Podcast
The Underdog NFL Show
Hosted by Underdog Sports · EN
Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines talk all things NFL football year round, covering the sport with a unique blend of insight and humor -- along some help from their contacts from around the football world.
20episodes
Episodes
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Episode 274: Chaos in Cleveland
Jan 2901:01:25Tap to summarize00:13 – Cold Open & Personality Tangent Chris and Mario open with storytelling about classroom punishment, performance, and why unintended encouragement often fuels confidence and showmanship. 04:33 – Super Bowl Gap & Browns Chaos Setup They note the awkward timing before Super Bowl week and pivot hard to Cleveland, setting up a deep dive into one of the league’s messiest coaching situations. 04:56 – Browns Hire Todd Monken, Fallout Begins Discussion of Cleveland hiring Todd Monken after failing to align with preferred candidates, why the choice feels uninspired, and how internal demands fractured the search. 07:15 – Jim Schwartz Exit & Defensive Consequences Reaction to Jim Schwartz wanting out after being passed over, concerns for defensive stability, and how this decision could ripple into roster dissatisfaction. 08:15 – Shador Sanders, QB Reality Check They discuss Sanders’ Pro Bowl nod, Cleveland’s long-term QB uncertainty, and why Monken’s success with Lamar Jackson doesn’t automatically translate. 12:46 – College Football Age Inflation & Draft Optics Conversation about extended eligibility, older prospects, and why teams must balance production with shortened development windows. 13:26 – Akheem Mesidor vs Youth Prospects Detailed breakdown of Mesidor’s elite pressure numbers, age concerns, and how win-now teams may value certainty over upside. 17:30 – Fernando Mendoza Lock at No. 1 Discussion of Mendoza as the presumed top pick, oddsmakers’ certainty, Raiders fit, personality questions, and leadership challenges. 22:26 – Raiders Roster, WR Fits & Free Agent Market Wide-ranging debate on which receivers actually help a young QB, cultural fit vs talent, and why most free-agent options feel uninspiring. 32:18 – Diva WR History & Modern Comparisons Lighthearted but pointed segment ranking historical diva WR duos and comparing them to today’s personalities. 42:22 – Eagles OC Search & Matt Nagy Skepticism Strong criticism of retread coordinator hires, Nagy’s offensive track record, and why Philly needs upside, not safety. 45:25 – Schefter Tease & Coaching Uncertainty Reaction to Adam Schefter hinting bigger changes may be coming, including speculation beyond coordinator hires. 48:07 – Josh Allen, Bills & Promotion Risks Discussion of Buffalo promoting internally, how QB scrutiny shifts when staff changes stall, and long-term risk. 55:35 – Lamar Jackson Trade Prop Shock Oddsmakers list Lamar Jackson-to-Raiders futures, sparking disbelief, mock trade exploration, and broader league instability talk. 59:03 – Browns QB Wild Cards & Offseason Outlook Brief thoughts on Cleveland’s remaining options and why the offseason hype may not deliver.
Transcribe →Episode 273: Only Four Remain
Jan 2200:53:44Tap to summarize00:44 – Winter Storm Talk & Cold Open Banter Chris and Mario open with incoming winter weather, Southern snow panic, grocery store calm, and general fatigue before settling into the show. 03:26 – Fireplaces, Power Outages & Preparedness Discussion of gas fireplaces, propane heaters, and storm prep, mixed with humor and past experiences. 07:56 – Audiobooks, Memoirs & Entertainment Tangents Extended detour into celebrity memoirs, favorite audiobooks, Norm Macdonald, Colin Jost, Harry Potter, and sci-fi adaptations. 12:18 – Marvel, Movies & Casting Talk Non-spoiler discussion on Marvel fatigue, multiverse issues, Black Panther casting rumors, and upcoming Disney+ releases. 17:30 – NFL Coaching Carousel Overview Breakdown of recent head coach and coordinator hires, trends toward defensive coaches, and concerns about offensive continuity. 20:33 – Falcons, Lions & Coaching Fit Debates Discussion of Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, Lions’ coordinator decisions, Dan Campbell’s influence, and organizational direction. 25:52 – Chargers, Dolphins & Buccaneers Moves Reaction to Mike McDaniel joining the Chargers, Dolphins hiring Jeff Hafley, and Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator change. 29:26 – Eagles OC Search & Fan Reputation Insight into how fan behavior impacts coaching interest, Eagles coordinator rumors, and the realities of NFL hiring optics. 33:17 – Playoff Weekend Setup Transition into the remaining playoff games with context around injuries, quarterback situations, and oddsmakers’ lines. NFL Games Discussed 33:52 – Patriots at Broncos AFC playoff matchup shaped by quarterback availability, defensive pressure, and offensive uncertainty. 42:54 – Rams at Seahawks NFC showdown focused on quarterback trust, offensive balance, and home-field impact. 52:36 – College Football & NIL Reflection Closing thoughts on NIL changing fandom, loss of roster continuity, and a brief, spoiler-free reaction to the national title game.
