THE HERD - Hour 2 – The ‘Underdog’ Hoosiers, NFL Week 18 Preview, Stafford’s MVP Case

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd (Guest Hosts: Rob Parker & Kerry Rhodes)

Hour 2 – The ‘Underdog’ Hoosiers, NFL Week 18 Preview, Stafford’s MVP Case

Date: January 1, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

On this lively New Year's Day episode, guest hosts Rob Parker and former pro safety Kerry Rhodes took the reins, dissecting college football's biggest narratives and previewing critical NFL Week 18 action. The conversation zeroes in on the Indiana Hoosiers' so-called "underdog" football story, dives deep into NFL playoff scenarios, and debates Matthew Stafford's MVP credentials—a discussion colored with candid opinions, sharp stats, and listener interactions. Special guest Carmen Vitale from FOX Sports Radio joins to deliver further NFL insight.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

Debunking Indiana's "Underdog" Narrative

Rob Parker and Kerry Rhodes spar over the portrayal of Indiana football as this season's Cinderella story, exposing the financial muscle and strategy behind their unprecedented run.

• [03:51] Rob Parker: “I know the difference between underdogs and cute little stories... Indiana football is not one of these stories. They’re fraudulent underdogs to me.”
• Extensive spending has propelled Indiana into the top 10 nationally for money spent on players, coaching, and support staff.
• The Hoosiers’ quarterback, Mendoza, commands a $2 million salary—hardly a rags-to-riches tale.
• Indiana’s use of the transfer portal, combined with deep pockets, makes their rise planned, not miraculous.

Quote [06:14] Rob Parker:
“This is not... ‘how did Indiana come out of nowhere?’ They spent the money to build a super team. Don’t make a false narrative like you’re stunned.”

• Kerry Rhodes concedes Parker’s logic, noting the current college football landscape allows ambitious, well-funded programs to flip the script—but won’t call this Indiana story a fairy tale.
• Despite public perception, Indiana’s football success is a calculated investment, not a coincidental run of upsets.

Quote [07:52] Kerry Rhodes:
“You talked about them being a basketball school. We know they have the resources... If you got a coach you believe in, you don’t think they’re spending that money as well?”

• The hosts challenge callers: Are listeners buying into the “Indiana Underdog” narrative?

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Reactions & Social Commentary

• [10:01] Rob Parker draws parallels to NCAA March Madness, pointing out that true underdogs rarely, if ever, win it all—success is most often reserved for blue bloods and big spenders.
• [11:05] Kerry Rhodes observes that fans’ affection for Indiana’s QB Mendoza is rooted more in his likable journey than in true “underdog” status, leading to public embrace of the storyline despite the financial facts.
• [12:49] Rob Parker identifies the contradiction: “You can’t be number one and an underdog at the same time.”

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Listener Call-In: Are You Rooting for Indiana?

• [22:56] Greg in Pennsylvania echoes the hosts’ sentiments. Indiana isn’t an underdog—people’s intrigue comes from their rapid transformation and ability to outpace traditional powers, thanks partly to their financial commitment.

  • “They got the right coach, they’re spending the money... Our payroll for players is in the top 10 now with the big dogs. They should be here.” [23:58]

• Both hosts discuss how buy-in—from administration to donors—directly correlates with secular success, using Indiana as Exhibit A.

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On Miami’s Playoff Run & Sideline Celebrity Culture

• [25:14] Kerry Rhodes and Rob Parker shift focus to Miami, lauding their story as a more organic and compelling Cinderella arc.
• They critique the spectacle of ex-players and celebrities on the sidelines, particularly during Miami’s games, arguing that the attention should remain with current student-athletes.

Quote [26:03] Rob Parker:
“Can the kids have their shine?... Let those kids at Miami have their moment. The camera naturally goes toward Ray Lewis and Michael Irvin, but it should be about the kids.”

• The hosts note a pattern: celebrities flock to success, but vanish when teams struggle (e.g., Colorado and Deion Sanders' early season run).

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Live Game Updates & Strategy Talk

• Ongoing commentary on the day’s College Playoff game (Oregon vs. Texas Tech), highlighting missed opportunities, game management, and old-school football philosophies.
  • [30:14] Rob Parker: “Oregon hasn’t even scored a touchdown—two field goals... all these points are going to matter as the game continues. Passing up points early doesn’t always behoove the team that’s trying to be aggressive.”

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NFL Week 18 Preview with Carmen Vitale

[32:28] Guest: Carmen Vitale, FOX Sports Radio Weekend Host

Ravens and Steelers, AFC North Drama

• Should Lamar Jackson play if not fully healthy?
  • Carmen: “If 65-70% Lamar is better than your other options, then I think the answer is yes. At this point in the season, nobody’s 100%.” [33:31]
• Both Parker and Rhodes voice skepticism around the Ravens' recent consistency, referencing years of heartbreak and crucial mistakes.
  • “Every year ends the same way, Kerry. It’s disappointing. It’s not always Lamar...” [32:16]

Texans Analysis & CJ Stroud’s Development

• CJ Stroud crowned too early?
  • Parker expresses doubt about the second-year QB, citing inconsistency and injuries.
  • Carmen: “We as an NFL community expect too much, too soon, for too long with these guys... these quarterbacks don’t enter their prime until they’re 30. Stroud will need time.” [37:00]

NFC South Chaos

• With the Panthers in playoff contention, Carmen is skeptical about a deep run:
  • “I don’t know about this year. There are still some glaring holes there... No one’s underestimating anyone in the postseason.” [38:41]

Sam Darnold’s Playoff Stakes

• Does Darnold need at least one playoff win to legitimize himself?
  • Carmen: “Winning a playoff game can go a long way in giving Sam Darnold the benefit of the doubt... do we actually think he’s a good quarterback? Postseason success is the quickest route to that.” [41:10]

Super Bowl Picks

• Carmen sticks with her preseason pick: Bills vs. Packers (“I don’t feel as confident, but it’s still possible, and I’ll stick with it.” [41:59])
• Rob Parker: Had Packers vs. Ravens, but now thinks Steelers might knock out Baltimore.
• Kerry Rhodes: Ravens vs. Rams.

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Matthew Stafford’s MVP Case: Too Little, Too Late?

