What's Wright - Best Of - Brock Purdy & 49ers SUPER BOWL bound? Stafford vs. Maye MVP, NFL Week 18 Picks

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

What's Wright - Best Of: Brock Purdy & 49ers SUPER BOWL Bound? Stafford vs. Maye MVP, NFL Week 18 Picks

Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Nick Wright
Co-host: Daman
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

---

Episode Overview

This "Best Of" episode from the "What's Wright" segment, hosted by Nick Wright, dives deep into the latest NFL storylines as the regular season wraps up and playoff races heat up. The central focus is the evolving NFL MVP race—particularly the hotly debated contest between Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye—and a critical appraisal of how MVP voting trends have changed in recent years. The episode also spotlights Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ late-season surge, with examination of credit allocation in one of the league's most potent offenses. Nick wraps with his best bets and predictions for NFL Week 18, laying out the playoff implications and key matchups with his signature blend of insight and wit.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Changing Nature of the NFL MVP Race

(00:49 - 10:32, with detailed arguments throughout the first segment)

• Drake Maye vs. Matthew Stafford:

  • Drake Maye overtakes Stafford in MVP odds after a stellar Week 17, which Wright finds troubling because it signals a broader shift in what voters value.
  • Nick Wright:

    “I think last night Drake Maye won the MVP and I do not like that at all. … My issue is MVP has slowly started to turn into December Player of the Month amongst the MVP candidates and I don’t like that.” (01:10)

  • Statistical breakdown: Wright notes that Stafford outpaces Maye in key categories:
    • More passing yards
    • 12 more touchdowns
    • 25 fewer sacks
    • Same number of interceptions
    • Maye has a slightly higher passer rating
  • Daman clarifies both QBs have played the same number of games (07:15–07:23).

• "Recency Bias" in MVP Voting:

  • Wright laments the shift since 2023 where the MVP award seemingly goes to whichever candidate is "hottest" in December, regardless of sustained excellence.
  • He references Lamar Jackson's 2023 campaign and Josh Allen's late surge as evidence.
  • Quote:

    “It feels to me like MVP is slowly moving towards who’s hottest at the end of the year. And I don’t love that.” (07:34)

• The Rams, Playoff Implications, and Stafford's Legacy:

  • Wright suggests that a single play—a missed tackle on a punt return—could cost Stafford a Hall of Fame shot if it derailed the Rams' postseason position.

    “Is there an argument that not tackling Rasheed Shahid on the punt return in the fourth quarter last Thursday night is going to cost Matt Stafford a spot in the Hall of Fame? Maybe.” (11:01)

  • He details playoff scenarios for the Rams, noting how implications for seeding (and cold weather games) create a steeper path for LA (11:51–13:56).
  • Nick still maintains:

    “On a neutral site I like the Rams better than any team in the league. But McVay’s Rams... have not been great in cold weather against good teams, and their road just got so much harder over the last couple weeks.” (13:57)

---

2. Brock Purdy and the 49ers: Assessing Credit and the Quarterback Debate

(21:05 - 28:09)

• Purdy’s Performance Without Key Playmakers:

  • Daman foregrounds Purdy’s back-to-back high-impact games despite missing top teammates:

    “Purdy’s looked amazing. 300 yards, three touchdowns without all his guys. … How close are we to reopening that conversation?” (21:10)

  • Nick concedes Purdy has “been great,” crediting his return from injury and current hot streak.

• System Quarterback? The Ongoing Debate:

  • Nick revisits his long-standing critique: any competent QB (e.g., Jimmy Garoppolo, Mac Jones) can succeed under Kyle Shanahan, given the 49ers’ surrounding talent.