Transcribe →Episode 272: Wildcard Weekend 26'
Jan 1500:50:08Tap to summarize00:13 – Opening Banter & Coaching Shock Chris and Mario open with gallows humor before diving into the stunning John Harbaugh move to the Giants, why defensive coaches rarely make sense long-term, and how pairing stability with the right offensive coordinator can change a franchise. 02:56 – Running Back Value & Giants Roster Build Discussion on the importance of a true lead running back, modern RB usage, Malik Nabers’ return, and why offensive balance matters more than splash signings. 04:16 – Mike Tomlin Steps Down Reaction to Tomlin leaving Pittsburgh, legacy context, why Steelers fans should be careful what they wish for, and how coaching "rights" could still net value in the future. 07:16 – Dante Moore Stays in College Deep dive into Moore’s decision to return to school, NIL economics, second-contract logic, Oregon’s QB room, and why patience may now be the smartest path for elite prospects. 13:38 – Coaching Markets & OC Shortlists Breakdown of coordinator rumors for the Eagles and Lions, McDaniel vs. Stefanski debate, and why failed QB development can unfairly define coaches. 17:17 – NBA & Culture Tangent Short detour into Eric Spoelstra’s coaching legacy, superstar trades, and why culture fit matters as much as talent. 28:26 – Playoff Landscape Setup Transition into Wild Card Weekend, playoff rooting interests, fan-base narratives, and how oddsmakers view conference favorites. NFL Playoff Games Discussed (Spoiler-Free) 34:26 – Bills at Broncos Cold-weather AFC matchup highlighting quarterback resilience and defensive pressure. 35:54 – 49ers at Seahawks NFC West clash shaped by injuries, offensive efficiency, and home-field edge. 38:45 – Texans at Patriots Physical AFC game centered on pass rush, ball security, and roster toughness. 40:48 – Rams at Bears Cold-weather test featuring tempo control and early-game execution concerns.
Transcribe →Episode 272: Wildcard Weekend 26'
Jan 800:50:53Tap to summarize00:13 – Playoffs Are Here & Format Weirdness Chris and Mario open with disbelief that the playoffs arrived so fast, questioning seeding quirks and how certain road teams received unusually favorable first-round matchups. 00:48 – John Harbaugh Firing & Coaching Carousel Reaction to John Harbaugh's dismissal after 18 years, comparisons to Andy Reid's Eagles exit, speculation about landing spots, and why some organizations remain unattractive despite openings. 02:18 – Coordinator Firings & Continuity Failures Discussion of the Lions moving on from John Morton, how bad coordinator fits can derail seasons, and why patience sometimes backfires. 03:26 – Todd Bowles Retained in Tampa Analysis of Tampa Bay's decision to keep Bowles, Baker Mayfield injury effects, and why the collapse wasn't as simple as staff turnover. 04:46 – Betting Reference Change The show explains switching to oddsmakers for lines due to accessibility, parlay flexibility, and consistency across platforms. 07:02 – Quarterback Declarations & Draft Timing Conversation on early QB draft entries, Jets development struggles, market myths, and why limited college starts remain risky. 11:26 – Falcons, Colts & QB Decision Regret Debate on Atlanta's QB timeline, Indianapolis' handling of Riley Leonard, and how hesitation often costs playoff chances. 13:25 – Draft Philosophy & Age Debate Critique of older prospects rising into Round 1, late-bloomer quarterbacks, and how physical peaks skew evaluation. 16:56 – Defensive Draft Misses Breakdown of recent drafts where defensive talent existed but was misidentified or misused. 19:26 – Eagles Defensive Collapse Context Discussion of coverage busts, penalties, and how opponent game plans exploited weaknesses late in the season. NFL Playoff Games Discussed (Spoiler-Free) 22:16 – Rams at Panthers Unusual seeding matchup shaped by spread disparity, environment, and recent history. 26:13 – Packers at Bears Cold-weather rivalry game centered on playoff nerves and offensive reliability. 31:19 – Bills at Jaguars Momentum-based matchup highlighting belief, quarterback variance, and perception gaps. 33:46 – 49ers at Eagles High-profile playoff rematch focused on defensive health and offensive rhythm. 37:34 – Chargers at Patriots Experience vs. first-time playoff exposure with coaching contrast front and center. 39:33 – Texans at Steelers (MNF) Physical AFC matchup defined by defense, pass protection, and postseason pressure.
