NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal - 2025 NFL Week 18 Preview

Episode Date: December 31, 2025

Gregg Rosenthal is joined by Jourdan Rodrigue and Patrick Claybon to preview all of the Week 18 action from around the NFL starting with the Seahawks at the 49ers followed by Lions at Bears (09:45), Commanders at Eagles (15:30), Panthers at Buccaneers (19:45), Cardinals at Rams (28:02), Packers at Vikings (33:40), Cowboys at Giants (38:25), Saints at Falcons (42:15), Chargers at Broncos (48:20), Dolphins at Patriots (53:15), Titans at Jaguars (58:30), Ravens at Steelers (01:04:39), Colts at Texans (01:13:07), Jets at Bills (01:24:30), Browns at Bengals (01:28:45) and Chiefs at Raiders (01:33:40). Note: time codes approximate.NFL Daily YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nflpodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to NFL Daily, where the holidays are over. Holidays are over. Almost. I'm Greg Rosenthal here in the, Chris Wesleyan podcast studio, our last NFL daily of 2025. It's been a great year preview in games with my friends, Patrick Claibon and Jordan

Roderick. Here we are, the last full slate to talk about of the year. We did it. And so did all the players and coaches and people and the staffs. Everyone tried hard. Loading up the airplanes, the bosses, everybody involved in making this a great NFL season. and I hope they have a successful and happy 2026. You guys aren't off the hook, though.

We're going to be previewing the playoffs. Yeah. The train keeps moving. It doesn't stop after that? No, this is just the beginning. But it's been a great year here on the preview show and on NFL Daily. I did want to mention, because some people were asking, we got those Christmas cards to Colleen Wolf.

And look, we had QB Island on the docket for Tuesday. We got to do season finale, QB Island. And, you know, knowing us, like, procrastinating makes sense. We're going to be reading all those Christmas cards once we get to the new year next Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to that. But in the meantime, we have a little bit different of a setup here, Patrick, you know, as the co-host. I'm putting a lot on you. We're going to go NFC first, then AFC, and we're doing it in order of seating, entering the week.

So, for instance, the first game is Seattle, San Francisco, because San Francisco, I mean, Seattle, rather, is the number one seat. And so we're going in order of seating, and we are going to put a clock on each one of these games, but each game deserves a different amount of time. And Seattle, San Francisco is one of three, you know, very meaningful games that deserve the full seven-minute treatment. And that's why we got seven in red, parenthetically, which I enjoy, because, you know, it highlights the importance. of the fact that the Seattle Seahawks are one and a half point favorites on the road against those San Francisco 49ers who just won the Bears against the Bears playing again in another game of the year as it seems like the Bears are doing that every single week on ESPN and ABC shout out to broadcast television 49 and a half is the over under Joe Buck Troy Eggman and Laura Rutledge are on the call Greg the 49ers can do this you've highlighted the possibility of them doing this for the past several weeks,

do they actually do it and get the number one overall seat? I'm leaning Seahawks, but it wouldn't surprise me if the 49ers won this game. I think the one thing that should make 49ers fans feel better about their biggest weakness,

which is obviously the pass rush and the defense in general. It is kind of the big question I have for Seattle right now. Is Sam Darnold, you know, recovering from getting booted off of quarterback island after being

the MVP in the first half of the season for NFL daily. Is he really in a position right now? Not because of the QBI, I don't think, but is he legitimately in a position as the rest of the offense in a position to beat up on a bad defense? Are they good enough to put up enough points against this 49ers defense?

I have my doubts. I literally don't know the answer, but the Wade Darnold and the running game inconsistency has been playing lately, I think it's an open question. I think they have a size advantage. in a lot of key areas against this 49ers defense, too. The way that AJ Barner has emerged as a real threat,

their run game has been just sort of creaking to life and some weeks it meets its potential and other weeks it takes a step back, it seems to. But the two-back system that they want to run, it also is a mismatch size-wise. And I think that they obviously have the advantage. As up and down as their offensive line, Seattle's offensive line has been playing,

they do still, I think, have an advantage against the 49ers defensive line. I think that they just try to go out and overwhelm position by position this 49ers defense. You have mismatches everywhere. Rashid is coming off a concussion. So far, we just don't know.

When it comes to concussions, you kind of got to wait through the week. Cooper Cups struggled a little bit lately. So, yeah, you mentioned it. A.J. Barner with that touchdown celebration, I mean, it's like sneaky, sneaky memorable, the A.J. Barner touchdown celebration. B-5-Fof-Fum.

And it made my friend and fantasy live co-host Adam Rank think of the There was a John Favreau moment from Friends Where he was in a full body cast And moving his body back and forth If that's what AJ Barner was celebrating I don't know what he's doing

Never been able to laugh at a single thing in the show He watched it all the way through No yeah he celebrates the entire catalog It's a bit of a bit between us Because I don't Was not necessarily a show for me And I feel like you know The premise was a ripoff of living single

and all that to lead into a discussion about Sam Darnold and the way that the picture has been muddied by teams to bother Sam Darnold. Going all the way back to the legendary Jacoby Brissette game that I will talk about for the rest of my life, this 49ers team has not been able to do that. Like consistent. So if you want to extract that bad version of Sam Darnold

or at least the backwards version of the Seahawks offense, you need to be able to apply that pressure. And I have yet to see them do it. Fair. And just the way that Nikki, and Worry and the rest of the Seattle front with Lawrence and large cat playing very well as well. I just,

let's talk about that side. Too much talent. It is very possibly the best offense in the league right now versus the best defense in the league. Obviously, we might have got this one two weeks ago too when it was Seahawks, Rams best, but the way the 49ers offense is playing right now, it is as much of a Super Bowl preview in terms of two units, absolutely dominated as possible, which makes the status of Trent Williams and George Kittle

so much more important. It's amazing that they did all that on Sunday night without George Kittle and without Trent Williams for almost the entire game. And so we're going to have to see if they're available. It's hard to imagine them being their best selves without those two guys in this matchup. Yeah, I agree. And because otherwise, the 49ers, you keep on saying, oh, I've seen this before with the version, maybe not one for one, the version of offense that they're playing, but in terms of mixing their personnel, mixing their formation changes, and just being this overwhelming monolithic force, moving the ball down the field. I don't know that you get a game like that out of Christian McCaffrey, 10 times

out of 10 at this point in his career. But this is also a 49ers team that is so used to, and I would say on both sides of the ball, playing matchup football this time a year and is gunning for that by because they have people to get healthy. And so this is one of those. where I think in the playoffs we always talk about on offense and defense, it's not necessarily that you play a team like you would in the regular season. You design very specific game plans. You can't really afford

to always do that unless you're extremely gifted in that area and can delegate along your staff as a coach. This is when you start if you're the 49ers. It also is when you start if you're the Seahawks. It is a playoff game. Because it is a playoff game and that's the thing. It feels like one. It really does. Someone gets a playoff win if you win. It's like a playoff bonus.

game. You get a playoff win if you win because you get that by. You get to skip a week, but you don't have to, you know, suffer the, the bad part where your season's over. But they, but they don't get the win though. You get to advance to the final eight, but in terms of looking back and when we do the, well, that's true, the weighing of the souls of people's careers, nobody's going to say, you don't get the enjoyment. Oh, well, Sam Donald got that playoff win because he won that game. You don't get the enjoyment, but you do get to advance to the final eight, the winner. And that's a, that's an amazing carrot for both of these teams. Yeah. I think the type the 49ers no cannot run pressure. But when I'm talking about match of football, I do think

that Robert Sala, with this cast of players that he has, is able to specifically design some of the things that do bother Sam Darnold, which is make it look like you are going to bring pressure. And then backing that pressure off of the ball, all of the sudden and cloudying up and rotating your guys throughout the defensive backfield. I do think he has the guys for that. And I think it's about, for both of these teams, it's admitting what you are not. The, the, the, Seattle Seahawks have to basically oversize and overwhelm this 49ers defense, right? They have to admit that, okay, maybe right now

we're not totally firing all cylinders with our finesse players and our downfield passing game other than JSN. Okay, let's just load up and overwhelm. 49ers, on the other hand, have to say, you know what, we can't rush the quarterback regularly. Let's try to mess them up in other ways, in ways that other teams have been successful with designing those Sims and Creepers.

If there can be this coaching master class and Sala can have the defense positioned as they were in the game deciding play against the Chicago Bears. And Kyle is dialing up, you know, opportunities and Brock Purdy's executing great. Of course the 49ers can win this game. I just think the barriers to success, there's a whole lot more for San Francisco than they are for Seattle. I think talking about the physicality is it. I just think that the Seahawks have more dudes, which is crazy to say. But then again, CMC, kind of like Derek Henry, looked a little extra in week 17.

Like he had somehow saved up a little more in reserve. And if you get that version and you get the version of Brock Purdy that you saw in week one, remember the 49ers won this game in week one in a game that Brock Purdy was pressured 60% of the time and yet delivered a bunch of big time throws. It was a performance where I remember it was much better than the box score indicated. So he's kind of, he's been better than Sam Donald and he's probably going to have to be better to win this game. All right, let's go to another game that would be between two contenders, but the things have kind of fallen off lately for a team that we really, really love.

The Detroit Lions are at the Chicago Bears who are favored about three. This time around the overrunner's 50 and a half. Kevin Burkart, Tom Brady, Aaron, Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi are on the call. The parenthetical says five minutes for this one, Jordan. Well, they are the two seed, and this is an interesting game. So they get the respect of that, but it's not as high stakes. We didn't hit the time limit for the first one anyway, so I do not. care.

We used the time on it. We did it. Do you guys remember back before the start of the season when everyone was talking about the first time these two teams were scheduled to play each other weeks ago? And this was the Ben Johnson quote unquote revenge game. And this was Dan Campbell before the start of the season saying, I didn't need my offensive coordinator. It wasn't just Ben Johnson.

And some of the commentary coming out, it just looks a little funnier in the light, you know, in the light of the end of the season with how Ben Johnson has the Chicago bears rolling and Dan Campbell and the Lions unfortunately are left looking for answers on offense. I think ultimately after this game, the answer on defense is get healthy, right? Kelvin Shepard is that guy. He's that dude. Otherwise, though, I like every time you say, I hate to see Dan Campbell give these sad press conferences because it is sad. And I give the bears almost every edge in this game other than the fact that the bears, the lions are playing with nothing to lose, but pride. I'm also not ready to say Calvin Shepard.

is that dude. I tend to think we overrate coaches' impact in general, that there's a handful of really special ones bad, special ones good. This has been encouraging first season for him, but they're one of the worst defenses in the league over the last five or six weeks, which is why I really thought about picking. They've been very injured. They have, but they were last year too, and there's other injured defenses out there that are playing better. They, I thought about picking them because I can see the lion's offense really showing up in this game and making it a shootout and them kind of the proud old lions making them really earn it. So I think it'll be a good game. That first one

that you mentioned too, and people were asking Dan Campbell at the end of it, like, were you kind of rubbing it in there? Because they were going for fourth downs and they put up a 50 burger on the lions. So there is, I mean, on the bears. So there is a scenario here where the bears absolutely get them back and it's like incredibly depressing and Amman Rossi. Brown doesn't play in Taylor Decker doesn't play. It's just too early in the week. We don't know.