    “They then put literally the last pick of the draft in Jimmy Garoppolo’s spot. He performs at an even higher level. … My statement: I think if you dropped any starting caliber quarterback in his spot with that team, they would perform at that level.” (21:27)

  • But he pivots to acknowledge Purdy’s development:

    “Do I think Brock Purdy is proving himself to be a pretty good NFL quarterback? And does that surprise me? Yes. … And certainly if he’s playing at this level, he’s worth $50 million. I don’t think this level is sustainable, but he’s been great.” (24:20–25:01)

  • Nick’s primary argument: the real story is Shanahan and McCaffrey:

    “The story of this Niner season is about two people more than anybody: Kyle Shanahan and Christian McCaffrey.” (26:37)

---

3. Awards Races & Playoff Picture: 49ers, Bears, and More

(27:09 - 29:28)

• Coach and Offensive Player of the Year:

  • Nick’s picks: Kyle Shanahan (Coach of the Year) and Christian McCaffrey (Offensive Player of the Year).
  • Quote:

    “Christian McCaffrey is the most important non-quarterback in the league this year.” (27:18)

• 49ers’ Title Chances & Defense:

  • Nick acknowledges surprise at the 49ers’ Super Bowl potential, given defensive questions, but recognizes the offense’s dominance—especially with the playoff bye in reach.

• Bears in the Playoffs:

  • Nick describes Chicago as “a year away from real contention,” despite a strong season from rookie Caleb Williams:

    “Their defense has just as many questions as the Niners, and while Caleb ... was awesome in that game, … they’re probably a year away from real contention.” (29:28)

---

4. Nick Wright’s NFL Week 18 Picks & Playoff Scenarios

(31:24 - 35:38)

Nick’s rapid-fire against-the-spread picks with rationale:

• Tampa Bay -2.5 vs. Carolina:

  • “They just can’t go out like this. ... Tampa has been one of the worst teams in football for two months, but they’re at home.” (31:32)

• Seattle -1 at San Francisco:

  • “I think Seattle gets the one seed. … I think they win.” (32:07)

• Raiders +5.5 vs. Kansas City:

  • “The Chiefs offense right now just can’t be five and a half point favorites against anybody.” (32:59)

• Miami +12 at New England:

  • “Just a lot of points. Mike McDaniel trying to save his job. ... I’m getting 12 points. I’ll take Miami plus 12.” (34:04)

• Pittsburgh +3.5 vs. Baltimore:

  • “I don’t really care who’s playing quarterback for Baltimore in this game to be honest. … We know all the Tomlin getting points at home, divisional games. ... So I’ll take Pittsburgh plus three and a half.” (34:48)

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Recency Bias in MVP Voting:

  “The first three months of the year are to determine who the actual candidates are and then the award is given based off who has the best December—and I don’t love that.” — Nick Wright (09:10)

• On Stafford’s Hall of Fame Odds:

  “Is there an argument that not tackling Rasheed Shahid on the punt return…is going to cost Matt Stafford a spot in the Hall of Fame? Maybe.” — Nick Wright (11:01)

• On the 49ers’ Real MVPs:

  “The story of this Niner season is about two people...Kyle Shanahan and Christian McCaffrey.” — Nick Wright (26:37)

• On Chicago and the Playoffs:

  “I think they’re probably a year away from real contention now, it doesn’t mean they can’t do it, but it would surprise me.” — Nick Wright (29:28)

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• Stafford vs. Maye & Recency Bias Discussion: 00:49–13:57
• Rams Playoff Scenarios and Implications: 11:51–13:56
• 49ers, Brock Purdy Debate, and Shanahan/McCaffrey Praise: 21:05–28:09
• Awards Picks and Bears Outlook: 27:09–29:28
• NFL Week 18 Best Bets: 31:24–35:38

---

Episode Takeaways

• The NFL MVP discussion is consumed by recency bias, often ignoring entire season body of work for late-season performance.
• Matthew Stafford’s legacy, Super Bowl odds, and MVP candidacy are delicately intertwined with seemingly minor single-play outcomes and playoff seedings.
• Brock Purdy’s superb play merits credit, but Nick Wright insists the core of the 49ers’ success is Kyle Shanahan’s coaching and Christian McCaffrey’s durability.
• The dynamic and high-stakes NFC playoff picture hinges on Week 18, with Nick offering candid, data-driven picks laced with skepticism toward cold-weather matchups and divisional dogfights.