Transcribe →Episode 271: The Final Week of 25'
Jan 101:28:18Tap to summarize00:13 – Opening & holiday banter: Hosts reflect on recording during the holidays and set the stage for a busy Week 18 with multiple divisions still undecided. 01:26 – Personal story & league news: Anecdotes segue into discussion of off-field NFL news, including recent legal issues involving notable players and how public perception lags performance. 08:05 – Week 18 overview: Why this final regular-season slate is unusually meaningful, with several division titles and playoff seeds still open. 09:26 – Panthers at Buccaneers: NFC South title implications, division format quirks, and draft vs playoff value discussion. 22:31 – Seahawks at 49ers: NFC West on the line, quarterback matchup context, and how recent performances shape the stakes. 24:35 – Browns at Bengals: AFC North matchup context, sack records, and player motivations. 26:17 – Cowboys at Giants: Draft positioning implications and the tension between winning and long-term team interests. 27:50 – Rookie QB discussion: Comparing first-year quarterbacks across the league and what metrics actually matter. 32:11 – Packers at Vikings: Playoff seeding context, backup quarterback situations, and coaching priorities. 33:12 – Colts at Texans: AFC South race implications and late-season roster instability. 34:42 – Titans at Jaguars: Division-clinching scenario and late-season evaluation themes. 37:13 – Saints at Falcons: Limited stakes game used to evaluate individual players and future roles. 41:05 – Cardinals at Rams: Wild card seeding implications and coaching mindset discussion. 44:53 – Lions at Bears: Missed opportunities, rivalry context, and how expectations shifted over the season. 46:17 – Chiefs at Raiders: Minimal competitive stakes, roster management, and fan-interest challenges. 47:55 – Chargers at Broncos: Resting starters and playoff positioning context. 48:35 – Dolphins at Patriots: Turbulent week backdrop and end-of-season evaluation. 50:26 – Jets at Bills: Stadium significance, team form heading into playoffs, and defensive trends. 54:31 – Commanders at Eagles: Division familiarity, resting starters, and low-scoring expectations. 55:29 – Ravens at Steelers: Monday night finale, physical identity discussion, and running game emphasis. 59:54 – Wrap-up: Final thoughts, Week 18 tone, and transition into the playoffs.
Transcribe →Episode 270: Week 16 and No Division Champs
Dec 2501:28:18Tap to summarize00:13 – Christmas Eve Chaos & NFL Scheduling Chris and Mario open with holiday travel stress, family logistics, late-season fatigue, and how Christmas games distort preparation, recovery, and fan attention. 02:42 – NFL Parity, Clinching Confusion & League Fatigue Discussion of how few teams have clinched, wild-card congestion, exhausted rosters, and why December football feels more chaotic than ever. 06:18 – Betting Markets, Line Movement & Public Panic Chris explains why oddsmakers' lines swing violently late in the year, how public money misreads motivation, and why “must-win” narratives are misleading. 09:44 – Quarterback Health, Benching Optics & Media Overreaction Debate over QB benchings, injury disclosures, leadership narratives, and how media framing distorts reality for struggling teams. 14:26 – Coaching Stability, Short Leashes & Fan Expectations Conversation about coordinators becoming scapegoats, why firing rarely fixes systemic issues, and how impatience resets teams backward. Week 17 NFL Games 18:13 – Cowboys at Commanders (Christmas Day) Holiday divisional matchup shaped by injuries and backup QB uncertainty. 20:05 – Lions at Vikings NFC North clash tied to playoff survival and late-season momentum. 22:48 – Broncos at Chiefs AFC West game influenced by health questions and seeding implications. 25:58 – Texans at Chargers Defense-vs-protection matchup highlighting trench play. 27:18 – Cardinals at Bengals Two evaluation-mode teams measuring young talent. 28:24 – Jaguars at Colts Veteran QB return storyline amid roster instability. 29:37 – Patriots at Jets Division game dominated by directionless offenses and line disparity. 32:26 – Saints at Titans Low-stakes matchup shaped by recent surprises and draft positioning. 35:33 – Steelers at Browns Physical AFC North rivalry emphasizing defense and discipline. 37:43 – Seahawks at Panthers Unpredictable teams battling for relevance. 38:36 – Buccaneers at Dolphins Two struggling offenses searching for rhythm. 40:44 – Giants at Raiders Draft-order implications dominate the conversation. 42:58 – Eagles at Bills The week's marquee game with playoff-seeding consequences. 45:08 – Bears at 49ers Injury-influenced matchup between playoff-caliber rosters. 47:16 – Rams at Falcons One team surging while the other looks for stability.
