Podcast Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "What's Wright" with Nick Wright

Episode: Chiefs TAKING OFF? Mahomes-Baker MVP race, Steelers-Bengals predictions
Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Nick Wright
Producer/Co-host: Damanze
Presented by: iHeartPodcasts & The Volume

Overview of Main Theme

This episode is a high-energy, wide-ranging NFL conversation with Nick Wright, focusing on key topics such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ resurgence, the Mahomes vs. Baker Mayfield MVP race, the weekly NFL landscape (including deep dives into the Lions, Eagles, and quarterback eras), and sharp predictions for upcoming games (notably Steelers vs. Bengals). Nick also gives his signature takes on NFL and NBA historical rankings, reacts to media narratives, and sprinkles in betting insights—with his usual blend of humor, rapid fire debate, and accessible analysis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NBA Player Rankings & Jokic’s All-Time Case

(03:40–15:19)

• Debate over Ringer’s Top 100 List:
  Nick reacts with frustration to LeBron James’ placement at #11, behind Kevin Durant (#10):

  "There's just no argument that [Durant]'s better and there's no argument that he's more available. There's no argument that he's more durable or reliable." (05:21, Nick)

• Durant vs. Curry vs. LeBron:
  Nick sees LeBron as still better than Curry, and questions why Durant’s value is rising post-Golden State.

• Jokic’s Place in the All-Time Top 10:
  Nick analyzes Bill Simmons’ suggestion that another MVP and title could put Jokic into the all-time top 10, but highlights harsh “math” for who would be bumped out (i.e. Dream, Wilt, Kobe, Bird, Shaq, Steph).

  “Top tens are going to get really prickly for people if…Joker all of a sudden has multiple rings and four MVPs.” (08:45, Nick)

• Offense vs. Defense in All-Time Rankings:
  Nick sees Jokic as potentially a top 5–6 offensive big man ever but admits his defensive impact can't match the likes of Duncan or Olajuwon.

  “Duncan might be the greatest defensive player... post-Russell, Duncan’s one of the two greatest.” (12:38, Nick)

• Playoff Series as a Barometer of Greatness:
  Nick credits Bill Simmons for emphasizing playoff series won, noting Jokic is still behind Kobe, Duncan, Michael, and others in this area, which should temper all-time debates.

  “He has reached the ceiling…as high as a one ring player can be.” (15:20, Nick)

2. Chiefs’ Resurgence and Rashee Rice’s Return

(22:00–28:05)

• Chiefs' Expectations:
  With Rice back from suspension, Nick expects the Chiefs’ offense to fire on all cylinders—Mahomes “260, 270 yards” feels like a baseline expectation.

• Rashee Rice’s Journey:
  Nick is cautious, noting Rice must regain trust after his offseason issues, but he’s “excellent” as a player and will open up the field for Mahomes, Kelce, and others.

  "He is incredibly lucky he didn't end his career that day on the Texas highway. ... He now has to kind of earn back everyone's trust." (23:34, Nick)

• Lions' Complaints and Culture:
  Nick calls out the Lions for ongoing gripes about an officiating decision, arguing it was correctly called and Detroit needs to move on.

  “It is a level of whining that…is odd to me…that was definitively against the rules.” (25:11, Nick)

3. MVP Race: Mahomes vs. Baker Mayfield

(28:05–33:02)

• Odds and Narrative Context:
  Nick breaks down a Hard Rock Bet market offering Mahomes or Baker at -150 vs. the field at +105, framing it as a sharp bet given the weak fields this year.

• Other Candidates Diminishing:
  He notes most preseason MVP favorites (Burrow, Lamar, Herbert, Allen) have fallen off or lack the narrative/record. “Right now to me Patrick and Baker, their real competition would… be Josh [Allen].”

• Why Mahomes and Baker Stand Out:
  Baker’s hot streak and Bucs success surprise Nick less than most—he picked Tampa as a one-seed “on the preseason gambling show.” Mahomes' “narrative momentum” is bolstered by Rice returning and past heroics.

4. Eagles, Vikings, and the State of the NFC

(38:28–41:49)

• Eagles’ Slump and Vegas Perspective:
  Nick worries about Philadelphia’s form and Vegas’s skepticism (as reflected in a skinny spread vs. the Vikings), saying Hurts “has to be excellent” to pull them out of this “mini-spiral.”