---

Missed the episode? This summary captures every key argument and sharp take from Nick Wright as NFL awards and playoff chaos loom.

Transcript

[Podcast Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Nick Wright]

Guaranteed Human what's up?

[Cam Jordan]

It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment about everything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season. The season of More on the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage. Store more and do more with your data. Try them for [e-mail] welcome to the Best of the Week for what's Right with Nick Wright. The best takes and moments from this week on the show. Enjoy.

[Daman]

All right, so Bijan rolled through the Rams last night in the upset. Stafford messed himself up a little bit, dropped to number two in MVP. He's at plus 300. Drake Mays now at minus 450 after his three interceptions. How do you think last night impacts the MVP race?

[Nick Wright]

So I think last night Drake May won the MVP and I do not like that at all. And it is not because I don't like Drake May. I said on this show and on the TV show two months ago that there aren't five guys in the league I'd rather have at quarterback than Drake May. And that's not just moving forward. That is right now, this moment. I think he is. I I've been telling Wilds all year how legit, how much I do believe in Drake May and he is having an unbelievable season. And it is not as if him winning MVP I would find it to be a travesty or an outrage. That's not my issue at all. My issue is MVP has slowly started to turn into December Player of the month amongst the MVP candidates and I don't like that we saw this. There have been. Listen. 2018 MVP Mahomes was a no brainer. He ran away with it. 2019 MVP Lamar was a no brainer. He ran away with it. 2020 it was a two man race. Rogers and Mahomes. I thought it should have been Mahomes. Rogers won it. There was no issue with that. That was a two, two great candidates. You know, Mahomes rested at the end of the year. Rogers won it. Fine. 2021 Rogers and Brady. It was a legitimate argument. Rogers won and 2022 Mahomes ran away with it, there was no question those MVPs were relatively easy. 2023 was the first year I saw this phenomenon happen. Which was it? There wasn't a clear cut favorite throughout the year. And then in December, two MVP there, there were games amongst the MVP candidates, Dak, Purdy and Lamar. And if I have it correct, and I'm going to double check to make sure, Dak Law. I thought Dak, you know, as far I thought Christian McCaffrey had the best argument for MVP that year. But it doesn't really matter. Like that's not the point. Dak played poorly in a December game to Buffalo and people were like, well, he's out now it's between Lamar and Brock Purdy and then Lamar and the Ravens annihilated the Niners and Purdy and it was just like, oh, okay, Purdy's out. Now it's Lamar's mvp. That's that. And we ended up that year giving MVP to a guy. And again, this is not anti Lamar, I promise. Because if we didn't get. Lamar had a better case last year than he did the year before. But Lamar in 2023 was 15th in the NFL and passing yards and 11th in the NFL in passing touchdowns. And while he had an awesome passer rating, it was fourth in the league. It was, he did not have MVP numbers, but he had the MVP December and so he won it. And then last year Lamar had been the MVP really all year long. But Josh Allen had the moment against the Chiefs, the six touchdown game and a loss to the Rams and he, he had the finishing surge and because of that he was the mvp. And this year, from start to finish, Matt Stafford's been the MVP of the league. If we look at, if you take this season to Monse and put the 16 games each guy has played and you reorder them randomly and you do that 100 different times with 100 different orders as far as the order of the games and then stack up the MVP seasons. I think Stafford wins MVP 85 out of 100 of those reordered seasons. But because Week 17, Drake May throws five touchdowns and Week 17 Stafford has one of his two bad games that he's had all year, it's now going to be betting wise it's over. And conventional wisdom wise, Drake May won the award. Even though Stafford has thrown for more yards, has thrown for 12 more touchdowns, has taken 25 fewer sacks, they have the same number of interceptions now. Drake May has a slightly higher passer rating.

[Daman]

One more game too.

[Nick Wright]

No, they play the same number of games.