Transcribe →Episode 269: Week 16 and No Division Champs
Dec 1800:50:53Tap to summarize00:13 – Intro & State of the NFL Chris and Mario open with frustration about the season's chaos. They note how late it is to have so few teams clinched, surprise playoff qualifiers, and how wide-open divisions and draft positioning still are. 03:16 – Betting Philosophy & Live-Line Inefficiencies Chris explains why early blowouts often create value later in games, focusing on first-quarter score swings and market overreactions. 04:16 – Raiders Coaching Odds & Tom Brady Talk They react to oddsmakers' Raiders coaching props, uninspiring candidate lists, and the absurdity of Tom Brady hype as owner, announcer, and hypothetical coach. 07:44 – Chiefs Futures: Reid, Kelce & QB Recklessness Discussion of Andy Reid retirement speculation, Travis Kelce's timeline, Mahomes' injury management, and why rushing back stars rarely makes sense. 09:58 – Absurd QB Comeback Odds They laugh through oddsmakers' retired-QB list (Cam Newton, Foles, Kaepernick, Ryan, Fitzpatrick, Luck), debating realism vs. novelty. 15:43 – Draft Order Chaos & QB Development Deep dive into tank races, trading down from No. 1, Giants' options, concussion concerns for young QBs, and why experience matters more than hype. NFL Week 16 Games 17:13 – Rams at Seahawks (TNF) NFC West positioning and motivation despite clinches. 19:15 – Eagles at Commanders (Saturday) Division matchup with playoff and draft implications. 23:45 – Packers at Bears (Saturday) NFC North tiebreakers and late-season momentum. 26:41 – Bills at Browns Buffalo urgency vs. Cleveland's defensive impact. 28:20 – Chiefs at Titans Strange line for a lopsided matchup and motivation questions. 29:02 – Chargers at Cowboys Two inconsistent teams with volatile outcomes. 30:18 – Vikings at Giants Young QB development vs. organizational dysfunction. 31:49 – Jets at Saints New Orleans' unexpected surge against a lost Jets team. 33:19 – Buccaneers at Panthers Two teams trying to define what they actually are. 38:46 – Falcons at Cardinals Low-confidence teams searching for footing. 39:52 – Jaguars at Broncos Denver's playoff security tested by a dangerous opponent. 40:40 – Raiders at Texans Houston's chance to capitalize against league chaos. 47:16 – Steelers at Lions Detroit's push to stabilize vs. Pittsburgh's ceiling. 47:56 – Patriots at Ravens Baltimore urgency against a disciplined opponent. 49:48 – 49ers at Colts (MNF) Veteran QB storyline and contrasting team directions.
