The Pat McAfee Show 2.0, Episode 1481

TOP 5: NFL Week 18 Recap, Coach Firings, & the Playoff Field
Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Pat McAfee, with AJ Hawk, the Toxic Table, Tone Digs, and crew

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced, hilarious, and insightful rundown of the NFL's Week 18, focusing on Pat and crew's top five storylines coming out of the regular season. The crew recaps the final playoff seedings, major coaching firings on "Black Monday," and the ongoing MVP race. Their trademark blend of insider perspective, wild tangents, and honest reactions is in full swing as they highlight what makes this postseason unique.

Key Segments and Insights

1. Top 5 Headlines: Kicking Off the Postseason Discussion

(00:00–16:40)

#5: The Playoff Field is Set – Super Wild Card Weekend Preview

• Pat (A) launches into the playoff matchups with gusto:
  • "Super wild card weekend is officially locked. It is Saturday, Sunday and Monday of magical NFL football." (00:25)
• Rams vs. Panthers:
  • The Rams are favored by 10.5 despite losing to the Panthers five weeks ago.
  • Pat emphasizes both teams’ playoff potential, lauding Matthew Stafford’s (likely MVP) resurgence.
  • "This Carolina Panthers team can beat anybody. And on that note, this Rams team could beat anybody." (01:37)
• Packers vs. Bears:
  • Breakdown of this NFC North rivalry’s playoff implications and both teams’ current form.
  • "Packers are limping into the playoffs worse than probably any other team." (03:17, B)
• Bills vs. Jaguars:
  • Both franchises say poignant goodbyes—Buffalo to their beloved stadium, Jacksonville to a troubled past.
  • Josh Allen’s playoff expectations and Lawrence’s transformation under new coach Liam Cohen discussed.
  • “Jacksonville Jaguars are a great football team... do they have enough to keep up with Josh Allen? I don’t know if anybody does.” (04:25, A)
• 49ers vs. Eagles:
  • The crew explores the Eagles’ gamble to rest players and possible “recency bias” in favoring the Niners.
  • Notable stat: "80% of the bets sitting on the San Francisco 49ers plus three and a half." (08:37, A)
  • Quick props to Sam Darnold for his play when called upon:
    • "Some of the biggest moments, he made the biggest plays, and they were completions to his own team." (09:13, A)
  • Defensive matchups and weather conditions could be game-changers.
• Chargers vs. Patriots:
  • Patriots' turnaround led by new coach Vrabel and MVP candidate quarterback.
  • “It is a great feeling to be back on the biggest stage and hosting playoff games.” (13:49, C)
  • The Chargers’ unpredictability looms large.

AFC Showdown: Texans vs. Steelers

• Texans’ culture flip highlighted, thanks to rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the coaching staff.
• Steelers’ Monday Night prowess cited, but “playoff game is its own game.” (15:43, D)

The Power of Super Wild Card Weekend

• "Maybe best weekend of ball that there is all year." (16:13, A)
• The crew takes a moment to savor the start of the postseason.

2. #4 Headline: Farewell to The Ralph – Emotional Goodbye to Bills’ Home

(16:48–21:58)

• The Bills say goodbye to their storied stadium (“The Ralph”), evoking nostalgia and community stories:
  • Pat reminisces: “Playing in the Ralph... felt like I was in the middle of a football movie.” (17:23, A)
• Buffalo fans praised for their loyalty—“the best fan base that you could have.” (18:13, A)
• Crew draws parallels to iconic stadium closures in Pittsburgh, highlighting how sports venues carry generational memories.
• Takeaway: “It’s not just football... you go there with family, it’s a family tradition... an emotional day for sure.” (21:22, E)

3. #3 Headline: Myles Garrett Sets Sack Record

(21:58–26:39)

