The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: "What's Wright - Predicting NFL Win Totals, Chiefs Record + Florida-Houston Reaction"

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by Nick Wright, listeners are treated to a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape, focusing primarily on the NFL win totals predictions, the Kansas City Chiefs' season outlook, and reactions to the recent Florida-Houston NCAA tournament game. The show seamlessly weaves through NBA playoff insights, college basketball fervor, and an in-depth breakdown of NFL divisions, offering fans a rich and engaging narrative filled with expert opinions and memorable quotes.

NBA Playoffs Update

Nick Wright kicks off the episode fresh off the recent NCAA Tournament championship game, segueing into the NBA playoff bracket. He provides keen observations on the Western Conference, highlighting the intense competition among teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and others. Wright emphasizes the Lakers' strategic game planning against the Thunder, noting:

"The Thunder have three really good wing defenders. Everyone else has at least one. Only the Thunder have three really good ones." [07:52]

He analyzes the depth of the Thunder's roster, questioning whether their young talent can sustain their playoff momentum against seasoned teams. Wright also praises the Golden State Warriors, acknowledging their enduring dynasty and the pivotal role of key players:

"Steph has done for the game. He's certainly on that Mount Rushmore for guys that have changed it." [25:21]

College Basketball Reaction

The discussion intensifies as Wright delves into the heartbreaking loss of Houston to Florida in the NCAA tournament. He critiques the refereeing decisions and laments Houston's inability to capitalize on their defensive prowess in the final moments:

"Houston did not get a shot up, not on the final possession... To not get a shot on the rim in the final two minutes is just so crushing." [17:27]

Wright lauds Houston's coach, Kelvin Sampson, for transforming the team from a mediocre squad to a formidable contender, despite the recent setback. He reflects on the broader implications of the tournament, highlighting the growing talent gap between top college teams and NBA standards.

NFL Over/Unders Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to predicting NFL win totals through the Over/Under format, with Wright meticulously breaking down each division within the AFC.

1. AFC East

   • Buffalo Bills: Over/Under set at 11.5 wins.

     "I'd stay away from it. With healthy Josh Allen, you're gonna win double-digit games. It'd be a hard under to go with." [45:42]

   • Miami Dolphins: Over/Under at 8.5 wins.

     "That's exactly the end with a little bit of juice on the under... I think the Dolphins will win eight or nine games." [46:16]

   • New England Patriots: Over/Under at 8.5 wins.

     "I will take under eight and a half and that's a bet we can put on my season long." [48:22]

   • New York Jets: Over/Under at 5.5 wins.

     "I like the Jets over." [49:51]

2. AFC North

   • Baltimore Ravens: Over/Under at 11.5 wins.

     "I lean over for Baltimore next." [51:54]

   • Cincinnati Bengals: Over/Under at 9.5 wins.

     "This number's just right. I would stay away from it." [53:43]

   • Pittsburgh Steelers: Over/Under at 8.5 wins.

     "I will go under because... nothing would be more poetic than us finding out..." [54:25]

   • Cleveland Browns: Over/Under at 4.5 wins.

     "I'm gonna stay away. I can't bet under four and a half." [56:19]

3. AFC South

   • Houston Texans: Over/Under at 9.5 wins.

     "I'll stay away from it." [57:04]

   • Indianapolis Colts: Over/Under at 7.5 wins.

     "Seven and a half sounds right. We'll stay away from it." [57:36]

   • Jacksonville Jaguars: Over/Under at 7.5 wins.

     "I am betting that one. They are getting back in the playoff mix." [58:36]

   • Tennessee Titans: Over/Under at 5.5 wins.

     "Give me the under... starting a rookie quarterback, shaky head coach." [60:08]

4. AFC West

   • Kansas City Chiefs: Over/Under at 11.5 wins.

     "That's just right... They've hit it six of seven years." [61:52]

   • Los Angeles Chargers & Denver Broncos: Over/Under at 9.5 wins each.

     "Both of these are stay aways. I think both of those teams are going to be hovering around 8, 9, 10 wins." [71:46]

   • Las Vegas Raiders: Over/Under at 6.5 wins.

     "I love the over for the Las Vegas Raiders." [72:52]

Wright meticulously evaluates each team's prospects based on factors like coaching changes, player performance, strength of schedule, and recent form. His strategic insights provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of where each team stands and the potential outcomes for the NFL season.

Listener Questions

The episode features an engaging segment where Wright addresses listener inquiries. Notably, Damanze raises a speculative question about reanimating extinct creatures like direwolves, drawing a humorous and imaginative discussion:

"I think it would be sick, man, if we could reanimate some of the giant animal life from world history and put it on an island somewhere." [75:24]

Additionally, Wright answers questions about his personal endeavors, such as training for a triathlon, adding a personal touch to the show.

Conclusion

Nick Wright wraps up the episode by summarizing his NFL Over/Under predictions across all AFC divisions, emphasizing his strategic picks and maintaining an engaging dialogue with co-host Damanze. He encourages listeners to rate, subscribe, and review the podcast, ensuring the show's continued reach and impact.

Notable Quotes

• "Houston did not get a shot up, not on the final possession..." – Nick Wright [17:27]
• "Steph has done for the game. He's certainly on that Mount Rushmore for guys that have changed it." – Nick Wright [25:21]
• "I like the Raiders over six and a half." – Nick Wright [72:52]
• "It's a stay away. I will take under eight and a half for the Patriots." – Nick Wright [48:22]

Key Takeaways

• NFL Over/Unders: Comprehensive predictions across all AFC divisions with strategic reasoning behind each pick.
• Chiefs' Dominance: Kansas City Chiefs continue their strong performance with a likely over on their win total.
• College Basketball Insights: Critical analysis of Houston's tournament exit and the implications for the team's future.
• NBA Playoffs: In-depth look at Western Conference dynamics, team strengths, and playoff potentials.

For those who haven't tuned in, this episode offers a blend of sharp analysis, expert opinions, and engaging discussions that cater to avid sports enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the game.