Transcribe →Episode 268: Shout Out Dee Webb
Dec 1101:01:21Tap to summarize00:13 – Intro, Eagles/Lions Misery & QB Struggles Chris and Mario commiserate over a brutal football week: Eagles' early collapse, Saquon's lone bright spot, Lions fighting to stay alive, and general frustration with both teams' energy and execution. 02:28 – Falcons Collapse & Rams' Draft Gift They dissect Atlanta's disastrous trajectory, Raheem Morris' future, and how a potential top-five pick—owned by the Rams—shapes LA's rebuild. They debate whether the Rams should consider a QB if one unexpectedly falls. 07:42 – Cardinals Offense & Jacoby Brissett Stability Brissett's competence sparks talk about Arizona's future, Kyler uncertainty, Michael Wilson's emergence, and whether the Cards should reset the QB position. 10:26 – Ravens vs Bengals Identity Crisis Both teams flash promise but keep collapsing; discussion centers on inconsistency, injuries, and unclear ceilings. 11:39 – Bills vs Patriots State of the AFC AFC parity, Buffalo's turnovers, New England's surprising record, and how both teams are stuck between good and not-quite-great. 13:50 – The Josh Allen WR Problem The hosts vent about Buffalo refusing to provide Allen a true WR1 and compare it to McNabb's early-career struggles with weak receiving rooms. 17:20 – Hurts/A.J. Brown Dynamic & Leadership Questions A long debate on personality fit, sideline demeanor, Alabama recruiting history, and expectations on QBs as emotional leaders. 19:52 – Eagles' Remaining Schedule & Concerns Why Philly could still limp in, issues with coaching, and the remaining Raiders/Commanders/Commanders stretch. 20:17 – Browns at Bears: QB Carousel, Shador Reality Check How Shador compares to previous weeks, Browns' coaching turmoil, Stefanski's decisions, and Chicago's pressure with Caleb Williams' development. 23:50 – Browns Job Attractiveness & Coaching Candidates Evaluating the appeal of the role, Watson contract timeline, roster strengths, and a weak upcoming coaching cycle (Joe Brady, Thomas Brown, Marcus Freeman, etc.). 33:30 – Notre Dame Fallout & Bowl Boycott Reactions to Notre Dame declining postseason play, what it means for seniors, and locker-room optics. NFL Week Games 02:28 – Falcons at Buccaneers Falcons' energy crisis vs. Bucs' evaluation week. 07:31 – Cardinals at Texans Texans' defense surging; Cardinals relying on Brissett stabilization. 10:26 – Ravens at Bengals Two talented but inconsistent teams battling identity issues. 11:38 – Bills at Patriots A measuring-stick game between streaky AFC sides. 20:17 – Browns at Bears Young QBs under scrutiny; both defenses determining outcomes. 33:47 – Eagles at Raiders Philly needing a reset game; Raiders limited offensively. 34:45 – Chargers at Chiefs Kansas City's survival mode vs. LA searching for direction. 39:22 – Jets at Jaguars QB uncertainty for New York; Jaguars proving staying power. 42:33 – Commanders at Giants Injuries and QB mismanagement framing both teams' seasons. 45:28 – Panthers at Saints Carolina's growing belief vs. New Orleans' inconsistency. 49:12 – Lions at Rams A litmus test for Detroit; LA steadying behind veteran stars. 50:51 – Packers at Broncos Evaluating Bo Nix's long-term ceiling vs. Denver's revived defense. 54:51 – Colts at Seahawks Colts turning to 44-year-old Phillip Rivers; Seattle heavily favored. 56:49 – Titans at 49ers Tennessee buying into Mike McCoy's culture; San Francisco overpowering. 57:25 – Vikings at Cowboys Minnesota volatile week-to-week; Dallas explosive at home. 57:56 – Dolphins at Steelers Miami's speed vs. Pittsburgh's physical style in cold weather.
Transcribe →Episode 267: Week 14 and General Despair
Dec 400:58:23Tap to summarize00:13 – Intro & Lions/Eagles Misery Chris and Mario open from “on location,” joking about Uzbekistan, then dive into Lions and Eagles frustrations: injuries, failed physicals, underperforming CBs (Arnold, Okuda), tired defenses, Saquon's decline, O-line issues, and constant coordinator turnover. 09:56 – Coaching Personalities & Fit Discussion of Mike McDaniel, Lane Kiffin, Joe Judge, personality conflicts, and how coaches struggle when they aren't “the guy.” 13:56 – Recruiting, NIL & Transfer Portal Chaos Shifts to college football: strange QB commitments (Houston/Vanderbilt), Penn State's recruiting collapse, BYU coach leverage, loyalty vs. opting out, and Wrexham anecdotes about finishing seasons with teammates. NFL Week 14 Games 23:46 – Cowboys at Lions Debate over Detroit's ability to stop Dallas, injury concerns, and Lions' must-win stakes. 24:50 – Bengals at Bills Buffalo's inconsistency, Cincinnati's uneven form, and how each team's identity is shifting. 26:15 – Colts at Jaguars Conversation about both teams' surprising rise, T-Law's volatility, and AFC hierarchy questions. 27:18 – Dolphins at Jets Jets' cold-weather advantage, defensive competence, and Miami's road vulnerability. 29:07 – Saints at Buccaneers Tampa rediscovering rhythm, Saints' issues, and how injuries complicate both sides. 30:26 – Steelers at Ravens Baltimore's higher ceiling, Steelers' struggles, and roster decisions (Mark Andrews, Likely). 34:45 – Seahawks at Falcons Atlanta's offensive talent vs. collapse, QB uncertainty, and Seattle's playoff relevance. 37:23 – Titans at Browns Cam Ward soundbite, Tennessee's internal frustration, Cleveland's QB chaos, and fan unease. 45:42 – Commanders at Vikings Both teams' self-inflicted issues, run-game reliance, and thin margins. 46:10 – Broncos at Raiders Denver's need to “prove it,” Raiders' volatility, and why this matchup remains unpredictable. 48:15 – Bears at Packers Playoff-seeding implications, Chicago's surprising standing, and Green Bay skepticism. 50:41 – Rams at Cardinals Arizona fading post-elimination; Rams viewed as eye-test contenders. 51:14 – Texans at Chiefs Discussion of Kansas City's strange season, playoff positioning, and Houston's growth. 54:42 – Eagles at Chargers Herbert's health, Trey Lance possibilities, Eagles' defensive punch, and LA's underachievement.
