The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 – Detailed Summary
Date: October 24, 2025
Episode Highlights: Ravens' playoff outlook, Broncos-Cowboys breakdown, NFL trade deadline speculation, major storylines and picks for upcoming games, and guest insight from Albert Breer.

Episode Overview

Hour 3 of The Herd dives into the state of several NFL contenders, with Colin Cowherd and guest Albert Breer (Monday Morning Quarterback) analyzing upcoming matchups, roster moves, trade speculations, and player dynamics across the league. The conversation is packed with predictions, behind-the-scenes insights, and their signature blend of sharp analysis and personality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Baltimore Ravens’ Resurgence

• Topic: Can the Ravens go on a run?
• Insight: The Ravens, after having struggled due to injuries (notorious inactive list), are poised to make a playoff push now that key players are returning.
  • “Look at the inactive list. You'll see exactly what's wrong with the Ravens. Lamar Jackson was out, Kyle Hamilton was out, Roquan Smith was out.” – Albert Breer (03:41)
  • Their upcoming schedule (Bears, Miami, Minnesota, Cleveland, Jets) offers a shot at stringing several wins.
  • The bigger challenge will be the late-season, more difficult stretch.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “They've got a real chance here to build some momentum, to get Lamar Jackson back in the groove... I would not dismiss the Ravens as a contender again.” – Snax (04:42)
  • “That's the difference between losing by 10 and winning by 15.” – Colin Cowherd on getting Ravens’ stars back (20:19)
• Timestamps: 03:02-05:00, 19:31-20:19

2. Broncos-Cowboys: Roster Talent Meets Uncertainty

• Topic: Broncos’ inconsistency and the Dallas 'truth serum' game
• Insight: Both teams have talented rosters but face major questions—Denver can’t hit the long ball and trails often, Cowboys grapple with consistency.
  • Denver’s Bo Nix faces growing pains as defenses adjust to him.
  • Denver’s offensive skill positions rated as “good, not great.”
  • The Cowboys offense, led by Dak Prescott, faces a tough Denver defense—setting up a classic “strength vs strength” matchup.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “This should be like... Denver offense versus Dallas defense—this should be where Denver has a chance to get themselves back on track.” – Snax (06:29)
• Timestamps: 05:00-07:31

3. Aaron Rodgers vs. Packers Drama

• Topic: Rodgers’ relationship with Packers and impact on Pittsburgh’s offense
• Insight: Despite perceived friction, Rodgers maintains good relationships with most in Green Bay, except for select execs (e.g., Brian Gutekunst).
  • “95% of Aaron Rodgers' relationships are still really good. But then there are a couple that weren't.” – Snax (12:24)
  • His acumen is credited with improving the Steelers’ O-line performance.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “When he punches, he punches up. He doesn't punch down.” – Snax (12:24)
  • “Quarterbacks can elevate an O-line. And Aaron has a way smartly at the offensive line—to audible out of trouble... Do you think it's a coincidence the O-lines actually playing well in Pittsburgh for the first time in six years?” – Albert Breer (21:46)
• Timestamps: 11:54-13:55, 21:01-22:27

4. NFL Trade Deadline Approaching

• Topic: Teams likely to make moves; Buffalo’s needs
• Insight: Super Bowl contenders should pounce if possible. Cowherd and Breer eye the Bills as a team needing perimeter and interior D-line help.
  • Buffalo could use a “dynamic field stretcher,” floating names like Chris Olave, Jordan Addison, and particularly Rashid Shaheed.
  • The Rams also highlighted as a possible aggressive trade deadline mover.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “The one thing Buffalo doesn't have on offense right now is a real field stretcher... Bringing in a burner like Shahid could be an interesting play...” – Albert Breer (15:44)
• Timestamps: 13:55-17:06

5. Quarterback Carousel and Team Building

• Topic: Vikings’ handling of JJ McCarthy; patience with young QBs
• Insight: Minnesota is slow-playing McCarthy's return, prioritizing building his confidence and getting a true evaluation over short-term wins.
  • “If JJ McCarthy had 50 or 100 starts they'd look at it and say, yeah, it makes sense to hobble him out there. But as it stands, they want to build confidence up.” – Snax (17:32)
• Timestamps: 17:03-19:27

