The Herd with Colin Cowherd: “What’s Wright” NFL Week 8 Reaction — Chiefs Crush Commanders

Date: October 29, 2025
Host: Nick Wright
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This “What’s Wright” segment, hosted by Nick Wright with co-host Damanze, delivers an energetic, in-depth breakdown of NFL Week 8, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs’ dominant win over the Washington Commanders. Wright analyzes Patrick Mahomes’ resurgence, key game decisions, and the changing AFC landscape. The episode also covers broader league storylines — from Lamar Jackson’s injury saga, playoff outlooks, MVP race, and quick hits on the week’s most important games. Listeners are treated to Nick’s characteristic candor, deep dives, and a dash of sarcasm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Stories: Poker Victory & NBA Gambling Scandal (03:11–08:00)

• Nick’s Charity Poker Tournament Win: Nick humorously recounts his second consecutive win at Hank Azaria’s charity poker event, choosing 12 Knicks suite tickets as his prize.
• NBA Gambling/Poker Scandal Insights: Nick hints at “real intel” from players and dealers involved, suggesting more names may emerge, but withholds details for now.

2. Dodgers World Series Marathon: Implications and Analysis (08:00–14:22)

• Recap of an 18-inning Classic: Nick breaks down the Dodgers’ marathon World Series win, lauding Shohei Ohtani’s historic play and Freddie Freeman’s clutch home run.
• Quote:

  “If this thing had ended in nine innings, it would’ve been one of the best World Series games of the last 25 years. The drama, Ohtani just being fire breathing dragon...” (10:32)

3. Chiefs vs. Commanders: Mahomes, Kelce, Offense Reborn (16:40–26:00)

a. Game Recap & Takeaways

• Chiefs win big, covering a “must-win” expectation.
• At halftime, game was tied 7–7, prompting nervousness; Chiefs exploded in the second half.
• Mistakes Early, Domination Late: Mahomes threw a rare interception; Travis Kelce had a tipped-bobble INT as well. Despite that, KC overwhelmed Washington after the break.

b. Mahomes Back to MVP Form

• Key Insight:

  “All Patrick Mahomes needs is a competent offensive line and a league-average receiving corps — which they now have above league average — and he will instantly look like the best player in the sport once again. And that’s what’s happened.” (19:10)

• Chiefs put together a “119-yard touchdown drive” after setbacks, showcasing their newfound offensive depth.

• Receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are praised, with Rice especially highlighted.

c. Coaching Philosophy (Aggressiveness on Fourth Down)

• Noteworthy shift: First time in Mahomes’ career, Chiefs are aggressive on 4th down.

• Cites multiple successful 4th-down conversions, crediting Kareem Hunt’s reliability in short yardage:

  “For the first time in Mahomes’ career, he is on a team that is aggressive rather than conservative on fourth downs. And that changes everything for Kansas City.” (21:20)

• Chiefs now average “minimum 28 points a game” post–midseason turnaround.

d. Defensive Improvement & Playoff Razor’s Edge

• KC defense allows just 7 points over two weeks.
• Upcoming gauntlet: at Bills, bye, at Broncos, home vs. Colts — “this three-game stretch will determine the AFC West and number one seed in the AFC.”

e. On Rashee Rice as a Weapon

• Damanze asks if Rice is already Mahomes’ second-best receiving weapon.
• Nick ranks him behind Kelce and Tyreek Hill but says Rice could become Mahomes’ 3rd-best offensive weapon ever.

4. Washington Commanders: Rebuild Mode? (31:04–35:00)

• Wright declares the Commanders’ season dead:

  “If you’re holding any Washington stock at this point, that’s going to zero for this season.” (31:13)

• Recommends they consider moving Duron Payne.
• Admits to “writing them off already,” emphasizing tough upcoming schedule; Sunday Night Football vs. Seahawks is “season on the line.”

5. Ravens, Lamar Jackson & Injury Reporting Controversy (40:23–52:00)

a. Injury Report Manipulation & Team Pressure

• Nick’s take:

  “I believe the Ravens lied on the injury report, not to get a competitive advantage, but... as a way to pressure Lamar Jackson into play. This follows a pattern.” (40:50)

• Cites several seasons where the Ravens/Harbaugh set aggressive timelines for Lamar’s returns, and Lamar ultimately sat longer.

