The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "What's Wright – NFL Divisional Predictions"

Episode 416 | January 17, 2026
Guests: Nick Wright & Damanze
Main Focus: NFL Divisional Playoff Picks, Betting Analysis, National Championship Preview

Episode Overview

In this "What's Wright" special for The Herd, Nick Wright and co-host Damanze break down the NFL Divisional Playoff weekend—Nick’s favorite football weekend of the year. The duo debates every matchup, delivers their betting picks with point spreads, and provides insights on the teams’ strengths, strategies, and playoff narratives. In addition, the show features a spirited college football National Championship preview and concludes with bonus betting options, including parlays and teasers.

Top Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reviewing Wild Card Predictions and Results

(Starts at 00:30)

• Nick laments his 2–4 record in last week’s picks, explaining his logic on each losing side and where luck or game events—like Trevor Lawrence’s slip—undercut his choices.
• Damanze fared better; he started 4–0 before stumbling in the final Sunday game.
• The pair briefly recap specific outcomes:
  • Rams couldn't close as heavy favorites.
  • Bears win outright in a tight game with some fortunate breaks.
  • Jacksonville's missed opportunity due to Trevor Lawrence's mishap.
  • Patriots and Texans matchup dissected for pivotal moments.

Notable Quote:

"The most important moment of that game was Trevor slipping on the fourth down early after the Bills fumbled the kickoff. ... If they go up 14–3, that game's totally different." – Nick Wright, (02:30)

2. Divisional Playoff Game Predictions and Analysis

Bills (+1) at Broncos

(Starts at 06:39)

• Nick & Damanze both strongly back the Bills despite receiver injuries.
• They argue the Bills’ 12 personnel sets (using two tight ends) play to their strengths and Buffalo’s defense can disrupt Denver’s offense, especially questioning rookie Bo Nix’s readiness.
• Point out the Bills' comeback ability and Denver’s "soft" schedule.

Notable Quote:

"This is my favorite pick of the weekend: Bills plus one in Denver. Bills win this game 27 to 13 ... and Bo Nix makes a big mistake." – Damanze, (08:54)

49ers (+7) at Seahawks

(Starts at 09:36)

• Both pick San Francisco +7, explaining that Seattle is likely to play ultra-conservative, limiting their own offensive ceiling.
• Reference low-scoring outcomes of their previous matchups.
• Discuss the over/under line (set at 45), both agreeing the under looks tempting.

Notable Exchange:

"That feels high." – Damanze (12:06)
"I'd take the under." – Nick Wright (12:07)

Patriots (–3) vs Texans

(Starts at 13:41)

• Both take New England –3.
• Rationalize that New England at home is dangerous, with QB Drake Maye able to improvise against Houston's D.
• Patriots have overcome early jitters and now are "scary."
• Note injury concerns (Christian Gonzalez for NE, Nico Collins for HOU), saying they may cancel each other out.

Notable Quote:

"I think the Texans this year are 12–0 when they get to 20 points, I don't think they do get to 20 points." – Damanze, (14:32)

Rams (–4) at Bears

(Starts at 15:49)

• Nick backs the Rams –4; Damanze takes Bears +4 (the hosts' only disagreement).
• Discuss Rams’ firepower vs the Bears’ defensive limitations, emphasizing that Matt Stafford is no stranger to cold weather, countering narratives about his struggles.
• Bears missing their starting left tackle cited as a critical loss.

Notable Quote:

"Matt Stafford played more than a decade in the NFC North. He played on the road in Chicago and on the road in Green Bay every single year. Matt Stafford has plenty of experience playing in the cold." – Damanze, (16:17)

"I'm giving [Bears] a chance to win the game. I think they can win the game." – Nick Wright, (17:15)

3. College Football National Championship Preview

(Starts at 17:40)

• Game: Miami vs. Indiana at Hard Rock Stadium.
• Damanze picks Miami +8.5 and Miami moneyline (+260), arguing Miami is undervalued compared to an Indiana team that’s looked dominant.
• Stresses Miami’s performance against Ohio State as a key measuring stick.
• Warns bettors about "free money" parlays that rely on big favorites—often the last loss in a weekend string.

Notable Quote:

"The idea that Indiana is just in a different weight class than Miami is ... I don't agree with. ... Getting eight and a half points in Miami is, to me, far too many." – Damanze, (18:07)

4. Bonus Picks & Betting Strategies

Teaser of the Week

(Starts at 22:13)

• Damanze’s Teaser:
  • Seattle teased to +1
  • Houston teased to +11
  • Buffalo teased to +9
  • Three-team, 8-point teaser at +100

"I like all of it. ... I'm gonna give this an A minus." – Nick Wright, (22:30)

Touchdown Genie Parlay

(Starts at 23:07)

• Three anytime TD scorers:
  • Josh Allen
  • Devonte Adams
  • Puka Nacua
• Odds: +704

Betting Offers & Over/Unders

(Starts at 23:49)

• Rejects the “every quarter” QB passing yards offer due to unpredictability.
• Accepts a parlay:
  • Under 45 in 49ers-Seahawks
  • Over 49 in Rams-Bears
  • Combo pays +265

"We stumbled upon the under in Niner Seahawks [and] the over in Rams Bears ... I'll take that." – Damanze, (24:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nick on his betting woes:
  "It’s a bad weekend of picks. You, on the other hand, started—you had dreams, Damanze, of going 6–0." (03:32)

• On public betting mistakes:
  "You’ve won your bets in the weekend, you just need the big moneyline favorite to cash Monday night, and it doesn’t work." – Damanze, (18:07)

• On cold-weather narratives:
  "A lot of fake news stats going around about Stafford being like 1–8 in cold weather games ... it’s just not accurate." – Damanze, (15:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Reviewing Wild Card Picks & Reflection: 00:30 – 06:39
• Bills at Broncos Analysis and Picks: 06:39 – 09:36
• 49ers at Seahawks Analysis and Picks: 09:36 – 13:11
• Patriots vs Texans Analysis and Picks: 13:41 – 15:42
• Rams at Bears Analysis and Picks: 15:49 – 17:31
• National Championship Preview: 17:40 – 21:55
• Teaser, Parlay, and Special Offers: 22:13 – 24:20
• Episode Wrap and Shout-Outs: 24:20 – End

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode balances sharp betting analysis with playful back-and-forth, featuring gambler’s humility and bravado alike. Nick and Damanze don’t just rattle off picks—they break down football philosophies, react to outcomes emotionally, and deliver pointed reminders to skeptical fans and fellow bettors. It's a lively, stats-and-stories-driven discussion perfect for listeners looking for both actionable gambling advice and deeper football insight.

Summary in a Nutshell:

• Strong advocacy for Bills (+1) as the best bet.
• United on 49ers (+7) and Patriots (–3).
• Only point of contention: Rams (–4) vs Bears (+4).
• Cautious enthusiasm for Miami as an underdog in college football.
• Several creative exotic bets, including parlays and teasers, round out the gambling menu.

For newcomers to the episode:
You'll come away understanding not just who the hosts like to win (and cover), but why—with references to coaching schemes, quarterback weather narratives, and lessons learned (sometimes painfully) from past picks. The interaction is insightful, humorous, and accessible, even if you missed the games.