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Colin Cowherd
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human Every goal starts with incest. As Official partners of U.S. soccer, this team is ready to deliver. Sensodyne Dentist recommended Defense of your sensitive teeth Centrum Fueling your day with science backed nutrients Advil, of course. Powerful inflammation Fighting pain relief Voltaren Arthritis Gel helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. Learn how Halion can assist your game day goals@helionassist.com calm you ever notice how
J. Mac
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Colin Cowherd
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J. Mac
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, today's a day England. You'll get your first look at England, Portugal and Ronaldo today. Could it top yesterday World cup the network that actually discusses it. Welcome back. It is great to be here and I've said this before, I would be viewed as a casual. Although some of the guys on my staff are all in all the time. But American soccer fans, you know they little bit of a chip on their shoulder. They feel ignored. There's no reason to mock them. You know what, this is a great time and they're going to make sure you understand how much they know. But yesterday is a prime example. Stars carry teams. It is beyond schemes. Let's talk messy like a Jalen Brunson in the fourth quarter. He is the system. He took over yesterday. We saw three superstars shining three different ways at three different moments in their career. Let's start with Messi, 38 years old, three goals. Argentina debuts group stage. He's only 5 7, 150 but he is probably technically the greatest player arguably ever Beautiful iq. There's a smoothness to his flow. These are not schemes play design. They are talent. He is so good on the ball. The ability to manipulate space, timing, angles, passing, dribbling. There's a little Steph Curry resemblance. He, he looks different. Then there's Mbappe. He, unlike Messi, is now in his athletic prime. 27, little like an NFL wide receiver in terms of speed and agility. Strong, athletic, can just outrace people. 14 World cup goals in 15 World cup matches doesn't even make sense. That's why France are favorites now. Um, American fans can kind of relate to him. He is just a world class athlete in his prime. Consistently making dynamic plays. When the ball comes off his foot, it looks different. And then there's Norway's Erling Holland. Oh, erling where have you been? He's our Gronk, right? In the World Cup. He's 6, 5. It's an incredibly difficult matchup. He overpowers people. He's a classic target striker. It is a lot of brute force. He is big and strong, a little bit like Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the air. Nobody can really defend him. He just looks different. His misses, his makes. It is all brute force. And you watched these three yesterday, all time greats. Three different styles, three different. Three different sizes, all on display. None of them are part of a system. They are the system. Later today, it's England and then Ronaldo. And here was Stu Holden after the Stars took over yesterday on Fox. Can you imagine these stars, though, the,
Jason
you know, sitting at home watching each
Colin Cowherd
other, where first Mbappe goes, it's your turn. Two goals and Holland goals. Two goals. Messi's like, hey, Brad, hold my beer.
Jason
That's cute, guys.
Colin Cowherd
How about a hat trick? So what is Ronaldo going to do tomorrow? Yeah, it is now we're starting to see the first week. The Americans, the Germans dominate. And now you're getting Messi. Now you're going to get Ronaldo. It's England today. It felt like yesterday kind of the sea opened for the World Cup. It was fantastic. All right, maybe the sea is opening at the World cup on Fox. But the door may be closing on what the Lakers can do in free agency. Because the story this morning is LeBron and the Lakers. They're talking and we've got new owners for the Lakers and they have a lot of lettuce, the Dodgers owners. But they're also discovering that the NBA of all of our pro leagues is the hardest. It's an incremental league. It is the hardest league to make trades and the hardest league to make big improvements year to year. In fact, if you look at the top five free agents this year, these are the cream of the crop. It's a Jalen Duran from the Pistons who can't really create his own shot and had an awful playoff. James Harden of the Cavs. You really want to get into that business. Austin Reeves, good player, but a ceiling athletically. Isaiah Hartenstein, center for okc, who I like a lot, but he's really expensive. And LeBron James at 42 years old, that's the cream of the crop. Some would put Trey Young in there, but he seems to drive coaches crazy. So there's just not that many avenues to quickly improve in the NBA. And they make trades very difficult. You've got to match Salaries. So, like what the New England Patriots did awful to the Super Bowl. You can't really duplicate it. Now you could say, oh, what about San Antonio? Okay, there is a guy named Wemby. There's nobody on the planet like him. And by the way, they got dominated when they got there by the Knicks. So my take is the new Laker owners. These are people that have moved off stars. Cody Bellinger and Manny Machado, they've moved off stars. Trey Turner. But football's different and baseball's different. You can defer payments in Major League Baseball. In the NFL, you got a college draft where you can find Brock Purdy in the seventh round, you can find Puka Nakua in the fifth round, you can find Tom Brady in the sixth round. That doesn't exist in the NBA. Two rounds, you're kind of out of players, usually by about pick 14. Jokic and Draymond Green, Tony Parker, they're outliers. So I think they look at LeBron and they're saying to themselves, we got to get the number right. But last year he gave you 21 points, seven assists and six and a half rebounds. There's like four guys in the NBA that did that. I wish he was 32, that it would be much easier. And then his defense could basically shield Luka and Austin Reeves inability to lock down guys. But