Segment [50:44]

• After two rough games (including three picks against the Falcons), Stafford’s MVP frontrunner status is in jeopardy.
• Odds flipped after his recent stretch; Drake May now leads the MVP betting.
  • Rob Parker: “It’s hard to give it [MVP] when your team is the fifth or sixth seed. Ten days ago they were the number one seed… he’s made it a conversation.” [52:12]
  • Kerry Rhodes: “He was the clear-cut favorite two weeks ago, but he’s made it tough now. You’re part of a team slipping, it’s hard to ignore.” [52:27]
• The hosts reference previous MVP outcomes (i.e., Lamar vs. Purdy) to illustrate how late-season performance can shift the narrative.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rob Parker [07:15]: “Don’t make out a false narrative like you’re stunned. If you do any research, they should be where they are.”
• Kerry Rhodes [07:52]: “Right, and I think that’s what college football has afforded teams like Indiana.”
• Rob G [13:00] (on Nick Saban’s comments): “When I play golf in Alabama, my friends all say we should kick the [blank] out of Indiana... That’s how people are viewing them—not with respect.”
• Rob Parker [26:03]: “Let the kids have their shine... the cameras will always go to Michael Irvin and Ray Lewis, but it should be about the kids.”
• Carmen Vitale [33:31]: “If 65-70% Lamar is better than any other option, then I don’t think it’s a question. This is what you play for.”
• Carmen Vitale [37:00]: “We as an NFL community expect too much too soon for too long with these guys... The process of becoming an elite quarterback is rarely linear.”

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Timeline of Key Segments

• [03:08] – Rob Parker & Kerry Rhodes welcome listeners, tease upcoming topics
• [04:37 – 06:30] – Talk: Indiana’s “underdog” status debunked
• [10:01 – 11:59] – NCAA “Cinderella” talk & public perceptions
• [12:32] – Can Indiana be both #1 and an underdog? The contradiction
• [22:56] – Caller “Greg” from Pennsylvania on Indiana’s big spending
• [25:14] – Miami playoff run, ex-player sideline culture, and criticism
• [30:14] – Oregon vs. Texas Tech live update and game management talk
• [32:28 – 44:56] – Guest Carmen Vitale on NFL playoff races, Lamar Jackson, Texans, Panthers, and QB pressures
• [50:44] – Stafford’s MVP case post-falcons performance

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Tone and Language

The episode is opinionated, humorous, and conversational—Rob Parker’s “get off my lawn” energy mixes with Rhodes’ player perspective, both remaining candid and accessible. Guest segments provide analysis with a journalistic flair but stick to the show’s energetic, sports-radio style.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This hour offers a skeptical take on college football’s supposed “underdogs,” sharp NFL playoff analysis, honest takes on MVP discourse, and lively banter—plus a meaningful guest perspective on NFL quarterback development and playoff stakes. If you’re tired of feel-good narratives detached from reality, or if you simply want the real talk on who’s for real in football right now, this episode delivers.

Transcript

[Rob Parker]

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Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select Markets, product availability may vary by region. Seattle for details. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FS.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Now, let's get this party started.

[Rob Parker]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

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Ah.

[Rob Parker]

It is the Herd. It is. Happy New Year. I'm Rob Parker from the Odd Couple here on Fox Sports Radio and of course with former all pro safety Kerry Rhodes.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes, yes.

[Rob Parker]

Played for the jets in the Arizona Cardinal. And we are here on New Year's.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Day.

[Rob Parker]

Watching the College Football Playoff. Is it still three nothing? Yeah.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Texas Tech missed the field goal and now Oregon just faked a punt and got a first down here.

[Rob Parker]

There we go. So Oregon up three nothing here in the second quarter. About eight and a half minutes to go. Yes. But I want to say, to get more of us, be sure to check out the brand new Odd Couple YouTube channel. Just search Odd Couple FSR on YouTube. Again, that's Odd Couple FSR. Be sure to subscribe by hitting that button and don't stop there. Give us the thumbs up icon and comment away. Just search Odd Couple FSR and subscribe. Carmen Vitale, she's going to join us coming up. She's a Fox Sports Radio weekend host. She'll join us at the bottom of the hour. We got a lot of stu. Some NFL stuff to get to as well. Matthew Stafford or net mvp.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Look at you. I'm just saying, I've never seen anybody so happy.

[Rob Parker]

I'm not happy. I'm not happy. I'm just, I. You know, Gary, that's not happy. That's I told you so, you know. Well, you know, I say that a lot on the Odd Couple, right? I told you so.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I told you so.

[Rob Parker]

No doubt. So we got a lot to get to in our number two. Uh, we'll be here for Colin. And then later on at 7pm Eastern, it's the Odd Couple right here on Fox Sports Radio. Okay, Carrie, I, I know the difference between underdogs and cute little stories of teams that don't have what they need and they somehow find a way to win. Those are heartwarming stories. You want to do a Disney movie, angel in the outfield, you know, and all these kind of like sappy Mighty Ducks. Yeah, the Mighty Ducks. Oh, my God. You all this stuff.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

Indiana football is not One of these stories. I am not like, what they're trying to sell you. Like, they're, they're fraudulent underdogs to me, because I get that when you think of Indiana, it's about basketball.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

It's never been about football. So I, I understand where they are now and whatnot. But when you look at how they got here, tells you they're not underdogs. Not a little engine that couldn't. During the top 10 money spent on players. Top 10.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Wow. I didn't know that.

[Rob Parker]

Coaching staff and support staff.

[Joy and Blokes Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

They make $20 million.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Okay.

[Rob Parker]

And they also have a quarterback. Their quarterback makes $2 million. This is not. Oh, my God. How did Indiana come out of nowhere? They don't have any player. They don't have this, that. No.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Who's saying that?

[Rob Parker]

There are people trying to paint them. Trying to paint them as. Yeah. Like, they're like. Because of their history. Of course. Right. Because of their history.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

Like, this is incredible. I can't believe Indiana has a chance to win the national championship. I got you. They've never had a chance to win. No one's ever talked about Indiana. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. That's what I'm saying. Yeah, but there's a reason.

[Kerry Rhodes]

And you just named them.

[Rob Parker]

Right? When you, when you, when you do the math. Yes. When you spend money. They've embraced the transfer portal. They've gotten good players from other schools. Like, this is a plan. This is like, we're. We're all in here, all our chips. I'm not knocking them.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

But don't make out a false narrative like you're stunned. If you do any research, they should be where they are because they spent the money to build a super team. That's all I'm saying.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Oh, and you're 100% correct when you say that with the numbers. Right. And I think that's what college football has afforded teams like Indiana. Right. And Indiana, you talked about them being known as a basketball school. That means we know they have the resources to pay those guys. So if, now, if you got a coach, you believe in, the team you believe in, you don't think they're spending that money there as well to make that team be. Be right up there.

[Rob Parker]

They've decided that. Right.

[Kerry Rhodes]

And we talk about their coach, Signetti. There's no way he's going to come to you and say we're underdog at anything.

[Rob Parker]

Right.

[Kerry Rhodes]

So that's not their makeup, their identity at all.