[Daman]

No, I'm saying. Okay, yeah, fair enough.

[Nick Wright]

What do you mean?

[Daman]

I guess they've. They've both played their week 17 game. I was going to say they've got one more game. It's not locked up, but going into yesterday I would have easily given it to Stafford.

[Nick Wright]

The Pigs make sure. I mean, they, they both have a. They both. They both have a Week 18 game. By the way, did my lights just get really weird? Like Jesus, okay, can I fix that? I don't know how the hell that happened. I'm gonna keep talking to you guys. Oh, now it's better. I don't even know what. I didn't even touch anything. I don't know what just happened. That was really weird. I looked like I was glowing for a moment. The bright lights is not a good look for me. I need very. Just regular warm lighting. No, I, I just don't. It feels to me like MVP is slowly moving towards who's hottest at the end of the year. And I don't love that. And I just think Stafford, and this is where I do think when it comes to league mvp, it's totally fair to pick nits. I think the fact that Stafford has done it in the league's toughest division against a brutal schedule where they have played Houston, Philly, the Niners, Jacksonville, the Niners, Seattle, Seattle again, those seven teams. And I'm. That's just me listing the teams they have played that have locked into the playoffs, not including games at the time that we thought were big, like Indy, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Carolina, where he didn't play well, Detroit and Drake.

[Daman]

Majors had his five touchdown game against the jets.

[Nick Wright]

And again he still. He was. I'm not going to neck that game. He was perfect in it. And I think he's an awesome player, but I just don't love that. It feels to me, this is I guess my general take it feels the last three years, this is the way the MVP has been done. The first three months of the year are to determine who the actual candidates are and then the award is given based off who has the best December. And I don't love that. And it feels like we are. And by the way, Stafford, Thursday night against Seattle. Stafford was unbelievable. That was his second most recent game. They scored 37 points. He threw for 457 yards. He had three touchdowns against that defense. And now the team blew it at the end. My lights just did that thing again. I don't know what's going on. We're just gonna the I think it's.

[Daman]

A camera thing now. Dropped two in a row.

[Nick Wright]

