The Fumblerooski Podcast - Down Under -Ep 469 The Fumblerooski Podcast

Episode Date: September 11, 2026

On today's episode, last year’s MVP frontrunners put up stinkers to open the season. Is this just week 1 craziness or could this be a further issue? After this, a look into the rest of the week 1 slate. CJ Medeiros, Justin Tucker, and Chris Costich talk picks, previews and more!

On today's episode of the Fumbleruski podcast, the Patriots go down on opening night against the Seahawks despite 10 turn-off, excuse me, 10 penalties from the Seahawks. But Drake May throws three interceptions in the fourth quarter. 49ers dismantle the Super Bowl favorite Rams 27 to 7 in Australia. After that, NFL week one picks in preview, all the big-time storylines. going into week one of the NFL season. This is the Fulmler-Risky podcast. It may not have always showed it in the stat sheet, but you can see him making throws when he needs to make the throws.

Back-to-back games where he has three touchdowns. Someone's got to get that six or seven spot. He's an elite wide receiver as a rookie. Truly a lose-lose scenario for both sides. Welcome to the Fulmlerisky podcast by Secret Weapon Consulting. We got CJ. That's how we got myself, Chris. First two games of the NFL season have come and gone.

We got some interesting ones. We got some interesting ones. Well, actually the 49ers Rams game is still kind of getting wrapped up. Maybe it has. I mean, Netflix is showing Clay Matthews, Nick Foles, and Michael Irvin and Kangaroo suits. But which, did you guys see that Clay Matthews commercial that came out? out like this week or last week.

I think it was like a polymarket or draft king's thing. I saw something. I didn't see the commercial, but I saw the new look he had. Yeah. So thankfully it was just for that commercial, but I was about to be like, holy fuck, what did they do to Clay Matthews? Because that's how fucked up his face looks. Like plastic surgery gone wrong.

Thankfully, he is normal. He's still normal. Um, but it's gracious. Let's, let's do the Australia games first, uh, since that's still pretty fresh. 27 to 7 right now could change sets and minutes kind of driving down the field, uh, 80 seconds left. I won't change the outcome. Won't change the outcome. Won't change the outcome.

I'll change it if I'll change the ticker and the, in the banner of the score changes, but dispenseling. It was fun. Yeah, spanking. It was funny. You know, on Monday, I was kind of chat about how I was interested in, like, the travel plans for each team and how it could affect. Well, I was pretty much right about what the travel plans were without having actually looked because there was a post-out the next day. The Niners have been there since last week or for nine days or whatever.

They've been out there for well over a week. The Rams got in like two days, like basically a day ago. Like they essentially skipped ahead, which also, a funny story. The funny story from this week was, shit, I'm blanking on his name. Who is the Falcons coach that got fired? Rahim Morris. Rahim Morris. He's now the DC over in San Fran.

Yeah. His birthday got skipped. Oh, yeah, I saw that. Yeah. His birthday got skipped because of the day they flew over and the time got all fricked up. So he missed his birthday. So, which that would have been the big 50s. So that means he's 49 for another year.

Pretty sure it's not how it works. But let me make a fucking joke. I literally just said it's funny nonetheless. Christ, man. Christ. I'm wondering if the. I wonder if the ramp celebrated soon because he did win a Super Bowl with them. He did win a Super.

Yeah, yeah. 15 seconds left. Let him throw the ball into the end zone. Come on. So that's the game. The legend Stetson Bennett, man. God bless. Final score officially 27-7.

Clearly, whatever the Niners did work more. Yeah. And I think also kind of has to do with the treasurer. travel schedule. The travel to Australia is surprisingly longer or much more fucked up than traveling to London,

especially with having missed a day. And you can kind of tell that the 49ers were pretty they were pretty equipped for the environment today. They came out with that extra pop. And I think

it kind of showed, especially from their first drive, seven minute drive. only ended in three, but that drive felt like it was kind of setting the stage for what was to become of the game. Yeah. It didn't feel like that in the first half because it was 7-3 Rams because they scored that touchdown by Kyron Williams. I was like, okay, they got something. And then somehow some way that bomb for Demarchus Robinson happened is like, oh, that's the type of game we're having. Drew.

I don't know. I saw it a little bit differently, but. I saw it that way. Oh, sorry. No, I saw it that way the first, a couple of drives. And then that interception happened. And then Matthew Stafford threw an interception, typical. And then it just went from bad to worse.

Ced, you know, with the Pat's game versus the Seahawks and now the Rams game versus the Niners, all I got to say is week one football man which is why if you are one of those folks that does the you know what a football pool is my heart goes out to you it really does because let's be real it's a crapshoe

it really is and this exemplified it I mean the Rams and we're talking about them like a potential juggernaut Like, don't you know who they are? These are the Los Angeles Rams. With a new and improved defense, reigning MVP, like they had everything going their way. Hell, if they won the lottery, I'm sure most of us wouldn't have been surprised.

But, oh, my God. To watch Stafford just, you know, actually look his age was not something that I was expecting. honestly, and I'm sure none of you were either, and rightfully so. You know, like the age was showing there. Puka Nakua exists. We don't even know if Devante Adams exists. I mean, he just disappeared. Rams shut him down entirely.

And this is supposed to be the big red zone threat? Oh, wait, you know, you got to get into the red zone first. And, of course, let's address the, uh, elephant in the room here. I don't know if you guys are aware of this, but the L.A. Rams have a player named Miles Garrett. Yes.

Yes, they do. But, I mean, I, I mean, let me rephrase that. I thought they did. He did not show up tonight. A whopping two pressures, no tackles. Like, I just,

I'm, I'm speechless. I'm speechless. I mean, a lot of people were talking about, you know, the Pat Seahawks game and what a cluster that was. But this was just dismantling. This was the Rams and the Niners

walked into the land down under, you know, and Niners were having Rams on the Bobby. All right, I'm sorry. If the people of Australia get mad, please don't send your spiders and your kangaroos at me. I'm sorry, I had to. But, oh, Boy, like, this was just a beatdown.

This was not competitive at all. This wasn't even ugly. This wasn't even ugly game. This was just flat out the Niners showed up and handled their business. Brock Purdy, 25 to 34, three touchdowns, 205 yards did have that pick, but three touchdowns to boot. Like you mentioned, there was that bomb to Marcus Robinson. Mike Evans, first game in a Niners uni, six catches, 49 yards, and a touchdown. touchdown. Debo Samuel getting a touchdown too now that he's back in the red and gold.

And just, I don't get it. The Rams are just, just the offense was flat. The defense, the defense, outside of that one interception could do nothing to party. Like, I just, once again, week one football, you got to love it. You got to love it. You got to love it. Yeah. And this is kind of, and we say it every year, but this year I'll say with a little extra emphasis, Week 1 is always the time where we can take our narratives, crush them into a ball, and three point them right into the trash can.

It's time to calm down. And everyone's like, oh my God, Rams, they're just going to run away at the Super Bowl. Well, they looked pretty mortal tonight. So, like I said, let's just all calm down. We'll take a deep breath. And we'll just, I don't know. We'll just obviously have to wait to next year for next week because what the hell was that for the Rams?