[Rob Parker]

And that's why I don't want to Hear the narrative about the story. Like, oh, it's not unbelievable. And that's my point. Yeah.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

Yes. If you told me this was 25 years ago and Indiana was in the National College Football Playoff, had a chance to win that. Okay. I'd say 100. Yeah. What Indiana, how you know what's going on here? What am I missing?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, but you just said it, Rob. How many people have done the research to know that they've done that? Because I didn't, I didn't even know that.

[Rob Parker]

I didn't know the money was right.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah. I didn't know that at all. Yeah, that's that part. If that's the case, then no, there's no way they're on top of that.

[Rob Parker]

They're playing with the big boys. They're in the top 10. Yeah. Of money spent. Wow. And money doesn't automatically mean you're going to win. I'm not taking away from the coach or the players. We know that money. The Mets last year had the first or second highest payroll. I think it might have been first over the Dodgers, I think, you know, money wise, yearly. And they didn't even make the playoffs. So money, money doesn't mean automatically.

[Kerry Rhodes]

It does not.

[Rob Parker]

But the idea that people think that they're some great story because. They are the former team that people used to know.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

They're not that team.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah. I mean this is two years in a row they've been in the playoffs. So it can't be that big of a number.

[Rob Parker]

So that's why, that's why I'm rooting against Indiana.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Gotcha. Gotcha.

[Rob Parker]

This ain't Indiana. This is Indiana on steroids. You know what I mean? Like, like, no, I'm not buying into it. And I don't know, I'm weird when it comes to college football because I still of. Of the belief that the, that the blue bloods, the big schools always win. Like, like you would have to give me a case. And that's what I'm really waiting for. Kerry, you, you played college football? You know college football?

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Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

Same thing. The NCAA men's basketball tournament. Oh, it's great. Cinderella, they just. No mid majors won. They're not and they're not going to win. And they're not. One school, one day, like seriously, one school one day. I could win a game.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, you can win a couple of games.

[Rob Parker]

But the, the closest, Appalachian State beat Michigan at the big House. You could win one game.

[Kerry Rhodes]

You can win one game. I mean the Florida Atlantics, the, you know, Butler Almost did it. Butler almost did it.

[Rob Parker]

Exactly.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Almost.

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Almost.

[Kerry Rhodes]

But haven't done it, man. It's going to be hard to do.

[Joy and Blokes Founder Josh Whalen]

And.

[Rob Parker]

And I don't know what. I was going to give out our odd couple number. I'm going to throw out our number anyway here on the Herd if you do want to join in. Do you love this story, the Indiana story? Does it not feel as good as, you know, your typical Underdog, unbelievable stories? 8, 7, 7, 4, 8, 4, 3, 4, 3, 7.

[Kerry Rhodes]

The one thing I will say, Rob, really quickly about that Indiana story, when you talk about the underdog story and you talk about, you know, the people who are representing that team, I think people are falling in love with the underdog story and the, you know, the. Even though he's making money, we know all that. I'm talking about him and his story and his play. And that's the quarterback, Mendoza. Right. Like, he was not the super highly touted guy. He's a guy that kind of worked his way up and now, you know, he's in Indiana. He's a likable guy. People find his story fascinating. I think when you put people and faces in front of those stories, I think that's more. More of the story here, you know what I mean? When it comes to them being the underdog.

[Rob Parker]

But he's making $2 million.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I know that.

[Rob Parker]

Okay.

[Kerry Rhodes]

What the world sees.

[Rob Parker]

But his talent was enough to command $2 million, is what I'm saying. Like, I. I know what you're.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rob Parker]

And that. And that's why I have, like, Indiana, it has two faces.

[Okta Ad Voice / Julian Edelman]

Yeah.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Okay. Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

The face is. Oh, what a great story. This is about the quarterback.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

Oh, what a great story. This is about the coach. He's only been there two years. Look at what. He's turned the program around.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah.

[Podcast Ad Voice]

Oh, yeah.

[Rob Parker]

He's a genius coach. He's got deep pockets.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, they do.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah.

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, I hear you.

[Rob Parker]

And. And. And that's why I can't. I can't wrap my hands around it. Eight, seven, seven for the Herd. Are you loving Indiana? Are you all in on the Indiana story? Maybe one of. Now that Ohio State's out, maybe they win the national championship.

[Kerry Rhodes]

They might.

[Rob Parker]

How shocked would you be?

[Kerry Rhodes]

How shocked would I be that they win it? They're the number one team in the country. I could. I wouldn't be shocked that they won the national championship. Right.

[Rob Parker]

No, I'm asking you. But. But you could be number one, you know?

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, you can't be number one and be an underdog and, and you. And you'd be surprised that they won it.

[Rob Parker]

Okay, well then, then that's the oxymoron here, is that, is that people are talking about how great of a story it is, but they're the number one team and they spend a lot of money. Rob G. Yeah.

[Rob G.]

With that in mind, guys, Nick Saban is of course in very wet Pasadena here. Head of the Rose bowl on, on ESPN or abc. Excuse me, locally. And they're previewing the game. Obviously, Nick Saban, you would expect to have some kind of slant towards the Tide.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob G.]

But here's what he said. Quote, we would play the sound, but he curses in him. We can't do that here.

[Rob Parker]

Nick Saban does great job.

[Rob G.]

Nick, I know you're on television. You only been doing it for a few years. He didn't know you can't curse. Here's what he said. Quote, the amazing thing about this is how much respect we have for Indiana internally. But when I go play with my golfing buddies in Alabama and they're all on the first tee, they say we should kick the blank out of Indiana.

[Kerry Rhodes]

See.

[Rob Parker]

Right.

[Rob G.]

That doesn't sound like a big dog on campus.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Exactly.

[Rob G.]

That sounds like they're being viewed as the little.

[Rob Parker]

I mean, that's how people are viewing them. Not like, oh my God, because they can't see Indiana and having that kind of juice or they don't have a track record for them people to have put respect on them. But they should. If they look at the team.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

The amount of money they spent, the people they got in transfer portals, like they have a talented team. There's a reason they are where they are.

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, I mean.

[Rob Parker]

Still not buying it.

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, I ain't buying it, bro. I mean, like I said, I think this team is the number one team for a reason. They are super well coached. I think you have the number one player in the country. Obviously on that team. You got NFL receivers, you got NFL cornerbacks and defensive backs on that team. That team. And the way they play, their style of play isn't one of those teams, Rob. Like, remember, we would get like fascinated with Texas Tech. They would score a thousand points, but couldn't stop anybody. And it's a feel good story. You know, they're underdog, but they can win the game. That isn't them. This team is built up front. They're physical, they're strong.