But they might not push guys that are fighting through injuries at this point. Are we on handshake watch? I don't think we're on handshake watch. They're handshake. I went back to watch it. It was fine. He even whispered like a quick thing in Ben Johnson's ear. I think there's a lot of respect there.

Yeah. And, you know, I think it highlights what when Dan Campbell said it after that game in Santa Clara, which you brought up last week, Greg, that he acknowledged the fact that they may never get there again. And then with that group of guys, it was true. And to facilitate the maintenance of that relationship to have that coaching staff all be there and together, it was a special time for the Detroit lines. Unfortunately, the way history decides to remember these teams, they're rendered as insignificant because they didn't win those. Not to us.

Not to us, though. It's like, that's like saying the Andrew Locke Colts didn't matter. It's like, I remember them or the Trent Green Chiefs. Exactly. You know, I think, too, that this is one of those games. I think you're going to try to win. like maybe this is not the right way to say it, but like win clean in the sense that you're not

going to try to put a lot of pressure on your quarterback. You're not going to do a lot of the things that you're saving for the postseason with the bears having clinched that spot. Obviously the stakes are huge, so you have to walk that line. This is a game where you could very feasibly just load up and run the ball well just well enough.

It's been above average, beyond above average, all season. I just think this is one of those games where you just run it until the buzzer start. And I don't think the stakes are huge. They know that the Eagles are, they have a feeling that the Eagles are probably resting their starters. They're already in the pole position. There's also a question, is the two or the three seed really that much of a difference? So that is something to keep an eye on

in this game. But Ben Johnson, unlike other coaches, has said very clearly that we are playing to win. And I believe them. So I think they're going to play all out in this game, even though they probably won't, they don't necessarily even need to win to keep that two seed. No. Get Kyle Menungai closer to a thousand. he's not going to make it I mean listen never say never he's at 769 right now so I doubt it but get our guy get our dude if a hundred more if golf and Gibbs and in Jamo and the rest of the lines or it's just the the defensive issues for the Chicago Bears are they're not getting better yeah they're actually getting the lines yeah I made a list of defenses that were worse in EPA per play uh since week 12 and they're the exact five teams you would expect

The Cowboys, the commanders, the Jets, the Cardinals, and the Raiders. Those are the only ones worse than the Lions since week 12, and they're playing a team that's peaking. Just last week really hammered home the idea to me that Luther Burden is special. Like, he is special, and he's coming into his own. And Colston Loveland, for what he unlocks in their offense with his versatility, is just totally integral. And those two guys are absolutely peaking right now.

What? man, it's so hard to not vote Ben Johnson for Coach of the Year. And yet I do I have back, by the way, in that first game. The winner of the NFC Westoff should win Coach of the Year. My vote. I could understand other people's opinion. All comes down to one game. Yes.

The season long award. I always love that. The Washington commanders are on the road taking on those. You've got to make a decision sometime when they're great. You got to make, you got to separate them somehow. And they matter more towards the end, especially week 18. in you know either way I digress the Philadelphia Eagles Greg are seven

point favorites the over under is 41 and a half it will be a great game Kevin Harlan is on the call along with Ross Tucker so they're showing the respect to the birds we will enjoy watching it are the birds going to enjoy playing the commanders here with absolutely nothing it's sick

I think they'll enjoy it because they like to see what Tanner McKee can do and I think they'll win with Tanner McKee talk about respect I did not know. Ross Tucker is like in a fantasy camp this week doing a game with Kevin Harlan. They're showing Ross the respect that he's getting bumped up. I guess Trent Green maybe has a family thing or something. He's off this week. And that's big time. That's exciting for him. For the Eagles, to be clear, Nick Siriani is being cagey with the media. But I think it's very clear with the way that he's being

KG and the fact that last year they rested in week 18 and won the freaking Super Bowl and that the year before they did the opposite and A.J. Brown got hurt in that game with all of that in mind and the fact that they don't even can quote unquote control their destiny for the two seed or that they'd even particularly want the two seed that much anyways. I feel pretty confident that a lot of Eagles, including Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown players like that, will be resting in this game. Yeah, I would say this is going to be as close to a preseason slash this version of the commanders game that we're going to see between the two teams. Because you would, you would absolutely, with the way that these Eagles have totally burned out on the seasons

where they've had down seasons, it's been so apparent that the length of not just the season, but the postseason has affected them so significantly in the years that they've been bad or that they've fizzled out and they have to go back they have to go in and start prepping this is a lot of people don't realize that this is the time of year for these playoff teams where they do start advancing two games ahead they start building analytics packets and strategy packets and tape packets two weeks in advance to make sure that they're almost treating this as a byweek in some ways for sure and and then and then going just looking ahead to their next opponent and just hoping that everybody even their

depth guys stay as healthy as possible. They have to do some guesswork with who the next opponent would be, but you prepare for a couple different guys. And oh, by the way, you can win the game anyways. They rested everyone last year and they beat the Giants. Tanner McKee played well and they won by a touchdown anyway. So that happens when the backups win anyways. And especially,

and I don't know, you know, the variance in the game planning of the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles is going to be that significant. Yeah, right. Depending on the comments. What are they going to do on offense, guys? They're kind of do the same thing that they always do in which, you know, there's folks highly critical. the second half for Jalen Hertz.

I think it was really a whole offense issue. Also, the bills were out there playing pretty good football as well defensively. That I think some time off would be very, very good for the defending Super Bowl champs and they're going to get it. And guys like Lane Johnson who they're expecting back for the playoffs, it's another week off, but maybe a guy

like a Jordan Davis or a Jalen Carter or two that just like you don't want to put any more tread on their tires. For the commanders, it does sound like it's going to be Josh Johnson again at quarterback. I don't think Mario is going to be available. And yeah, so it's a last go for this Bobby Wagner, Von Miller, Javon Kinla, Commander's team. I don't know if it'll be their last game in the NFL necessarily, but for some of them,

it probably will be. And we'll see. It's a rare, really bad team where the coach is in place, the GM's in place, the quarterback is in place. There might be some coaching staff adjustments, but we've seen enough. We've talked enough about the commanders, I feel like. Let it in. Bye.

Thanks for your contribution. On to a new roster build model. Please, for the love of God. We'll get some great calls in 2026, Bram. Thank you for your contributions. It is the game. We'll all be watching on Saturday, Carolina at Tampa Bay,

favored by two and a half at home. Wow. The over under is 43 and a half. It's on ESPN and ABC because people will be able to watch this game on broadcast television, which I appreciate. Chris Fowler and Dan Orlovsky,

along with Louis Riddick, On the call. Big spot. Do Baker and the Bucks stop this tragic slide and prevent him from having that look on his face that was on the sideline at the end of the game against the dolphins? I don't know. Man, I've been watching these Bucks games and it's been depressing, to be honest, because it's painful clearly for him to be playing quarterback right now.

He's pressing too hard in some areas and making mistakes. I don't know if there's things that are clouding his judgment or if he can't move his body fully the way that he wants to. We don't know. I thought he moved great last week. Really? See, I disagree. Some of the torque that he has to get in, like I just, I didn't think so.

And I think some of the scrambling, sure, it was fine. And he looked like Baker on some of those pickups. But getting his full leverage and his full body into some of those throws and he was short on one and that was a really bad throw. And it just, I don't know. he seems like he's just in a lot of pain to me. And I think this Panthers team, listen, I've given up trying to predict what they're going to do

because they are so mercurial. If they get at least one good half out of these receivers, which is usually the case when they do win these games, because I haven't seen it consistently from these receiver, these Carolina receivers through the course of an entire game week to week. But if they get one good half out of these guys, then I think that they win this game. They just played two weeks ago.

And that game was pretty evenly. played. I wonder if Todd Bulls watches that Seattle tape and be like I know like he's not like the big press man type of type guy, but man, they've got some good cornerbacks. We can be physical against these wide receivers

potentially. They have the people to potentially bully you. They bench Tyke Smith in the middle of that game. He was on the wrong end of a couple bad plays as a rookie against Miami so that maybe they make an adjustment there. And I did not know what

to think about this game. And then the Falcons did it. They won on Monday night football. And then I realized I want mess. And the mess is the Buccaneers winning this game so that Saints Falcons can decide the division. And so that the Buccaneers will just have this strange, awkward moment at the end where they didn't win the division,

but they did win the game. But they just have to wait until tomorrow and start rooting on a Saints team that Jason Light was burying on Twitter. not that long ago. It kind of feels like a microcosm of their entire season. It just feels like the most. I just want it for that.

Sorry Panthers fans and I'll respect you if it happens the other way. Well, they have the personnel to do it. I don't know that they will. The Seahawks just crowding the line of scrimmage and giving Bryce really no opportunity that they weren't threatened deep to the extent where you could see

Even on the broadcast tape, like 10 guys, they're on the screen. And it's like, okay, so there's zero respect for the Panthers to get anything deep. And maybe that's how you approach things. But I don't think the bucks will come out at that. But they've also given up so many big plays. Canales after the game, or on Monday rather, had some interesting quotes where he was like, Bryce had plenty of time in that game. Kind of put it on Bryce a little.

He was like offensive line was not an issue in that game, which fair enough. He did take ownership of I need to do a better job getting receivers. open McMillan specifically. They started in 13 personnel that game, so with the tight ends on the field. And Jadavia and Sanders immediately got hurt. So maybe that mess with him. He's going on IR, so that's one less weapon. They are just short on weapons right now.

And so, man, with the Buccaneers considering the personnel that they have and the experience that they have, the players throughout the roster, you should, you should win this game. as bad as losing seven of eight is to get swept by the Panthers in a three week considering the rosters, that's bad. That's bad coaching. Here's why I think, I like what you said about walking up to the line of scrimmage and playing a little bit more press man. Greg, with these DBs, they can. And the three of them are playing well and they're healthy. And the thing is about these Panthers receivers is that Ted McMillan has

having a great season, but the first half of that game two weeks ago, he was being bullied, like he was just being bodied around until he'd made an incredible catch and really muscled the ball for this catch, like that's when the tone shifted for this entire group. And so I think with with these bucks, the thing that I think could convince Todd Bowles to break tendency a little bit is how visibly and audibly disappointed the offense and the rest of the defenses and how these games are going. Mike Evans walking off the field and Mike Evans that the captain walking off the field and disappointment, these guys watching in disbelief

as the defense just gets pushed backwards down the field at some of the end of these games. I think that Todd Bowles also watches that and is like, man, I got to get a spark back into this team. They seem a little out of ideas for like on either side of it. Because if they had them, they would have done it.