Yeah. Tuck, what are you searching up over there? I can hear you pounding your keys right next to the mic. I'm doing a lot of things. Number one, congratulations to the 49ers and Brock Purdy. Didn't start off the strongest, but he ended strong, too. I knew the moment he started to, like, run, run from the pocket and get first downs and started doing this, the game was over. I was like, Rock Purdy is playing with confidence.

I've never seen before. I've never seen him do that before in his life. But the Rams, this vaunted Rams defense, is giving him the confidence to do this. Matthew Stafford, Pooka Niccoa, Devonte Adams, where are you? Corrin Williams did show up. He actually had a good game when he got the ball, but when you're down three scores, it's kind of hard to get on the ball. Unfortunately, there's an APB out for Devante Adams.

Just didn't have the opportunities nor the plays to show up. I don't know what was wrong. wrong with Matthew Stafford today. He just didn't look comfortable, nor did it. He just didn't look like the MVP of the last year. That defense, they couldn't get any pressure on Brock Purdy, which is a shame considering what they have on that defensive side of the ball.

It just looked like they were outplayed, outgunned, outmanhandled. It just didn't make any sense. And I don't, I know this is week one, so I'm not going to overreact. react about it. I think it's just the fact that they were playing in Australia and that it's week one, so I'm not going to think of it as a big concern.

But if this happens in week two, I might be a little worried about this Rams team. I think Sean McVeigh and them will have a bounce back game next week, but good Lord, getting the belt in week one like this doesn't look very promising right now, but it's only week one.

As the Super Bowl favorite, too. Yeah, as the Super Bowl. Well favorite, and we're all thinking the 49ers are taking a step back. Yeah. And unfortunately, the Rams, especially Matt Stafford, is going to get a massive pass for this. Outside of the fact it's week one, but they're playing a motherfucking Australia. This is why international game shouldn't exist. So we can control other fan bases all equally.

We're trying to build the fan base. I mean, that's what the NFL is trying to do. I'm not sure if it's working. Fuck that. Grow the game in America. Grow the game more. What, do you want the expansion teams in America? I'd rather that. Yes, I would.

No, because guys, guys, shit, put them in fucking games. To build on what you're saying, do I want an expansion team in America? Yeah, I do. You know where I don't want them overseas. Because can you imagine the nonsense of having an NFL team? You know, we usually put them in London, you know, like the UK, like, well what are they going to be like the London silly nannies or whatever from family guy that that's probably what we're going to be looking at and okay but all jokes aside like with the the jet lag imagine what a stupid home field advantage that causes and how what a disadvantage that would cause though they would have to travel to these United States and no we absolutely cannot have our professional teams based in other countries I mean I mean, like you mentioned maybe Canada, but I don't think there's much of an appetite for that.

We have perfectly good cities here that do not have any teams. St. Louis, they were abandoned. Put a team there. San Diego got screwed. Put a team there. And I'm sure there's more cities I could think of. Hell, Texas. You know what?

San Antonio, Austin. Boom. There you go. You got another team. You can't have all those teams in Texas. It's just... What do you mean? All those teams?

There's two. right now. And you're asking to put San Antonio and Austin there too? There's three teams in Florida. Yeah. I bet San Antonio slash Austin that you can put a little stadium equidistant from the two cities.

You know, I'm just saying throw one in a throw one in a fucking Alabama. Yeah, you know, you could. You could. What about what about Orlando? Throw one in Orlando. You know, more Florida teams. That's the way we do.

Did you imagine a professional out of Virginia. Put one right in Virginia Beach. Majestic. Oh, Virginia Beach. See, big brain maneuvers over here, children. I could get in Virginia. Well, technically there already is one in Virginia, and it's the commanders, but. They're in, they're talking to Washington, though.

They're going to the old RFK Stadium once it's redone. Or what about Oklahoma City? Yeah, Oklahoma would be a good one. Mexico, not just for breaking bad. It can be for a football team, too. I don't know about Albuquerque. I do. Mexico?

People will die. Make it a dome then. Portland, Oregon, another one. I can get with Oregon. I can get it. I can see it. You know, you got to have more than just the trailblazers over there. Come on.

True shit. All right. Fair enough. Let's move on to the Wednesday. night game the kickoff game boy wasn't expecting week one to fucking put me into a tizzy like this but

Jesus Christ so just for starters first drive of the game I'm like fuck dude pats are that's going off this is great you know Pat's defense got a on Sam Darnold to end the drive or

looking good and then Sam Darnold starts hobbling off the field and like I got my buddies over too well having them check out the new place. We're like, oh shit, like this could be something.

And then he goes in the blue 10. We're like, oh, oh. And then here comes Drew Locke out of nowhere. We're like, oh shit, this is in the bag.

But we forgot it's week one. We forgot it's week one. And nothing can ever go right when it's week one. And it has to do with the Patriots. Yeah. So after that, you know, Patriots end up scoring. It's looking great. Seahawks are looking like idiots.

But I've also been pissed off at the play calling at this point. It is halftime. I'm pissed at the play calling. I'm pissed at this. I'm pissed at that. Third quarter, pretty much the same thing. Fourth quarter, Drake May throws three interceptions. I just want to gouge my eyes out at this point.

I want it. I'm ready to jump off a cliff. What the hell? what the hell? And you guys know, I'm the biggest Drake May guy out there. So that hurt a lot to watch. Heard a lot.

bigger than Drake May lover? Well, you know what I mean? Drake May lover is the biggest one. But like, I'm saying of like the three or four of us, like I'd consider myself the biggest Drake May guy. Yeah, that one hurt.

That was debatably, his worst performance outside of the Super Bowl and like realistically he didn't even have a bad game up until the fourth quarter in my opinion. It wasn't a terrible game.

I thought that the play calling was dog shit. Let's just, let's just jam it to Mondre 50 gazillion times. Like the amount of tweets that I saw you know it's an issue when the amount of tweets that I saw on Patriots Twitter had to do with like Josh McDaniels in Ramon

Andrei Stevenson, like, secretly fucking on the side. It's, you know it's bad. You know it's bad. What was it, 18 for 51 yards? Some like that. I know it was like just outside of, or just above three per carry. Let me get the, let me pull up the box score because for some reason I didn't. 18 for 51.

So actually it was sub three, sub three. Drake May, seven carries, 47 yards. I love the way he was using his legs. The big thing that I said on a Tuesday show was that the O-line was going to be a big difference. And it clearly was, but like, you know, you can only show it off so much when you run the same fucking play over and over again. Mondra up the middle, Mondra up the middle, Andre outside. Oh, let's try to throw a deep ball. It's we were looking like the Philadelphia Eagles.

I was like, why? why? There's also way too many glaring tendencies as well that are now showing up last year, showing up again this year, which is conservative play calling.