[Rob Parker]

But usc, Chris. What? Yeah, I just questioned for you guys on, on the Saban thing too. I'm wondering if it's the little engine that could thing or if this is just because I I think there's a founding myth when it comes to the SEC's dominance that like Florida was put in that game against Ohio state back in 2007 and it was a very north south thing. No one gave Florida the time of day and they kicked the crap out of Ohio State. That was like a 4114 national title game in the BCS era. And I'm wondering how much this is like Alabama. I mean they've been taking a few hits, but they still assume themselves as Alabama. If this is just a very north south versus south kind of mentality here, it's like we're still the sec. We should still beat anyone. I think that there's part of that. There's nobody, but they're blue blood. All right, are you rooting for the so called Indiana underdog Indiana Hoosiers? I want to hear from you. We want to hear from you, 877-48434. 37. That's 8, 77 for the herd. We'll continue this conversation next with you. It is the Herd here on Fox Sports Radio. Rob Parker and Kerry Rhodes sitting in for Colin. That's right, 877-48434. 37. We want to hear from you, Indiana. I'm not buying it. I'm rooting against them. They're the big dogs. It is a Herd right here on Fox Sports Radio. Stick and stay if you're a yogi in the usa.

[Rob G.]

Ooh.

[Rob Parker]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, this is Jason McIntyre. Join me every weekday morning on my podcast, Straight fire with Jason McIntyre. This isn't your typical sports pod. Pushing the same tired narratives down your throat every day. Straight Fire gives you honest opinions on all the biggest sports headlines, accurate stats to help you win big at the sportsbook, and all the best guess. Do yourself a favor and listen to Straight fire with Jason McIntyre on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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[Rob Parker]

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[Kerry Rhodes]

So Pizza Hut.

[Rob Parker]

Just put out one of the coolest, like, funniest challenges maybe ever. Pizza Hut. What is it? Basically, if a quarterback says pizza before they say Hut, Pizza Hut will give that quarterback city a pizza party. Is this real? Yeah. Isn't that crazy? You think coaches are bringing this up in team meetings?

[Kerry Rhodes]

You think a pizza party is worth a false start?

[Rob Parker]

Or what if they got the other team to jump off sides with a Pizza Hut?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Hey, whatever it takes this time of year.

[Rob Parker]

A hundred percent this weekend. Let us know if you hear Pizza Hut. I know I'll be listening.

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Learn [e-mail] as we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to next question. With me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Radhi Devlukia]

Hi, I'm Radhi Devlukia and I am the host of a really good Cry podcast. This week I am joined by Anna Runkle, also known as the crappy Childhood Fairy, a creator, teacher and guide, helping people heal from the lasting emotional wounds of unsafe or chaotic childhoods. We talk about how the things we went through when we were younger can still show up in our adult lives, in our relationships, our reactions, even in the way we feel in our own bodies. And Anna opens up about her own story. What helped her notice the patterns she was stuck in and how she slowly started teaching her body that it is safe now. So when I got attacked, it was very random. Four guys jumped out of a car and just started beating me and my friend. And they broke my jaw and my teeth. I was unconscious. Then I woke up and I screamed. And I screamed because even though I didn't know who I was or where I was, something in me was just like, hold on, wait, they could kill me. And I'm not going to let that happen. I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to get through this. And I did listen to a really good cry on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Rob Parker]

This is the herd on New Year's Day here on FOX Sports Radio with me, Rob Parker and former All Pro safety Carrie Rhodes sitting in for Colin, our number two. And make sure you check out my show, the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. We're on weeknights from 4 to 7pm Pacific, 7 to 10pm Eastern, right here on FOX Sports Radio. And I know what you're saying. Well, Rob, you filled in for Collins, so you're off tonight from the Odd Couple, right, Rob G. Cause Rob G. Is the producer of the Odd Couple who's producing this show today. Rob G. You're off tonight.

[Rob G.]

Hell, yeah.

[Rob Parker]

Of course he is. Rob G's off, but I'm not. I'll be in.

[Rob G.]

See, Rob, me and Carrie know that when you're important, they don't want to wear you out too much.

[Kerry Rhodes]

That's what it is. That's all it is.

[Rob Parker]

So I'm just. I'm just a hack, right?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah. Keep that voice fresh, baby. Keep that voice fresh.

[Rob G.]

That's why his voice. He doesn't need tea in that. In that seat over there.

[Rob Parker]

You got to keep making sure Carrie's ready to go in the fourth quarter.

[Kerry Rhodes]

You hear how silky smooth that is right here? Ready to go.

[Rob Parker]

I'm struggling. No. No doubt about. About it. Carmen Vitali is going to join us coming up in less than 10 minutes here. Of course, she's a Fox Sports Radio weekend host. But we do have a call here on the Herd. And let's talk to Greg in Pennsyl Tucky, better known as Pennsylvania. Greg, what's happening, my man? Welcome to the Herd and happy New Year.

[Greg (Caller)]

Happy New Year. With a real feel of 12 degrees of beautiful Houston town, Pennsylvania. Wow.

[Rob Parker]

Where is Houston town now? I used to. I. My first job in the business was in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. So where's Houston town?

[Greg (Caller)]

We're about an hour and 15 minutes west of Harrisburg between Pittsburgh and Philly. Right about right in the middle South.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Okay.

[Rob Parker]

Okay, awesome. What do you got? Where are you on this? Indiana. I know. It sounds like a nice, cute story. Indiana has nothing to do with college football for a million years. Now's a chance to win the national championship. But they are not underdogs, Greg. I'm sorry.

[Greg (Caller)]

No, I absolutely agree they're not underdogs. I would favor them to win. I think where people are intrigued is that you have a program three years ago which was in the cat box.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Right.

[Greg (Caller)]

And now storied programs like Penn State, LSU, and Michigan, they can't get it right.

[Kerry Rhodes]

But here.

[Rob Parker]

But here's my point.

[Greg (Caller)]

I was able to get the right coach, and now they're playing in the playoffs.

[Rob Parker]

I agree with that. That they got the right coach. Yeah, but, Greg, they're spending the money like that. Like they finally. I don't know if they woke up and flicked the switch and said, okay, we want to compete, we got to go. Our coaching staff is making $20 million. Our quarterback is making 2. $2 million. Our payroll for players is in the top 10 now with the big dogs. That's my issue, Greg, is they should be here because they spent the money on quality players.

[Greg (Caller)]

Absolutely, I agree. I just think that the piece where people are intrigued is again, this was a team much like Texas Tech. They're spending the money and they're showing that the portal is working because, like I was going through, there are several storied programs who have more endowment and they can't make it work or find the right pieces. So that's where I'm. I'm rooting for them.