Like the same things keep happening. They used to be a great run defense. They're not really that anymore. Levanti David's getting picked on, They're playing JPP. Jason Pierre Paul, we hadn't mentioned this on this show, is in the NFL right now playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 16 snaps last week.

Did you know that Dion Jones is in the NFL and playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Granted, it was only two snaps. I think he's mostly special things. But I was, I was Googling. I was like, is that Dion Jones? That's the same Dion Jones. It's the same guy. And yet, we'll see.

Tristan Worf is expected to come back. I do think it comes down to Baker. I disagree with you guys a little bit because I think he has played pretty well the last couple weeks except for just a handful of awful reps. And I thought, you know, he had some great throws last week and he's scrambling around.

Like, I think it's possible for them to turn it around. If not, we have one of the worst division winners in a while. The Panthers have been outscored this season by 67 points. Unless they had a huge result here would be one of the worst division winners in terms of point differential. I think Baker and them can get. it going for one game and then they can watch on Sunday what what what what goes to the

playoff and it would be easier for me to believe that if if not for weeks of the consecutive same issues for the Tampa Bay buccaneers where I'm thinking unless there is some sort of miagi situation or like a sensu bean or just general alien healing uh for baker mayfield whatever is causing the problem for the past several weeks I don't know that it goes away but they've been in all these games they've actually lost four straight by I think four points or less. They're one of the first teams ever to, so it's just been these late game vibes. And

to be fair, the Panthers are the teams that has the late game. But yeah, the late game vibes and also the swing the luck, the swings have gone often in the Panthers direction for the positive. Yes. Through the season and the bucks have seemed to lose their luck. Fair, which is, I don't know what to think, but

I know what I'm rooting for. I had Theo Weiss Jr. running down the five self last week. I'm rooting for mess. I'm rooting for the ultimate NFC South moment, which we will talk about a little after the break and get to the rest of the NFC slate.

Hey, what's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. If you love breaking down football from every angle, you're in the right place. Every week on Move the 6, Bucky Brooks and I dive deep into the game from the X's and O's to the front office move

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you need to tune in to the NFL fantasy football podcast. It's right there in the name. Every week, Florio, LQ, and I bring you the latest. news from around the league. We break down every matchup, give you our analysis and advice so you know who to start, sit, drop, and trade to bring that championship trophy home. I just want to remind everyone how good Rishie Rice was last season and these three healthy games. He was the wide receiver 2 in fantasy. I think Rishie Rice just goes off this week. The Chiefs come on a flip pass to Rice. Nearside

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Touchdown. It's never too late to turn your fantasy season around. Subscribe to the NFL fantasy football podcast on the Iheart radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up? It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the off the edge with Cam Jordan podcast.

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Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage. Store more and do more with your data. Try them for free at wasabi.com. Back on NFL Daily. Every week 18,

It's a little similar, and it's piecing through how different coaches are talking about whether they were playing their starters or not. Now, Sean McVeigh, after losing that Monday night game, said about his Rams, we need to play, we need to play better football. So after resting starters in week 18, two years in a row, I believe, he says they will play. Now, just saying they're playing, especially in an emotional moment right after a game, is not necessarily the same thing as they're playing the entire game. So that could be maybe where they split the baby, as it were, against Arizona. And giving us an opportunity to facilitate one of our favorite pastimes in the newsroom, asking why Matthew Stafford is still in this particular football game.

And if he were, he would be in the game against the Arizona Cardinals, who are at SoFi Stadium against the Rams who are favored by seven and a half points. The over under is 46 and a half. Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan and Levy on the call. It seems our friends in Vegas, Greg, are banking that the starters will not play us again for a good amount of time,

considering the way. No, they're hedging. I mean, they're in between. This is never a week to really put down your hard-earned money because this stuff is unpredictable. Maybe any of them. We're not allowed to,

and that's made my life much more stress-free. Because, man, I don't know. I could see him having a change of thought during the week and playing a couple drives feeling good about those couple drives and then making a change. But who knows? Maybe he will just play all the way to win because obviously they are not happy. They haven't played

a complete game in too long. They did beat the Cardinals though, 45 to 17 a month ago. So that was not too long. Yeah, a little late stat padding happening in that one too by the Cardinals' offense. Okay, so here's the thing. This is how Sean McVeigh walks up to the line of saying he's pissed at his players without actually ever saying he's pissed at his players.

Like he will never, the closest, the only time he ever walked over that line was the Jared Goff fiasco at the end of that 2020 season. So this is basically him telling us what he thinks without actually saying it. The other thing here is he can hedge quite a bit behind the fact

that a lot of these guys are injured in the first place. So the Rob Haven's the Alrick Jackson's, the Kevin Dotsons, the Devonte Adams, who quote unquote, according to the broadcast this week was running the full route tree but wasn't playing. I mean, you could see it when they showed that. He looked great.

He looks great. He looks also like there is no pain at all. Like he looks awesome. That's the thing is he knows he can say that because he can also hide behind the fact that the guys who need to be playing for them in the playoffs and win football games for them and are part of the reason they win football games. are actually going to be able they're going to be able to hide behind the injury report and say well those guys probably weren't going to play in the first thing like stafford and pucas are kind of the guys tell you and i would and i would say i doubt they are in the game for very long jimmy gropolo i know is like antsy to get get a couple handoffs you know and this to me is more him commenting on how what he thinks about his defense it's still a relatively young group and there's been a couple of times this season where perhaps this defense is reading its own press

a little bit too much, metaphorically speaking. Like, this can be a dominant group. They can be coached really well, but it always seems like when the hype on them is at its highest and Chris Shula's being talked about for head coaching jobs and all of these things, that's when they take a step back and allow some big time breaks and explosive plays again.

So that's where I think he wants them to play because he wants them to stay juiced up. And I also, I know this team well, And I also think that they don't think that a buy week, even though it helps a lot of people get healthy who probably won't play this week anyway, I think they would prefer to not have time, down time. Even a mini buy, they came out so flat. I just think they're wired as a group that they just need to not overthink things and just keep playing. That's really how I think they're all wired starting at the top. Patriots did that a lot.

And then they didn't do it. It kind of depended on what he thought that the team needed in that season. So I do think it's different. They also, and this isn't playing into how, I think that was all excellent. It's spot on. Actually.

The Sean McVeigh, I did not say actually. We'll know in this game, quote unquote, if they care about getting the five seed, they'll know before the game starts whether they have a chance at it or not. They should be rooting for the Seahawks to beat the 49ers. If the Seahawks beat the 49ers, the Rams have a chance to move up a spot.

And I would think they'd rather be a five-seat. It's just a higher seed. You have a chance of hosting an NFC championship game, potentially against the 49ers if the two of them would make it. And you'd play the NFC South winner, which would be either the Bucks or the Panthers. Either way, that's going to be, I think, on paper, an easier matchup than the six-seat has.

And to me, the most functional thing that you have if you're playing guys in this game is an opportunity to, once you know what you need, to game plan and evaluate how the guys were playing in the particular way that you want to deploy them when you get into the postseason. But I also think if doing all this to try to get a first round buy has value because you don't have to play that game,

then here's a game where you don't have to play. Right, right. And Blake Quorum got banged up. Like in Quorum and Kyron Williams went crazy in the first game. That was the game where they had more yards in 13 personnel than any team in NFL history by like 100 plus yards or something. So they just got heavy. And they do have plenty of tight ends.

So they can play all of them, I guess, as much as they want. But yes, currently they are in the sixth seed, but they could move up to the five with a little help on Saturday from Seattle. Another team that doesn't necessarily need the results to go a particular way,

but the Green Bay Packers on the road at Brian Flores' defense, the Minnesota Vikings, not to limit KOC. Just want to highlight what the Vikings' defense has done. Yes. Down the stretch here, they are six and a half point favorites.

Over under is 36 and a half. It's a CBS game, Spiroides, Arjoletta and Adida Kikambollah are there on the call. Greg, how much is Matt LaFleur interested in being a part of this participation? Not at all. And he's made that clear.

He's going to rest him. And that's why it's early in the week and these things will change. That's six and a half. I was pointing out like some of these games that stay away because they're unpredictable. I think there's a big enough chance that Clayton Tune is starting this game. In terms of I kind of expect Clayton Tune to possibly. start this game, that that's, that's not enough against a Brian Flores defense. The, the crazy thing here, because I don't think this game really matters, unless you're holding Minnesota over eight and a half

wins on the year, at the last second, they're going to sneak in for me. Let's go Vikings. Unless that's the case, the most interesting thing about this game is that it could be Brian Flores's last with Minnesota getting spicy. What is, is I think probably not the way Kevin O'Connor wanted or expected this to go would be to be answering questions about this in the last week of the season versus talking about a postseason run versus talking about all the things that they hope they would be talking about. Instead, they're talking about how Brian Flores has no remaining years left on his contract with Minnesota. He will be a free agent. Sure, that was purposeful.

By him. And the thing, the thing that I find very, very interesting is this defense is also top heavy in terms of its age and experience partially by design because you need to have players who have seen a lot of football in order to be able to run this quality and caliber of complex defense. But I do think that this is really interesting to me because what if, say, Matt LaFleur loses Jeff Hathley to a head coaching job this season? Who do you think would be the most fun defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers with a healthy Micah Parsons? next season, but the man who will be staring them down on the opposite sideline. He could get a head coaching job?

And not to discount that either. To say, I do also think he'll be getting head coaching interviews. I think he might get a head coaching job. But if not, I think he has had a better free agent year than Alec Pierce. I mean, he could set new boundaries for what coordinators make in the NFL. He's going to be making Vig Fangio money. Because you can't tell me that, like, Brian Flores isn't worth more than a lot of the lower tier head coaches.

Like, it's just, it's so proven what he's going to bring. And the Cowboys have been mentioned, like, reported as, like, a possible suitor, but I don't think they'd be the only one. In Minnesota, you would think, like, the tie would go to Minnesota, but I don't know what the situation there is. And they would probably step up and

match whatever crazy offers he's getting elsewhere. And it's, like, great for buying floors, if that happens. Well, I think the personnel, and again, like, yeah, some of them are elevated in age, but you talk about a guy, like, they drafted a couple years ago in Dallas Turner, who can rush, you know, people slide him for his ability to rush,

but his ability to drop is a big part of being in this defense and Andrew Van Ginkle. I think the tie is with these guys that he's been able to coach. And also with the Vikings hopefully poning up the money to make him the highest paid coordinator in football because he deserves it and, you know, to see this whole thing work to the extent that it could, whereas, you know, you go other places,

especially if we're talking about a place like Dallas, is Brian Flores going to be able to have, have the input to get the that doesn't seem like a great fit no i also i also green baby there's there are going to be some bad head coaching jobs available for sure and that's the thing i don't want brian flores for all of his talent and ability i don't this is selfish i don't want him to go somewhere that sets him up for failure i would love to see him continue to cook these offenses up and down the field in and make the most money possible yeah this team i personally would like to see it can get better quarterback play.