Even though the score was 7 to 3, the play calling was way too conservative, just like the second half of games that they led in last year. We ran zone, like, ran zone defense, like a motherfucker, like our life depended on it. when you have a guy that he just paid $50 million to guard the number one guy on the other team's receiving core,

and he don't have him go one-on-one. No, let's have him blitz up his arse twice on the same drive, one that leads to their number one scoring, what would be the game-winning touchdown. A frustrating game altogether. But at the end of the day, week one. Oh, I guess I'll talk about the Drake May interceptions as well. All three were dog shit. All three were dog shit. First throw. Yeah, tip drill interception. Say what you want. But that's still a shit throw. He had him earlier. That needs to be on a line. Back shoulder. He can't fucking throw it up like a goddamn balloon to to the safety side of things as well. That's his fault all day. Second one, bad ball. took way too long to decide on it.

And the third one, there's not much to say. I mean, I think the most common sandwich term that I've heard is pastrami, extra cheese, toasted. Thoughts from you guys. Oh, my God, this game hurt. Yeah.

And like, I just, as a fan, I hate the trash talk. You guys know me, like, I just hate trash talk, like, among fans, like, in general. and I find that the people that do it online are usually the ones that are like probably have like nothing going on in their life. Like I look at people like, but it's getting insane. Like people are saying like straight up not even though the schedule, the schedule. But it's like people are saying like straight up like this is Mac Jones 2.0.

Like oh, he's a one year wonder. Then someone says straight up like he is a bad quarterback. Like he's actually a bad quarterback. Like when the slander like the trash talk. gets like this. It's like, all right, I understand that you're upset with the way your own life is. I understand like your wife is cheating on you, like your kids hate you. So you have to take it out on somebody who would absolutely mug you if you went band for band. I totally get that. But as a fan, yeah, I'm frustrated. Horrible interceptions, but it's like the fact that we're still

seeing rookie May in his third year is concerning. And I said during the playoffs, I'll say it again, he's a bundle of nerves. He, when you saw was like just the nervous energy radiating from him, he, like, dude, you are a professional quarterback.

Why do you have the yips? Because actually what it is, like, I think he's got the yips. I really do. He, he cannot control his nerves. Like you said, just like his body language, just so much nervous energy. It's just genuinely concerning and the defense. Why the hell will be running zone? Look, I understand that

Braybal, much like Bill Belichick, is notorious for starting out really slow, like going one and two to start the year. I get that. But why must you relearn this lesson? When he switched to a man coverage, Gonzalez played better. And look, don't you're wrong. I think Gonzalez's PFF played is actually really good for that game. Granted. But, but why are you jamming a we're paying to a round hole. Considering the fact you just paid him to be a man cover corner. You're just like, hey, guys,

I'm like, Rable. Let's do zone. Like, why? That's not what we do. Like, I mean,

it's okay to mix it up, but like, why do you have to relearn this? Especially when the times were, sorry to cut in, uh, but the time for Gonzo was lined up on JSN or Cooper Cup for that matter. Hmm.

He was locked him now. Strapping them up. Yeah. Yeah. But, uh, running game. You know you're allowed to do other things.

They're running up the middle. You can run to the side. You can do pitches. You could do all kinds of stuff. You could do end-or rounds. You know, you're allowed to do more than just run up the middle. I want you know that. On the bright side, though, O'I look better, especially Will Campbell.

Shocker, now that he's healthy, you know? So overall. Yeah. And, you know, plus I'd see Gabe Ocas getting his first sack. Eli Rared on getting his first touchdown. All very nice. Yeah, I guess that's a great game. Like, you know,

Rable seemed to be like, yeah, you know, we'll bounce back. You know, May took responsibility. Like, May, I hate to say it, but every bad game, like the haters are slowly getting proven right. The schedule narrative, I won't say it's entirely true, but it's getting legs every day. They're saying May can't beat good teams, even though he did dot up the Texans defense.

but you know but if you're somebody like those uh losers like feldgr and mas will say well that doesn't count because he threw an interception that was a hail mary at the end of the eye and i listen to them like talk about why the texans game doesn't count god they ought to like i i can't say that because i can't say i was about i say because i'll get sued but um yeah i just it was just frustrating all around this was very much to me kind of like a late stage Bill Belichette game, where a game where you're not favored in, you take the lead, and you do just enough to get the fan's hopes up before falling short. This was very much, like I said, a late stage Belichick game. And it hurt. It really did. However, I will say, it didn't really feel like the Seahawks

won that game. It felt more like the Patriots lost. Because if you're the Seahawks, yeah, you get to win, you get to talk shit. But let me ask you, let me ask all the Seahawks fans something. are you happy with how the game transpired outside of the W? Are you happy with what you saw? No, you're probably not. Because, yeah, your defense is, no, no, no, no, shut up, shut up, okay? Hey, I didn't interrupt you. Sorry.

I mean, I mean, you're happy with the defense, but even with Drew Lodge, oh, he, he diced up that defense. All I saw were dinks and dunks. that receivers were taking up the field. It's like a little three-yard checkdown that the receiver takes for an extra eight, you know? A lot of like inflation going on there. Running game was weird. Why, you know, once again,

I definitely think we should investigate Mike McDonald's for, you know, hey, is, uh, Gedarian Price getting some momentum? Nope, F you, here's George Halani. It's kind of like what he did with, uh, Walker, and Charbonnet, where Walker would be getting, you know, all the yards. And then at the goal line, they put in Charbonnet, like, hey, you know, Vegas made a call. Come on, Vegas definitely made a call.

This touchdown hawking is a major epidemic. I'm not saying exigarian price and fantasy. But here's something that I will say, though. Even with Drew Locke, you can tell just from the way the offense is moving, the play calling, that they miss Clint Kubiak. And they miss him. badly. Because think about it, outside of a one busted play where they inexplicably sent Christian Gonzalez on his own blitz. So outside of like one lucky play where New England just shot

themselves on the foot, what do you really have offensively to hang your hat on? Now, that being said, I do think they'll figure it out, but this was an ugly game. And to be fair, did I not predict this? I said this was just going to be an ugly, low scoring slug fest, probably be lower score than the actual Super Bowl, which it was. And also the 10 penalties, disgusting. You got to clean that up. Yeah. This is where if the Rams won, I would say, this is why the Rams are rightfully favored over you.

But no, they didn't. So fair enough. But yeah, but the offense, even with Drew Locke, like, that's, like, you can already tell, like, they're missing Kubiak badly. And hey, maybe it's going to be the Niners. Who knows? Because the Rams, they just got taken apart. Yeah.

Twitter's already gone up in flames, mainly Pat's Twitter. But get over to rock, just timely as hell. This was actually two hours ago that he posted this, not even before the game ended. Matt Stafford in Australia with the Super Bowl team. And it's Luke Bryan just dancing like a fucking idiot. Who? Luke Brian Country artist

Oh yes He's a music individual I don't Not a big music I don't know ball I see I see Stafford

Disrespect Better Be Just as loud as maize That's all I'm saying Literally yeah Um Matthew Staff Matthew Stafford No QB gami

Oh God Hold on timeout Timeout I know Stafford played bad But on the same level is drug May? No,

Q. Chuck, you're going to laugh at this one. This is not a Qibami. That stat line has happened 18 times before, most recently, by Drake May on December 14th, 2025. Wow, pretty tough game for Matthew Stafford this far.

15 for 25, zero touchdowns, one interception, seven points. You think we'll have every single program in sports talk about how much he sucks tomorrow, or does he get special treatment? Dan Orlovsky. He's definitely not going to say a fucking word. Yeah. Well, Dan Orlovsky's a dweeb.

