The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Allen Outduels Mahomes, Dodgers “Best Run” Team In Sports? Caleb Williams Showing Growth, Rams Best In NFC?
Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: Colin Cowherd with guest John Middlekauff

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd focuses on an electric NFL weekend, capped by Josh Allen and the Bills outdueling Mahomes’ Chiefs, a deep dive on Caleb Williams’ rapid growth for the Bears, analysis of the NFC’s best—and why the Los Angeles Dodgers may be the best-run organization in North American sports. The panel explores the identity crises facing teams like the Packers, the dynamic quarterback situations in the NFL, and wraps up with thrilling takes on the World Series and college football.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bills Outduel the Chiefs: Allen vs. Mahomes

(03:55 – 13:16)

• Colin and John break down Buffalo’s 28-21 win over Kansas City, focusing on Josh Allen’s focus vs. Mahomes’ discomfort.

  • “Mahomes was uncomfortable and Josh Allen was really comfortable… when Mahomes doesn’t trust his offensive line, it changes the way he plays.” — John Middlekauff (03:55)
  • Bills dominated statistically, outgained KC by over 100 yards, and maintained a double-digit lead into the fourth.
  • Colin emphasizes Buffalo’s inconsistency: “That Bills team we just saw can win the Super Bowl.” (04:30)

• Importance of home field and mental edge:

  • John: Getting home field for the Bills is “really big,” recognizes the “pressure” Buffalo faced with New England’s easier schedule.
  • Discussion about Buffalo’s defense playing with more intensity against Mahomes, with the D-line “playing at a different intensity level depending on the opponent” (Middlekauff, 07:20).

• Mahomes struggles under pressure:

  • “His offensive line was in tatters… you can’t throw that interception late in the game because they never got the ball back.” — Colin (09:00)

• Josh Allen’s big-game polish:

  • “Josh Allen is the best player they play… for now five years. He matches his play against the other randoms against them. He’s one of the rare ones, if not the only guy who has consistently done that now for four or five years.” — Colin (09:37)

• A look at Buffalo’s offensive ingredients:

  • Emergence of RB Cook and TE Kincaid has transformed the offense and elevated OC Joe Brady’s reputation.
  • Impact of Chiefs’ O-line injuries and missing pieces shown in Mahomes' play.

2. Caleb Williams: Growth & Bears’ Resurgence

(13:16 – 18:56)

• Bears edge Bengals in a wild 47-42 game; Colin sees real progress in Williams.

  • “When [Caleb Williams] gets that extra beat and a better run game, he’s very effective.” — Colin (13:22)
  • Williams’ poise highlighted: 124 passer rating, 3 TDs, 0 INT while trailing, plus huge late-game plays.
  • The Bears are “winning the weird games,” a major change from their decade-long trend of heartbreak.

• Draft picks and rookie contributions:

  • Loveland (rookie TE) and the rookie RB both delivered big, with Loveland getting the game ball.
  • Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s play calling and adaptability praised.

• Williams still raw but flashing:

  • “It’s his bad plays… when he scrambles around it feels like the offense is so out of sync… But today, when I can live with the bad, if you’re making explosive plays and throwing touchdowns…” — Colin (17:57)

• Emergence of big-play, mistake-resistant QB:

  • While Williams still needs to hone decision-making under pressure, the ability to generate chunk plays and limit turnovers are huge for the franchise's trajectory.

3. NFC North & The Quarterback Youth Movement

(24:41 – 28:43)

• Vikings edge Lions, J.J. McCarthy’s ups and downs:

  • “He looks a little small to me… sometimes feels like he gets engulfed. But overall, I thought he moved well and played pretty well.” — John Middlekauff (25:38)
  • Brian Flores’ defense (Vikings) gets game ball for stifling Detroit’s offense.
  • McCarthy judged by a higher standard due to supporting cast (Jefferson, O’Connell, etc).

• Quarterback evaluation when surrounded by talent:

  • Colin and John debate how to properly assess McCarthy vs. QBs drafted to rebuilding teams.
  • “That’s why I think it’s fair for J.J. McCarthy. The bar of how he’s being judged should be higher than a lot of random young quarterbacks on bad teams.” — Colin (28:43)
  • Comparison to Bo Nix, Drake Maye; consistency and “winner” traits highlighted.

4. Steelers, Colts & The Importance of Defensive Identity

(31:58 – 39:52)

• Steelers’ defense returns to form, T.J. Watt delivers:

  • Pittsburgh beats Indy 27-20; classic Tomlin underdog spot, team responds with energy after recent malaise.
  • T.J. Watt’s game-changing play: “T.J. Watt made the play, forced a fumble, they got the ball back, they scored… if their defense plays like this, they can be a terror.” — Colin (34:50)

• Comparisons to legendary Viking teams, parallels with Farve/Rodgers veteran dynamics.

• Run game woes for both teams noted; possible trade for Breece Hall floated.

5. Packers’ Identity Crisis & Rams Crowned NFC’s Best

(40:01 – 46:38)

• Green Bay collapses vs. Carolina (16-13):

  • “I feel like they should give the offense to Jordan Love… they’re not running the ball very well.” — John (40:45)
  • Packers look lost in the red zone, packing up yards but unable to capitalize.
  • “I don’t know if Green Bay knows yet. And I kind of feel like Matt is being conservative.” — John (41:11)
  • Injuries (notably to TE Kraft) and heavy reliance on non-run game playmakers.

• Contrast: The Rams’ clear identity, efficiency, and coaching:

  • “The Rams are the best team in the NFC. Philadelphia and Green Bay have an identity crisis. I watch the Rams and I feel like they just lean into what they are.” — Colin (41:40)
  • Rams’ OL, defense, and run game praised for clarity and effectiveness.