• Team Maturity and Spiral Risk:
  Despite being defending champs, he believes the Eagles “don’t have the institutional maturity to not let this get out of hand.” (41:25, Nick)

5. Steelers vs. Bengals & The 'Old QBs Bowl'

(41:57–43:10)

• Preview:
  Nick expects Pittsburgh to win a game dubbed “the Icy Hot Bowl,” with two QBs over 40 (Rodgers, Flacco). If Cincy wins, their playoff hopes are alive; Pittsburgh loss would be a blow.

6. Ranking QB Eras Since 2000

(43:17–47:25)

• Nick’s Top 10 of This Century:

  1. Tom Brady
  2. Patrick Mahomes
  3. Peyton Manning
  4. Aaron Rodgers
  5. Drew Brees
  6. Big Ben
  7. Kurt Warner
  8. Josh Allen
  9. Lamar Jackson
  10. Matthew Stafford
  • “I think of the 2000s to now your quarterbacking Mount Rushmore is Tom, Patrick, Peyton, Aaron.” (45:25, Nick)
  • Peyton is a clear #3: “There is a gap between Peyton and Aaron.” (47:28, Nick)

• Would a Rodgers Super Bowl Change This?
  “I actually don’t think that moves him… It would make it closer.” (47:28, Nick)

7. Fast Takes on NFL Games & Playoff Picture

(48:53–52:31)

• Jags vs. Rams:
  Nick’s faith in the Jags is waning due to offensive inconsistencies, especially with Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne underperforming. Rams have “a litmus test” game, especially if Puka Nacua is out.

• Cowboys vs. Commanders:
  He thinks Dallas’s offense, led by Dak, is elite but their defense is “so bad they have to score 35 points.” The Commanders are facing a must-win scenario.

• Colts vs. Chargers:
  Nick is prepared to “get slaughtered” on his preseason bets but credits Indy’s offense: “The offense is excellent… I did not see this season coming.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jokic’s Place in History:
  “He is as high as a one ring player can be.” (15:20, Nick)

• On Rashee Rice’s Comeback:
  “He now has to kind of earn back everyone's trust.” (23:34, Nick)

• On the Chiefs’ Offensive Potential:
  "I think the Chiefs offense is going to look fantastic." (24:40, Nick)

• On the Lions’ Complaints:
  “It is a level of whining that…is odd to me…that was definitively against the rules.” (25:11, Nick)

• On the MVP Race Structure:
  “If you think Baker's going to fall off and the Chiefs aren't going to have a good enough record, you can just take the other side of it at plus money.” (33:02, Nick)

• On the Eagles’ Institutional Maturity:
  “I don't think they have the institutional maturity to not let this get out of hand.” (41:25, Nick)

• On Mahomes v. Allen v. Brady/Peyton TV Era:
  "About Brady-Peyton: It felt like a fair fight… Patrick being 4, 5, 6 and 1 against those three guys combined… makes it less compelling." (53:57–54:46, Nick)

• On Jokic or Bird/Kobe Top 10:
  “What's going to become popular … are all-time top tens that do not include Kobe or Bird.” (11:40, Nick)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NBA Ringer Top 100 & Jokic’s Place: 03:40–15:19
• Chiefs with Rashee Rice Back / Lions Call Debate: 22:00–28:05
• Mahomes-Baker MVP Market Discussion: 28:05–33:02
• Eagles, Hurts, and NFC Spiral Risk: 38:28–41:49
• Steelers-Bengals, Old QBs Bowl: 41:57–43:10
• Ranking QBs of 21st Century: 43:17–47:25
• Quick Game Picks (Jags-Rams, Cowboys-Commanders, Colts-Chargers): 48:53–52:45
• Listener Q&A and Closing: 53:20–55:23

Overall Tone & Style

Nick is incisive, passionate, and conversational—mixing humor with sometimes pointed criticism. The episode is fast-paced, bouncing from major NFL narratives to fun, “bar room” arguments about sports history. He’s analytical, fair, and never afraid to challenge consensus, but also pokes fun at himself and his own betting foibles.

This summary captures the lively, detail-packed substance of a What’s Wright episode—perfect for listeners who want Nick’s insights, the key debates, and data-driven takes without wading through ads and sponsor mentions.