Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: The Favorites - NFC West Betting Preview

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Hosts: Chad Millman (Action Network) and Simon Hunter (The Volume Podcast Network)

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Chad Millman and Simon Hunter delve into an in-depth analysis of the NFC West division, providing a comprehensive betting preview ahead of the NFL season. Focusing on the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers, the hosts offer their insights on team performance, player dynamics, and betting strategies.

Overview of NFC West

Chad Millman opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of the NFC West as a pivotal division in the NFL, setting the stage for their detailed analysis of each team.

Chad Millman [02:21]: "Today, our annual division by division, NFL preview episodes march on as we go through every team across the AFC and the NFC on the path to NFL Week 1."

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers receive significant attention, with Chad and Simon discussing their optimistic outlook based on team improvements and favorable schedules.

• Coaching and Management: Chad praises Head Coach Kyle Shanahan's consistent performance, noting his ability to secure at least ten wins each season despite challenges.

  Chad Millman [09:00]: "He's never had fewer than 10 wins in a season in his career."

• Key Players and Health: The discussion emphasizes the importance of quarterback Brock Purdy's health and performance, alongside Calvin McCaffrey's return from injury.

• Betting Insights: Chad advocates for betting on the 49ers to exceed a win total of 10.5, citing undervaluation in current odds.

  Chad Millman [12:47]: "I have them at 12 wins, so I have them a win and a half above what the books are projecting."

• Notable Quote: "Let's go by game by game and try to find these wins for them."

Win Total Bet: Over 10.5 Wins

Los Angeles Rams

Next, the Rams are analyzed with a focus on recent acquisitions and their impact on the team's prospects.

• Key Additions: The acquisition of wide receiver Devonte Adams is highlighted as a major boost to the Rams' offense, enhancing both passing and blocking schemes.

  Simon Hunter [22:58]: "The addition of Devonte Adams as well. Yes, Puka and Devonte Adams. And even if you want to say Devonte's over the hill, which we could all agree on, he's still one of the best route running receivers."

• Quarterback Concerns: Matthew Stafford's health is a point of concern, with discussions around his injury history and potential impact on performance.

• Defense and Offense Balance: While the Rams boast a strong offense, questions remain about their defensive drafting and consistency.

• Betting Insights: Both hosts agree on betting the Rams to exceed a win total of 9.5, believing the team can achieve at least ten wins.

  Chad Millman [27:28]: "The Rams over nine and a half. Yeah. If you're gonna make me take one of these unders, which one I like more. I'll join you on the Seattle one."

Win Total Bet: Over 9.5 Wins

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are discussed with a more cautious perspective, focusing on offensive line deficiencies and quarterback performance.

• Quarterback Performance: Sam Darnold's tenure is scrutinized, with concerns about his ability to thrive without a solid offensive line in place.

  Simon Hunter [38:51]: "It's his kryptonite. Like we saw when that offensive line got banged up on the Vikings. He struggled against Detroit, he struggled against the Rams."

• Offensive Line Issues: The lack of improvement in the offensive line is identified as a critical weakness that could hinder the Seahawks' offensive effectiveness.

• Defense Highlights: Despite offensive challenges, the Seahawks’ defense, led by Robert Saleh, is acknowledged as a strength that could provide balance.

• Betting Insights: Both Chad and Simon concur on betting the Seahawks to fall below an 8.5 win total, citing offensive struggles as a limiting factor.

  Simon Hunter [34:28]: "So it's going to be tough right now for Seattle where, you know, Sam Darnold might be your answer for them 2, 3 years whether you like it or not."

Win Total Bet: Under 8.5 Wins

Arizona Cardinals

While briefly touched upon, the Cardinals are evaluated as a middle-of-the-pack team with limited upside.

• Performance Struggles: The Cardinals' inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position with Kyler Murray, is highlighted as a barrier to higher performance.

  Simon Hunter [34:28]: "I can see for the Seahawks where the defense is just that much better than our offense where the defense feels like every day are winning the day by the beat writers."

• Betting Outlook: The hosts express skepticism about placing significant bets on the Cardinals, suggesting their performance may align with average expectations.

Betting Strategies and Conclusions

Chad and Simon conclude the episode by summarizing their top betting picks within the NFC West:

• San Francisco 49ers: Over 10.5 Wins
• Los Angeles Rams: Over 9.5 Wins
• Seattle Seahawks: Under 8.5 Wins

They emphasize the value in betting against public sentiment, particularly with the 49ers being undervalued in current odds despite their strong prospects.

Chad Millman [46:10]: "Yeah, I'll definitely put win total for 49ers. My number one bet for this division, 10 to 10 and a half. Love that over and then right behind it. Love the Rams obviously over nine and a half."

Notable Quotes

• Chad Millman [10:28]: "I think this win total is valuing the Niners below market, definitely below where they had been years prior."

• Simon Hunter [14:50]: "Robert Sala was one of the most important additions to any team during the off season."

• Chad Millman [27:28]: "The only person who should dress up at the bachelor party in a costume is the bachelor."

Final Thoughts

Chad and Simon provide a balanced and insightful preview of the NFC West, blending statistical analysis with expert opinions. Their betting recommendations offer valuable guidance for listeners looking to engage with the NFL season through wagering, highlighting opportunities where professional bettors see value against the public market.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of iHeartPodcasts, The Volume Podcast Network, or any affiliated entities. Betting involves risk and should be approached responsibly.