there's a difference between good and great. There are no great options for the Lakers. All this stuff about Giannis, I mean, go look at what a team like Portland could offer Giannis. I was looking at something last night on the Interweb about teams interested in Giannis, and I'm like, the Portland offer blows everybody away. He just doesn't want to go to Portland. Right. He wants to be closer to Greece, perhaps. Miami doesn't have much, but that's where he wants to play. So there's just. There's limitations on what you can do. And Frank Isola and I talked about this last week. There was a lot of buzz around the team that the idea of perhaps LeBron joining the warriors after the season, and a lot of that has to do especially with his relationship with Steph Curry. It does make a lot of sense. I think if you were to leave the Lakers, and I don't know why, if I'm the Lakers, I'd want to have him. I think he played really well this season for what you should expect from a guy who's 41 years old. He's not going to play 82 games and needed Luka Doncic all Right. So that's where we stand. I, I want to give you a heads up today. Yesterday, JMac and I got into an argument about the Cleveland Browns. I tend to think they're undervalued, and I think it's so easy to beat up on the Browns that everybody's like, they stink. So today I'm going to do it. And I, I usually do it later in the summer, but the summer's just, just sort of starting. Although it's stormy here in Chicago, occasionally, we get clouds here once a summer. So I'm going to give you my four favorite overs. Oh, and my four favorite unders. They're called future bets over unders. I'm going to do that in 30 minutes from now at the end of our number one. Now, you know this, J. Mac, you got to give me. You got to give me a little bit of credit. This is where I've been pretty good.
Jason
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
I've been pretty good at my over under. So this will be an early summer present before the storms hit in Chicago, and you guys can all have your fun.
Jason
I can't believe you're going to be actually advocating people to put After Tax doll.
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Jason
On the Cleveland Browns over. Is that what you're doing?
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Jason
Oh, my gosh.
Colin Cowherd
That's one of the teams I feel very. So today. Today, if you, if you are a casual with soccer England, this is their best team. Remember, England's only won at one time. So whenever we get these kind of precious, soccer fans are, well, I want to see us win England's one at one time. They're a soccer country, but this is their best team in a while. Also, Ronaldo, like Messi, probably not in his prime, a little out of it, certainly in his financial prime if you look at his contract. But he, he will. I mean, he wouldn't be shocking. You know, Portugal is one of those five or six teams we look at with a chance to be really, really special. So today is a great day on Fox and FS1. Keep it right here.
J. Mac
Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartrad
Colin Cowherd
Stugats here. I have a podcast empire. It continues to grow and I have brought it here to iHeart. I'm also doing a live radio show from 3 to 5pm Eastern because my wife wanted to kick me out of the house. It's called Stegots and company Live, which is available in podcast form right when the show finishes every single day. Some of the biggest names in sports. A lot of phone calls.
J. Mac
I love you guys show.
Colin Cowherd
It's one of my favorites. A lot of interaction. Guys not taking themselves too seriously. Those are just some of the things that you could expect from Stugouts Co. And Stugouts Co. Live. So listen to Stewartson Co. Live and our original podcast. Please subscribe, rate and review Stugatson Co. And God bless Football. Taylor's livelihood depends on it. Do it today and you can check all of those out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
J. Mac
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Colin Cowherd
Every goal starts with an assist. As Official partners of U.S. soccer, this team is ready to deliver Sensodyne Dentist recommended defense of your sensitive teeth Centrum Fueling your day with science backed nutrients. Advil of course. Powerful inflammation fighting pain relief Voltaren Arthritis Gel helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. Learn how Halion can assist your game day goals@helionassist.com Colin hi, it's Colin Coward. If you want your outdoor space to really stand out, Deckorator surestone technology is where you should start when you build your deck. With Deckorators decking made with surestone technology, you're getting something totally different from the typical wood fiber composites out there. Decking with surestone technology is made through a patented process that uses crushed rock, which gives every board incredible strength and durability and Deckorators engineered it with a unique surface design that increases traction in wet conditions. So if you live in a rainy area or you've got kids running around outside, it's a safer, more comfortable surface. Plus, there are more than 40 different color and size combos, so you can design a customized outdoor space that actually fits your home and your style. It's durable, it's safe, it looks great, and it's going to stand out. Build seasons right around the corner. Order a sample today. Visit decorators.com herd to get your free sample. That's decorators with A K again. Decorators.com herd service opens doors and at the American Military University, it can open doors for the whole family. If you have a loved one who served in the military, you may qualify for reduced tuition. AMU offers flexible online programs designed to fit your schedule so you can keep moving forward wherever life takes you. Learn more at Amazon, amu Apus Edu Military Open doors to the future for you and your family with the help of American Military University so the United States in the group stage faces Australia Friday. Australia is an interesting team. They pack it in. Defensively they have almost no possession. They they only had like 25, 30% possession time in