We knew that already. Yeah. Drake May, 23 for 33, 178 yards, touchdown three interceptions. Drew Locke, 16 for 22, 187 yards at touchdown. By the way, Ramandre Stevenson, higher top speed than Judarian price. I like that. Yeah. By like 4.0.

There's something I forgot to mention. The biggest thing of this game that I forgot. A.J. Brown. High ankle sprain. Minimum's going to miss four weeks. Like, wow. We finally, finally get a wide receiver one, a real genuine wide receiver one. And this happens. Why can't we have wide receivers in New Jersey. England. Why do the powers that be say we can't do it? Yeah. Why?

Is there like some other country that's controlling this? Like what's going on here? Chuck, I promise we'll get to you in a moment. He got himself just saying, no, you may not. Sorry. No, the Pats fans just need to let it out real quick. I'm not complaining. Yeah.

First of the foremost, congrats to this to the sales. I didn't say, I didn't say we were done. Oh, you still got more. I want to hear this. Yes. Unfortunately, we have more. Yeah, no, the AJ Brown thing fucking sucks. I was really hoping that it wasn't going to end up being like more than a month.

I was hoping that it was just going to be a stinger and he misses at most one game. But no, it. High ankle spree, nothing you can do about that. Since we're talking about new acquisitions, Romeo Dubs, something's got to be figured out there. the chemistry with Drake May clearly isn't there. It also dropped a wide open ball. Granted, it was like the second time he was targeted all night, which unfortunately led to the second interception. So that fucking sucks.

Yeah. C.J, anything else you want to add before we handed off to tuck? Romeo Dobbs. Why, man? Fairly reminder, we chose paying him over paying blue. booty. Yeah, and that's the other big thing. The player that had like the most chemistry with May, it's like, no, let's trade him and trade him for a pittance I might add. Yep. Yeah. Why? Like just Romeo Dobbs. Also, my brother and all that is holy, take off the number 87.

Yeah. You are pissing on Rob Grankowski's football retirement, for lack of a better term, grave, because he's retired. Yeah. disgusting. Yeah. The other thing... These get better, though. We were paying you too much money. Yeah.

Yeah. And like, that's the other thing, too. Like, you know, this is the reason why you keep Kishon booty. God forbid A.J. Brown or Dubs gets hurt. And then now A.J. Brown's hurt. There's no booty. And then you go back to Mike Rable. It's not even that they chose Romeo Dubs over Kishon Booty, in my opinion.

It's the fact that freaking, like Mike Vrable, after he got traded, basically said that he wouldn't be dressing. So really, he's choosing Kyle Williams inept and Chisholm over Kishon Moody. That's, that's mind-blowing. That is mind-blowing. Yeah. Anything else you want to add, C.J.? No, I'm good. We can give it to talk.

All right, Tucker, we took a lot of time so you can take as much time as you want. It's fine. It's no problem. This is the Patriots thing, so I understand why you guys want you to take a lot of time. What a game that was. A shocker, in my opinion, but it is week one. I think everyone in Patriots Lane just needs to relax. It was just a bad game from everyone all around.

AJ Brown didn't have a good game, even though he got injured. Drake May had a horrendous game, especially in the fourth quarter with those three interceptions. But he'll bounce back. I don't think he's a scrub. He'll be just fine next week. Even though it's against the Steelers. Good luck with that. The Patriot's defense is still sound.

And also, I saw Draymond Jones get that sack. I'm happy for him, former Raven performing. You guys only gave up 13 points. And the Seattle Seahawks did not look comfortable at all. I mean, maybe it's because they lost Sam Darnel. But, oh, no, that game was a hard fog. victory for Seattle on their end as well. So it's not like they just boat raced you out the game.

It was a struggle even towards the end. All you guys had to do was at least get a field goal. But Drake May, for some inexplicable reason, felt pressure and thought, I'm going to throw this up in the end zone and hope for the best and the worst happened. It's just week one. I don't see it as a big thing, nothing to be ashamed of. The AJ Brown concern is a big concern. you guys don't really have a wide receiver one to look forward to now.

Who's going to be, who's the wide receiver one after him? Because it's not Mac Hollins. It's not. No, Mac Collins is only in on run plays. There's your key guys. Whenever Matt Collins is in the fucking game, 90% of the time is a run play.

Which is weird. Go back on terrible game planning. But anyways. I think it's weird. When you guys say that they weren't going to suit up K. on booty like at all and that's why they had to train him i thought that was weird specifically because i thought he would take the next step because stephan diggs was there and he was a thousand yard receiver and you guys didn't resign him and you guys let him walk in free agency now granted it was

due to the circumstances around him but he was cleared and you guys still decided we're not going to resign him and then got rid of kachan booty if you guys had stephan diggs it might be helpful with you for what's happening right now But we digress. I'm not sure how bad it will be. I got to see how well you guys do against Pittsburgh because I need to know how good Pittsburgh is as far as the defense. I don't know how week two is going to go because, I mean, New England lost to Pittsburgh week two last year.

So I don't know what the fuck to expect at this moment. At this point, I'm expecting them lose because that's just how life goes. I want to say the offense will be better. I think there's more like consistency, but week two, which we'll call it, you guys just lost AJ Brown, so you need another wide receiver to step up. I'm not sure where that's going to come from. Hopefully it's Romeo Dubs, but I'm not holding out hope yet. But it's week one.

I'm not going to be like, oh, my God, the Patriots are ass. You guys aren't ass, especially on the defensive side of the ball. And Christian Gonzalez was a difference maker in that game because when he was on, on Cooper Cup when he was on JASN, he did make a difference, and he did. He made them look like they weren't even there. He did lock them down for the most part, even though Jason had a great game, all things considered.

When he was on him, he was on it. Yeah, but that was when he wasn't on. When he was on him, he struggled. So I'm glad you guys paid Christian Gonzalez. It's just a matter of getting the offense in order, because clearly the defense is fine. It's just the offense needs to get it together. And for once, it's not the O line.

Yeah, I mean, sorry. It's just the skill positions need to figure it out. And also, you need to figure out your running game because Drake May should not be having better yards per carry than you're starting running back. So that needs to be fixed. And hopefully, you guys can figure it out. Yeah. Yeah. All great points.

I think I'm also not too too worried or trying not to get too too too worried. I'm just trying to hope that this doesn't end up turning into like 20, where it's like, we're fine, everything's fine. It's like week eight, I'm still trying to convince you guys that there's a way that there's a path that the Patriots make a playoff push. And instead, you guys just continuously call me delusional.