Yes, but I know they dropped two in a row, but one of them was, one of them was a 3837 win or 3837 loss. And so I just, it is very difficult for and I know Drake made the great comeback against Baltimore. I just don't it doesn't sit right with me that it feels like it's becoming a glorified December player of the month. So that's where so right now my vote would be for Matt Stafford. I don't think he's going to win it. And I also think we've talked about this all year that man, it is crazy how thin these margins are in sports. But. Is there an argument that not tackling Rasheed Shahid on the punt return in the fourth quarter last Thursday night is going to cost Matt Stafford a spot in the hall of Fame? Maybe because if they win that game and they are sailing to the one seed, I happen to believe if they win that game, they come out ready, more ready to play last night because they know we control our destiny for the one seed rather than being locked out of it as they knew they knew going into last night that they were locked out of the one seed. And I think you saw that lack of attention to detail early. If they're the one seed and Stafford has the exact same numbers but in a win he is going to win MVP and maybe and they are the huge favorites at that moment to win the super bowl now and this now impacts the Rams are now demanding in a very interesting spot in this regard and this impacts whether or not we want to bet them this weekend. Here is the situation for the Rams. If the Niners beat Seattle on Saturday night, the Rams are the six seed locked into the six seed. No matter what they do against Arizona, the six seed means you either going to Chicago or to Philadelphia. Cold weather January road playoff games. That is if the Niners beat Seattle, the Rams are locked into the six. If Seattle beats the Niners, then the Rams can be the five seed if they beat Arizona. And so whether or not they have anything to play for will be will depend on what happened Saturday night. I still think on a neutral site I like the Rams better than any team in the league. But McVeigh is not and his Rams teams have not been great in cold weather against good teams and their road just got so much harder over the last couple weeks. Today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Hard Rock Bat Florida Sportsbook and the official sportsbook partner of your favorite Florida teams like the Jags, the Jags, Bucks, Heat, Magic and Panthers. Week 18 playoff spots are on the line. Think you know how it's going to play out? Build a same game parlay on Hard Rock Bet and turn turn game day into payday. Or if you're more into hardwood than gridiron, you can put up shots on the NBA in college every night on Hard Rock Bet, your home for hoops action all night season long. You can even combine your football and basketball bets. You've got a week. If you've got a week 18 parlay, add an NBA bet or player prop to turn up the payout. And if you missed the start of the game, don't worry. Hard Rock Bet has live in game betting so you're never too late to bet any football or hoops game all season. Find a winner. Grab that player prop you had circled. Bet live in just a few easy taps. If you haven't tried your first bet on hard rock bet, just place a $5 bet and if it hits, you get not only your winnings but also an extra $150 in bonus bets. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook app is the only legal sportsbook for whenever you're in Florida, and it's also live in Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and Michigan. Coming soon to more states too. Plus, Hard Rock Bet offers new promos every single day. So whenever you're listening, just open the app and check out what you've got. Any day of the week, download the Hard Rock Bet app and make your first deposit payable and bonus bets. Not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states. Must be 21 plus and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia. To play play terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida? Call 1-833-PLAY-WISE in Indiana. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem wants help, call 1-800-9 with it gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia. Like if we're on the air here and I literally have my contract here and I'm looking at, you know, as soon as I sign this, I'm going to get a seven figure check. I've told them I won't be working here in two weeks. From the underground clubs that shaped global music to the pastors and creatives who built a cultural empire, the Atlanta Is podcast uncovers the stories behind one of the most influential cities in the world. The thing I love about Atlanta is that it's a city of hustlers, man. Each episode explores a different chapter of Atlanta's rise, featuring conversations with Ludacris, Will Packer, Pastor Jamal Bryant, DJ Drama, and more. The full series is available to listen to. I really just had never experienced anything like what was going on in the city as far as, like, you know, seeing so many young, black, affluent creatives.

[Daman]

In all walks of life.

[Nick Wright]

The church had dwindled almost to nothing, and God said, this is your assignment. And that's like, how, you know, like, okay, are you from Atlanta for real? I ain't got to say too much. I'm Grady, baby.

[Daman]

Shut up.

[Nick Wright]

Listen to Atlanta is on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Podcast Announcer]

If one of us wins, would we all win? I'm Ashley Reifeld and I'm the host of the women's skateboarding podcast. Good Luck with that. Good Luck with that is a skateboarding podcast that is part cultural record, part news brief, mostly group therapy and a place to talk about the past, present, and future of women and gender. Expansive skateboarding this week, me and my co hosts Nora Vasconcelos and Alex White, we have Fabiana Delfino on the show, a professional skateboarder from Florida whose grit was forged in a family of athletes. Tune in to hear how she broke into the boys club, what it takes to be pro, and why just being grateful you're here shouldn't be the price of entry. Maybe the industry thinks that we just.

[Nick Wright]

Started skating five years ago because that's.

[Podcast Announcer]

When they maybe started paying attention. It's a no fluff conversation about putting in the years, stacking clips and receipts, and still having to prove your worth while the industry catches up. You break down the door sick now, like, hold the door for everyone. We created Good Luck with that because we want to share our experience existing in an industry that wasn't always built for everyone. So listen to Good Luck with that on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kelly & Telma]

Hey, I'm Kelly, and some of you may know me as Laura Winslow. And I'm Telma, also known as Aunt Rachel. If those names ring a bell, then you probably are familiar with the show that we were both on back in the 90s called Family Matters. Kelly and I have done a lot of things and played a lot of roles over the years, but both of us are just so proud to have been part of Family Matters. Did you know that we are one of the longest running sitcoms with a black cast? When we were making the show, there were so many moments filled with joy and laughter and cut up that I will never forget. Oh girl, you got that right. The look that you all give me is so black. All black people know about the on each episode of welcome to the Family, we'll share personal reflections about making the show. Yeah, we'll even bring in part of the cast and some other special guests to join in the fun and spill some tea. Listen to welcome to the Family with Telma and Kelly on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Brad Palumbo]

The social media trend that's landing some gen zers in jail. The progressive media darling who's public meltdown got her fired.

