Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: The Favorites - NFL Playoff Predictions
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
- Episode: The Favorites - NFL Playoff Predictions
- Release Date: July 16, 2025
- Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
Introduction
Timestamp: 02:21 – 04:25
Chad Millman introduces the episode as part of "The Favorites" podcast within The Volume Podcast Network. He, along with co-host Simon Hunter and guest Brandon Anderson, embark on their 2025 NFL season preview, focusing on playoff predictions. Chad sets the stage by highlighting the upcoming training camps and the shift from a "long, hard, cold winter of no football" to the excitement of the season's onset.
"Today we officially kick off our 2025 NFL season preview episodes. Training camps open at the end of next week."
— Chad Millman [02:21]
AFC Playoff Predictions
Timestamp: 04:25 – 19:33
The hosts delve into their AFC playoff outlook, discussing established powerhouses and emerging contenders.
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Consensus Picks:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
All three hosts agree on these teams' playoff potentials due to their strong performances and elite quarterbacks.
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Diverging Opinions on Key Teams:
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Cincinnati Bengals:
- Simon Hunter supports Bengals making the playoffs, even predicting a division win.
- Brandon Anderson counters, labeling them as a "bad team" despite Joe Burrow's talent.
"They're bad. Chad. It's pretty, pretty, pretty simple when you break it down."
— Brandon Anderson [06:54] -
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
- Simon Hunter favors the Texans, citing C.J. Stroud's performance and a strong defense.
- Chad Millman opts for the Jaguars, expressing skepticism about the Texans despite their defensive prowess.
"So I'm happy to put the Bengals as an option here."
— Brandon Anderson [10:28]
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Chargers and Pittsburgh Broncos Analysis:
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Chargers:
- Simon Hunter trusts Justin Herbert's potential, despite defensive inconsistencies.
- Chad Millman shares concern over regression in the Chargers' defense but remains cautiously optimistic about their offense.
"I'm not excited about the Chargers. I don't think I want a Super Bowl ticket on the Chargers."
— Chad Millman [25:09] -
Pittsburgh Steelers & Denver Broncos:
- Simon Hunter and Chad Millman express doubts about both teams making significant playoff impacts due to coaching concerns and defensive regressions.
"I think the Chargers are not a ton different on the floor ceiling thing."
— Chad Millman [25:09]
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Patriots Inclusion:
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Chad Millman and Brandon Anderson consider including the New England Patriots, highlighting Mike Vrabel's coaching and roster improvements.
"I love Rabel. I think is an instant difference maker."
— Simon Hunter [30:10]
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NFC Playoff Predictions
Timestamp: 19:33 – 27:44
Transitioning to the NFC, the hosts evaluate traditional giants and dark horses.
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Consensus Picks:
- San Francisco 49ers: Universally acknowledged as potential number one seeds.
- Green Bay Packers: Recognized for their consistent performance.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Favored for their offensive prowess.
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Diverging Opinions on Additional NFC Teams:
-
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears:
- Simon Hunter supports the Lions, appreciating their defense and offensive improvements.
- Brandon Anderson prefers the Bears, emphasizing their upgraded offensive line and coaching strategies.
"I don't even know why you would make Chicago another division because it's just such a tough division."
— Brandon Anderson [42:25] -
Minnesota Vikings vs. Others:
- Chad Millman opts for the Vikings, focusing on their strong offensive line and defensive additions.
- Simon Hunter remains skeptical due to quarterback uncertainties.
"I think they get back Christian Darrisaw. Him and Brian O’Neill, I think are one of the better tackle combos in the league."
— Chad Millman [43:23]
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Los Angeles Rams Inclusion:
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Brandon Anderson and Chad Millman agree on including the Rams, citing their improved offensive line, talent acquisitions like Devonta Adams, and Sean McVay's effective coaching.
"Their defensive line, I think they're just severely underrated. Like they're a young, hungry group that we've seen time and time again."
— Chad Millman [56:01]
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Final Playoff Picks
Timestamp: 27:44 – 35:56
Consolidating their discussions, the hosts finalize their playoff selections, balancing consensus and individual insights.
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AFC Final Picks:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals (debated)
- Houston Texans / Jacksonville Jaguars
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New England Patriots
- Las Vegas Raiders (Brandon's wildcard pick)
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NFC Final Picks:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Green Bay Packers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Dallas Cowboys
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears / Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Los Angeles Rams
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"Burrow belongs."
— Brandon Anderson [10:28] -
"Cyrus, it's honestly going to be a lot tougher in that division."
— Brandon Anderson [08:14] -
"The offensive line, the coaching staff, no one be shocked."
— Chad Millman [33:10]
Conclusions and Insights
The hosts emphasize the unpredictability of the NFL playoffs, balancing team performances, coaching impacts, and player health. They acknowledge the league's parity, leading to higher turnover in playoff teams. Trust in offensive capabilities, elite quarterbacks, and strategic coaching emerges as a primary factor influencing their predictions.
Chad Millman and Brandon Anderson express caution regarding teams with fluctuating defenses, while Simon Hunter underscores the importance of quarterback stability and offensive efficiency. The podcast encapsulates a multifaceted analysis, blending statistical insights with subjective evaluations to forecast the 2025 NFL playoff landscape.
Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections were excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared by the hosts.