And it's like week nine. I'm just trying to hold out hope. But like, good times. Great times. The thing that I've been seeing the most is 2003 when the Patriots lost 31 and nothing to the bills in week one, Brady threw four picks and completed just 50% of his passes. And of course, Patriots would week 17 that year beat the bills 31 and nothing at home and then would later win the Super Bowl. But that's like the tweet that I've been seeing probably the most. out of anything um the other thing i we kind of forgot to point out to was no trivia on henderson as well uh that was uh right that was like day before the game that they ruled him out uh which kind of led to remandre stevenson getting so many fucking touches or just getting the ball

so many times um but yeah uh real quick christian ms 50 year uh deal to stick with the patriots 50 year deal or 50 year deal or 50 million dollar deal. $50 million deal. No, not what? What? What was the deal? Four years, a hundred and I believe

35 million, 102 guaranteed. Yeah. Yes. I don't know. I mean, I heard you guys pay 50 before. Where is that number coming from? I was saying,

I don't know. I think, I think I was just saying just a ridiculous amount of money per year because. well it is it's worth it though it's 40 plus that's probably what I meant

4 year 135 mil 100 plus guaranteed this finally got done the fucking fucking crack ass of 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning yes

that was announced after we recorded of course but yeah thank God this happened now it's up to basically the real story now is Drake May's probably gonna get they're saying 70 mil

is probably gonna be the deal for Drake May which let's not right now and like I could see Drake may be in the type of guy that maybe takes a pay cut but I mean shit we saw Brady do that for 20 fucking years and then they dumped him so they dumped okay okay okay we're we're not gonna get into that right now Well, they... No, no, we're not doing that. We're not doing it.

We're supposed to do our game picks. So I'm just going to say, watch it. Second, no revisionist history up in this metaphorical hood. And second of all, Tuck, you want to know who's going to step up? What do you know about Efton Chishol? That is all. I hope he steps up. I don't think he will.

I don't think my variable will allow him to step up, but we will see. I'm just saying, man, Fpton Chisholm. Fept and Chisholm. Yeah, I guess the question is outside of what we saw at Wednesday night, is Drake May a $70 million a year quarterback?

No, not yet. I mean, I think it could be. It's just, oh, my God. I'll look, maybe this is the doomer and me taking over, but like, I am deathly terrified of ending up in a C.J. Stroud situation where he is one year where he just dazzles.

And then the rest of the year, like he's just serviceable, can't really put it together. And then you have to do this whole, oh, should we, shouldn't we pay him? I don't want to do that. May, please get better, man. I love Drake, man. Come on. Yeah, I mean, if we're looking at like the top paid quarterbacks right now, it's Mahomes, back press Scott, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield,

and Matthew Stafford. and the last six names I just named are all making 55 mil Jack Prescott's 60 Mahomes is 63 So we're So we're basically saying

that Drake May is worth $7 or about $7 million more than Patrick Mahomes Lamar's about to join that I'm letting him Lamar's at 52 mill right now So that's gonna be interesting to see how he gets He's probably gonna probably get like

65 to 70. Yes. And are we here to say that Drake May is better than Lamar? No. I don't even think you guys would say that right now. No, I won't. No, I won't either. I think he has the potential to be a top five quarterback.

But again, if he's top five, then yes, he's deserving of the money. But right now, that's a big yikes. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Let's take a quick break when we come back. We'll get into the week one picks and preview. This is the Fulmaruski podcast.

It may not have always showed it in the stat sheet, but you can see him making throws when he needs to make the throws. Back-to-back games where he has three touchdowns. Someone's got to get that six or seven spot. He's an elite wide receiver as a rookie. Truly a lose-lose scenario for both sides. All right. Week one of the NFL season.

Let's get into our game picks. and previews and other storylines surrounding week one of the NFL season. Starting with the early window, we'll start in Cincinnati. The Bengals taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bengals open up as three and a half point favorites at home. And the over under sitting at 50 and a half. I can see this being a high scoring game just from the offenses alone. since he's defense did get better over the offseason, though,

despite losing Trevionn Henderson. Wow. Wow. Who they lose? Trevion Henderson. Yes. Bengals, you know, my favorite Bengals defensive player, Trayvion Henderson. You mean Trey Hendrickson?

Yeah. Yeah. You did that since. Raven. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. They lost Trey Hendrickson, but defense got better. Tampa, other big storyline is that Baker Mayfield got paid as well, well deserved after kind of a weird off season between the bucks and Baker as well.

And they finally got them right. Finally got them right. Yep. Any thoughts on Baker Mayfield? Well, it's just well deserved as all, you know. Yeah. I'm happy for him, happy for him, his new child. Congratulations to him and his new contract.

I do think it's deserved. Hopefully he can help lead Tampa Bates and back to the playoffs this year. Oh, yeah. In terms of picks, what are we feeling for this game? Oh. Oh, Tux fighting demons over there. I'm not sure, because I could legitimately seeing this game going both ways. And you said, hold on wait, is the game at Sincere, or is it at Tampa Bay?

Since Sincere. No, what, since I'm feeling generous, I will go Cincinnati's way this time. I think the defense will be remarkably better than last year, considering that they do have Dexter Lawrence, so he should help with the running attack. I don't think their passing game last year was that bad. They just didn't have many threats, many defensive threats like they do. now and hopefully this defense is not a turnstile and that offense is you know always dangerous with joe burrow t higgins jemar chase chase chase brown so i do give them the slight edge over the

Tampa bay buccaneers but i'm not going to lie i'm kind of nervous about that uh buccaneers defense with that front line that defensive line is looking dangerous because don't they have collagic He can't see back. They got VioVa back. They got, what do you call it? You know, the Miami. Ruben Bain. Yep. Ruben Bain is like, oh, that front is dangerous. And Yaya Bia Bia Bia Bia too. Yes. And hopefully, if he could stay healthy and is actually, hopefully he's good, Benjamin Morrison. They, they got a defense in Tampa Bay if everything pulls out. But I'm going to pull through for Cincinnati this time. I think they have enough people. is around them this time to start off well in September this time.

So you have the Bengals? Yeah, I got Cincinnati one in this one. CJ. I understand your points, Tuck. And those are some mighty fine points. But you're forgetting one thing. I call it the Zach Taylor effect. And we all know about early season Zach Taylor.

He likes to start slow. And the bucks are notorious for starting out hot and then cooling off. Lord at Mercy, it is a perfect storm. I'm actually going to go with Tampa here because I want to see how that new offensive line really gels, you know, protecting Burrow from that front seven. And I am a little more skeptical about the backfield, but I do want to see how the Bengals can handle, you know, a fully healthy Chris Godwood. and Rebecca and Buka. So, you know, I, and hey, and a healthy Bucky Irving, too, who could forget. That being said, I do expect this to be an extremely high-scoring game.

I can see Tampa winning on a walk-off field goal, something in the neighborhood of like 31, 28, or something like that. I think the points are going to be fast and curious. But, hey, the Zach Taylor effect's going to get them. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Have you ever heard of the Todd Bulls effects? No, it, obviously the main storyline is that Cincinnati is not good when it comes to starting out the season. There are two and four in openers since Burrow became the starter, aka when he got drafted. Bengals are 9 and 12 and 1 overall in September since then as well.

on the other side Baker Miafield is three no since joining the bucks in week one so there's that as well yeah pretty interesting so I think my mind's going into this one thinking bucks

I actually said Bengals at first and I was like looking more at like preview some of the stats I was like I'm feeling bucks now, especially when you think about the way the bucks started last year and how hot they were. They were just on fire. And they seem to do that all the time, like that they'll rattle off three in a row to start off the year. So I think that same thing can happen right here right now.