[Nick Wright]

I'm going to take Francesca off the network entirely.

[Brad Palumbo]

The massive TikTok boycott against Target? That makes no actual sense.

[Podcast Announcer]

I will continue getting stuff from Target and I will continue to not pay for it.

[Brad Palumbo]

And the MAGA influencers whose trip to the White House ended in embarrassment.

[Nick Wright]

So refreshing to have a press secretary after the last few years who's both intelligent and articulate.

[Brad Palumbo]

You won't hear about these online stories in the mainstream media, but you can keep up with them and all the other entertaining and outrageous things happening online in media and in politics with the Brad vs. Everyone podcast hosted by me, Brad Palumbo. Every day of the week I bring you on a wild ride through the most dulu takes on the Internet, criticizing the extremes of both sides from an independent perspective. Join in on the insanity and listen to the Brad vs. Everyone podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

What's up?

[Cam Jordan]

It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment about anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season. The season of More on the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage Store more and.

[Brad Palumbo]

Do more with your data.

[Nick Wright]

Try them for [e-mail] Purdy he's peaking.

[Daman]

300 yards, three touchdowns without all his guys. He had five touchdowns in the game before you were going to end the Purdy debate after Mac Jones came in earlier in the season, balled out, you know, assistant quarterback stuff. How close are we to reopening that conversation? I gotta say, Brock Purdy's looked amazing.

[Nick Wright]

He's looked great. Listen, there is, there is no argument. I mean, he's had back to back five touchdowns because he had three touchdowns through the air and two, he's moving. He's been awesome, he's running. He's been awesome. I. It is maddening to me that we are somehow. Oh, I'm just in an endless loop of me making statements that seem unprovable about the Niners quarterback situation. They then get proven and folks still saying I'm wrong like that, which is this the Jimmy, the original statement. Jimmy Garoppolo don't care that he wins. He's not very good. Oh, but look at how he wins. They went to a Super bowl with him. My statement, I think if you dropped any starting caliber quarterback in his spot with that team, they would perform at that level.

[Daman]

You think Matt Jones in the last, in the last two games would have. Okay, my bad. Go ahead.

[Nick Wright]

Just hold on. Just, just wait a second. They then put literally the last pick of the draft in Jimmy Garoppolo spot. He performs at an even higher level. They go back to a Super bowl and people are like scenic. You were wrong. Like, wait, what? Didn't we. We just saw it then. Brock Purdy has this run prior to this season. They go to the Super Bowl. We were like, give him more credit, Nick. I'm like, I listen, he's. He was underdrafted. He's clearly a starting caliber quarterback. He might even be good. But I think most of the credit should go to the Avengers on the team. They're like, well, what do you want? You want to see him do it without those guys? I'm like, well, he probably won't ever have to. But yeah, if he did it without those guys, they then have a season where all those guys are hurt. The team goes in the tank and I'm like, see the thing that we didn't think we'd be. This is the second time. The thing we didn't think we'd be able to test. We tested and I was right. We were like, no, it's not fair. This year comes out, He's out for two months. A guy that everyone agrees is not a good quarterback. Mac Jones steps in, looks awesome, the team wins. I'm like, oh, another test. And then Purdy comes back is better than that guy. And people are like, see, Nick, you're an idiot. I don't know what people want me to say here. Now, do I think Mac Jones is as good as Brock Purdy? Obviously not. Do I think Mac Jones could have done what Brock Purdy did the last two weeks? No. Do I think Brock Purdy is proving himself to be a pretty good NFL quarterback? And does that surprise me? Yes, I. All of those things. But all the folks arguing with me two months ago when I said, see, this is why I wouldn't have necessarily paid Purdy 53 million where you can get that level of production from Mac Jones were quietly agreeing with me, which is why they stopped arguing with me. And now he's on this heater and certainly if he's playing at this level, he's worth $50 million. I don't think this level is sustainable, but he's been great. But my biggest thing is, and I know people and I've done it to myself, so I'm not whining, look at me as a Purdy hater. But the other way to look at it is I just want the right people to get credit. And the story of this Niner season is not a Brock Purdy story. He has played half the games. The story of this Niner season is about two people more than anybody. Kyle Shanahan and Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey who has been available and used like a pack mule all year, and Shanahan, who has been in his bag to, even by his standards, an insane degree. That's the story of the Niner season. Now the story of the last two weeks is Purdy has been utterly brilliant and I give him credit, but I don't. I can't. I feel like I'm in a time loop on the Niners quarterback arguments and I keep throwing out their things that I believe but I'll never be able to prove. And then somehow we get real life samples of it. Replace Jimmy Garoppolo with Mr. Irrelevant. See what Purdy looks like without his star players. See what if you dropped Mac Jones in the Niners offense, what it would look like. And every single time it looks exactly like I say it would. And then people are like, nick, you're still wrong. I just. I'm going to lose my mind. All right, go ahead with some follow ups.