[Rob Parker]

Oh, so you're rooting for them. Are they going to be the champs? You got them winning the national championship.

[Greg (Caller)]

No, I'm rooting for Miami.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Greg, That's a good choice. That's a good choice. Good choice.

[Rob Parker]

Everybody's gonna be on the Miami train after last night when you knock off Ohio State, the defending champs, Right?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah. No, I mean Miami. And again, Miami's. Miami's probably the best story in it right now, in my opinion. I think Indiana is.

[Rob Parker]

But you don't have them winning the national championship.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I think they can. Yeah. I didn't. I didn't pick them to win it. I don't think I did the bracket. I think I had. I had them going to the championship, though.

[Rob Parker]

Against who?

[Kerry Rhodes]

I have to look at it. I'll look at it. Yeah, I'll look at it on the next break. But Miami is a good story. Cause you also get to see all the old heads on the sideline.

[Rob Parker]

Acting, actors. Can they go sit down? No, no, no.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Michael Urban. Go sit down. The rest of them are kind of normal. Michael.

[Rob Parker]

Jason Taylor. Didn't he tackle somebody on the sidelines?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Jason Taylor hugged Ray Lewis. But that's cause they have a connection.

[Rob Parker]

Okay. My thing is. And I'm gonna be. I'm gonna be a fuddy duddy.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Oh, here we go. What you gotta say about what happened?

[Rob Parker]

Can the kids have their shine?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Oh, I agree.

[Rob Parker]

Come on.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I agree.

[Rob Parker]

Like, I get. It's your school.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

No, let those kids. Come on, man.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Who's more at fault? Them celebrating on the sideline or the people that keeps putting the cameras on them, though?

[Rob Parker]

No, them, them. Because you can be there and support. Right? You can be there and support Michael Irvin taking his belt off and all that.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Michael Urban need to sit down, but.

[Okta Ad Voice / Julian Edelman]

He'S the only one.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I mean, Ray Lewis.

[Rob Parker]

Michael Urban hasn't sat down since the 90s, so.

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, he ain't sat down since the 90s.

[Rob Parker]

But I really. I don't want to be like the old get off my lawn guy. Get off my lawn old guy. I just think it's not. It's even like a parent whose kid is playing high school basketball college, and they want to make themselves the. The focal point or look at me. Look at, you know, my. Let your boy have his moment. Let those kids at Miami. Because the camera naturally is going to go towards, you know, play like Ray Lewis and. And Michael Irvin. These are big time former players. I get all that. It would be nice if those guys are all together and enjoying it. They're in a suite or they're off to the side. But as a photographer or reporter, you're going to focus in on them because more people know them than some of these nameless, faceless kids on Miami.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I agree with what you're saying. There is too much of the camera and too much attention towards Michael Urban and that crew. But you're saying the pride. You're saying the pride in his school isn't a real thing. The pride is in himself, in the moment. Like he's putting more of the onus on himself, is what you're saying.

[Rob Parker]

Oh, 100%. Like, using the guise of this is my school or whatever. But it is, because you just wouldn't do that if you really cared about those kids. No, you would. I couldn't see you.

[Kerry Rhodes]

You know, I wouldn't.

[Rob Parker]

I couldn't see you. Do you know what I mean? Like, like, like, it's almost. And it's a little different, but it reminds me of when Deion at Colorado, you know, won their first couple games.

[Kerry Rhodes]

And everybody's on the sidelines.

[Rob Parker]

Everybody's on the sidelines. Everyone.

[Kerry Rhodes]

It was like a concert.

[Rob Parker]

Am I right?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

And then all of a sudden, they.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Start losing and none of them there.

[Rob Parker]

Nobody there. That. That. Where are those guys? Where's the Lil Wayne concerts before the game? Where's Shannon Sharp flying in the Boulder, you know, like Sam Newton.

[Kerry Rhodes]

All those guys.

[Rob Parker]

All those guys. Come on. Where are you? Now? If I'm Dion, I'm like, okay, I got it. That. That's why it's phony to me.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah. No, that makes sense. No, I agree with you on, like, let the kids have their day, but this started all about Miami, Rob, and what they can do. And you said, could they win the championship? Yes. Are they the favorite? No, but they have a chance to. To. To bring one back to Miami.

[Rob Parker]

It's just crazy. All right, A Rob G. Just quickly.

[Rob G.]

We'Re keeping an eye on this game right here. Oregon, Texas Tech. About 40 seconds left. Oh, Texas Tech going to punt the ball and probably go to halftime. Down six, nothing. But they had this stat on the screen. I know you guys are trying to do two things at once. You may not have seen it. It's six to nothing, Right? So you're feeling good. I guess, if you are a fan of the Ducks. However, before this last drive, which I think gained six yards for Texas Tech coming Into that last drive. Total plays Oregon 45 to 20. Total yards 169 to 82. Time of possession 2130 to 7. Oh 1. And you're only up 6 nothing.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah, I agree. Like this is not, you know, this one touchdown and the whole thing that you work for the first half is nothing like that.

[Kerry Rhodes]

This is a Texas Tech type of game too, am I right? And we talk about it right now in the beginning in the first hour of the show. Teams that have to buy start out slow. And again Texas, Texas Tech here starting out slow.

[Rob Parker]

It's. It's amazing cause I thought the same thing. Even though Miami wound up winning, I thought they only up 14 nothing at the half.

[Kerry Rhodes]

This one's closer and this is even closer.

[Rob Parker]

They haven't even. Oregon hasn't even scored a touchdown. No, I mean two field goals.

[Kerry Rhodes]

And that's the other thing. We talked about it, Rob. Like we, you know, we're, we're kind of old school. We're forced to turnovers and we'll take the points. Like if Oregon kicks the, kicks the field goal last the, the possession before when they went for it on fourth down, it's nine nothing. Like all these points are going to matter as this game continues. And so passing up points early, trying to score touchdowns doesn't always behoove the team that's trying to be aggressive.

[Rob Parker]

I, I agree. Because nine is definitely better. Like you're up nine.

[Kerry Rhodes]

That's two score game.

[Rob Parker]

That's a two score game. You only could get six and two with the two point. That's eight. You still have an advantage over them. Yes, I agree. All right, it is the Herd here on Fox Sports Radio. Rob Parker, Kerry Rhodes filling in for Colin Cow. Herd, we're definitely got a lot of stuff we're going to get to NFL wise. We're going to talk to Carmen Vitale from Fox Sports Radio of course here, she's a weekend host here and all things NFL. Looking forward to this coming Sunday. Right. With the NFL a couple games gonna decide whether guys get in the playoffs or not.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yep.