6. 49ers, Giants: Quarterback Depth & Coaching Mastery

(49:50 – 54:07)

• Mac Jones fills in, keeps SF rolling behind McCaffrey:
  • McCaffrey dominates again; injuries force SF to rely on depth.
  • “Kyle Shanahan roll[ed] in with Mac Jones and control[led] the game.” — Colin (51:39)
  • “If Kyle does win a game like that and sweeps the Rams… probably not going to win coach of the year, but he should be in the mix.” — Colin (53:09)
  • Discussion about Mac Jones vs. Purdy—Jones’ arm talent praised; both QBs maximizing Shanahan’s system.

7. Rams’ Super Bowl Window & Matthew Stafford’s Legacy

(54:07 – 59:50)

• Rams decisively beat Saints, Stafford’s brilliance highlighted:
  • “The Rams are really good. I mean, we forget they went in London and they blow out Jacksonville… They are fast and aggressive defensively. Offensively, it’s all about efficiency.” — Colin (54:07)
  • Stafford’s chemistry with Devonte and Puka Nacua makes the offense “unstoppable.”
  • “If Matt Stafford wins another Super Bowl… he’s always been considered one of the best arm talents of our generation. That’s indisputable. You could ask anybody—the Bradys, Aaron, Favre…” — John (57:49)
  • Where does Stafford rank all-time if he wins a second Super Bowl? Colin: Top 10 possible, but “hard to shake that Lions stretch.”

8. World Series: Dodgers as Sports’ Best-Run Organization?

(60:34 – 70:10)

• Dodgers’ depth, international edge, and financial might:

  • “The Dodgers have so separated financially from everybody else… weather, proximity, and how well run the organization is.” — Colin (61:16, paraphrased)
  • How Japanese stars (Ohtani, Yoshi, Roki) boost L.A.’s global edge.
  • Dodgers’ ability to absorb risk with partial-season arms and aggressively deferred contracts.

• Baseball’s unpredictable playoff ethos:

  • “In baseball… your stars, your star quarterback, star pass rusher have to come through or you loose—in baseball, that’s not really how it works.” — Colin (64:04)
  • Game 6 and 7 of the World Series described as “among the most dramatic ever” (John, 70:43).
  • Dodgers’ blend of big signings, homegrown development, and clubhouse chemistry separates them from NYY and others.

9. College Football: USC’s Narrow Win, Program Identity Issues

(72:03 – 77:30)

• USC edges Nebraska, Lincoln Riley’s challenges:

  • “USC beats Nebraska. I thought it was an uncreative, uninspiring effort… you can’t just be good at home, you can’t just be good when everything hits 72 degrees.” — Colin (73:04)
  • Emphasizes lack of elite local talent on the Trojans’ roster; recent recruiting showing promise.
  • “They just don’t have a lot of great LA kids, and that was the pride and joy of Pete.” — Colin (74:56)

• Big Ten expansion and TV product, recruiting, and coaching discourse.

10. Quick Picks & Closing Thoughts

(77:42 – 78:47)

• Cowboys vs. Cardinals preview:
  • Colin picks Dallas to cover; John likes the Cardinals with the spread but Cowboys to win.
  • “Dak is really, really good at home. His splits are dramatic… Cowboys have one [identity], especially at home.” — Colin (77:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If the Bills can find a way to play like they do against the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season, in the postseason, they will win the Super Bowl.” — Colin Cowherd, 04:30

• “Their defense morphs into the Bengals defense… it even put more pressure on [offensive coach] Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams and they were awesome.” — Colin Cowherd, 16:00

• “Brian Flores was game ball. Brian Flores.” — John Middlekauff on Vikings’ defensive coordinator after shutting down the Lions, 28:43

• “If Matt Stafford wins another Super Bowl… I don’t know, Stafford—watching him this season, he is dialed in.” — John Middlekauff, 57:49

• “You look at the Dodgers and I’m not sure there’s another organization in North America that’s run like they are.” — Colin Cowherd, 63:26

Important Segment Timestamps

• Bills vs. Chiefs Analysis: 03:55 – 13:16
• Caleb Williams & Bears Discussion: 13:16 – 18:56
• NFC North & McCarthy/Bears: 24:41 – 28:43
• Steelers/Colts & Defensive Play: 31:58 – 39:52
• Packers’ Struggles/Rams NFC Best: 40:01 – 46:38
• 49ers, Giants, Coaching Mastery: 49:50 – 54:07
• Rams & Stafford’s Legacy: 54:07 – 59:50
• Dodgers, World Series Breakdown: 60:34 – 70:10
• USC Football Identity, Recruiting: 72:03 – 77:30
• Closing Picks: 77:42 – 78:47

Tone and Style

Colin and John maintain their signature crisp, occasionally wry delivery. Colin is opinionated, direct, and keen to put results within a broader team-building or coaching philosophy; John leans into scouting and roster construction, offering a blend of stats and anecdotes. Both combine big-picture musings (“what makes a great franchise?”) with grounded, technical breakdowns of both the NFL and MLB.

Summary

This podcast episode is a must-listen (or must-read recap) for anyone eager to parse the evolving landscape of the NFL’s contenders, the rise of new quarterbacks (with Caleb Williams’ growth on special display), and a masterclass in modern sports franchise management with the Dodgers. Colin and John adeptly distill what separates pretenders from contenders, especially in analyzing the importance of identity, culture, and roster building—whether in gridiron clashes or the drama-soaked diamond.