They're in healthier and a better offensive line. Like they're not far away. J.J. McCarthy, by the way, might be coming back for this game. I think they would like that to happen. Speaking of those Cowboys, I do not think we even need the full three minutes on this game.

I don't know. Maybe we do. The Cowboys are three and a half point favorites against Jackson Dart and the New York Giants. It's on Fox. Kevin Hoogler, Moose Johnston, calling the game for his old team.

And Allison Williams, again, it's three minutes in parentheses. Okay, I said that. And now there are some interesting things here. They cut Trevon Diggs today. Oh, yeah. News. We have the little news. That was weird. Well, no. I mean, not weird that it happened, but weird that it happened.

To do it before week 18 is kind of a shoving the players nose in it. Well, I also think it makes it more difficult doing it now. It seems like it's been simmering or building toward this for a while. I think it makes it more difficult for a team to immediately claim him on waivers, for example. Nobody would. Right? No, that's what I'm saying. That's do it now because nobody's going to. but then you have an on an offloading period through the entire off season that's the thing this has been simmering for a while since training camp since before since last year yeah and and that's that's the thing is i think the timing element of is just to make it so he can't you know just immediately get scooped up by somebody else and that's again to your point it's a little bit of a ha ha we win what would what would prevent somebody from i just don't think they're going to like his contract i'll look at it

but coming off of a, you know, he hasn't been able to show that he is 100% healthy. And then you have to take on the contract, which, um, I don't think he has any guaranteed money into next year. So you're right. I mean, his base salary this year was only eight and a half million dollars. It's hard. It's hard. Guaranteed money. What I think is hard. Yeah. I agree. But I think what I, what I, what's hard with a player who's coming off an injury is you, you, you want to, before you make a decision like that, you do want to see what the actual, like, physical. return is, like how ready that player is. The only other little thing for this game is the giants do have a path to having the number

one overall pick. Here is what they need. They're at the two spot. Seven teams could get as high as two. So if they won, they could really mess themselves out. But here's what they need. They need to lose, of course. They need the Raiders to win against the Chiefs. And then they need two of the following teams to lose out of four. Seattle, or win out of four. Seattle, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Chicago. If two of those four teams won and the Raiders won, then the Giants have the number one

overall pick. So all hope is not lost if that's what you're looking for. Looking for draft abolition. Yes. I like, do you want a lottery? Or what do you want? Just not this. I wouldn't want to be claimed if I were Trayvon Diggs. I'd want to pick my next spot.

Yeah. And hopefully, you know, the capacity to choose that maybe somebody will at least express some interest at this point. Abdul Carter, by the way, is publicly stumping for a defensive rookie of the year, which I applaud. Yeah, it's cool. Let's turn this into it like an Oscars race.

Is it not already? Also, I just, this is very loose reporting here by me, but great reporting by ESPN. A team would still have to pay him about almost 500K just for this week if he's on their roster.

Yeah. Regardless of whether or not he's active. That's it. I know. But right now, teams are right down to the wire looking at special teams moves and guys who are going to be unhealthy, healthy, whatever. Just some context, that's all. All right. Let's get to a game that could really.

We used all three minutes. We did it. No way. There was stuff. There was stuff. I don't think anybody was like, ah, they went too long on them. Nicky stuff.

Except Eric, maybe. No. Eric famously just wants like a 25-minute show. Greg set these times. I didn't set the times, okay? I don't know. You seem to, did you. pick the font and the color, though?

You did. That's just so every can see them on the paper. They are synced up. There's three special seven minute games and three, three minute games, yes. I'm going to lobby for this one to be five minutes because considering what could have taken place before this game, Jordan, the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons could be playing to decide the division

for other teams. The Falcons favored by three points off their Monday night football win. The overrunner is 43 and a half. Chris Myers and Marks Lareth and Jen Hale are on the call. Can he the Jedi count. the Mon Stars that are the Falcons once they are eliminated. Stop the Red Hot New Orleans. These are the two best teams in the division.

Oh, this is so weird and disappointing yet also equally fun because you see what they could be and they just never were until it was too late. I just love it. I think beating the Rams in an island game, the team that came into the game being talked about is the best team in football, I think that helped Rahim Morris quite a bit in terms of the job security. Now, they may make moves still. He may make other moves as well.

They may change their front office, all of those types of things. But winning like that, finishing the season like this, and winning a game like that. You got to win this week, though, then, too, by that logic. If you lose to the Saints 20 to nothing, you lose all that.

It's not the same logic, Greg, because it's not the same caliber and quality of team. This is a very red-hot Saints team, sure. But I hate to say it, because I know the listeners are going to eye roll and they should. This is a really obnoxious statement I'm going to make.

But if you beat a Sean McVeigh team in prime time with the MVP caliber quarterback and a lot of it you do on defense at first to help start the offense off the right way, then, yeah, I think you have a little bit more of a cushion than you had. I just think even the way that game flowed, you sort of saw the strengths, you saw the weaknesses. Like Rahim Morris is one of my least favorite guys to watch in terms of game management. They've had no clue what to do offensively. And the way they handled that game at the end, they were kind of lucky. to escape. Had a good challenge. Yeah, hearing Matt Ryan is, you know, possibly involved in becoming part of the front office,

that's obviously not a great sign. So I just think any owner that's capricious enough to change his mind based on these last four games, then this game is going to matter too. Big time rivalry. You got Kirk, Kirk playing for his future. You got Tyler Shuck playing for the offensive rookie of the year, potentially. You got Rahim Morris coaching for his future. Like, I love it.

I need it. They probably are the two best teams in the NFC South right now. I mean, they've just beaten the other teams, so I got to give them credit. They're both on their winning streaks. You got the Staley Sons. You got Honey Badger on Twitter, giving Brynden Staley some side-eye

because saying that he wanted to bench like Cam Jordan and DeMario Davis earlier in the year or something. He's like, yeah, these guys that he wanted to bench are the ones that are playing the best. I'm just like, give it all to me. This is what the NFC South is all about. I love mess. This is great.

Our season long Sons discussion, who would have thought? It was this daily song All along. The entire time. This is some Scooby-Doo shit right here. Honestly,

because there were large stretches of Monday night where I felt not that because you have to give the ball to Bajon as much as if Bajon is within 75% of himself being tired or not, you get him the ball. There were large stretches

where Kurt Cousins, it wasn't just play call it. They were hiding Kurt Cousins to not to prevent what could have possibly happened there. And it almost did a few times. He just threw it in the middle of the field. Do you say they were masking Kirk Cousins?

Yeah, probably. Yeah, I would say that. And, you know, that's what makes it difficult within the staly sands to be completely confident in this because the Shuck-O-Lave situation is so hot right now. And I recognize what AJ Terrell did against Puka, you know, the past breakup of the year, preventing the past catch of the year where it's going to be. great football. And I know we align the division, but I'm really looking

forward to it. Now, I really am too, and it's, I challenge anyone to come up with a different scenario that's been ever like this, but I'm pretty sure. And this requires the Bucks to win on Saturday, to be clear. Bucks got to win that game. Panthers are

in if they beat the Bucs. If the Bucs win that game, there's never been, I don't think, another situation like this in the history of the NFL, where entering the game, the two teams are playing each other to decide the division championship and neither one of them can win the division. And the fact that it's the Falcon Saints, the best rivalry in the league that I've been stumping

forever is the best like rivalry and the dumbest rivalry. The rivalry that brought us, you know, James Winston and Jamal Williams, you know, making Dennis Allen mad a couple years ago and so many other great moments. It's just, it's just perfect. I need it. I need the bucks to win. win that game, Tampa. Happy for Saints fans.

Yes. Saints fans. But you know what this, you know what's great about it too? Is like, okay, the Saints are going to be the Bucks proxy because if the Saints win, then the Bucks,

you know, win the division. And this is always assuming Bucks win on Saturday. And the Falcons are going to be the Panthers proxy. And the Panthers fans will be rooting for the Falcons. The thing that's cool about it is this game still means a lot. Yeah. The Saints and the Falcons fans, especially the Saints,

who would love to go into the offseason. season with this big time winning streak and Shuck playing well, I'll tell you what, if they lost this game to the Falcons and Shuck throws a couple interception, it's kind of like Ohio State Michigan, where it ruins a little bit of everything that happened over the last month. Well, Ryan Day action. You know, I'm assigning myself this game. I didn't care.

Like, we were doing the Shuck. Oh, yeah. I can totally tell. The Shook assignments earlier. I was like, he can have whatever he wants. Just give me the Saints Falcons. That is the NFC. We went through it in order.

Let's go and take a break. But when we're back on the other side, we're going to go through AFC seeding. One through seven. Biggest game of the week on Sunday night. Hey, what's up, everybody? Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks.

If you love breaking down football from every angle, you're in the right place. Every week on Move the Six, Bucky Brooks and I dive deep into the game. from the X's and O's to the front office moves shaping the league. We kick things off with Brian Baldinger, breaking out what really went down on Sunday. It is as good a timing rhythm offense as there is in the league right now. Ben Rett Lewis joins us for our rookie draft and coordinator of the week,

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Every week, Florio, LQ, and I bring you the latest news from around the league. We break down every matchup, give you our analysis and advice so you know who to start, sit, drop, and trade to bring that championship trophy home. I just want to remind everyone how good Rishie Rice was last season. And there's three healthy games. He was the wide receiver two in fantasy. I think Rishie Rice just goes off this week. The Chiefs come on a flip pass to Rice. This side, touchdown!

Remandre Stevens is my sleeper this week. This is a match-out where I think I can slide in Stevenson in my flex position and he could deliver double-digit points this week. Drake takes the snap, hands it off, we're monitoring, running it right, and running into the end zone. Touchdown! It's never too late to turn your fantasy season around. Subscribe to the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast,

or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up? It's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, the Off the Edge with Cam Jordan Podcasts. Tap in every Wednesday to hear conversations with you. with my friends and stars for the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment, about anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture,

and I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season, the season of more on the Off the Edge with Cam Joined podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, store more and do more with your data. Try them for free at wasabi.com. Back on NFL daily, not as much drama in the AFC overall.

They've got only one seven-minute game, but that's going to be fourth up. That's the big AFC North battle. And frankly, the battle at the top for the top couple seeds, the drama has been kind of removed, I would say, over the last few days. The Los Angeles Chargers at the Denver Broncos, who are favored by 12 and a half. points. The over under is 37 and a half. It is Jim and Tony and Tracy. It is CBS1. We spend five minutes discussing Greg. Maybe we won't. Why is it 12 and a half points?

Well, because Trey Lance is starting. That's enough. Disrespect. Yeah, but it's not just about Trey Lance. The fact that Trey Lance is starting indicates Keenan Allen is probably sitting. And you can't sit everyone, but Kalee Mack and Quentin and Johnston. And I think it makes a lot of sense. I'm actually proud of Jim Harbaugh for doing it. Yeah, he's not trying to just be the tough guy and get through it. And I really think it could help them.

