see me coaching again. I got a life to live. I didn't know this life was out there. It's pretty good Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, tell me about it. I'm on the air every day. I don't get these.

[Dan Campbell]

Look at you. Look how healthy you look. Coaches don't look like you. Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what this is called? It's called makeup and the hair people. That's why I look like this. You get me out of here and you put a gin and tonic in front of me. I'm a nightmare five minutes after the show ends.

[Dan Campbell]

We'll do that someday.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Great seeing you, coach. This podcast is sponsored by PayPal. Now here's the kicker. The PayPal debit card earns you 5% cash back in a monthly category of your Choice. Up to $1,000 of monthly purchases. So groceries, health and beauty, gas, apparel, restaurants. On top of that, you can get cash back offers within the app from brands like Doordash, Instacart, Sephora. This month, it's all about that apparel. I got a crazy schedule. I shop online a lot, snag a suit here or there, fresh gear. 5% cash back adds up fast. And signing up is easy. Just Download the new PayPal app to sign up and you're ready to start earning cash back on your everyday purchases. Pay smart, earn cash back. Enjoy peace of mind with a PayPal debit card. Don't just pay. PayPal terms apply. See PayPal app cash back earned as points you can redeem for cash and other options. This card issued by the Bancorp and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International.

[Jon Stewart]

Inc. Catch Jon Stewart back in action on the Daily show and in your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. From his hilarious satirical takes on today's politics and entertainment to the unique voices of correspondents and contributors, it's your perfect companion to stay on top of what's happening now. Plus, you'll get special content just for podcast listers, like in depth interviews and a roundup of the week's top headlines. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt Levine]

The forces shaping markets and the economy are often hiding behind a blur of numbers.

[Amanda Mull]

So that's why we created the Big Take from Bloomberg Podcasts, to give you the context you need to make sense of it all.

[Matt Levine]

Every day in just 15 minutes, we dive into one global business story that matters.

[Amanda Mull]

You'll hear from Bloomberg Journal like Matt Levine.

[Dan Campbell]

A lot of this meme stock stuff is, I think, embarrassing to the SEC.

[Matt Levine]

Follow the Big Take podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

[Questlove]

People, my people. What's up? This is Questlove Man. I cannot believe we're already wrapping up another season of Questlove Supreme. Man. We've got some amazing guests lined up to close out the season. But you know, I don't want any of you guys to miss all the incredible conversations we've had so far. I mean, we talked to Amerie, Johnny Mar Eve, Jonathan Schechter, Billy Porter, and so many more. Look, if you haven't heard these episodes yet, hey, now's your chance. You gotta check them out. Listen to Questlove supreme on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[NPR Host]

Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.