• Notes NFL insiders’ reporting is lacking on real injuries, venting about agents and news cycles.

b. Ravens’ Outlook

• With Snoop Huntley’s heroic start, Baltimore is “favorites to win the division,” given the rest-of-season schedule.
• Wild scenario: AFC North winner could be 8–9 and still host a 12-win wild card in the playoffs.

6. Bears, Eagles-Giants, and League-Wide Quick Hits (55:58–87:20)

a. Bears & Caleb Williams

• Caleb makes errors vs. Ravens, but Nick remains patient:

  “I’m not going to give up on him anytime soon, but he wasn’t good... Caleb flatly has to play better.” (56:19)

b. Eagles’ Offense Without AJ Brown

• Philly “looked good on all fronts” despite AJ Brown’s absence.
• Nick says a trade is unlikely, but given the team’s success, “I do think this is likely AJ’s last year with the team...” (58:12)

c. Tush Push Controversy

• Nick rails against the Eagles’ signature play and perceived officiating bias:

  “It feels like it’s a one-way street on forward progress on the tush push... Instead they get the — it’s the other way they’re getting rewarded.” (60:47)

7. Around the NFL – Fast Reactions

• Packers-Steelers: Jordan Love “fantastic,” Green Bay remains #1 seed. If you believe in Love, believe the Packers can reach the Super Bowl. (71:18)
• Broncos-Cowboys: Bo Nix shines but Nick doubts it's sustainable. Denver “not finishing last,” but not ready to call them legit contenders. (73:53)

MVP Race Discussion

• Jonathan Taylor lauded as a legitimate MVP candidate given his massive yardage and touchdown lead.

  “If there was ever going to be another running back to win the award, Jonathan Taylor is checking a lot of those boxes...” (79:44)

• Quarterback stats: Volume is down, efficiency (passer rating) is up.

Rapid-fire Game Summaries

• Chargers crush Vikings: JJ McCarthy takes over at QB.
• Dolphins rout Falcons, Tua “saves McDaniel’s job.”
• Jets stage wild comeback vs. Bengals.
• Bills dominate Panthers; James Cook shines.
• Texans upset Niners; CJ’s “best game of the year.”
• Patriots, Buccaneers, and Colts all win big; rookie QBs and RBs take center stage.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Chiefs’ Offensive Line:

  “All Patrick Mahomes needs is a competent offensive line and a league-average receiving corps — which they now have above league average — and he will instantly look like the best player in the sport once again.” (19:10)

• On Chiefs’ Fourth Down Aggressiveness:

  “He is on a team that is aggressive rather than conservative on fourth downs. And that changes everything for Kansas City.” (21:20)

• On Rashee Rice:

  “He has a chance to be without a doubt the third best weapon Mahomes has ever had if he’s not already.” (28:42)

• On the Ravens’ Lamar Issue:

  “There is a clear disconnect between coach, medical staff and player...” (51:10)

• On the Commanders:

  “If you’re holding any Washington stock... that’s going to zero for this season.” (31:13)

• On Tush Push:

  “We hate this play, and yet we let you do things on it you can’t do in any other play.” (61:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:11 - Nick’s Poker Win & NBA Scandal Hints
• 08:00 - Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series Epic
• 16:40 - Chiefs vs. Commanders: Game Recap Begins
• 19:10 - Chiefs’ Offense Revival & Mahomes Era
• 21:20 - Chiefs’ 4th Down Boldness
• 26:00 - Chiefs’ Season Outlook, Defensive Praise
• 31:13 - Commanders: “Sell or Fold?"
• 40:23 - Ravens-Lamar Injury Saga
• 56:19 - Bears & Caleb Williams Analysis
• 58:12 - Eagles’ Success Without AJ Brown
• 60:47 - Tush Push Controversy
• 71:18 - Packers vs. Steelers, Jordan Love Spotlight
• 73:53 - Broncos, Bo Nix, and Denver’s Outlook
• 79:44 - MVP Race: Jonathan Taylor’s Case
• 82:18 - Quick Game Recaps Around the NFL

Final Thoughts

Nick Wright continues to deliver sharp, entertaining takes on the NFL’s biggest stories — with a special focus on the resurgent Chiefs. His blend of analysis, humor, and honest critique makes for an episode rich with insight and memorable moments. Chiefs fans will be especially pleased, but the nuanced look at the Ravens, Commanders, and the MVP race gives listeners across the league plenty to chew on. Even non-football topics — like his charity poker win and TV recommendations — mix levity with expertise for a thoroughly engaging listen.