All that matters for them is winning the playoff game. And because the Patriots, who are their most likely opponent, are going to be playing to win on Sunday, I think that's a little bit of an advantage here. Most importantly, you're not even thinking about who their opponent. It's just an advantage for them, because this is a team that has a lot of injuries, and they've done great this year,

but there's no sense in fighting just to fight. And this was going to be a tough one anyways, and now you can let poor Traylands step out there. We have another game here. It's just like these sacrificial lambs a little bit. Although Tray Lance looked good enough in the preseason that I'm curious to watch them. Yeah, and really what I think they'll need to do a lot is move his spot.

You've seen some of the Justin Herbert games we're trying to mitigate pressure on Justin Herbert, a lot of the same principles will apply because Trey Lantz can move and can run these like long bootlegs and all of these things that just help change the launch point and make it hard for defenses to really get after them the way that they want to. The Broncos, I mean, they're,

they are out here trying to make statement after statement and especially with the Texans surging the way that they are in the AFC and understanding the possible stakes. clenching the one seat and a first round by with a win here. This is, it has, it has Broncos put foot on gas. Chargers just say, okay, all right, you do you. Everyone stay healthy and kind of just ease on by. And it's great luck for them, Denver, that, you know,

the chargers aren't playing for the division. That's the outcome of losing to the Texans. It does set up a weird scenario that there's nothing they can do about. But by the time they play again, it'll be four weeks since they really played like another top level team. Four weeks is a long time. They played the Jaguars. Jaguars won that game. Then you have a Chiefs game.

That's a real football game. So I'm kind of diminishing the Chiefs here. But that's not like a, you know, that's not a playoff caliber opponent. Then you have this week where you're playing backups. Then you have a week off. It's just an interesting way that they'll approach, you know, the playoffs. and I think ultimately it's a good thing to just advance the divisional round

but they're just going to have to manage that and figure out how to start that divisional round game with guns blazing because it'll have been a little while between serious games. And at least the fact that it is Trey Lance and maybe we get to see some new and innovative things

from Greg Roman and something else for the Broncos to hold their attention to because it's a really good team. Right. That's the thing is they're still professionals who are trying. So it's not like it's going to just be like a pre-season game by any means. They were, it was a totally different scenario because they were trying to get into the playoffs last year.

Wasn't that like a 38-0 butt kicking against rest of the borders in Kansas City? I know a different scenario, but like they... Not that different. They get up for these games, is what I'm saying. It's a whole reverse. Yeah, pretty similar. I mean, yeah, I guess last time it was just to get in. Yeah, that's what I'm saying.

You know, the Broncos, one thing I had an eye on in that last week was they lost their center. What's his name, Wattonberg for the season? Who's been great. And it seemed like... They just paid him, too. It seemed like they didn't miss a thing for what it's worth. PFF, uh, graded his back, you know, the, the guy who came in, Forsyth, very high.

And I, if Sean Peyton has a secret sauce, it is identifying, coaching up one minute, interior offensive line. Ooh, all time great. Oh, take the chargers when they're down. All time great. Twist the night. At that. So this guy's been in the program for two years and like, they're,

He has been great in his career at just replacing these guys on the offensive line and then being fantastic. Hey, so it's Greg. The show is about to get to the Patriots Dolphins talk, the Week 18 preview talk, but we taped it before we knew that the Patriots defensive tackle, Christian Barmore, is facing a misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Also, we were looking for clarity at the time for how the team's going to address the criminal charges that Stefan Diggs is facing. I just wanted to make sure we got this into the show. So let's handle these two charges separately.

The Patriots released a statement that they are aware of reports regarding a pending February arraignment involving Kristen Barmore, which stems from an alleged domestic incident that occurred in August. The Patriots were made aware at the time of the incident and informed the NFL in a timely manner. The matter remains part of an ongoing legal process. And it goes on. from there. End quote, of course. Barmore has been practicing and playing, you know,

when healthy throughout the course of the season. I don't know if that means you can assume that he will continue to based on the news becoming public. We will have to see how they address it. Stefan Diggs, their wide receiver, is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with an incident that happened earlier in the month, according to police. The charges include felony, strangulation, or suffocation, and misdemeanor, assault, and battery. And the Patriots, again, released a similar statement the day previous that they're aware of the allegations.

Stefan informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. Quote, we support Stefan, and they say from there that they're going to continue to gather information in both cases. You know, the NFL confirmed through a statement that they were aware of the charges. Obviously, these are horrific allegations. They are bigger than football, and they're going to be taken seriously. We don't know how the Patriots or the league is going to address them in the short term when it comes to Diggs. And Barmore, again, it's bigger than football and we're going to have to just follow the situation and how they want to address it. In the meantime, we'll get back to the football talk about the Patriots and Dolphins that's

going to happen on the field this Sunday. The other half of that number one seed in the AFC equation, the odds maker showing a little more respect to Quinn Ewers who got to win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, the Miami Dolphins at the New England Patriots, who were favored by 10.5 points, the overall under is 45 and a half. Joe Davis, G. Reg, and Pam Oliver on the call. The two points of respect

for Quinn Ewers. Can Quinn Ewers put the fear, Jordan in Greg's New England page? Did you just hear Greg say, oh, I might have to take that thing? Greg Olson on a Patriots call? That's a first. When you sit there and tell me every week, oh, you already picked this one as your game,

I can't give you two of your top choices. I spread them around usually. So, hey, just saying, double standard here. Maybe I want this. I serve at the behest of... I'm the Quinn Ewers correspondent, apparently. NFL Daily host Greg Rosenthal. Maybe I...

Thank you, Patrick. Maybe I... You can have the first pick this one. Do you want this one? Probably not. I just want you guys to be happy with your games. I'm happy with all the games. They're all beautiful...

Patrick watches in the two quad boxes, so he's got us all covered. I appreciate that. Everyone's got different strategies. I think for a lot of these teams, the most important thing about these weeks, Week 18 games is the immediate aftermath of them. We're going to have a lot of questions answered about the future of Mike McDaniel and Anthony

Weaver, who for weeks now we've heard are likely staying in place in Miami, but we'll just have to see. Meanwhile, it does look like they've found at minimum the backup quarterback, maybe a bridge quarterback in Quinn Ewers. We're also going to get more clarity after and then the weeks beyond this game about Tua and his future. just a lot of things that start to unfold immediately after the buzzer

sounds on this one. He was a unique player just because he has a funky throwing motion and he has a Ryan Tannahill like ability to be seemingly unaware that there's like a 300 pound man about to

just absolutely crush him. Like where his body doesn't even tense up. He just, he just and it's dangerous. Just naive. Just blistice. fully unaware. Yeah, but I think most quarterbacks are never like that.

You know what I mean? Because they're human. They react to something that's like right in front of him, but he'll throw it and there is someone that is about to absolutely level him. It makes you worried a little bit

because I think you need to be big to take those sort of hits. So that... Well, he's not small. No, but he's not Ryan Tannahill, is he? I don't know. Or Cam Newton is another one that comes to mind that did that quite a bit.

Yeah, but you could argue Cam Newton overtime should never have been taking those hits anyway. I mean, it was unfortunate injuries. I don't like that 10 and a half for the Patriots. I think this is a tricky game. You guys, you're making a face.

Well, I just, I understand that the litany of injuries for the Chargers, the situation where they don't necessarily have anything to play for, and then the dolphins being, you know, the up-and-coming rising quenewers are trying to save their job situation. It's still a backup. quarterback. Yeah.

Yeah, that's what we're saying. For sure, but the other side of the ball, like, I know is against the bucks, but, you know, you saw the vision, you know, Bradley Chubb's having a monster game. Jordan Brooks is having a monster season. The two young rookie defensive tackles are making some plays. Like, this was a game that went down to the buzzer the first time they played. And you can say, okay, well, the Patriots are a different team now. Like, dolphins are relatively a different team early, too.

It reminds me of a couple Patriots losses to, Miami. I know historically doesn't mean anything. But their division opponents, the Patriots are quite banged up. I think they're in a tough spot because they want to get that one seed in theory, but they know it's very unlikely. Do they really care about the two seed? They have a lot of injuries. And so I think they'll be conservative with guys like Will Campbell and Milton Williams who are trying to come back for the playoffs. Robert Spillane is another one. But they also have a lot of players. They are the most injured they've been all season right now. And so I don't know if Mike Rable is going to go all out.

Maybe he'll take a McVeigh approach. Maybe he'll accept even backing up to the three seed if they have to. I'm not sure because they need one minute. I mean, they wouldn't need the Chargers backups to win to get that one seat. I don't know. It's just a weird situation. And happy bake miss to everybody. Yeah.

Yeah. All right. Tom Brady lost to a week 18 Dolphins team and they lost the one seed in that game. He lost to a week 18 Dolphins team on the way to ending Bill his career in New England the next week

to Mike Ravel. He once lost a Nick Sabin, I remember, in the final week of this. So there's so many parallels where if this does happen, Drake May is Tom Brady. There you go. The transit of property of equality.

speaking of equality unfortunate that the nature of the shifting importance of games left this run by Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars off of the conversation because the Tennessee Titans are on the road in Duval taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars who are 12 and a half-point favorites the over under 47 and a half Adam Amean Drew Breeze and Christina Pink are on the call where the jacks are just one of the hottest teams in football right now? What are we doing, Gus? You know what? When are we going to start respecting the Jacksonville Jaguar?

I think this game could be a banger. I think this game has banger. It's yours. It's yours. I've had Drew Brees for five straight weeks. He's fine. He actually is fine. He's doing better.

He's fine. He has some interesting quarterback points. The personality is not like, you know, 100% there. thanks Greg yeah i listen yes uh jacksonville is a wagon and and offensive defensive special teams everything is rolling it's great tennessee has been frisky for the entire second half of the season they're they're a difficult matchup just because you don't really quite know what they are and and how they're going to play you quarterback can play um i i i do think this has

bangor potential watching Jacksonville approached last week's game where yes they still won and they did what good teams do and they won a game they're supposed to win but they tried they got a little too cute with some of the strategy they tried some stuff at times that maybe they just are seeing if it works and want to throw it away

obviously they're getting big production out of their receiving core Trevor Lawrence is having an incredible season as well this defense is awesome especially their front seven. But I do think, I mean, Tennessee has just been frisky. And it's Jeffrey Simmons doing random stuff. Sounds like you're taking that 12 and a half.

I mean, I don't even know what that means, to be honest with you. But I feel like, what does that mean I take it? Seems they keep it closer than that. Does that mean I take, I pick a team or does that? Yeah, it means the Titans keep it closer than 12.5 points. Okay. I'm, I don't know what this. I'm famously unaware of what all of these, these things are.

It's a good place to be because Greg is in it. Yeah. I mean, it's not that hard to figure out. It just says minus 12. You know, you have had people have to explain what a push is to me before. Yes, that sort of the lingo is tricky. Here's lingo that Patrick will understand.

