Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: NFL Predictions
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Introduction
In the premiere hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Colin delves deep into his predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Aimed at offering listeners a thoughtful and analytical perspective, Colin challenges conventional beliefs about the unpredictability of the league, presenting a compelling argument for increasing predictability similar to trends observed in the NBA.
Predictability in the NFL
Colin opens the discussion by questioning the widely held belief that NFL games are inherently unpredictable. He posits, "I have this theory about the NFL that we think you never know who's going to win these games. But I believe for two reasons, the NFL is going to get more predictable." [03:30]
His primary argument centers around the consolidation of power within a few dominant teams and the impact of organizational stability on team performance. Colin highlights the reduction in the number of new playoff teams over recent years, suggesting a trend towards fewer surprises and more consistent outcomes.
AFC Predictions
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AFC East: Colin maintains his prediction that Josh Allen will continue to lead the division as long as he's in his prime. He reiterates, "The Patriots are the safest double your win total bet in the league in five years." [04:15]
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AFC North: The Baltimore Ravens emerge as Colin's top pick, whom he describes as, "the class of the division and one of the top three organizations in the league." [05:00] He expresses skepticism about the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, citing inconsistency and lack of depth.
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AFC South: Labeling it the weakest division, Colin confidently predicts the Houston Texans to win, praising their coaching and quarterback. [06:20]
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AFC West: Initially favoring the Cincinnati Bengals as a new playoff contender, Colin revises his stance, stating, "I'd probably move the Bengals out and put the Broncos in." This decision is influenced by ownership concerns and recent player additions. [07:10]
Key Quote: "If Joe Burrow gets an Andy Reid, he's hoisting the trophies, not Patrick Mahomes. And I really firmly believe that." [06:45]
NFC Predictions
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NFC East: Colin stands by his predictions for the Eagles and the Commanders, considering them strong contenders in their division. [08:30]
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NFC North: He opts to exclude the Chicago Bears, attributing their challenges to organizational noise and rookie quarterback issues. Instead, Colin endorses the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings as reliable performers. [09:15]
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NFC South: The division is deemed the weakest, with Colin acknowledging the Minnesota Vikings' competitiveness but maintaining a cautious outlook due to their challenging schedule. [10:00]
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NFC West: He supports the San Francisco 49ers, albeit with reservations about their aging roster and depth. [10:45]
Key Quote: "I would put the Broncos in. I mean they added Greenlaw, Bufanga, Evan Ingram." [07:20]
Comparison with College Football and the NBA
Colin draws parallels between the NFL's increasing predictability and similar trends in college football and the NBA. He critiques the expansion of playoff games and regular-season matches, arguing that these changes disproportionately benefit teams with deeper rosters and greater financial resources.
- "College teams playing up to 16, 15 college games, same thing is true in the NFL." [12:10]
- "The NFL is going to become the NBA. You kind of know, I mean, go look at the AFC." [13:00]
He laments the dwindling opportunities for underdog teams to make unexpected playoff runs, emphasizing that the trend undermines the sport's competitive balance.
Key Takeaways and Conclusions
Colin concludes with a somber prediction: the NFL will continue to see fewer new playoff teams, making the league increasingly predictable and top-heavy. He warns that the expansion of the season and playoffs may widen the gap between elite and struggling teams, much like the current state of the NBA.
Final Quote: "Everybody wants change, the NFL is going to become the NBA. ... when we go to an 18th game, and ... making the league incredibly quarterback centric, you're going to have a clear top and a really ugly bottom and it's going to become very predictable." [14:00]
Colin encourages fans to embrace these changes and adjust their expectations, as the landscape of professional football evolves towards greater consistency in team performance.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "I have this theory about the NFL that we think you never know who's going to win these games. But I believe for two reasons, the NFL is going to get more predictable." – Colin Cowherd [03:30]
- "If Joe Burrow gets an Andy Reid, he's hoisting the trophies, not Patrick Mahomes. And I really firmly believe that." – Colin Cowherd [06:45]
- "College teams playing up to 16, 15 college games, same thing is true in the NFL." – Colin Cowherd [12:10]
- "Everybody wants change, the NFL is going to become the NBA... you're going to have a clear top and a really ugly bottom and it's going to become very predictable." – Colin Cowherd [14:00]
Conclusion
In this episode, Colin Cowherd provides a thought-provoking analysis of the NFL's direction, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of the league's competitiveness. By meticulously examining team dynamics, organizational stability, and structural changes within the sport, Colin offers a nuanced perspective that underscores the shifting paradigms in professional football.
For fans seeking an in-depth and analytical approach to NFL predictions, this episode serves as an essential listen, blending insightful commentary with strategic foresight.