[Rob Parker]

Which will be very, very interesting. I know me and you disagree on the Steelers Ravens which makes me.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Makes it upsets me, Rob.

[Rob Parker]

I'm just.

[Kerry Rhodes]

No, no, you upset me. You are, you are my fellow Raven.

[Rob Parker]

Raven man. You know I'm into the Ravens. I've picked them to go to super bowl the last three years. I thought Lamar got robbed of the MVP last year. Not happy about it, but just so many things this year that team just hasn't been whole. That's why I think it's time for John Harbaugh to, you know, they need to part ways. He's been there a long time. And every year ends the same way, Kerry, where it's disappointing. Right. Every year. And I'm not, it's not always Lamar. I know Lamar gets blamed for everything.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah.

[Rob Parker]

Mark Andrews, you know, can't catch a ball in the end zone. A tire playoff game, fumbles, a flowers AFC championship game at the one yard line. Like I could go on and on and on.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Anything that can happen has happened.

[Rob Parker]

All right, Carmen Vitale. She's joining us now, of course, FOX Sports Radio weekend host Carmen, Happy New Year. Say hello to Kerry Rhodes. Is Rob Parker here on the Herd? What's happening?

[Greg (Caller)]

Hi, guys. Happy New Year.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Happy New Year, Carmen.

[Rob Parker]

What's shaking? Did you have a good New Year's Eve? Anything special?

[Greg (Caller)]

No, not incredibly special, but we did go over to a friend's house. She had a lovely house party and it was wonderful. Just kind of ringing in the new year with friends. And now I'm parked on the couch watching these bowl games.

[Rob Parker]

There you go.

[Greg (Caller)]

These playoff games, I should say, they're not just pool games.

[Rob Parker]

That's right. Things have changed. All right, let's talk about the NFL. And so Lamar Jackson is practicing and people are still questioning whether or not what they should do at quarterback, which I just can't understand. But where are you on this? Should, should Lamar play if he's 70% or 65%, regardless?

[Greg (Caller)]

I mean, I think you need to evaluate if 65, 70%, Lamar is better than any other option for you. Because if it is, then I don't think it's a, it's a question. Right. And I think the answer is probably yes. So I would, I get that. You know, he's, he's not 100%, but at this point, nobody in the season is 100%. So throw him out there. This is what you play for.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Carmen, do you think if the winner of that Pittsburgh, Baltimore Raven game, you know, obviously the winner wins the division, gets in the playoffs, actually, you know, host a home playoff game? But do you think in either one of those teams can actually win a playoff game? And if either one of those teams can win the playoff game, which one would you rather throw in the mix to be a disruptor in the playoffs?

[Greg (Caller)]

You know, it's interesting because the Ravens there was a large part of this season where, you know, it was almost thought to be a lost season. And then all of a sudden, you know, they're in this position where they're winning in. They're winning like they could win the division still. And a lot of things have gone right for them. And it's been my experience with teams that the ones that can make the most noise in the playoffs aren't necessarily the ones where things have gone well for them throughout the season. Where it's been sunshine and rainbows and there's been, you know, it was. It's kind of smooth sailing. It's always been the teams that have to overcome something, and they have some grit to them and some fight to them, and they know that they're not out of it until they're out of it. So I don't know. I think. I think both of these teams are capable because of, you know, they have good. Like, the Ravens defense hasn't been what you want it to be, but they've shown the ability to turn it on here and there. Pittsburgh, I mean, defense wins championships, and I think in the postseason, it becomes even more important. But I don't know. I just. I think the Ravens, they've been able to figure it out and get to this spot when we didn't think that that was the case six weeks ago. So I'm going to go with the Ravens.

[Kerry Rhodes]

There you go. They heard that, Rob. The Ravens.

[Rob Parker]

Ravens. I just. Carmen, I just got to admit, all year they haven't been able to put it together, and I just. Every year ends out like. Like, if they were to lose to Pittsburgh on a fumble or something at some point, that would. That would be so fitting because it just has been that way. What about the Houston Texans? They have a defense to go to Super Bowl. I'm not sure about the quarterback, and I'm going to be honest.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, you say that.

[Rob Parker]

I'm dead serious about CJ Stroud. I've seen some glimpses, but I've seen the droughts as well. Where are you on the Texans? And remember, after his rookie year, they all crowned CJ Stroud and now they're going to the super bowl and all that. Last year they took a step back in year two, and this year has been uneven. He was hurt some. His numbers aren't great, and they were winning with the backup quarterback in there. Carmen, where are you on the Texans?

[Greg (Caller)]

I mean, what was different about this year? It was that the Texans didn't have who was starting for them on the offensive line until week one. I mean, I kind of go towards. All right, what caused, you know, C.J. stroud injury? Could it have been mitigated. I know it's been up and down, but we saw his ability in that first year. I don't think that that just goes away. And I understand teams kind of figure you out and all that, but I.

[Rob Parker]

We'Ve seen second years. Jaden Daniels won the same like, like they do. They, they figure out what your strengths are and you have to make another adjustment. That's all I'm saying. Not that he's going to be a bum or anything, but, but there's a difference. People can't get crowned too early, 100%.

[Greg (Caller)]

No, they can't. And nor can they be given up on too early either, which I think we've seen a bu and I think that, you know, the process of becoming an elite NFL quarterback is even a linear one. And it's one that you need to have patience with. And these teams really can't afford patience in a lot of cases because of ownership, pressure, this, that, the other. There's a ton of different factors, but I think we as an NFL community really expect too much too soon for too long with these guys. Whereas we've seen so many examples of five, six years into their career, then they're, you know, they clearly have command of an offense and that, you know, these, these quarterbacks don't enter their prime until they're 30. And how far away from 30 is CJ Stroud? So I think that there's adjustments that need to be, that are needed in Houston for sure. But I mean, that defense and I mean Will Anderson and Daniel Hunter are just two of the best. And if they can keep you in games, which they can, I think that the Texans could still make some noise.

[Rob Parker]

Carmen Vitale joining us here on the Herd, of course, FOX Sports Radio Weekend host. And I do want to go ahead.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Let me slide in here. There's a so right now somebody has to win the NFC South, Carmen, and obviously Carolina has the upper, the upper hand here. They kind of control their own destiny. They win, they're in even if they lose and Tampa Bay wins and Atlanta wins, they win off a tie break scenario. So there's some strange things happening there. But, but if Carolina gets in the playoff, we've seen them beat some really good teams and then obviously, obviously have letdowns against lesser teams or equal teams.

[Rob Parker]

In their, in their world.

[Kerry Rhodes]

But do you see this team actually having a chance to make, make a run in the playoffs?