Trevor Lawrence is the newest first time member of quarterback island. And that's despite it being more exclusive than it's ever been. It came down to eight, eight quarterbacks. and Trevor Lawrence not only made it but made it with some room to spare everyone agreed

he wasn't even the last guy on so there's some respect and you'll notice Greg hit us with the famous passive voice Greg shrunk it to eight

and I was glad to have you know briefly been involved in the experience it felt like I walked into a prayer group appeared as an angel

on the horizon you know what I want to point out with this game which is very important this game All had connected pinkies. The reason this number is so big is because this game, unquestionably, is really important

to the Jaguars. Like, there's no, like, vagueness about their motivation. It's a big deal for the Jaguars to win a division. They need to win this game to win a division to get a home game. Yeah, like to get a home game. They have a chance if they win and the Patriots lose to move up. They would move up to the two seed, which, you know, potentially be Jags Chargers in that

scenario. The bills are probably the sixth seed. So who knows if the Patriots would care enough to try to avoid the bills? I don't know. But either way, they really, the Jaguars being they, I don't think want to go on the road in the playoffs. They want to have a home game and make all

that extra playoff money for their owner. And they deserve I think considering the way they've played, they deserve that home game. Yeah. I would not be surprised if that 12 and a half hits because it's exciting as cam ward and the titans are it seems like it's it's freelancing that's done it almost exclusively down the stretch chaos potential

like chaos is how the titans operate difficult to operate chaotically when the jags to your point jordan are just trying stuff because the plans have been working to the extent where they're just trying stuff late a guy that's gotten on my radar lately not just Trevon walker who's playing outstanding Van Lennon. What is it? Is it Cole Van Lennon for the Jacksonville Jaguars who came in at some point this season and has started,

I believe, at four different offensive line position? And is their left tackle heading into the playoffs? It seems like it's permanent now and it's played pretty well. Walker Little, who was there and got a huge contract

as like a bridge swing tackle is now at guard and gave up a lot of pressures. Granted, it was against, you know, good competition last week. but he's now at guard and so that's like a sneaky plot. I had that game

a few weeks ago talking about Colvin Laining coming in and looked great right from the time. They belized it. Yeah. Yeah. It's time for the Sunday Drive presented by Toyota. Let's go places on Sunday night football. The Baltimore Ravens

are three and a half point favorites, Greg. Over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The over under is 41 and a half. Mike Tariko Chris Collinsworth. Melissa start football night in America will happen before the game. They'll have the weird thing where they just abbreviate football night in America and it says FNIA

and you're like, does that say final? I don't know, it's weird to look at the screen, but then the game happens. Yes. What happens in the football game? I my head says Steelers. It just feels

like what they're going to do. They're just going to win this game when they just look so bad. But my heart is rooting for the Ravens because I think that makes for the best playoffs. It makes for the best story. A world in which Patrick Claibon is happy and that the Ravens

at the very last second get their stuff together and go on a playoff run would be very intriguing to me. A Texans Ravens first round matchup. Yep. Which would be very interesting

and it's been a good matchup for the Ravens in recent years, but obviously different teams this the whole thing is great and yet it all seems impossible to analyze because we don't know if lamar jackson is playing or not and i i asked around and nobody knows i don't think the ravens know to be fair at this point in the week they're just gonna wait and see i i can see a world where tyler huntley helps them win this game but it's much less likely i think we can recognize that right please please yeah no i yes despite the you know yes again How about I not even acknowledge that idea and that concept

and talk about the injuries that also the Pittsburgh Steel are dealing with in this game because Darnell Washington literally huge for this team and the way that they would like to approach things. And granted, it was a unique situation where I think slightly preventing the sack record was one thing, but also preventing Miles Garrett from hitting Aaron Rogers was another thing. And there's no Miles Garrett on the Baltimore Ravens. But they do need to be able to get the ball down the field. there will be no D.K. Metcalfe in this game.

And yeah, I would probably know T.J. Watt, according to pro football talk, Mike Tomlin said he was more optimistic this week than recent weeks, but pro football talk had sources that thought T.J. Watt was not going to be ready to be back for this game. So, yeah, some of the most important players. I wonder if you see if Lamar is coming back first and then you just decide whether T.J. I think T.J. Watt's playing if T. If T.J. Watt has any chance at playing, but they can't let him do that. The thing that strikes me,

is like, Greg, you said that this game feels like a Steelers win. Like it just feels in your head. Like it, I don't think that. To me, this feels like a Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers without Darnell Washington, who dictates a significant portion of their blocking surface, not just because he is a massive human, but because of the concepts that they run. And then also, no deep threat.

You cannot trust that they can run the ball the way that they had been when they were at their best. I think you could say probably the same. for the Ravens in terms of the run game. But I would trust a Ravens team starting to pick itself up right now more than I would trust the Pittsburgh Steelers winning this game.

Oh, that's all the reasons why my head says Steelers because I've just been through this so many times that this team... Is there lunch on the line? This team has no chance to go on a long run. Like, this is not a good team. And they've just, like, nobody is surprised that they lost to the Browns last week.

Like, that's what they do. And this is also what they do is just like find a way to sneak in somehow. But no, it doesn't make sense logically. I think the players are better for Baltimore. I think getting to see Derek Henry play like that last week was incredible. I think Baltimore should have a coaching advantage. And yet... I'm just saying my head and my heart say, the Steelers lose this game.

Yeah. And look, we only have to look to a couple weeks ago to this matchup. Now this one goes to Pittsburgh. and it's tough to beat a team twice in a row. Baltimore just recently did it. Everything's upside down. Chris Boswell is coming up short for the Steelers. That's the most wild part about this

is seeing Boswell spray them around the goalpost and also seeing Folele have the game of his career against the Green Bay Packers. Down is up. Where I think the fact that the Packers are non-common opponent who are generally beat up right now and everything going in the opposite direction there where I don't know if we can extrapolate

like a similar performance up front against the Steelers team that's very familiar with what they're trying to do where they really targeted him in the past protection game. The fact that if clearly if it's five back there and not eight, my feelings are significant.

And I don't even know what... The game player would be significant. And I don't even know what to think about that first matchup So to be clear, it wasn't how I talked. You know, the Steelers won that game. Allegedly. But it was so strange because it was a big time Ravens rushing performance.

Lamar was part of that. But they put up over, what, 200 yards on the ground in that game. And the Steelers, who totally went away from the run game last week, despite being pretty effective doing it, only had 34 yards rushing against the Ravens the first time around. Like, I just don't think you can win that. way with Scotty Miller and Aaron Rogers throwing hero shots. Well, that's, it was the Roger Sons.

It was all these passes to. I know, but there's no D.K. Yeah, that's what I mean. I don't think you can do it to Scotty Miller. I mean, there was a, the sequence in that game. Adam Fieland feels disrespected right now. The sequence in that game where Rogers slid before, you know, like, he set up, remember the fourth and one where he throws it deep to Scotty Miller and everyone is like,

what are you doing, man? What are you doing, Aaron Rogers? he set that up by sliding right before it for the first down instead of like diving head because he's Aaron Rogers at this point and it's like I'm just enough of it wouldn't it be it would be quite a terrible ending if they lose this game for this season

and that's what I'm saying because don't you feel that the universal context where I think you could argue change has to be made at both of these organizations in spots don't you think that the Steelers laying an egg in this game might be the thing that universally pushes

it's not just Aaron Rogers on his way out but perhaps they make changes in other parts perhaps Mike Tomlin decides because that's all the reporting hey I you know if he decides he wants to walk away maybe go coach another team whatever don't you just feel that stuck in middle stuck in medium all of this time

that a game like this losing a game like this would push you over the edge yes and I think that points out the stakes in this game for both sides and I've tried to talk to people I'm just guessing that I think it could be the end for John Harbaugh

there certainly I think most people would disagree like even if they lost this game but I think that is a fascinating subplot that maybe the loser of this game like more changes happen in the off season partly because of that it's delicious yeah get everybody something they want

and my apologies to the fire Tomlin contingency Some folks had reached out and, you know, because I had said I didn't know if all of the chanters were capable of introspection. Oh. The jury is still out there, but I think there's a solution for everybody to get what they want. And that's the Baltimore Ravens to win this game. Yeah. I do have to admit because I'm going to pick. There he is.

I don't know. The Ravens are favored. I'm going to pick the Ravens because I'll be real and that's what I want to happen. Derek Henry having that game, you know, just a few days before Christmas, it did make me believe. That just in the power of something greater than myself or even than football in general. And that is Derek Henry. And that is Derek freaking Henry. Take it home.

Let's take one more break. And then we will run through the rest of the AFC before we wrap up this week 18 preview show. Oh, that's so good. That was the Sunday Drive presented by Toyota. Let's go places. Toyota is all-in, all-season with another year of Toyota Game Day Giveaways, giving football fans the chance to win big every week of the NFL season. Terms and conditions apply to individual giveaways, enter to win and learn more at Toyota's Game Day Giveaways.com. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Inns 2826. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C. 18 and over. For complete details, how to enter, prizes, and official rules, visit Toyotas Game Day Giveaways.com. What's up, everybody. Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. If you love breaking down football from

every angle, you're in the right place. Every week on Move the Six, Bucky Brooks and I dive deep into the game from the X's and O's to the front office moves shaping the league. We kick things off with Brian Baudinger, breaking down what really went down on Sunday. It is as good a timing rhythm offense as there is in the league right now. Then Rhett Lewis joins us for our rookie draft and coordinator of the week, where we highlight the rising stars and the masterminds calling the shots. DJ talked me into A Ronde Gadsden Jr. He had a monster game. A monster game.

And you hear from the voices who actually build the game. GMs, coaches, and players who give you insight you won't get anywhere else. High standards and high care. That's the right combination. So whether you're studying tape or just love great football talk, subscribe to move the sticks on the IHeart

radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, y'all. It's me. M.G. Marcus Grant. And I'm Michael F. Florio. And I'm Laquan Jones. If you're looking to win your fantasy football league, you need to tune in to the NFL fantasy football podcast. It's right there in the name. Every week, Florio, LQ, and I bring you the latest news from around the league. We break down every matchup, give you our analysis and advice so you know who to start, sit, drop, and trade to bring that championship trophy home. I just want to remind everyone how good Rishie

Rice was last season. And these three healthy games, he was the wide receiver two and fantasy. I think Rishi Rice goes off this week. The Chiefs come on a flip past to Rice. Near side. Touchdown! Remandre Stevens is my sleeper this week. This is a match-out where I think I can slide in Stevenson into my flex position and he could deliver double-digit

points this week. Drake takes the snap. Hands it off. Remodry running it right and running into the end zone. Touchdown! It's never too late to turn your fantasy season around. Subscribe to the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

What's up, it's Cam Jordan. I'm back with season three of your favorite podcast, The Off the Edge with Cam Jordan podcast. It's happening every Wednesday to hear conversations with my friends and stars from the NFL, the sports world in general, and entertainment. About anything from teams and players making waves to pop culture. And I'll take you inside my journey through my 15th season in the NFL. Looking forward to you joining me this season,

the season of more on the Off the Edge with Cam Joom podcast. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Casabee hot cloud storage store more and do more with your data try them for free at wasabi.com back on NFL daily and if you've been paying attention we're going through the AFC in order of seed right now the Steelers are the four seed the Texans are the five seed so they're up next but before you move on for good from that Ravens Steelers game I wanted to point out we're doing the first ever post Sunday night football live show on

YouTube. I hate to do this to Patrick Claibon, but you're going to have to get on the air and react to your team either winning or having a heartbreaking loss. And that's some real television professionalism

that's going to be tested. That's nothing professional about it. For you. You don't have to be, that's the good thing about a podcast. You don't have to pretend like you're completely unbiased or anything like that. The shroud has been dropped on that for a good little while.