Some other stats to kind of think about as well. You know, obviously you mentioned Tampa's defense, but Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan, Alan, Boya Maffa and Brian Cook joining the Bengals as well. Those are the guys that was referring to. Dexter Lawrence against

Bucks O line. This is probably going to be the biggest matchup, of course. Corinsid next gen stats. It's been double-teamed on 59.1% of pass rushes over the past two seasons, which is the highest rate among defensive players. And Tamabay allowed

a QB hit on 11% of pass attempts last season, which was the lowest rate in the league. Some to think about there. Or kind of keep an eye on there. Another interesting stat. Kenny Gainwell, remember him? Used to be over in Pittsburgh. Yeah.

Making his Tampa Bay debut, only running back to reach 1,000 scrimmage yards last year with fewer than 200 touches. Hmm. Interesting. There's your interesting step. There's your interesting staff of the day. That's good. Moving on to the next game.

Detroit in New Orleans. Detroit opens at seven-point favorites at home against the Saints. 49.5 is the over-under. Yovanda. Saints, probably one of the more exciting teams right now, or probably one of the teams in this league that's expected to really improve.

First full season of Tyler Shuck, yet Travis A.T.N. Excuse me, Travis A. Chan. Alva Camara's back, but kind of curious to see how well he does, hopefully a full season of Chris Alave. This should be offensively, this should be a fun year. What says you guys? Not this year. Jordan Tyson is out. Oh, yeah.

I forgot about Jordan Tyson, but. I hope he can come back and help this offense. Hopefully, Chris Olavay can stay fully healthy. And hopefully Tyler Shutt is the franchise quarterback of the future. But I'm not sure about it. And quite frankly, I think Detroit's going to shellact them at home. So, yeah, I just think. Detroit is more talented and better coached right now.

Not to say Calmore is a bad coach. I just think coached Coach Campbell has a better like pulse on his team right now. I just feel like they're just the overall better team right now. I'm going to see. Jay? Sorry. No,

I'm good. I will not lie to you, my fellow Americans. I don't know what it is. it's me. Maybe I have some deep-seated problems, but I am just not as high on the Saints as a lot of people are. A lot of it is I'm not entirely sold on Tyler Shuck. I think he's got a ceiling, you know, he's like a Jimmy G or a Kirk Cousins where he's only going to perform if he's got the team around. I don't know if the team's quite there yet. I think Helen Moore is a good coach,

but if I am a team of the football variety, playing a pissed off lions squad is not exactly something that I would like to do. Now that for the most part, they're going to be back healthy, you're going to have a completely unleashed Jemir Gibbs. I'm on Ross St. Brown out for blood and a healthy defense. I got the lions in this. Can't lie to.

Yeah. I think, I think for this game, part of me feels like we're going to, this kind of going to be some week one bullshit here. I think we're going to see some week one bullshit here. Great. Saints are going to be without Cameron Jordan as well this weekend,

out with a hamstring injury. But that was their leading sack getter last season as well. But I don't know. This feels like it's week one bullshit written. all over it, but I'm going to go with the Saints. All right. Anything else you guys want to cover from this game? So, Saints in Detroit?

No, there's no storyline I'm interested in right now with the Saints or Detroit. Yeah. All the interesting football news coming out of the state of Louisiana is being generated by LSU, let's be honest. True, true. Yeah, that was kind of, that was like day of that we post the pot, the last episode was the report that the SEC was thinking about kicking LSU out of the conference. They're really thinking about it.

Which there was another report that came out today that I guess the board, the athletic director board of the SEC came together and they said no to booting LSU out. Nice. Seems the saga is we'll see. simmer for a moment. But, yeah, real quick, more college football news. Apparently, the Mac is asking the, asking for them to look back at the process of how that Hill Mary got reviewed.

We're done with last week. Dude, this was a near historic botching, though, is the thing. Normally, I would agree, but this was. hideous work. Yeah. Hey, CJ, did they look back at the fail, Mary? Huh? No, they didn't.

Exactly. We move on. We ball. Let's move on. Was it a bad call? Maybe. Did it suck? Yes.

Is Michigan out of the top 25? Yeah. All things. And it all ended with the same result anyways. Yeah. That's true. Michigan fans were so happy. And I'm imagining them,

realize they're still out of the top 25 is hilarious. And now they have a quarterback controversy with Bryce Underwood because position isn't guaranteed right now. Nor should it be. No. It shouldn't be, but you know how that goes. Yeah. Last thing, Florida State, last I checked, was up 69 to nothing in the third quarter.

Nice. Also, Miami 1 77 to 7. Oh, that's what I meant. That's what I meant. That's why I meant was Miami not Florida State. My mind is hooked today. Jesus. So when you taught us the 55 number last podcast, they did cover.

They did in fact cover. Fam you, I was being nice. Come on, guys. The only reason they scored that seven was because of the, it was a fumble that Miami. Someone got the ball taken away from them and then they eventually scored. This was in the fourth quarter, mind you where they all agreed it's only 10, minutes. They mutually agreed to that.

It was 77 to nothing in the fourth quarter before it turned to the fourth. And they said, let's just run it for 10 minutes. And unreal. All right. Let's get back to pro ball. Jets Titans, Robert Sala facing against his former team. Sala fired five games into the 2024 season. And then later was immediately hired by the 49ers.

And now he gets another go at it with the Titans. And Brian Daibble as his, as his offense coordinator to pair with Cam Ward and now Carnell Tate's with Tony Pollard in the backfield. You know, it's not, I like what, I like the direction the Titans are going.

I really do. I've also been hearing. that like for some reason people are are high on the jets not to like you know do anything but people are expecting the jets to be like somewhat competitive this year like give teams a run for their money not like I said not like be a playoff team but they're going to be better than what people think I am here to tell you do not listen to them because those are probably jets fans that are saying that especially guys like p p ppriscoe who have hard ons for Trevor Lawrence and the jaguar no I'm not listening to this fucking Jets propaganda if the Jets win this week it's week one bullshit or it's against the Titans

I like the Titans a lot um but I feel like I have to get it to them this week uh Titans 1 half 5⁄2nd 3 9.5 excuse me you told us let's get back to professional football immediately talked about the Jets. I'm not taking this serious at all. I think the Tennessee Titans should win this. I'm not saying that the Jets are bad or anything like that. I just don't believe in that organization. I'm here to tell you the Jets are bad.

They are cursed. I don't believe in right now. I think Aaron Glenn is not getting a fair shake right now because it's the Jets. I don't care. Hopefully they can actually turn the season around and actually be competent and actually won some of the close games they had last year. But I just don't believe in them right now. Maybe that'll change, but as of right now, the Titans are winning this one,

and I think it's going to be fairly easy. Yeah. Well, the New York Jets versus the Tennessee Titans, this is a game. I will not lie to you. This is a game. That is as much as I care to describe this. It is a game and it will take place. I think that's the only way that is truly apt to describe the Jets and the Titans, frankly.

But since I must go in depth, I got to side with our good friend Chris on this one. I don't know why there's hype around the Jets. I mean, then again, you know, when you've been as bad as they've been for this long, you kind of have to make your own fun. So, hey, maybe like the media's fun for them. Who the hell knows? That being said, I got the Titans. Give me that sweet, sweet Robert Sala revenge.