[Greg (Caller)]

I don't know about this year, to be quite honest. I think there's still some glaring holes there and I do Think that. Yeah, well, like, they have the capability to beat better teams. But I think that also kind of came out of nowhere for those teams. You know, like, that was not the narrative for that for the Panthers early in the season at then. I think more people have taken notice of the Panthers as the season has gone on and they have beat some of these teams. But then you think about what the environment is once you get to the postseason and how nobody's underestimating anybody at that point, you know.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah.

[Greg (Caller)]

And the margin for error gets that much smaller. And I think that that's where some of those glaring holes in that Carolina team would.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Would come.

[Greg (Caller)]

But, like, to your point, somebody has to win the NFC south. And none of these teams, it seems like a couple years ago where the Bucks and it was the Bucks and Falcons, like, literally losing games, trying to give the division to one another, and you're just like, all right, like, someone has to step up here. And I don't know that any of those teams are built right now to do much in the postseason, but we've been wrong before.

[Rob Parker]

Speaking of the postseason, is this a big postseason for Sam Darnold? Because very seldom do you win 14 games like he did with Minnesota and them not being interested in keeping a guy. Right. A quarterback. No, he goes to Seattle and he's had a, you know, really good year. There's been some bumps, but he's had a really good year. And where they are. And people are still waiting. Because in that game against the Rams, he turned in a stinker in the first half, and people were like, there we go. It's not. Oh, the narrative on him. No, it's not a narrative. This is a fact. Like, in these big games, he hasn't played well, but they came back, they won the game and whatnot. How important is it for him to win a playoff game if you're Seattle and for people to get off of the Sam Darnold can't win a big game talk.

[Greg (Caller)]

I think there. There's something to be said for the legitimization of Sam Darnold by winning a playoff game. I really do. Just because if you look at, you know, other good quarterbacks, when they have bad games, nobody's saying, you know, they're a terrible quarterback. I mean, Matthew Stafford turned in a stinker last week, and people are just like, well, he's still in the MVP conversation, still deserve it.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah, that'll be. That'll be seen. I mean, we gotta wait and see.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Because, Carmen, you gotta watch the mouth. You can't talk about Matthew Stafford.

[Greg (Caller)]

I'm pro. Matthew Stafford. I'm just saying Matthew Stafford has put together a body of work that lets you, you know, he give. You get the benefit of the doubt with, with Matthew Stafford.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Greg (Caller)]

Sam Darnold doesn't have that luxury because he doesn't have that body of work yet. And so I think going going into the playoffs with as strong of a team as Seattle has, with a strong of a defense as Seattle has, and winning a playoff game can go a long way into giving Sam Darnold the benefit of the doubt and saying, no, he is a good quarterback. Sure. Can he turn in, you know, some, some stinkers every now and again? Of course. Every quarterback can. But do we actually think that Sam Darnold is a good quarterback and postseason success is the quickest route to that?

[Kerry Rhodes]

All right, Carmen, I'm going to put you on the spot a little bit here. I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to ask you to pick your. Represent representatives of the NFC and AFC in the championship, in the Super Bowl.

[Joy and Blokes Founder Josh Whalen]

Who do you.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Who do you have?

[Greg (Caller)]

Listen, I, I had this pick going into the season. This, this, this super bowl matchup is still on the table.

[Rob Parker]

All right?

[Greg (Caller)]

So I don't feel as confident about it, but I'm not one to back down from something that's still possible. I had, I had Bill Packers.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Bill Packers.

[Rob Parker]

You still feel good about that? I know. I'm not saying that you should change your pick. Right. I'm just saying. Right.

[Greg (Caller)]

I don't feel good about it, however, because it's still possible. Like, I mean, and especially if it actually happens, then, I mean, bragging rights would be infinite at that point. I would never shut up about it because I'm going to stick to it.

[Rob Parker]

No, you always got to stick to your pick because I had the packers and the Ravens. That was my original pick.

[Kerry Rhodes]

But he's picking Pittsburgh.

[Rob Parker]

But I'm picking Pittsburgh because of what the Ravens have done all year.

[Greg (Caller)]

You think, you think Pittsburgh is going to get out of the afc?

[Rob Parker]

No, but I'm. No, no. I mean, I'm picking Pittsburgh to beat Baltimore so that. You know what I mean?

[Kerry Rhodes]

So that eliminates his red, eliminates my pick.

[Rob Parker]

Right. Like, like normally you wouldn't do that, but I just, I really don't feel like Baltimore has been able to put it together. And then you're telling me Lamar is not going to be totally healthy. You know, if he's a healthy Lamar, then. Then yeah, I'm all in. I just don't know what I'm. What I'm going to get. What was your original pick? I'm. I'm.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Ravens and Rams.

[Rob Parker]

Okay. Yeah. And you still feel good about the Rams the last couple of weeks?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes. In the NFC?

[Rob Parker]

Yes. They stink. They knew they had the number one, Carmen. They had the number one seed locked up 10 days ago, and look at where they are now.

[Greg (Caller)]

It's going to someone else. Y' all didn't even bring up the Chicago Bears.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Oh, no, we did not. But he's. But, Carmen, he's. He's a big believer in Caleb Williams. So am I, but he's a big believer.

[Rob Parker]

I was on the. The Caleb Williams believing when everybody was talking about always going to be benched at half midway in the season and Ben Johnson doesn't like him and all this other stuff. He's put together an unbelievable season.

[Greg (Caller)]

I mean, from what we've heard at the podium these last couple of weeks, actually, like, it really seems like something's clicked for Caleb where he's in command of this offense, not just along for the ride anymore. And everything we've heard from Caleb, too, is that they didn't really like each other in the beginning. And that's. That's consistent with how Ben Johnson and Jared Goff's relationship developed as well. Ben is the exact same person every single day from the first day you meet him and to, you know, day 100 into your relationship. And that can rub people at some the wrong way sometimes because he comes in very intensely and, you know, he has really high expectations, and it takes a while to kind of trust that. And Caleb kind of admitted to that the last week, I believe, when he was talking about it. And so their relationship wasn't there. But it is now. And now that that relationship has gotten so much better. And you can tell that Caleb is starting to kind of see the field the way Ben wants him to and the way Ben himself does. I mean, this is a really good. It looks like it's going to end up being a really good pairing. Now, if only the Bears could figure out their pass rush and their run defense, then we could. Then we can start talking about real postseason Chicago.

[Rob Parker]

All right. Hey, Carmen, we appreciate you joining us here on the Herd. Carmen Vitale, of course, Fox Sports Radio Weekend host. Thank you so much. Happy New Year, Carmen.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Happy New Year.

[Greg (Caller)]

Happy New Year, guys. Thanks for having me.