Okay, but come join us. We will be trying something new and so that's going to be really fun. We'll be reacting to that game and setting up the AFC and the entire playoffs. Beginning of the AFC. How great was the start for the Indianapolis Colts? Things went absolutely south in the AFC south.

They are at the Houston Texans who were favored by 10. The over under is 39 and a half. you can believe your ears this time. It's not baby birds, big bird. Ion Eagle is on the call to the folks who heard Noah and were very surprised to see. Ion Eagle, fresh off a spicy week of broadcasting. Yes.

A lot has happened. J.J. O'Hott, Evan Washburn, also on the call. Jordan, we get to see what we haven't seen from the Indianapolis Colts these last few weeks. Riley Leonard! Yeah. After not playing the entire game and coming in to throw a Hailberry Interception, finally gets a chance to play. congratulations. It's one of the best

pass rushes we've seen in the NFL. Yeah. Best of look. Yeah. I thought, first and foremost, I thought Riley Leonard, I had his game, the game that he came in. I thought he played well. I think he made smart decisions. I think he can work out of structure.

He doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He doesn't take a ton of negative plays in a very limited sample size that we're seeing. I thought he placed the ball well. He has great skill players. However, you are going up against the surface of the sun that is the Houston Texans

defense, aka my favorite defense in the NFL. In absolute joy, I was extremely fortunate to be able to cover that game last week at SoFi Stadium against the Chargers and then to go be able to be in the Texans locker room and meet some of these guys that I actually

have either, you know, not covered in person or covered remotely for the last season or two. What a great group of people that genuinely care about each other that are playing like on a rope together and believe in themselves and are confident to the point of their quarterback slash offense overall has not been good enough all season. The play calling hasn't been good enough often. The offensive line

started out not good enough. The run game has not been consistent enough. The efficiency down to down is not there. And yet there is no finger pointing because this defense is so confident that it can be the group that lifts the floor of this entire team. It was a beautiful thing to watch. It was a great thing to experience. And I love that the Texans are so back, baby. They've had a little bit of bad luck, if you think about it. Not just how they lost games early in the season, but if they win this game and they're

heavily favored to do so, they're going to be a 12-win wild card. And then if you dip underneath the numbers even a little more over at FTN, like the number three and four teams right now in weighted DVOA, which gives more weight to the end of the season, than the first month or two. The number three and four teams in the entire NFL, but behind my big two, which has been Seattle and L.A. all year. And it's still Seattle and L.A.

They're pretty far ahead of the pack. It's Jacksonville and Houston. Yeah. And it kind of makes sense to me. I'm like, yeah. And right now, if I had to pick a third and a fourth team, it really might be Jacksonville and Houston. So they're trying to win this game.

I think they'll be able to do it against Riley Leonard. But, you know, unless the Jaguars get upset, they will be, you know, doing that wildcard path and probably be on the road at Pittsburgh or Baltimore which would be fascinating. But yeah,

it's just been an awesome season watching them. Yeah, the way that, and again, I say it every time because if folks are on NFL Pro if they're on next gen stats and they're seeing the pressures, the pressures for Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter are different than the pressures

for other people because they don't have to get as close. The closing speed is so high. When they get to a certain range, it lights out for, a lot of these guys and we've seen to make these plays over and over again where it's it's a rough go like Riley Leonard legitimately

has a case for for malpractice for how they remember when Drake May made his first start against the Texans last year and it was like a week long conversation how could how could you bring him in like this is irresponsible by the Patriots to start his career against this Texans defense which I thought was

ridiculous. Hey how about Riley Leonard? Why don't you why don't you do it in week 18 with like a banged up offensive line that's not playing as well as it was man stuff yeah and i think too the the texans specifically where one of their strengths that many other teams in the league struggle to find a strength here is at inside linebacker where they will not only use the players that they have who are playing at a super high level but they'll also send jalen petrie down into the slot quite a bit um and he sort of puts a cap around the quarterback wherever the quarterback is you saw it a couple

of times. One time Justin Herbert broke loose for a big third down conversion along the sideline. But Jalen Petrie, he is covering up the quick game with the way that he's playing coverage close to the line of scrimmage and then moving out of structure and making plays happen out of structure against particularly this front seven and then the addition of Jalen Petrie when he does play close to the line of scrimmage. That is a nightmare because they're dictating every throw you make, even when you try to create more space for yourself with those play action or bootlegs. So before we move on from this game,

I want to hear a little bit about your feature on the athletic this week about the CEO slash owner of the cult Carly Ursaid Gordon who is notable for many things, but one would be that

like Kyle Shanahan, she's around my age and is wearing a flat brim hat consistently, really making it happen. So that's the thing I've recognized her most for. What did you learn about her? Yeah, well,

obviously, you know, I went to Indianapolis as I spent a week inside the organization for at the beginning of December. At the time, we, nobody in the state, let alone the organization knew that their season was about to completely turn on its head. There were injury concerns with Daniel Jones. Obviously, at the time, the defense and the offense both were playing a little under how they started the year. But that really was after that was when he tore, Daniel Jones tour of the Achilles and then the entire chaos and truly kind of a mess of the last month of the season happened and they became eliminated from playoff contention after starting the season so strong. What I learned about Carly is that she doesn't, I think when people see her

on the sideline with the headset and they see her taking notes as diligently and they hear that she meets with Shane Sikin and Chris Ballard once a week, every week and has for years, I think people think that she's involved in the decision-making in terms of smothering over decisions or trying to sway people to her thinking or influencing decisions. That's actually not the case at all. I think she will have more influence in whatever changes they do or do not make in terms of their entire organization at quarterback over the next couple of weeks, and the stakes are very high in that regard. But in terms of the day-to-day and in terms of the decision-making process,

like she is a more of a question asker and a student and someone who is learning about the organization and asking questions in a way to sort of foster conversation and encourage conversation that she hopes leads people to the correct conclusion it's not somebody who's coming in over the top and and basically swinging her title around and saying like we're going to do this so i think that when you see somebody that involved on the sideline you do have a little bit of that oh is this an interfering owner kind of thing. This could not be further from the case. And I will also say this.

I was in the locker room for a couple of days. Talked to a lot of players. Two things. She has that locker room the way a coach, a beloved coach would have a locker room. And that was so, I've been in a lot of locker rooms and a lot of buildings and that was striking to me. As that in common with her dad.

As the owner to have the building, the locker room, the way that she does, is significant and I think a very subtle yet very important power dynamic here. The other thing is I was absolutely impressed, blown away, and just moved by the way that the emotional intelligence person to person of that locker room because you talk to these players about extremely nuanced and complex issues including mental health. It's all in the story, mental health, in terms of the spotlight that's on her and some of the commentary that's being made not always with the appropriate framing, especially because she is

one of the very few women who are on the sidelines of NFL games and one of the even fewer women who's wearing a headset. The way that they spoke not for her, not in a way that softened her or patronized her or even like maternalized her, they didn't turn her into anything other than who she is and that is one of them. And I thought it was the most advanced, like the EQ is off the charts in that building. And I think that's special. And if they can make the right decisions moving forward, they have something special there. They just need to go out and do it on the field. And I think that is maybe the best legacy that she got from her dad. Because there's there's probably few owners in the last handful of years that have the sort of buy-in

and loyalty like her dad did. And bring back a little more ball knowers to be NFL owners. I do think it's a little bit of a problem with like the money that's come into the league that it's a lot of like billionaires fifth thing that they're doing and a lot of people are assigned out and she shows like she shows up when the coaches show up in the morning and she stays until after they're gone it's one of the reasons why this building exists and we have the jobs that we have is like that the the men who did own these teams were so like intimately involved to the point where they would share all the profits with with everyone else it's like let's I wouldn't mind if she was super involved.

I want some more Al Davis's and even, even, okay, Mike Brown. I don't know if we need more Mike Brown. But Paul Brown's, at least back in the day. Like the owner being that involved and Jim Ursa, you know, learned the hard way. But through a lot of mistakes early on, it doesn't seem like she's going to be doing that. And I'm really looking forward to. Everyone check out that piece. Still got three more games to get to, but these ones not as impactful.

Yeah, but still a parenthetical five. minutes for the Buffalo bills at the New York That's fair. We might not need it. It's 38 and a half. Andrew Catalan, Charles Davis and Jason McCordy

at A.J. Ross. They're on the call. Mitchell Tripisky. Yeah. Right, Greg? Probably. It's not confirmed. Sean McDermott said

this game is really important to him and to the organization. It's the last game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. I don't even know what the sponsor is at this point. It'll be the Ralph to me forever. and it's going away.

So we should call it the Ralph. They're really lucky the schedule makers set up the Jets and the Brady Cook Jets and this version of the Jets right now because I think they really do want to win, but they really do need to rest key players like Josh Allen. And I think they can accomplish both of those goals. But I don't know if it might be a situation where they play some of the high-level starters

like a James Cook even for a while and get a lead before pulling them. I don't think they really care. about the seed. But I do think they really care about winning the game. I don't think they want to lose to the Jets in the final game of Ralph Wilson Stadium. It would really be a bummer. Thankfully, it's one of the worst, you know, teams I've ever seen is this Jets team down the stretch, right?

I mean, they've, they had the worst four game stretch in Jets history that thinks that says it all. It's dark days over there. I will say this, and I know that a lot of this game, we're just kind of going to be talking about vibes because it's going to be a lot of backups for Buffalo playing. but that's a place where I remember like you want to go out with with a good aura like with good energy right because I remember even when that that stadium was being built

and like people were making quote unquote sacrifices to the pit that it was the landfill that it was being that was being dug in order to facilitate the ground of the floor the cement I don't even know what I'm trying to say the cement building blocks of that stadium people were jumping into it or like leaving

gifts for the pit, right? This is a superstitious football town, and they're going to come out in, in like, droves for this. It's going to be a good crowd, no matter who the hell is on the field out there. Like, I just think the bills want to send this out the right way with a total butt kicking. Sadly, for the Jets, they're sort of primed to be the victims of it. Eric, you have spent a lot of games, you know, your childhood flying back here like you did here to watch this latest one, give us a little perspective and what you think it's going to be like there and what your thoughts are here? It's going to be a great game. I mean, I went because it's the last year. I never been to a game. Got a snow game. Check it off the bucket list. We're at the Ralph.