a two nothing win that's historically rare. We had almost 75% possession time on a dominating win over Paraguay. We will control the ball Friday against Australia. They pack it in. They've got big athletes. Can you, can you break the wall? Can you score? But we will control. We'll get far more shots on gold in Australia. We will look like the more aggressive team. And that's a big part of Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of the United States men's national team. That's his belief is that relegation overseas in England means you have to win or you get knocked down a pick. American soccer has never quite felt like that. Well, we gave it our best. Here's something to remember, though. Only eight countries, 15% of the field has ever won a World Cup. It's like college football. We convince ourselves anybody can win. But there's a VIP club that Indiana entered last year that's very unique. Very few teams can really next year there's probably six teams with a chance to win a national championship. Top seven. So there's been 22 World Cups. Four countries have 16 of the titles. You can guess who they are like Brazil, Italy, Argentina and Germany. For the record, even countries where soccer is their NFL, their beginning and end. England has one World cup title, Spain as one World cup title and they Commit everything to it. Politics, money, momentum, everything. Spain and England won. So that's why Friday's first half for our guys felt so special. Aggressive, skilled, attacking, dominating. Time of possession, it was, it felt different. It wasn't just set pieces, it wasn't counterattacking, it was open play. Our passing, if you look at some of the data from possession to passing, it's like all time World cup stuff. It all came together. It's that moment in the Elton John movie when he's sitting in the living room and his mom looks around and Bernie Tobin looks around and he's now writing, performing his first song, his first hit. And so it can't just be about winning the World Cup. You send your kid to Harvard or an Ivy League school, they're probably not going to be the smartest kid. It is, however, an opportunity to be among America's smartest young people. It's like there's only 155 restaurants in the country with three Michelin stars. Are those the only good restaurants? If you open a restaurant, do you have to be three Michelin stars or close your doors? One Michelin star is a remarkable achievement. And that's how I look at the World Cup. It's not just James Beard winners, and they announced those a couple days ago, right, that you can't open a restaurant just to be that you can have lofty goals if you have a remarkable chef, but to get a Michelin star is remarkable. Now they've opened the field up in the World cup, so just getting here is not as difficult as it once previously was. But getting out of A Group Stage 2 knockout wins is an achievement that England and Spain can't bank on. And Mauricio Pochettino, he's basically said, guys, losing has to mean more than just firing another coach. We're going to be aggressive, we're going to play an American style. We're going to control the pace, we're going to attack. And Tim Reem, our top defender, says it is difficult. It is challenging, but I love it. This style is, is fun to play, it's enjoyable. It's, it's hard. It's harder than any style or system. The key thing is trusting in your teammates. The key thing is organizing from behind and making sure that everybody's in the right positions. Because we will lose the ball, we will be attacking and we will lose the ball. That's a given. But being in the right places before things happen is how you mitigate the negatives of, of, you know, playing that way. And at the End of the day, we can't argue with, with the, the style, right? Because it, it's, it's getting results. Yeah, they look great against Germany. They look better against Paraguay. And here is it. It's just funny. France only has two World cup titles. They've got the best player in the world right now. In his prime, Mbappe. Here's J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, no. Heard on the news.
J. Mac
This is the Herdline news.
Jason
All right, let's start with Mbappe. Colin, he had fantastic goals in the second half. Kind of struggled in the first half, but man, he was dynamic. After his goal in the 66th minute, Mbappe broke out this incredible flute celebration which came from a promise he made to James Corden. He's doing the after hours show here on Fox. Listen to Landon Donovan. As soon as the goal is scored, Landon Donovan's like, oh, he's got, he's got to make up. Make good for that bet. Here it is.
J. Mac
This is.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, maybe this could be a new celebration.
Jason
First game against.
J. Mac
Score.
Colin Cowherd
Your first goal.
J. Mac
Bang.
Colin Cowherd
Top corner.
J. Mac
You run here, here, straight to here.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I'll do it for you.
Jason
Right.
J. Mac
Okay.
Jason
Right.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, they picked another good angle again. Oh, brilliant from Mbappe.
J. Mac
Brilliant.
Colin Cowherd
France lead. Magical from France. That is so good.
Jason
That's calling your shot right there, right? Oh, yeah, I could do that. I'll score against Senegal and then I'll do the celebration. Now listen, you said he's the best, right?
Colin Cowherd
Now, I think some people prime.
Jason
Some people. Well, technically, yeah, Yamal from Spain. Some people would say, hey, he's the best player in the world. He is. Coming off an injury, only played like 20 minutes. But Mbappe, Colin, that second goal that he scored, that banger from what, 30 yards out. Holy hell. France looked amazing. Senegal was what was my dark horse. They looked great for a half. And then, you know, France woke up. Here's that second goal from. I mean, look at that strike.
Colin Cowherd
And again. And this is what Fowler and Baligan is very. It's very exciting. One time, it just a bolt. You do not get these little tiny openings at the World cup level. You get one shot.
J. Mac
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
And I mean, look at this thing come off his foot.
