Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: NFL Predictions

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Jason McIntyre (Guest Host in Place of Colin Cowherd)
Guests: Eddie House (NBA Analyst), Will Blackman (Former Cowboys Coach)
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Jason McIntyre steps in as the host, diving deep into NFL predictions for the upcoming season. The episode primarily focuses on over/under betting opportunities across various NFL teams, with insights from notable guests Eddie House and Will Blackman. The discussion is enriched with analytical perspectives, personal anecdotes, and engaging banter, making it a comprehensive listen for NFL enthusiasts.

2. NFL Over/Under Predictions

Jason McIntyre kicks off the segment by addressing Colin Cowherd's initial predictions and presents his own over/under opinions on four NFL teams. He emphasizes the importance of drilling down into team specifics and schedules to make informed betting choices.

a. Atlanta Falcons – Over 7.5 Wins

• Rationale:
  McIntyre highlights the Falcons' improved offense led by quarterback Michael Penix and the running game featuring Bijan Robinson. He anticipates the Falcons securing over seven and a half wins, citing their favorable schedule and offseason acquisitions.

• Quote:
  “They have the good run game with Bijan Robinson. I think they'll probably get him another weapon in the draft.” [04:00]

b. Detroit Lions – Under 10.5 Wins

• Rationale:
  Despite Jared Goff's presence and an improved defense under Aaron Glenn, McIntyre foresees the Lions struggling due to a challenging schedule against teams with winning records. He underscores the impact of losing Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator, which could lead to a regression in their offensive performance.

• Quote:
  “They have to play one team that had a winning record and that was the Vikings. Their road games are easy. It's a gauntlet.” [07:30]

c. Seattle Seahawks – Under 7.5 Wins

• Rationale:
  McIntyre expresses skepticism about the Seahawks' offensive capabilities, despite a competitive team dynamic. He points to Geno Smith and Tyler Lockett struggling to overcome offensive inefficiencies and the uncertainty surrounding new quarterback Sam Darnold.

• Quote:
  “I just don't see eight wins. So I went under seven and a half.” [10:00]

d. Washington Commanders – Under 9.5 Wins

• Rationale:
  Citing the team's exceptional performance in the previous season and potential regression, McIntyre predicts the Commanders will secure fewer than nine and a half wins. He draws parallels to the Houston Texans' initial success followed by a downturn, attributing it to factors like rookie quarterback struggles and sophomore slumps.

• Quote:
  “I see a little regression from Daniels. They won like three games at the buzzer. They had a very fortunate charm run last year.” [12:00]

3. Guest Insights and Side Discussions

Midway through the episode, Eddie House joins the conversation, introducing NBA-related topics that, while slightly tangential, provide a broader sports perspective.

a. NBA Coaching and Team Dynamics

Eddie House engages in a discussion about NBA coaching decisions, drawing comparisons to football's coaching dynamics. The conversation touches upon the challenges of managing star players and maintaining team chemistry.

• Quote:
  “It's gonna blow up in my face. Last time I went against the Seahawks I had to shave the insignia in the side of my head. Won't be doing that again.” [03:08]

b. Knicks Performance and Coaching Strategies

The dialogue shifts to the New York Knicks, where Eddie critiques the team's depth and rotation strategies under coach Tom Thibodeau, speculating on potential coaching changes.

• Quote:
  “I don't think they're deep enough. That's the problem when you look at who they play against.” [08:24]

4. NFL Players Under Pressure

Transitioning back to NFL-focused content, the discussion highlights players and coaches facing significant pressure in the 2025 season, referencing rankings by Fox Sports’ Eric Williams.

a. Top Players and Coaches on the Hot Seat

• Brock Purdy (49ers Quarterback):
  McIntyre considers Purdy as the top player under scrutiny, debating whether his performance merits his current standing or if he should be rated higher given his potential trajectory.

• JJ McCarthy (Vikings Quarterback):
  Ranking at 8th, McCarthy returns from a knee injury, with expectations mounted on his recovery and performance.

• Sam Darnold (Seahawks Quarterback):
  Positioned at number 10, discussions revolve around Darnold's adaptation to the Seahawks' system and his ability to replicate past successes.

• Ben Johnson (Bears Head Coach):
  As the highest-ranked coach under pressure, Johnson's ability to develop Caleb Williams into a formidable NFL quarterback is under the microscope.

• Quote:
  “Ben Johnson is a franchise make or break hire for the Bears. Can he turn Caleb Williams into the NFL quarterback?” [28:00]

b. Derrick Henry and Bryce Young

The conversation also touches upon running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Bryce Young, examining their performance expectations and the pressure to meet team and fan expectations.

• Quote:
  “Bryce Young probably should be on there, but overall that's a strong list.” [29:53]

5. Draft Speculations and Quarterback Evaluations

Jason McIntyre delves into quarterback evaluations, specifically focusing on Jalen Milro's potential in the NFL Draft. He compares Milro's combine performance to legends like Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson, discussing his strengths and areas needing improvement.

a. Jalen Milro's NFL Prospects

• Strengths:
  Milro's exceptional speed and ability to escape pressure mirror attributes of successful dual-threat quarterbacks.

• Areas for Improvement:
  His propensity for interceptions and difficulty reading defenses pose significant concerns for NFL scalability.

• Quote:
  “The only quarterbacks in the history of the combine who have run faster combine or pro day than Jaylen Melro are Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson.” [44:00]

b. Potential Landing Spots

McIntyre speculates on possible teams interested in Milro, including the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, analyzing how each franchise's coaching staff could influence Milro's development.

• Quote:
  “If Milro lands with the Rams, he adds a dimension, whether it's play action, scrambling that we haven't seen with McVay.” [45:00]

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, McIntyre reiterates the unpredictability of NFL drafts and the importance of cautious optimism when evaluating draft prospects. The discussion underscores the complexity of quarterback evaluations and the strategic considerations teams must balance in their draft decisions.

• Closing Quote:
  “The draft does big ratings and it's a huge tent pole event for the NFL in the off season.” [43:30]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jason McIntyre on Falcons' Potential:
  “They have the good run game with Bijan Robinson. I think they'll probably get him another weapon in the draft.” [04:00]

• Eddie House on Coaching Decisions:
  “I don't think you can fire your head coach with three games left in the regular season when you're in a playoff position.” [25:08]

• McIntyre on Jalen Milro's Combine Performance:
  “The only quarterbacks in the history of the combine who have run faster combine or pro day than Jaylen Melro are Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson.” [44:00]

• Discussion on Coaching Management:
  “You just have to let it out for another couple months and then do something after the season.” [27:50]

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Betting: McIntyre provides informed over/under predictions based on team performance, schedules, and offseason changes, offering valuable insights for bettors.

• Player and Coach Pressures: The episode highlights the immense pressures facing NFL players and coaches, emphasizing the fine line between success and heightened scrutiny.

• Draft Complexity: The intricacies of evaluating quarterback prospects are dissected, illustrating the challenges teams face in securing the right talent for long-term success.

• Guest Perspectives: Eddie House's NBA insights, while secondary to the main NFL discourse, enrich the conversation with a multifaceted sports analysis.

For listeners seeking in-depth NFL analysis intertwined with broader sports perspectives, this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" serves as a compelling exploration of the upcoming season's predictions and the multitude of factors influencing team performances and player evaluations.