Correct, Greg. People call it the Ralph. They don't call it High Mark, New Era, whatever it is. But no, they will want to win this game. Josh Allen loves his Iron Man streak. So I definitely think he will start, maybe a driver or two. But they need to win. this game. The fans need them to win this game. If they stubbed their toe against the jets on the way out of the stadium, you want, you think they fans want McDermott fired now. Yeah. If they lose this game, dude. But no, it's, yeah, it's interesting. They're not going to, though. No, they're going to feel the spirit. It's interesting. Like the stadium, the new stadium is right next door walking into Highmark a couple weeks ago, a month ago, whenever it was. It's right there. It's overshadowing.

It's looking. It's like a, it's like a souped up high school stadium. is what I would describe Highmark, the Ralph, now. And then you got this big future of what is there looking at you, dead in the eye. Every time you walk in, they need to win this game. I mean, think of some of those. Vibes game, they need to win this game for so many reasons. Think of some of those games in the 90s that were played there and stuff.

It is, it is special. Yeah, McDermott had a quote. He's like, we have a future, but let's not jump out of this just yet. I mean, he came, he's been around for a while. He got him out of the drought. I mean, the playoffs, I think he's only missed. one of his time being there like he's like I know we got a bright future with this thing but like let's not get over next door too quick I really like that win the game please I really

really can't be losing the Brady cook and they they are the exam they are always the team I think about the most I don't know if this will pop in your head right away Eric of a of a famous you never know what's going to happen against backups week 18 game which is when Drew Bloodsoe was playing the Steelers and they needed to beat the Steelers backups to make the playoffs and the Steelers backups. I was out of ESPN zone in Anaheim, California, celebrating my birthday.

It was the Willie Parker breakout game. He was like a fourth stringer and they were like, hmm, this guy might be pretty good. Shout out to Fast Willie. That's amazing. And shout out to teams,

getting other teams in the postseason like the Cleveland Browns did, like the Cincinnati Bengals and Andy Dalton did the Buffalo Bills when he beat the Baltimore Ravens back in the day. It is the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Cleveland Browns,

The Bengals are seven and a half point favorites. The over under is 44 and a half. Tom McCarthy, Logan Ryan and Amanda Ballionis, friend of the show on the call. But the only number anyone cares about in this football game, Jordan, is one. Does that one happen against Joe Burrow? Yeah, I think it does. And I also, I also think it's kind of fitting for Joe Burroughs if it happens to him. If he's the one based on how his career's gone so far.

Why, he takes a lot of sacks. He does take a lot of sacks. No, I'm saying like he can't, he can't win. for losing and to be on the wrong side of this history before winning a Super Bowl like it sucks that would suck a guy who's thinking we talk about vibes a guy who's constantly thinking about vibes about clearly um universal powers and and and history big fossil guy like this sucks for him if he if this happens to him it's fine i think it's fine who cares who takes the final sack the only reason we remember Brett Farve is because he slid for it and just gave it to him.

I just think, you know, these quarterbacks, the way that they're wired, Greg, and the stuff that he's been through to have it be, to be on the receiving end of this, and sure, he says he's having fun, whatever, like, this leaves a sour taste in your mouth, win or lose. Again, to have, to have this much potential just be wasted year over year over year, it all connects to each other. To me, it all comes down to whether they, have a good offensive performance. I don't think he'll care at all if he takes a sack and they win 25 to 7 and he plays well.

In the last season? Yeah. I think I think that part is going to be important to him. But one thing we've learned about Joe Burrow over there is he is not afraid to take a sack. That man has, it's taken too many. It's something he could he could probably improve on here in the second half of this. And I think there's a positive way to spend it. If the, if the Bengals get the win, especially after what was.

We can say an interesting Aaron Rogers performance that prevented Miles Garrett from getting that sack for Joe Burrow, who does hold on the ball because he's got two generationally gifted receivers and he likes to attack defenses down the field is going to continue to do that against the Browns. So he's going to get sacked, but they're also going to get buckets because that's what Joe Burrow does. Listen, all I'm saying, Greg, is that I think you might be glossing over a little of like what I believe. And, you know, there are whispers out there, the depths of frustration. Sure. I just don't think Miles Garrett's sack would make one big difference or another. I do think winning on this winning streak and having them develop some young players down the stretch, which they have. Amarius Mims and Dylan Fairchild on the offensive line have been playing well. Miles Murphy and Dax Hill have been playing well.

I think that's all good things for them to feel better about. Get Cody Ford a touchdown. And while you mentioned in Annie Dalton and Marvin Lewis, I wanted to point out the one thing that annoyed me this week. Everyone was so mad they put the Raven Steelers on Sunday night. How could you do that? That game's not as good. This is disrespectful to the 49ers and the Seahawks. It's stupid that that's playing

Saturday night. The teams aren't as good. They're just doing it for ratings. No, NBC has been consistent from day one. They will always and only put in a win-in-in scenario if they have it, including a Bengals Jets game back in the day where they knew one of the teams was resting the starters, even though there were better

slots, and they were like, no, we will always do a win-in-in game. And that was Marvin Lewis versus the Jets, just a terrible game in Week 18, where now I forget who was even resting their starters. I think it was the Jets. I think that's the fastest I've ever heard a human. Had to get it. Had to get it

in. If I was, if you're on 1.5 speed, sorry. Ooh, you're on a, you're in for a ride. I used to get mad about those people, but now I am one of those people. Depending on the podcast. Yeah. Wow. Well, inside info regarding Greg Rosenthal. The defender

of the peacock itself. Shout out to Greg. I'm just saying that is the rule. They've been consistent. They do that every year. So it wasn't anything unique. The Kansas City Chiefs have been in the playoffs every year. Not this year. They are five and a half point favors against a woful Las Vegas Raiders team. 36 and a half points.

Chris Lewis, Kyle Long. Tiffany Blackman. Kyle Long. They're on the call. Shot of the Kyle Long, who was in our newsroom the other day getting ready for the Netflix game. He goes over to see Puma, who's our stage manager extraordinaire here.

Puma introduces himself. And he's like, no, I know who you are. You used to do research for my dad on the Fox pregame show when he was a tiny human and he sees Puma for the first time in decades and remembers him and that was a cool moment before Christmas in the newsroom that's beautiful that I'm glad

I got to share but we'll also share the fact that he gets to call this game this moment and yes not a lot to talk about I mean the Raiders can only hope that if they take Fernando Mendoza number one overall and they lose this game that he could have as legendary a career as Puma

who is one of the legends inside this building. The one real news item, other than obviously the Raiders clinch the first pick if they lose this game, to me was Andy Reed just making it as clear as humanly possible this week. I am back. I'm going to be back.

As long as they have me, I am back. And they said it in no ifs and or but. So to me, that was kind of my big takeaway. Other than the fact that the offensive coordinator of the Raiders, your guy, Chip Kelly, is back in the biz. He just loves ball. Did you see where he got a job?

No, where's your back? It is almost too hard to believe. He is the offensive coordinator of the Northwestern Wildcats. And that's another win for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State. What a career he has had. I mean, he's collected a lot of money from Mark Davis.

That's a man that loves ball. I'm sure he's making plenty of money from Northwestern too. But he's not the coach. He's the coordinator. No, it's just making sure Pat Fitzgerald's still there so they can bust unions together. Look at that. Chip Kelly and Pat Fitzgerald.

What a great coaching staff for my rooting interests. Go Wildcat. I don't know. Man, I got to find three games to pick with Cynthia. I don't think I can do it. Taking the Raiders in week 18. But five and a half points for Chris Oledoken. I have a-

I have a sneaky suspicion. I know the Chiefs played their hearts out at Arrowhead, but I saw that Titans game. I have a sneaky suspicion like the Raiders are going to be making their fans sweat at the very least and might just win this game to blow the pick. It's just, it's happened so

many times in NFL history. Yeah, I did think that Chris O'Littoken played well. Like I thought he moved well, he saw the field well. It's you know, I have no, I would have no doubt that they could win this game. But you never know. The Raiders might do something raidery.

Five and a half points, just a lot for the Kansas City Chiefs. And also, David Braun is coaching Northwestern now. Pat Fitzgerald has gone to Michigan State. Right. I was going to say that, yeah, that was a strange hire. And I think it's going to be ineffective. But this is a pro football podcast. Well, it's important to note because Chip Kelly will be back, Greg.

Well, I don't think he's coming. After he's invented a new type of offer. I don't think he's coming back to the NFL, but if you think of his career and UNH and the Eagles and, like, someone could write a good book, I feel like about it. Chip Kelly. He would be interested. That would be interesting to me. Oh. I feel like a Chip Kelly book. I mean, he has seen and done a lot of things. It's why that stupid phrase for the Hall of Fame, well, you can't tell the story of football without him. Like, he's got to be a hall of it. It's like, that's true of a lot of people. That shouldn't be Hall of Famers. And Chip Kelly's one of them. He's sneaky bit a big part of football the last 25 years. I'm going to get Wickersham on line one. We're going to get that Chip Kelly book. That reminds me, Greg. I wanted to ask you this earlier and I kept forgetting. So we were talking about the Hall of Fame before the show with Steve. why she obviously he's got an inside track on a lot of stuff over there. Greg, and you're an avid reader, you talk about

the New York Times book list and stuff. Would you rather be the person that builds like the definitive reading list every year, or would you rather be a Hall of Fame voter? Like a reading list of what? Like, you know, what's the one? The New York Times annual... Like best books? Am I writing

the New York Times best books of the year? Or am I a Hall of Fame voter? Greg Rosenthal column at the end of every single year. your best books. Yeah, that's... Fully contextualized. It is... Do I have like health care

and benefits? Because that's a full-time job. If you give me that, yeah, maybe I'll make that transition. Although then you're taking your passion and turning it into your career. I don't know. But I would argue your passion

is also arguing for and against Hall of Fame candidacies. Right. Without, that sounds attractive and my current skill set is definitely more well suited for that particular job. I would have to give up all this

and so there was a trick. question. I'm taking the Hall of Fame one because I got to respect those readers. I would have to quit and say goodbye in NFL daily and I wouldn't get to work with Well, then we can get Walker in your chair. It's fine. Give me like a decade. We got to prime the pump.

We've got to get them ready. Maybe 15 years. That's a long time, especially in media. All right, we've done it. We've gotten to the end of the year. We've finished our week 18 preview. We'll be back, though, as a trio next week to preview the wild card games. I cannot wait. That. We did it. This is my first regular season on the preview show, guys.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you have a absolutely great night and New Year's Day. And we'll be back. I got Ali Connolly talking to All-Pro. We got our pick show coming up. So much more to come. Happy New Year. Hey, everybody, Daniel Jeremiah here. And I'm Bucky Brooks. On Move the Six, we take you inside the game from, breaking down college prospects and NFL rookies. To evaluate team building philosophies, coaching trends, and how front offices construct winning rosters.

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