Jason
That's beauty. All right, let's. Let's go to the NBA. Colin, interesting scenario. Setting up for the Utah Jazz. Now, we don't talk jazz a lot on the show. They've been down bad since I joined the program here, but Colin, the Jazz are reportedly torn over who to draft. Second. Second after the Wizards, they love Debonsa they really like Peterson. And coming up, Mr. Boozer. I had a guest here on the show talking about how the analytical models love Boozer. And now the Jazz are saying, well, Boozer's dad played for us. Does he fit in this front court? Maybe they let go Walker Kessler who the Lakers have shown some interest in.
Colin Cowherd
Well, it's interesting because we don't have a Cooper flag and we do not have a Wemby. We do not have a guy that's an absolute 10 time all NBA player. I think you just have to go with what your scouts and analytics say. I mean, I think you have to lean on your. I mean Danny Ainge is a really smart guy. I think Peterson looks like the most gifted offensive player. But I would absolutely just ask yourself this. If Peterson didn't have the hamstring stuff, if he didn't have kind of The Weird Miss 11 games and the fact that Kansas often when he was off the floor was actually better, like those are real concerns. It's not make believe stuff here. And I think with DebonSA you don't get quite the ceiling. But you know, he's going to be a 23 point a game guy in the NBA for years. And those guys, how many of those guys come out of the draft? Boozer doesn't have the Athletics, but he's a smart winning player, dad. In the league you can put down 18 and a half, 10 and a half and he could play for your franchise forever. So it is. You know, by the way, Carlos Boozer is a scout for the Jazz. So I think, I don't think you can go wrong. I think the first nine picks, nine. But I don't think there is a. And debaunt is probably who I would pick number one because I know what I'm getting with him. I'm going to get 20 plus points, excellent athlete. There's nothing I worry about. But Peterson has played against Ivan said several times and worked it. Yeah, so that is. I remember the first time I was told this year it was back in October. You got to watch Peterson and I mean it's three times up the floor and you're like, oh, this is what Kobe looked like at 17 years old. Like it just wow, does he create space. But I think the concerns are absolutely valid too. Remember, this is not the NFL, Jason. You don't get somebody that's been 23 and a half years old already engaged or married. Like, like NFL guys know their careers are shorter. They're really committed by the time they come in you get an older, physically and mentally mature player. These are kids. These are one and none guys. So I think it's harder.
Jason
The draft is getting fascinating by the day, Colin. I mean, even, you know, your Bulls are in good shape. They don't have to worry. It's like, oh, DeBonsa, Peterson, Boozer. You guys stress over that, we'll just have Caleb fall to our laps at 4. I. I'm looking at those odds. So it's come in a little. Colin DeBonso was minus 500. He's now down to minus 400. I. I don't even know that the Wizards are for sure taking him. One would not shock me, Peterson. And frankly, there's a lot of chatter that, Listen, Boozer is a high IQ kid. He can't jump over a phone book, but he passes like Jokic. And, oh, by the way, the winning mentality we just saw with Jalen Brunson, the knock is a dominant high school player.
Colin Cowherd
The knock I got on Boozer was from an NBA scout in the Eastern Conference. And he said, you know, in the tournament against very athletic, bigger players, he did not shine. He was not dominant. So there's a chance he won't be a dominant player. Now, again, in fairness, he's young, right? In college basketball, you know this over the last four to five years with NIL has gotten older, so he is often now playing against, you know, an older player. I think Boozer is. Is, I don't know. Can't miss. But Boozer's gonna work. Yeah, I watched like 15. We all watch Duke basketball. He didn't have a bad. He had one bad game. Other than that, I kind of knew what I was getting every time he played.
Jason
Yeah, Remember he faced Michigan, Lindenberg, Mara, and they beat Michigan in a awesome match. You guys should go watch it. Honestly, I was lower on Boozer. And the more people you talk to, I'm starting to think Colin, he might be the best of these guys. In the long term. Debons is going to get 25, and so will Peterson. But who's going to win, Colin? Who's going to be the. Jalen Brunson is going to take over and win games.
Colin Cowherd
It's funny if you look at the top draft picks, if I told you the top five picks, who could you put on the Knicks today and he would fit in, it would be Boozer. Boozer, like debons at Peterson, you're like, oh, they take shots away. They play Boozer. You could put them on the Knicks. First guy off the Bench. And you'd be like, oh, he ends up. He scores 12 as a rookie and gives you six rebounds. Like he fits.
J. Mac
Yeah.
Colin Cowherd
Kind of a collaborative collective when he's. You're not asking Boozer to walk in because this is not who he is. You can't ask him to score 24 points, but you could put him on a really good team. I could see somebody trading up if by, like, if Boozer doesn't go in the first three picks, I could see a good team trading up and just saying, like in Oklahoma City saying, we'll give you three picks. Let's get him. He is a starter. Year two, first guy off the bench. Year one and 15 to 18 points a game for a decade.