6. Player Spotlight: Saquon Barkley’s Down Year

• Topic: Barkley’s production dip and his perspective
• Insight: Saquon isn’t worried about stats; wants wins. Panel notes Giants’ offensive line injuries as a key reason for his drop-off.
  • “Men lie, women lie, numbers don't. I don't really get caught up in that... Our whole goal is to go six and two and win another football game.” – Saquon Barkley (23:52)
  • The crew debates whether he’s lost his explosiveness versus being hampered by poor line play.
• Timestamps: 23:52-26:25

7. World Series Preview

• Topic: Blue Jays vs. Dodgers, near-miss with Ohtani, Vlad Guerrero’s rise
• Insight: Jays' manager John Schneider jokes about Ohtani’s free-agent visit (“give us our stuff back already”—27:20), and the panel discusses whether missing out on Shohei Ohtani was actually a blessing, given Vlad Guerrero’s emergence as the franchise cornerstone.
  • “Apparently, you know, everything happens for a reason... after whiffing on Ohtani, Blue Jays ended up with Vlad Guerrero. Not a bad consolation prize, right?” – Colin Cowherd (28:06)
  • “Dodgers are more rested, probably an advantage.” (28:39)
• Timestamps: 26:25-28:48

8. Tomorrow’s Headlines Today (Picks and Predictions)

• Niners vs. Texans:
  • “The headline for Texans Niners will be Louv out the way. 49ers gold held up in Houston. Give me the Texans.” – J. Mack (34:47)
• Browns vs. Patriots:
  • “The headline for Browns against the Patriots will be canceled coverage. Browns not protected from mayhem.” (35:58)
• Giants vs. Eagles:
  • “Barkley sets a reminder for Giants. This has to be the Saquon Barkley game.” (37:27)
• Falcons vs. Dolphins:
  • “Headline will be for Falcons, Dolphins: life is too short. Dolphins clock out midseason.” (38:41)
• Cowboys vs. Broncos:
  • “Shot happens. 350 yard daiquiri dropped onto the field.” – J. Mack (39:53)
• Strength vs. Strength:
  • Albert Breer reiterates: Dallas’ explosive offense vs. Denver’s defense is the game’s focal point. (41:26)
• QBs Running/Early Careers:
  • Panel discusses the merits of young QBs utilizing their mobility early, but advises they scale it back as they develop. (41:53)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On injuries transforming a team:
  • “Just look at what Joe Alt just…One guy changed their run game and Herbert had an extra beat.” – Colin Cowherd (20:19)
• On trade deadline teams:
  • “If you're a Super bowl worthy team or you have a star quarterback... love the Green Bay. Micah Move, not a trade deadline move. That's a big swing.” – Albert Breer (13:55)
• On running backs and O-lines:
  • “We tend to forget the value of the offensive line because we don't talk about them, we don't know their names, we don't buy their jerseys.” – Albert Breer (24:21)
• On QBs and development:
  • “If you can run as a quarterback, do it for the first two years, then scale back on it... when you're a young quarterback... Run, move the chains, move the sticks, pick up first downs. It's going to be choppy.” – Colin Cowherd (41:53)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Ravens’ Playoff Chances: 03:02–05:00, revisited 19:31–20:19
• Broncos-Cowboys Analysis: 05:00–07:31, 39:53–41:53
• Aaron Rodgers/Packers Relationship: 11:54–13:55, 21:01–22:27
• NFL Trade Deadline & Buffalo’s Needs: 13:55–17:06
• JJ McCarthy/Vikings QB Room: 17:03–19:27
• Saquon Barkley’s Down Season: 23:52–26:25
• World Series Preview (Dodgers-Blue Jays): 26:25–28:48
• Tomorrow’s Headlines Today (NFL Picks): 34:47–41:53

Tone and Style

The conversation is classic Herd: conversational, data-informed, and laced with smart banter. Colin remains bold in his opinions, Breer brings reporting gravitas, and J. Mack’s betting slant adds edge. Occasional offbeat humor and sports analogies keep the discussion lively and relatable.

For anyone who missed the live show, this hour of The Herd digs deep into the week’s pivotal NFL storylines, spotlights key injuries and trades, and brings sharp prediction energy—making it essential listening for football fans.