Transcribe →Episode 266: NFL Week 13
Nov 2701:00:09Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary 00:13 – Intro & Week 13 Setup Chris and Mario open with holiday chatter, late-season bye weeks, collapsing hopes vs. rising hopes, and early playoff-picture talk. 02:00 – NFC South & Panthers/Bucs Context Discussion of the messy NFC South, Tampa's losing streak, Carolina hanging around, and how late-season momentum matters. 02:44 – Thanksgiving Game 1: Lions vs Packers Detroit hosts Green Bay; conversation centers on Lions' uneven play, Gibbs' breakout, Jameis' chaos last week, and defensive lapses. 12:13 – Thanksgiving Game 2: Chiefs vs Cowboys Dallas at home vs Kansas City; focus on Dallas' inconsistency and Kansas City stabilizing under Andy Reid. 17:18 – Thanksgiving Game 3: Bengals vs Ravens Cincinnati visits Baltimore; the hosts examine Burrow's return, injury-management tension, and Baltimore's steadier form. 22:51 – Bears vs Eagles Chicago travels to Philly; talk centers on Steelers' overrating, the Bears' late-game competitiveness, and Philadelphia's tendency to ease off early leads. 24:38 – Cardinals vs Buccaneers Arizona goes to Tampa; concern over Baker's injury status and whether Tampa's offense can steady itself. 29:20 – Falcons vs Jets Discussion of both teams' identity issues, Cousins' age/health arc, and Tyrod Taylor giving the Jets some stability. 30:56 – Texans vs Colts Houston at Indy; focus on D'Amico Ryans' coaching, QB uncertainty (Stroud protocol), and how each team adjusts to lineup changes. 32:35 – Jaguars vs Titans Jacksonville visits Tennessee; long examination of Trevor Lawrence's turnover issues, misleading stats, and Jacksonville's strange 7–4 profile. 38:59 – Rams vs Panthers LA travels to Carolina; praise for McVay's revival, young defensive standouts, and the Panthers' struggles. 44:46 – Saints vs Dolphins New Orleans heads to Miami; discussion of Miami's pre-bye bounce-back, coaching strengths, and both teams managing volatile offensive stars. 46:52 – 49ers vs Browns San Francisco at Cleveland; Shador Sanders' steadiness vs. limitations, Browns' defensive stars (Myles Garrett, Carson Swessinger), and rookie LB impact. 52:23 – Vikings vs Seahawks Minnesota travels to Seattle; focus on J.J. McCarthy's struggles, Darnold's steadier play, and JSN's meteoric rise. 55:50 – Bills vs Steelers Buffalo at Pittsburgh; uncertainty around Buffalo's identity, fading defense, and what Pittsburgh lacks offensively. 58:03 – Raiders vs Chargers Las Vegas visits LA; Chargers leaning on run identity against a Raiders defense that can't stop much. 58:36 – Broncos vs Commanders Denver at Washington; praise for Denver's competitive rebuild and Washington's inconsistency. 1:00:12 – Giants vs Patriots New York travels to New England; Patriots' strong record vs. perception, but needing to prove real staying power against an irritating opponent.
Transcribe →