Jason
Dang. Then I'd have to like Oklahoma City because I like Boozer a lot. All right, let's. Let's go to the NFL to wrap up here. Colin, Huge news for the Cowboys, and it's actually good news for the Cowboys. George Pickens has attended mandatory minicamp. Colin, how about that? Pickens, people were wondering if he was going to hold out, when was he going to show up? He showed up, and guess what? He's not taking the blame. He's putting the blame on his agent. Take a listen.
J. Mac
My agent.
Colin Cowherd
So I was just listening to my agent. So whatever he was saying, go, don't go. That's all I was doing.
Jason
Did you ever want to give him
Colin Cowherd
pushback and come back sooner than when
Jason
he wanted you to?
Colin Cowherd
Nah, no pushback at all. Like I say, just more of a genuine thing. Like I said, whatever he's doing, if
J. Mac
he told me to come back the first day, I would. You see what I mean?
Colin Cowherd
So whatever people are telling me to do, that's in control. He's like your boss, so there's no trust or anything there. He controls what you do. So whether you trust him or not. Yeah, all right.
J. Mac
All right.
Jason
I mean, hey, you. You have an agent. I have one that when they speak, you got to listen. So Pickens. Hey, that's why he wasn't there. You know, it's not like he was in Egypt. Like, nobody told Aaron Rodgers to bail on the jets and go to Egypt, check out the pyramids, because you had to during mini. You know, I mean, but overall, Colin, this is. This is a good sign. Picking, saying the right things.
Colin Cowherd
Absolutely. And he's a good player, but nobody's disputes that. Yeah, he's very good. I'm telling you. If you look at the Dallas offense, here we go. Tight end, receiver, quarterback emerging. O line. It's pretty good. It's pretty good.
Jason
Cowboys gonna make that over under list here shortly.
J. Mac
It's close.
Colin Cowherd
Go either way. J. Mac for the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for
J. Mac
stopping by the herd lie news.
Colin Cowherd
So I have theories and I throw them out there and like predictions. If I can go like 50, 60%, I feel great. Last year blazing five, I got like 57. Picking NFL games against the spread I felt great. I felt fantastic. I've had this theory about the Celtics Jason Tatum is that he's not fundamental to their winning like Jalen Brunson is or Jokic or Steph Curry to their team. And so the ringer owned by a Celtics guy just listed their top 100 NBA players was Tatum. Four, six.
J. Mac
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Slipped a seven. No, he was 13. I got no problem with that when I watch 6 foot 2 thick, not athletically dynamic. Jalen Brunson dominate the fourth quarter against the Spurs. A great defensive team. It is so obvious of his perpetually consistent mental toughness. It is relentless. Jalen Brunson got hurt twice in game one and yet fourth quarter he's finishing. So Jayson Tatum meanwhile, he's just really really skilled and really, really talented. But I've always felt there is something missing. There are times when the Celtics latent games, I'm not sure Tatum's on the floor. And so the Celtics keep playing musical chairs, bringing players in, moving players out with Tatum to make it ideal. And to me Tatum fits into, he fits into the Celtics three point system, but he does not feel like he is the system. He's not initiating Celtics winning, he's just elevating winning. The Celtics are better with him, but they were a number two seed and he didn't play most of the year. Okay, so when Steph Curry doesn't play, is not on the floor. Let's be honest, even Warrior fans would tell you unwatchable when Jokic doesn't play. It's a second tier team in Denver when Tyrese Halliburton, who I think is just an unbelievable talent, they went from the finals to awful when he got hurt. The Celtics with an unathletic front court and Jalen Brown, Peyton Pritchard, number two seed, that is my knock is that Brunson is fundamental like a Steph Curry, Jokic Halliburton, he is fundamental to the Knicks winning. He has the kind of mental toughness and consistency. Players follow him, he leads, he initiates, he closes. That is Brunson. Tatum's just really talented. But there are times. He doesn't lead, he doesn't initiate, and way too often he doesn't close. And that is the difference. By the way, the Ringer has Brunson ahead of Jason Tatum, which is, I'm sure, was a painful moment for the creator and owner of the Ringer. So yesterday, I know what you're saying. You're anti Tatum. No, I'm not. But there are certain players who are fundamental to winning. And then there are guys that are just really super talented, like Tyrese Halliburton. It's unbelievable that they made the Finals. He gets hurt. You watch three games without them and you're like, their offense is a mess. And that's with a good coach. That's with Rick Carlisle. You're like, it is a mess. Okay, I give these out as a June Christmas present. We've done very well through the years on our overs and unders in the NFL. Future bets Ryan Rosillo Top of the hour, too, by the way, so I'm going to give you my four favorite overs and my four favorite unders coming up.