And he deserves it, too, after what the Jets and Aaron Rogers did to him. Yeah. Some fun stats heading into this game. Cam Ward finished last year with. 10 touchdowns and only one interception in the final nine games of the year. Tony Pollard, one of three running backs in the NFL with Sequin and Derek Henry with at least 1,200 yards from scrimge and five or more rushing touchdowns in each of the past four seasons. And Carnell Tate, Listez, the starting wide out this week.

Really? Yeah. They paid Wondale Robinson all that money? and okay you know whatever Carnal Tate was also their first round pick I could see that they probably maybe they want him at X

and want Wondell at a different spot yeah we'll see how they do with that I mean Brian Nable is gonna do wonders over there Dines are also inducting Chris Johnson into the ring of honor at half time about time

good shit good shit that's all that's all I got to say about that. All right. Baltimore in Indianapolis. Ravens are three and a half points. Favorites on the road. Over under is 47 and a half.

Todd Munkin, new head coach. I'm on to a massive start, man. Jesse Minter is the new head coach. Daniel Jones is like pretty much set to be back. I think they're gearing up for him to start. Keenan Allen, he's playing. He was arrested on a DUI.

He's still playing. Talk, how are we feeling about this week? I'm not sure. I'm really not sure. This is the first game in the Jesse Mentor era of Baltimore. And I want to make sure that we've, you know, buried all of our demons with John Harbaugh. we've gotten rid of them.

So this first game will tell me a lot. I need to know. I'm not going to lie, if it's the fourth quarter and we're up by double digits, I will be nervous until the game is over. I need to know whether or not we can hold this damn lead. Because we haven't been able to do that with John Harbaugh. Hopefully it's different with Jesse Mentor. And instead, hopefully, of burying our demons, it fully exercises them.

I just, I need. Usually, week one isn't too. bad for us because we usually dominate, but sometimes, like last year, we're in close games, where we absolutely be in close games. Let's not even go there. I think we'll win pretty handedly because I'm not sure how I feel about the Colts' defense and their offense right now is pretty suspect because I'm not sure how 100% Daniel Jones will be. That means I think they'll try to rely like on jonathan taylor too much and i don't think he'll be enough to save the day and uh yeah i think the ravens will pull through this time they said he's ready to go

that's what they said they said he's starting this week so see how it goes if he turns into vanilla vick on us i will lose my mind lose my mind all of a sudden he runs like there's no problem and he starts pointing towards the first down oh man my My blood pressure is getting up just talking about this game. Well, obviously, your picks the Ravens, but since we took so long talking about the Pats, I'll let you go as long as you want on the Ravens. Good Lord. Derek, Henry, better run for 200 yards.

We better for 40. We better shut them out. This is the only way I'll feel comfortable about this game. I don't want this game to be remotely close. I want to beat them so badly they'll put in Richardson in. that's how badly I want them to This really is a fun running back matchup Jonathan Taylor and Derek Henry

Yes Would you feel better if I told you that Baltimore has the league's second best record In season openers since 2008 12 and 6 while the Colts just last year broke an 11 year winless streak Yeah but that was under

We're in a new era now. We're under Jesse Mender, so it's not just... Come on. The problem with that is, everyone picked us to win this week. So, yeah, you know how that goes. And I'm picking you to win this week as well. So am I. But I'm letting you know for some reason when everyone picks a certain team,

it could go south in a hurry, and I hope it doesn't. I have faith in my team, but good Lord, do they put... me through my paces. Yeah. You like that. Zija. What's your pick? I don't know why.

But this is a matchup that looks at me and screams week one bullshit. I don't know why, but in my head, I am expecting this. And I mean, I am generally expecting this to be, no offense, tuck, an ugly game for both sides. I'm expecting prime Danny Dirtz. I am expecting weird Lamar Jackson miscues. And I think this will be for either side. The side that wins is going to be one of those wins that you're not happy with. It's going to be a win that raises more questions than answers.

And I definitely think one team's more so going to lose than the other team winning. but overall, honestly, I am going to go with the Ravens here. I actually think the Colts are going to pull Ravens, where I think the Colts are going to be up and then collapse, probably because they're going, because much like Tuck, I share the skepticism of how ready Daniel Jones is coming off a late season or mid-a-late season Achilles tear, which yeah, I guess he went to Jason Tatum's doctor because, good Lord.

And overall, what I am or what I would be most concerned about is for the Colts, it's more the, what is your, I guess it's, I'm trying to think about. of worth this. I'm sorry. It's more about what is your offense outside of Jonathan Taylor? Because you got to remember, they paid an obscene amount of money to Alec Pierce. And, oh, you better hope this man is worth it. So overall, I am leaning towards the Ravens. I think the defense will improve, especially with Jesse Minter. but I could definitely see this being a game where the Colts impose their will early, then the Ravens start stacking the box and making Jones beat them, and he will not be able to.

And it will be relatively low-ish scoring, maybe like 20 to 17. Yeah, Alex Pierce has also listed as questionable still to put on the pop list to start the year. Oh, brother. At this rate, what's what I call it? Danny Dynes get injured. Anthony Richardson will get into the game. Not that I'm wish an injury. I'm just saying the possibility is,

anyway, who is the number two? Is it him or Miles, is it Leonard, the Notre Dame quarterback? Riley Leonard, yeah. It's Riley Leonard's number two, not Richardson. That's what up. All right. That's how I want the game to go.

We beat them so badly. They skip Riley and put in Anthony Richardson. that's why I want. Derek Henry's career against the Colts, 16 career games, and it's like a very good season. It would be a very good season. 1,432 yards, 9 touchdowns,

800-yard outings. Colts also allowed 100.9 rushing yards per game last year. Yeah, pretty shitty stuff right there. Jonathan Taylor needs 1,0006, 29 yards rushing to break the franchise record held by Edgren James and Keenan Allen needs to make eight receptions to pass Andre Johnson for the league's career receptions list. Yeah. Hopefully Derek Henry is fine.

Hopefully, I think Jonathan Taylor might get it this year, but all is depending on each other's O line right now. Yeah. And I'm not sure about mine at center. We got rid of our right guard, drafted someone to replace them, but center's looking very suspect right now. After we lost Lyndon ball. Moving on to the Falcons and Steelers. I'm taking the Steelers.

I'm taking the Steelers. Just went from Tua being the starter to then him getting hurt today in practice and now Cooper Rush is the starter. God. Wait, is that confirmed that Cooper Rush is actually going to start? we're staring according to according to shepter we're staring at the possibility that cooper rush starts week one yeah because what two i saw the video two or hurt his back in practice right

it's officially an oblique injury that he's questionable for oh my god because i saw him like laying down and stuff like grabbing his back with that whatever yeah i i am just saying though like regardless of what happens i know tucks trying to form relate some way in his head with the falcons win but i think that this is not even a way where kevin stepansky like i said can work his magic to save this this is definitely a take-your-medic type of year and it starts against the steelers give me the steelers honestly who knows i mean the steelers jets week one game last year was an all-timer i mean this could be an al-timer for all we know But then again, Vegas also just gave Pittsburgh an extra two points to work with five and a half point favorites over under's 41 and a half.