[Daman]

You think that Shanahan should win coach of the year at plus 150 at number two and CMC at offensive player of the year at plus 275. They're both number.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. Who's number one for both of those? Because those would be my picks. I think Shanahan's been coach of the year. Oh, you know, Christian McCaffrey should win offensive play of the year over JSN. As good as JSN to be. Christian McAffrey is the most important non quarterback in the league this year and Brave was the favorite for the other ones. No, I would give it to Shanahan and Christian McAffrey.

[Daman]

The Niners, they're playing for the one seed on Saturday. How alive for a real run at the title. Do you think they are and do you think this should have been a Sunday Night Football game?

[Nick Wright]

No, I'm. I'm fine with the winning. You're in game being Sunday Night Football. The. They want Raven, Steelers, Rogers, Lamar. It's fine and well might not be Lamar.

[Daman]

And I think we're gonna.

[Nick Wright]

It's. I mean. Yeah, we'll get to that. Yeah, we'll get to the Lamar stuff. Old Nick's a hater. Nick doesn't know what he's talking about. Nick's making things up. I told you so guys, but let's stay here for a minute.

[Daman]

Dude, he's hurt.

[Nick Wright]

Thought. Okay, we'll get to it. We'll. We'll. We'll get to the Lamar stuff. The. I don't think the Niners defense should be good enough to win a Super bowl, but with the way the offense is playing and the. With the way the offense is playing and if they win on Saturday, getting the buy and having all the games come through Santa Clara, obviously they've got a great shot at it. I'm shocked by that. And that speaks what I was saying about Shanahan and McCaffrey and how well Purdy's been playing. All right, let's talk Bears just for.

[Daman]

A second after it. Bears after Atlanta defeated the. The seat after defeated the. Oh, yeah. On the Bear. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was like, what on the Bear side, Caleb had a shot to win at the end, but he came up short. Is this the team that you feel comfortable with betting money on in the playoffs?

[Nick Wright]

Listen, I think there's been a great year for Chicago and I think that if they win against Detroit and get the two seed, I think they'll beat the packers in round two. In round one. Their defense has just as many questions as the Niners, and while Caleb, I think, was awesome in that game, I don't. I think they're probably a year away from real contention now, it doesn't mean they can't do it, but it would surprise me. And so if they now, if they fall to the three and they have to play one of those NFC either the Niners again, obviously they can win that game, but that would be tough. Or the Rams, I don't think I'd like them. I certainly wouldn't pick them against the Rams, and I might not pick them against the Niners, but this is a great year for Chicago, no matter what the NFC playoff field, just the three NFC west teams, Chicago and Philly. It's a tough field. By the way, if you're thinking about upgrading to the all new iPhone 17 Pro, designed to be the most powerful iPhone ever, but you're also thinking about the traffic on your way to the store or transferring all your data. Good news. When you order a new phone online with Boost Mobile, they'll send an expert to your home. How about that? Or home. Or work to deliver your brand new iPhone Pro and get you set up on Boost Mobile within minutes. No hassle. So how about that? You get the new iPhone, it comes right to you and a tech comes in. Get all your stuff transferred, get you set up on the network. Visit boostmobile.com to get started. Delivery available for select devices purchased@boost mobile.com Terms of course, do apply. All right, Daman, five games I'm betting.