J. Mac
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Colin Cowherd
All right. You know what deserves more attention? The assists. Everybody talks about the goal. A big moment that gets replayed on the highlight reels. But too often we overlook all the contributions and collabs that happen along the way. That's true in soccer and honestly, true in life. Halion is shining a light on the assists. As official partner of U.S. soccer, they got a whole lineup of brands ready to deliver for you. So here they are. Sensodyne Dentist Recommended Defense of your sensitive teeth Centrum Fueling your day with science backed nutrients. Advil of course Powerful inflammation fighting pain relief Voltaren Arthritis Gel helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. These are brands that are ready to deliver your essential wellness assists because every goal starts with an assist. Learn how Halion can assist your game day goals@helionassist.com Colin hi, it's Colin Coward. If you want your outdoor space to really stand out, Deckorator surestone technology is where you should start when you build your deck with Deckorators decking made with surestone technology, you're getting something totally different from the typical wood fiber composites out there. Decking with Surestone technology is made through a patented process that uses crushed rock which gives every board incredible strength and durability. And Deckorators engineered it with a unique surface design that increases traction in wet conditions. So if you live in a rainy area or you've got kids running around outside, it's a safer, more comfortable surface. Plus, there are more than 40 different color and size combos so you can design a customized outdoor space that actually fits your home and your style. It's durable, it's safe, it looks great and it's going to stand out. Build seasonings right around the corner. Order a sample today. Visit decorators.com herd to get your free sample. That's decorators with A K Again, decorators.com herd service opens doors and at the American Military University it can open doors for the whole family. If you have a loved one who served in the military, you may qualify for reduced tuition. AMU offers flexible online programs designed to fit your schedule so you can keep moving forward wherever life takes you. Learn more at AMU apus Edu Military open doors to the future for you and your family with the help of American Military University Messi Mbappe and the
Jason
biggest stars in the world took over yesterday. Today the World cup continues with Collins England squad taking on Croatia at 4 Eastern on Fox. Then tonight on FS1, it's Ghana, Panama and Colombia. Uzbekistan. Another huge day of the World cup on Fox and FS1.
Colin Cowherd
All right, so through the years I've taken a lot of pride, probably too much pride before the fall end up predicting what team will double their win total. Who will be the surprise team. So I had the Patriots. Last year I also had Seattle as one of my better than you expect teams. So I said we were. We got into this argument yesterday with Cleveland and I look at stuff like schedule matters. Like last year, San Francisco and New England had really, really easy schedules and it helped. The Niners fell apart physically but could still compete. They couldn't beat the Rams, they're not going to beat the Niners or the Seahawks, but they won a lot of games because the schedule was weak and New England got huge breaks, could stay a little healthier, got some momentum because they weren't facing elite offenses very much. So I look at schedules. Is your best player coming off a surgery or an injury? Did you lose coaching staff overs and unders? So I'm going to give you my four favorite overs and my four favorite unders. Let's start with the Chargers nine and a half. I like the over. First of all, Mike McDaniel to me was the number one coaching hire in the league at coordinator. He'll come in, clean up Justin Herbert. He made TUA a Pro Bowler. They get both Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Joe Alt at right tackle and they also committed draft capital to their interior offensive line. Some think they got the best center in college football out of Florida. Jim Harbaugh teams have won 11 plus games in five of his last of his six seasons both years with the Chargers. So I don't think it's wild. Even though the division is tough. To think they'll go 10 and 7 with an upgraded offensive line that feels like an easy one. I like the over nine and a half for the Chargers. I'm going to take the under on Kansas City at ten and a half. First of all, Mahomes coming off an acl, is it possible he won't have the mobility at least early in the season? They have one of the toughest schedules in the league. Go check out their first seven games and their last seven games. It is rough. They're getting old in key spots. Travis Kelce, Chris Jones did not have dominating years. I still think, you know, the offensive line we like at left tackle, but there's a little finger crossing. I think the early and late schedules are a handful again. Ten and seven means the under hits. I like the Chiefs under ten and a half. I like Cleveland or over five and a half. That team can't win six games. Listen, excellent young offensive and defensive talent Andrew Barry is the most unheralded young GM in the sport. They have the easiest schedule like the Patriots last year. Go find three Straight games where they can't pick up wins. It's a workable schedule. By the way, when Stefanski arrived and they had questions, they went 11 and 5 in their first year. Cleveland generally doesn't lack talent. They may lack the quarterback or the coach, but when you look at his schedule, you look at their talent. Five and a half. The division's good, it's not great. Cincinnati's roster is not great. The Steelers are old and expensive. I think this is a seven win team. Upside the eight take the over on the Browns in that division. I'll take the under 11 and a half on the Ravens. Now hard it is to win 12 games in this division. They've got a new head coach, the Ravens have a new offensive coordinator, they have a new defensive coordinator. And you and I all watched Lamar Jackson last year. He regressed his rushing numbers went down to under 30 yards rushing a game. Again, this is the highest win total in the NFL and I don't know Aaron Rodgers burrow a talented Cleveland team. They were 8 and 9 last year and again I think their schedule early is workable but in the middle of it I see a lot of Jags, burrow, Bills, Chargers, Texans, Baker Mayfield. I think it's tough in the middle. I like the under on the Ravens. New York Giants. I've told you this, I think the over seven and a half is a play. The Harbaughs, Jim and John have an ability to implement implement their culture very quickly. Harbaugh took over a Ravens team that was 5 and 11. They went 11 and 5 next year in Baltimore. 