Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 2 - NFL Predictions
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction
In the second hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Danny Parkins steps in for Colin Cowherd to deliver insightful and detailed predictions for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The discussion spans various divisions, team performances, and strategic outlooks, enriched with expert analysis and notable quotes.
NFC North Predictions
Danny Parkins begins by forecasting the Detroit Lions as potential Super Bowl contenders for the second consecutive year, citing their impressive 27-win record over the last two seasons—the highest in the NFL. Despite concerns surrounding their interior and offensive line, Parkins remains optimistic:
“If their defense is just normal hurts instead of extreme hurt, the offense is too good, that's still an 11 or 12 win team.”
[04:30]
He views the Minnesota Vikings’ underperformance last year as a fluke, predicting a solid 9 to 10-win season due to stable quarterback play with JJ McCarthy and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Conversely, Parkins is cautious about the Green Bay Packers, expecting an eight-win season should their turnovers not replicate last year's exceptional performance. The Chicago Bears, however, receive a positive outlook, anticipating a 9 or 10-win season bolstered by quarterback Caleb Williams's development:
“The Bears will be better. They're a 9 or a 10 win team this season.”
[10:15]
NFC East Predictions
The Philadelphia Eagles are touted as the best team in football, with Parkins assigning them an over on their win total at 11.5:
“The Eagles are an over team. Their totals at 11 and a half which is very high.”
[13:45]
He contrasts this with the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, both expected to underperform their win totals due to inconsistent performances and offensive line questions.
The New York Giants receive an over prediction at 5.5 wins, hinging on their improved defense and strategic additions:
“If you've got a top 10 defense, you're in a lot of games.”
[15:00]
NFC South Predictions
Parkins commends the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the best organization in the NFL, projecting them as an over at nine and a half wins. The Atlanta Falcons are also deemed an over at 7.5 wins, thanks to quarterback Michael Penix's promising start:
“The Falcons are an over team.”
[18:20]
He expresses optimism for the Carolina Panthers, citing Bryce Young’s progression and defensive upgrades, while predicting the New Orleans Saints to tank with under 5.5 wins:
“The Saints are an under five and a half team. I think they are tanking.”
[19:50]
AFC North Predictions
In the AFC North, Parkins scores the Baltimore Ravens as an under at 11.5 wins, attributing their challenges to replicating last season’s offensive prowess:
“I think that they can be a 10 win team that still is very dangerous.”
[22:10]
He is bullish on the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, both receiving over predictions based on their robust offenses and consistent performances:
“The Bengals fact is maybe my favorite [...] They are a double digit win team.”
[23:45]
AFC East Predictions
The Buffalo Bills are highlighted as the division’s clear over at 11.5 wins, praised for their balanced attack and strong roster:
“Bills are a clear over team at eleven and a half.”
[25:30]
In contrast, the New England Patriots are expected to rise but still fall short of playoff contention, while the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are projected to underperform due to injuries and inconsistent play.
AFC South Predictions
Danny Parkins predicts the Indianapolis Colts as a strong team with over 8 wins, commending their organization and coaching. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans receive under predictions, reflecting concerns about their offensive efficiencies and historical struggles.
AFC West Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs are seen as an over team with high win potential, given Patrick Mahomes's leadership and the team's defensive strength. The Los Angeles Chargers receive a similar optimistic outlook, benefiting from elite offensive weapons and a top-tier defense:
“The Chargers are an over for the chargers.”
[30:50]
Parkins concludes the division analysis by highlighting the Denver Broncos as a resilient team, albeit with some offensive plateaus expected.
Guest Segment: Mike Jones on NFL Topics
Bringing in Mike Jones from The Athletic, the conversation shifts to player contracts and team strategies. They discuss Jimmy Haslam's comments on Arch Manning, Travis Hunter’s dual-role potential, and the evolving nature of player contracts in the modern NFL. Notable insights include:
Colin Cowherd: “Athletes have just gotten better. We can start seeing more guys try to do it.”
[28:40]
Jones and Cowherd delve into Micah Parsons's contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting Jerry Jones's strategic delays in signing star players:
Colin Cowherd: “Jerry's going to wind up making me the highest paid player in the league at my position.”
[32:01]
Quarterback Class Analysis
The episode culminates with an analysis of last year's quarterback class, emphasizing the unexpected performances and media perceptions. Parkins highlights Bo Nix’s impressive rookie season with the Denver Broncos, arguing he deserves more recognition:
“He is one of the great rookie seasons that we've seen and we'll see how he builds on it.”
[47:03]
Comparing stars like Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, Parkins praises Hurts for his leadership and clutch performances despite operating within a "super team" framework:
Colin Cowherd: “He is one of the top at his position.”
[36:50]
Conclusion
Danny Parkins wraps up the hour with a comprehensive roundup of NFL predictions, quarterback performances, and strategic insights, setting the stage for the upcoming season. The blend of statistical analysis and expert commentary provides listeners with a thorough understanding of what to expect in 2025.
Notable Quotes
-
“If their defense is just normal hurts instead of extreme hurt, the offense is too good, that's still an 11 or 12 win team.”
– Danny Parkins [04:30] -
“The Eagles are an over team. Their totals at 11 and a half which is very high.”
– Danny Parkins [13:45] -
“He is one of the great rookie seasons that we've seen and we'll see how he builds on it.”
– Danny Parkins [47:03] -
“He is one of the top at his position.”
– Colin Cowherd [36:50]
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Hour 2 - NFL Predictions of The Herd with Colin Cowherd. Whether you're an avid NFL fan or new to the sport, the episode offers valuable perspectives on team trajectories, player performances, and the evolving landscape of the league.