[Daman]

Let's go all riding with your, riding with your boy. First game you got Tampa Bay minus two and a half at Carolina or versus Carolina.

[Nick Wright]

Sorry Baker, just can't go out like this. They just can't go there is Carolina's been better. Tampa has been one of the worst teams in football for two months, but they're at home. They're laying less than a field goal to have any chance of making the playoffs. They obviously have to win and then they have to root for the Saints the next day. I just don't think Tampa is going to go out this sad. I'll lay the two and a half with Tampa next.

[Daman]

Seattle minus one at San Francisco.

[Nick Wright]

I don't think the Niners defense and it's 32nd in the league in sacks is going to be able to impact Darnold the way the Rams have been able to get to him at times this year, the way we've seen him when he has struggled. He didn't play well against Carolina, by the way. I think Seattle's better. I think it makes more sense for Seattle to be the 1 seed. Seattle, they played early in the year and Seattle had the ball in Week one had the ball inside the red zone with a chance to seal at the end. Darnold fumbled. I think they get back. I think Seattle gets the one seed. I think Seattle all lay the point. I think they went next.

[Daman]

Next you got Vegas plus five and a half versus Kansas City betting against them every week.

[Nick Wright]

Well just you just can't. I didn't bet against them last week. The they were I teased against them but and they pushing but the the Chiefs offense right now just can't be five and a half point favorites against anybody. And I'm not saying this is how the Chiefs will operate but what I am saying is this. The Chief's ability to cost the Raiders the number one overall pick to prevent the Raiders from being able to fix their quarterback problem is legitimately valuable. So it's less about the Chiefs improving their draft status and more about the Chiefs being able to screw the Raiders where the Raiders with a loss get the number one pick. And even if the I just don't think the Chiefs right now can beat anyone by a touchdown. They can't run the ball, they can't pass the ball, they can't move the football and they're on the road. They're not going to have the juice of arrowhead from last week. I'll take the Raiders plus five and a half.

[Daman]

Next Miami plus 12 at New England heavy.

[Nick Wright]

Just a lot of points. Mike McDaniel trying to save his job and there's usually one week 18 big favorite that that needs the game that all of a sudden it's tied in the fourth quarter. It feels like it might be this one. I know Mike McDaniel has all these awful cold weather stats but are those Mike McDaniel stats or are those two stats? I'm getting 12 points. I'll take Miami plus 12. And last we're going to go out on our shield on this one even though I'm so mad at Aaron Rodgers.

[Daman]

Next Pittsburgh plus three and a half versus Baltimore.

[Nick Wright]

I don't really care who's playing quarterback for Baltimore in this game to be honest. A banged up Lamar or Huntley that we saw last week, I'm just like Pittsburgh getting the points. This game is going. Someone's winning this game by three. I don't know who. I'm getting three and a half points so I'll take Pittsburgh plus three and a half. We know all the Tomlin getting Tomlin getting points at home, divisional games. I mean I don't know if he's ever lost. So my five picks this week are Tampa minus two and a half against Carolina Seattle minus one against the Niners the Raiders getting five and a half against Kansas City, Miami getting 12 in New England, Pittsburgh getting three and a half at home against Baltimore what's up?

[Cam Jordan]

It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment about anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season. The season of More on the off the Edge Edge with Cam Jordan Podcast Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nick Wright]

Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage Store more and do more with your data. Try them for [e-mail].

[Podcast Announcer]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.