7 of 18 years winning record in Baltimore. Scatterboos Healthy darts, healthy neighbors. Eventually in September will be healthy. I love their draft. Francis Marinoa, Malachi Fields, Arvell Reese, all first day starters. I also think Isaiah likely is going to be a productive tight end for them. That was a position of weakness. So again I get the coach, I get a last place schedule. This number again, this is like Baltimore's number. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. This is the one. If I, if I just decided I'm going to. I'm going to really go for it, it would be Giants over seven and a half. I'm going to go packers under nine and a half. I like them but I think the division's really good folks. Jordan Love's never won more than nine games in any of his last three years and the division's never been better. Ben Johnson and Caleb Year 2 Kyler Murray upgraded quarterback for Minnesota Detroit major upgrade at left tackle and offensive coordinator. So Micah Parsons is not going to be ready for the start of the season. The packers were.04 when Micah didn't play. They also lost Rashawn Gary and Jeff Halfley was an excellent defensive coordinator. And by the way, Jordan Love's been dinged up. Oh funny. Now they don't have a backup in Malik Willis. This is an easy one for me. I can like a team 9 and 8 feels about where they land. I like the under. Don't hate the Packers, I just don't love them under on Green Bay. I like the over seven and a half on the Saints. It's not a very good division. People inside the building and around the organization like Tyler Schuck for the record go to his last five games last year. He's a big kid with a lively arm. Last five games 70% completion percentage, 99 passer rating. They think they have found their guy. For all we know they have also a Jordan Tyson, Travis Atn, some upgrades here to go with Chris A lot ave. Look at the schedule, lot of game. Look at the end of that schedule. If this team's in a playoff race there is a lot of winnable games. I think The Saints are a 9 10ish win team. They believe they found their quarterback and when organizations believe that, everything goes downhill. Finally the jets, under five and a half worst coach in the sport, one of the weakest quarterbacks positions. They didn't make any massive moves in the offseason. Yes, I like their draft, I like some of their young players but if you look at what they acquired quarterback coaching league that they're not going to score any points. I mean they won three games last year by a combined 11 points. They had 14 losses by 214 points. They got blown out in a majority of their games and were not competitive. And if you start looking at this schedule, look at the early schedule, any optimism in that locker room at Tennessee, packers at Detroit, at Chicago, at New England. Look at the early schedule at Kansas City in the first nine weeks followed by Buffalo Chargers, Broncos. If they're young and optimistic they're going to get so beaten down with this coaching staff in this quarterback position. I think the jets are a 2, 3 win team there. They didn't have an interception last year with a defensive coach. They'll be the number one pick in the NFL draft next year. Doesn't mean they'll know what to do with it, but they'll have the number one pick in the draft. So in review Browns over five and A half Chargers over nine and a half. Giants over seven and a half. Saints pretty feel pretty confident about this. Over seven and a half. All barring a major injury at quarterback. Under jets are a three win team. I like the Ravens 11 and a half. How. Why do they have the highest over.
J. Mac
Under.
Colin Cowherd
That's. That is a big number. Again I like the Chiefs. I think they're going to win 10 games. It's margins here. They're getting a little old in key spots. And again think Green Bay could make the playoffs. But that division now Ben and Caleb year two. I think Vikings are going to be better at quarterback. I think the Lions solved their OC issue in left tackle. So I think, I think that division, I think the fourth place team in the NFC north could win nine games. I think it's the best division in football. If you look at the NFC north against other divisions, it's easily the best division in football. That is not a knock on the Packers. It's just they're all going to be smushed around 11, 10, nine wins. J. Mac.
Jason
Okay, all right. What do you want me to start? I think the packers would be my most staunch disagreement. Obviously you mentioned Halfley, a good defensive coordinator. I think they upgraded getting Jonathan Gannon. Do you remember what he did in Philadelphia? That's why he got hired in Arizona. He's not a, he's not a leader. He's not a leader as like a head coach, but as a defensive coordinator. He's going to be great. Tucker Kraft, you forgot about him. He was emerging as like a top six tight end in the league. They missed him, they missed Watson, they missed Micah down the stretch. I love the Packers. What was the other one that got me all fired up? So the Ravens one. I want to ask you, Colin, you and I have looked at this for two months and been like, what is with the Ravens? Why do you think the market is so high on the Ravens? Because again, something's not adding up between the new coach. Lamar, no new contract, offensive coordinators, difficult place yet. Eleven and a half is the win total. We're missing something. I just can't figure out what it is.
Colin Cowherd
I think their schedule looks like it's got about 12 wins in it. But. But it's very hard. I mean if you look at. I mean the hardest part of making my Browns pick was just it's a new coach. Like anytime you bring in a whole new system and a whole new coach, there can be a real learning curve.
Jason
By the way, speaking of Browns.