[Rob Parker]

All right. I tried to tell you Matthew Stafford's MVP case was fraudulent. We'll get into that next here on the Herd. It is Rob Parker and Kerry Rhodes sitting in for Colin right here on Fox Sports Radio. And you know what you need to do? Stick and stay in a rainy, rainy L A. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Okta Ad Voice / Julian Edelman]

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[Rob Parker]

From 2 pros and a Cup of Joe. Pizza Hut threw down a challenge and it's genius. Quarterbacks say Hut constantly. It's like they're asking for Pizza Hut by name. Pizza Hut is challenging any quarterback. Put pizza before they say Hut during the televised game, Pizza Hut will throw an actual pizza party in the city for the first QB that does it. During a televised game, fans get the win.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Literally.

[Rob Parker]

Listen closely. On game day when you hear Pizza.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Hut, you know something big is about to happen.

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Visit pizza hut.com for details.

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Learn [e-mail] as we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Radhi Devlukia]

Hi, I'm Radhi Devlukia and I am the host of a really good cry podcast. This week I am joined by Anna Runkle, also known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, a creator, teacher and guide, helping people heal from the lasting emotional wounds of other unsafe or chaotic childhoods. We talk about how the things we went through when we were younger can still show up in our adult lives, in our relationships, our reactions, even in the way we feel in our own bodies. And Anna opens up about her own story. What helped her notice the patterns she was stuck in and how she slowly started teaching her body that it is safe now. So when I got attacked, it was very random.

[Greg (Caller)]

Four guys jumped out of a car.

[Radhi Devlukia]

And just started beating me and my friend. And they broke my jaw and my teeth. I was unconscious. Then I woke up and I screamed. And I screamed because even though I didn't know who I was or where I was, something in me was just like, hold on, wait, they could kill me. And I'm not going to let that happen. I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to get through this. And I did listen to a really good cry on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Rob Parker]

But come on.

[Kerry Rhodes]

He took.

[Rob Parker]

He took a song from Little Orphanan and made it into a hip hop, a banger, banger. I mean, like a lot of people don't know. Like, if you don't know little off of that, you don't know what this song is exactly.

[Kerry Rhodes]

It's so many samples from that time. Rap.

[Rob Parker]

Yeah.

[Kerry Rhodes]

All the music was sampled at that time, Rob.

[Rob Parker]

Unbelievable. It is the Herd with me, Rob Parker, and of course former All Pro safety Kerry Rhodes sitting in for Colin New Year's Day. And if you missed any of today's show, you want to catch it on the podcast, not just on the Herd feed, but the Odd Couple feed as well. Just search the Herd or the Odd Couple wherever you get your podcast. Right after the show. Today's podcast will be posted Rob G's putting It Together as we speak. Be sure to follow the podcast rated at least five stars and you could even provide a review. Again, that's just search the Herd or search Odd the Odd Couple wherever you get your podcast and you'll find today's full show and the best of version posted right after we get off the air here. Okay, Rob G. Jump in. Everybody thinks I have some personal thing against Matthew Stafford. You do?

[Kerry Rhodes]

Tell him.

[Rob G.]

Rob Ghriss so coming into Monday night's game, Matthew Stafford was the favorite, betting favorite, consensus favorite, media favorite.

[Rob Parker]

It was a layup.

[Rob G.]

He was going to win the NFL MVP. He had a minus 225 favorite at all the shops. And here's the thing. After throwing just two interceptions his first 11 games, he has now thrown six since week 13, including three on Monday night. During that stretch, it's week 13, only Shador Sanders with eight and Brady Cook with seven have more interceptions than Matthew Stafford, literally limping to the finish line. As a result, after Monday's game, Stafford was minus 225 favorite. It's flipped the complete opposite direction. Drake may now minus 400 to walk around with the hardware.

[Rob Parker]

Kerry, I'm gonna say this, of course, the bad game. Two bad games. And even in that he played well in the Seattle game in the beginning, but the second half and the fourth quarter couldn't get anything going. Here's why Stafford is not going to win the mvp. Okay.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Okay.

[Rob Parker]

Cause it's harder to give it to you when your team is the fifth or sixth seed where they were the number one seed. Drake May, you could take a look at whatever and say Stafford has eight more touchdowns or whatever. But they're the one overall seed. That's the hard part. Giving it to a guy whose team's not even in the. You know what I mean? Could be six seed in the nfc. Yeah, that's the argument.

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I.

[Rob Parker]

You could look back and look and and go see. You probably be hard pressed to find a quarterback who's one EMVP where their team is not in the top two or three as far as in their conference.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, he's made it tough right now.

[Rob Parker]

Right. He made it. He's made it a conversation.

[Kerry Rhodes]

He's made it a real conversation where two weeks ago he was a clear cut.

[Rob Parker]

Ten days ago they were the number one overall seed. Everything.

[Kerry Rhodes]

I mean, people were saying they're the best team in the league. And now you have two stinkers like that in a row and you're part of that. I can see why people would vote the other way. I mean, in my opinion, he's still the guy, but I can see the other way now.

[Rob Parker]

But you remember when Lamar won it over Brock Purdy, they went into San Francisco.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yes.

[Rob Parker]

Brock Purdy threw four picks. Remember they said it was tied going into that game. Lamar played well. And what happened? Lamar won easily.

[Kerry Rhodes]

100 agree. And doing that in national televised games where you're the only team playing that, that, that hurts.

[Rob Parker]

Everybody's watching.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Everybody's watching.

[Rob Parker]

Matthew Stafford. Those do pick against that 6 and 9 Falcons team going nowhere.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Yeah, that hurts.

[Rob Parker]

So that's a bad part. All right, our number three, the final hour of the program here on the Herd coming up. And we're going to talk about Lamar Jackson and whether or not he should start for the Ravens. We'll get that and much more. So you know what you need to do the Herd is you need to stick and stay.

[Kerry Rhodes]

Unless you play bad in the usa.

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This is Julian Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jewels. Sunday mornings I've got my game day ritual, coffee, lucky socks and now new Morning Uncrustable Sandwiches. It's all about that 12 gram protein boost with the new Uncrustables Bright Eyed Berry or Up and apple flavors. Bright Eye Berries got a feisty receiver energy up an apple. Your classic do it all tight end, soft, pillowy, packed with protein and easy enough for Gronk to grab from the freezer. Whether you're on the couch, driving to the tailgate or heading to the locker room, new Morning Uncrustable Sandwiches are the MVP of snacks. Your new Sunday kickoff ritual starts here with new Morning Uncrustable sandwiches packed with 12 grams of protein. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

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[Greg (Caller)]

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[Rob Parker]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.