• Myles Garrett breaks the NFL’s single-season sack record for the Browns, discussed in context with all-time greats.
  • “We know of Myles Garrett's greatness... it is a shame, though, much like Joe Thomas, the teams he has played on have been ass.” (22:32, A)
• Lively debate on whether 17 games taints the record.
  • “Now it did take 17 games as opposed to 16 games... I think that's a very real argument.” (22:54, A)
• Some controversy over stopping the Bengals game for Garrett’s celebration.
• Pat and crew defend the on-field tribute, comparing it to Drew Brees’ passing record moment:
  • “Whenever legendary NFL records get broken... there’s going to be a moment of holy hell. This league's been around a long time.” (26:30, A)

4. #2 Headline: The MVP Race – Matthew Stafford’s Big Moment

(26:39–33:34)

• The Stafford vs. Drake May debate is center stage.
  • Tone: “Both these guys have had unbelievable years... I wouldn’t be surprised if either of them won.” (29:47, E)
• Stafford’s late-career peak, Rams’ offensive revitalization, and the impact of their supporting cast analyzed.
• AJ and others weigh May’s value to New England, factoring in weapons and coaching.
  • “Matthew Stafford has never really been in the MVP conversation... Matt Stafford does deserve it in his own right.” (30:50, C)
• Amusing tangent on Stafford's $140,000 MVP “bed”:
  • “If you have a hurt back then you go in that thing... maybe we need to lay our asses out.” (34:04, A)

5. #1 Headline: Black Monday – Coach Firings & Franchise Futures

(34:05–End)

• Pat unpacks “Black Monday,” the mass firing and retention of NFL coaches and front office staff.
• Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts both retain leadership, prompting debate about loyalty vs. results.
  • “It’s almost like guys gave up... that’s not what winning teams do.” (37:52, A)
• The value (and peril) of continuity highlighted, especially for the Colts.
  • “With you look at Ballard’s resume, 31 other teams probably would have fired him after, like, his fifth or sixth year, and he’s going into year 10.” (38:47, B)
• Lighthearted but honest: “Good luck to all these men as they try to find new homes and their families.” (38:56, A)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Super Wild Card Weekend:

• “Who's going to get in? Are we going to make it? Are we not?” (00:30, A)
• “This Panthers team can beat anybody... this Rams team can beat anybody.” (01:37, A)

On the Bills’ Stadium:

• “I had a chance to play at a lot of places that are football movies. Playing in the Ralph... felt like I was in the middle of a football movie.” (17:23, A)

On Records and Celebrations:

• “Whenever legendary NFL records get broken... there’s going to be a moment of holy hell. This league's been around a long time.” (26:30, A)

MVP Race:

• “If you’re in the MVP conversation, you’ve had a fantastic year. And Matthew Stafford I think did put a stamp on it this past weekend.” (28:32, A)

On Coach Firings:

• “Every single season, there’s valid excuses. Valid. [But] are we just going to continue to do that? Feels like the Colts are saying yes.” (36:41, A)
• “With you look at Ballard’s resume, 31 other teams probably would have fired him after, like, his fifth or sixth year, and he’s going into year 10.” (38:47, B)

Episode Timeline/Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 16:40: Top 5 intro and Playoff Field breakdown
• 16:48 – 21:58: Goodbye to The Ralph (Bills’ stadium reflection)
• 21:58 – 26:39: Myles Garrett’s Sack Record, record-breaking etiquette debate
• 26:39 – 33:34: The MVP Race: Stafford vs. Drake May, Rams offense, Stafford’s mattress joke
• 34:05 – 39:00: Black Monday, coaching changes, discussion on continuity vs. results

Tone and Style

• High-energy, banter-heavy, and irreverent (“relatable ridiculousness” in full effect)
• Candid, with emotional asides about football tradition and the human side of the league
• Nuanced insider football talk juxtaposed with playful trash talk and personal stories

Summary Takeaways

This episode is a must-listen for football fans eager for playoff context and locker-room style analysis. From the nostalgia of old stadiums to the drama of coaching changes and the heated MVP debate, McAfee and crew bring equal parts football IQ and goofy camaraderie. Woven through it all is a recurring message: the shifting fortunes in football can change overnight—whether for teams, coaches, or stadiums—but the love of the game (and running your mouth with friends) never fades.

End of Summary.
[For full analysis, see time stamps for each key moment and highlight.]