J. Mac
Hold on.
Jason
Just because I got this stat, I called it up here. There they have 22 starters on offensive defense. They're looking at 12, maybe 13 new starters on the Browns next year from Week 1 in 2025.
Colin Cowherd
That's why, by the way, I don't have them winning 13 games. I'm saying I think they're a 7, 8 win team. I do think that's a problem. But the good news to young players, when they get hurt, they recover more quickly. That's what hurts the Niners. Older players get hurt, they're out longer. That's always been the story in the NBA and the NFL is injuries, you know, are much, you can deal with those and rehab much more quickly when you have young players and young athletes. We always see young athletes get hurt. Jason Tatum and they spring back and they're here two months before we thought it was possible. So Ryan Rosillo is around the corner. Albert Breer as well. Ah, I was on the phone this morning and last night on Brandon Sorsby with NFL execs. Oh, I'll relay some messages. Coming up. Hour two. Every goal starts with an assist. As Official partners of U.S. soccer, this team is ready to deliver. Sensodyne dentist recommended Defense of your sensitive teeth Centrum Fueling your day with science backed nutrients. Advil, of course. Powerful inflammation fighting pain relief. Voltaren Arthritis gel helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. Learn how Halion can assist your game day goals@helionassist.com calm onplus nicotine pouches present comfort chronicles at 10 o' clock tee time. How comfortable you show up in stretchy shorts of breathable tea and maybe no socks. Let the dogs breathe. While other sweat and pleated khakis. You're in your comfort zone. Bombing drive and in your pocket. On nicotine pouches the softest pouch on the planet. Buy a can@onnicotine.com Products for tobacco consumers 21 years of age or older.
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Warning.
Colin Cowherd
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Date: June 17, 2026
Episode Theme: Messi’s World Cup Hat Trick, LeBron’s L.A. Future, NFL Over-Unders
Colin Cowherd dives into a packed show, focusing on the spectacle of the 2026 World Cup—including Lionel Messi's remarkable hat trick—and pivots to the evolving futures of NBA superstar LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers. The hour closes with Colin’s signature breakdown of NFL win total over-under bets for the coming season. Featuring analysis, debate, and notable banter, this episode exemplifies Colin’s opinion-driven, story-focused style.
Timestamp: 03:30 – 07:09; 15:50 – 21:54
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
“None of them are part of a system. They are the system.” – Colin Cowherd (06:37)
Memorable Moment:
Colin and Jason joke about the one-upmanship among superstars:
“First Mbappé goes, it’s your turn. Two goals and Haaland goes, two goals. Messi’s like, hey, hold my beer.” – Colin Cowherd (06:58)
Timestamp: 15:50 – 21:54
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
“It can’t just be about winning the World Cup. To get a Michelin star is remarkable.” – Colin Cowherd (17:53)
Timestamp: 07:10 – 12:56
Key Points:
Memorable Moment:
“I wish he was 32, that would be much easier… There are no great options for the Lakers.” – Colin Cowherd (09:32)
Timestamp: 11:52 – 12:56; 38:50 – 48:08
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
“That team can’t win six games? …That’s a seven-win team, upside to eight.” – Colin Cowherd (about Browns over, 40:51)
“Jets, under five and a half. Worst coach, one of the weakest quarterback positions. They didn’t make any massive moves. They’re a 2, 3 win team.” – Colin Cowherd (44:42)
Discussion:
Timestamp: 23:46 – 29:01
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
“I think with Debonza you don’t get quite the ceiling. But you know, he’s going to be a 23-point-a-game guy in the NBA for years. How many of those guys come out of the draft?” – Colin Cowherd (25:20)
Timestamp: 30:39 – 35:01
Key Points:
Notable Quote:
“There’s a difference between being fundamental to winning and just super talented.” – Colin Cowherd (31:47)
Timestamp: 21:54 – 30:36
Soccer:
NFL:
On World Cup Stars:
“Stars carry teams. It is beyond schemes. These are not play design, they are talent.” – Colin Cowherd (04:27)
On LeBron Free Agency:
“Football’s different, baseball’s different… you can defer payments… That doesn’t exist in the NBA.” – Colin Cowherd (08:57)
On US Soccer:
“Friday’s first half for our guys felt so special. Aggressive, skilled, attacking, dominating. Time of possession, it felt different.” – Colin Cowherd (17:15)
| Segment | Timestamp | |---------|-----------| | Opening Sports Theme & World Cup Superstars | 03:30 – 07:09 | | LeBron & Lakers’ Free Agency Dilemma | 07:10 – 12:56 | | US Soccer & World Cup Realities | 15:50 – 21:54 | | Rapid News: Mbappé, NBA Draft, NFL Pickens | 21:54 – 30:36 | | NBA Impact: Tatum vs. Brunson | 30:39 – 35:01 | | NFL Over/Unders Deep Dive | 38:50 – 48:08 |
Perfect for listeners monitoring the intersection of global soccer excitement, LeBron’s twilight stakes, and football futures.