I'm really trying here. And I will admit, CJ, I'm lost for words. I can't, I can't figure it out. I can't. What's I'm going to call it? One linebacker, one edge rusher for the Falcons is injured, I believe, out of Georgia. Yeah, Jim Walker. Yeah, he's injured, right?

Correct. The other one is on the NFL exempt list. James Pierce Jr. I'm not sure he's allowed to play right now. So your two-star pass rushes are out. And as good as I think that back end is, it doesn't matter how good it is if you can't get pressure. And that offense,

I wasn't already happy about Tua being the starter. But now you're telling me Cooper Rush, who believe me, I am very well aware of after his playing Baltimore when Lamar Jackson was injured. This is, oh, this is good. I hope I don't get this game. I hope I don't want to see this game. The Steelers are going to win, and pretty handedly, too.

They're going to beat the breaks off Atlanta. It's going to end up being like 34, 31. If it's a barn, I don't want to worry about this one. Yeah. One thing that I noticed when I was updating the spreads in overunders, was that a lot of betters are taking the unders on these games. I think that

it's a result of what we just saw, the paths and the Wednesday, the first two games that we've seen already. Like Chicago and Carolina, the next game that we're going to be talked about, for example. Chicago was three and a half

point favorites to open the week. Now they're three point favorites. And over under was 47 and a half. Now it's 46. So it's getting a little interesting, say the least. But battle between number one overall picks, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young. Can Bryce Young take that next step?

Can Caleb Williams take that next step? This is going to be pretty interesting to watch these two quarterbacks. Go at it, say the least. But I think this could sneaky be a fun game. I'm taking the Bears, though. I'm taking the Bears. I feel like this kid. But, I mean,

Panthers also spread us a lot last year, including winning the division and giving the Rams all hell. So, but then again, the Panthers also pretty slow out of the gate last year. So I feel like it's Bears week one. They're going to start one and out. Are they?

I think so. I don't know. Rice Young is also 0 and 3 in season openers. True, but this might be the year he might snap his street. Fuck it, I'm taking the Panthers. I'm taking, I'm taking them. All right, let me, let me read some more stats for you and see if you still change your mind.

Carolina scored 10 points in each of those season openers that they lost. The Panthers were outscored, the Panthers were outscored 97 to 30 in those games. and Bryce Young through two interceptions in each game. If I'm supposed to believe Bryce Young took the step, I believe he's going to take. I have to be consistent. He also has not posted a QB. He also has not posted a QB rating of higher than 50 in a season opener.

It's not thrown for more than 161 yards. Until Sunday. Until Sunday when he actually does better. It's in Charlotte. It's a home crowd. He has a phenomenal defense behind him, and he has some weapons to work with. I think Tedderow and McMillan had a great season last year, and I think he's taking steps to be better.

And hopefully, Xavier Leggett will actually have better hands than he did last year and actually be more reliable and be more reliable as a threat. Jimmy Horn Jr., hopefully he takes another step, and there's one more that I'm forgetting. Jailen Coker. Yes. I'm excited for Jalen Coker. Yeah, because you go to Holy Cross.

well that's not the reason but yes it is you believe he's taken us it definitely helped take it another step you think jacobok is taking another step i could see it i can see him doing that i mean he took over for zabriel leget last year as the number two i can see him uh not competing with tett for being number one but i could see them being a nice uh one-two punch one-two duo and is rico dattle still the no he's no he's in this for i should know because that I accidentally drafted both Rico Dowdell and whoever the other motherfuckers. Jalen Warren. Yeah, Jalen Warren.

Interesting. But we'll see about their running game when week one hits. I think Caleb Williams and that Chicago Bears' offense will be fine and that defense will be okay. But I think since it's in a way game, I think it favors the Panthers a little more. So I'm just going to take them. Steps in the right direction. I don't care if it was 97 to 30. He will take the steps of the right direction.

CJ, what's your pick? I really am, especially here, expecting vintage week one football. I think the bears pull it out in an ugly one since we are running long. Fair enough. Fair enough. Moving on Jacksonville versus Cleveland. Jacksonville's eight and a half point favorites over the Browns. Over under is 39.5.

Oh, excuse me. Does anyone have faith in Cleveland right now? No. No, no. Jacksonville. It's week one. Give me the Browns. I'm hitting the Browns, but it's week one.

You got faith in Deshawn Watson? It's week one. We just saw Drew Locke fucking beat the Patriots. First of all, Drew Locke did not beat the Patriots. You know what I mean. You know what I mean. You know what I mean. Do you think the Jaguars are in?

notorious for also kicking themselves in the junk. I mean, Browns are too, but I could see the Jaguars out kicking themselves in the nuts this week. Over the Browns? I don't. I got the Jaguars. All right.

All right, Mr. AFC North. No, it's not an AFC North thing. It's not even an AFC North thing. When you guys see the Browns, you're like, okay, this is a buy week. Not wrong.

But still. Also, part of me is picking the Browns over Jacksonville because I've been really hating Pete Prisco recently. And I can't believe that's the second time I've mentioned his name on this pod. Yeah, he exists. That's all I got for him. Yeah. Buffalo and Houston, the final game.

Oh, I didn't get to pick. Oh, I thought you were also picking Jacksonville. Sorry. Well, I am, but you just kind of get that. All right. Then let's move on. Well, no, but let me just say. You want to explain that?

Yeah, I do. Mr. The episode's already running along. At least I'm not skipping people. All right. Let's go. Ginger. Fair enough.

Anyway, look, I just want to say that I am expecting some week one shenanigans. Do I think the Jags win? Yes. Do I think they're going to end up sweating this one out a bit? Also, yes. Yep. All right. I like that.

Buffalo and Houston. Buffalo 1.5 point favorites on the road, 44 and a half. the over under. This could get sloppy as well. Houston's defense, like, they didn't lose anybody. They just got better. Everyone just got better. They just got, everyone just got a little bit better.

But I still have no faith in C.J. Stroud in this offense, though. There's nothing that inspires me about them. Maybe the fact that they have Kashan booty, but like, we've seen that they can barely even get it done when Nika

Cole and tank Dell were out there and now there's no tank Dell so what the fuck should I know um Devon Montgomery new edition that'll be fun um but I'm taking the bills I'm gonna take the bills this week I'm taking the Texans the Houston beat them last year and they had Davis Mills at quarterback they should be able to win this and they got better on defense I'm sorry no Josh Allen was in Alcatraz last year and it's going to be even worse this time considering how good that defense just got. Will Anderson has been doing nothing but working on moves, not bullrushing, other moves to win one-on-ones.

Yeah, I'm taking the Texans. I call me crazy, but I think I'm going with the Texans here. All I keep thinking about his last season about how Josh Allen could put his team on his back and just will them to victory, just going, as urinating tree calls it, sun god mode. until he met the Texans who put him in a box. And, yeah, honestly, I got the Texans. And this is going to be an ugly game, very low scoring.

But, you know, pinnacle week one football, just defensive. Well, really, when I say defensive slugfest, I mean, Houston's defense is going to give Alan fits. Houston's offense is led by St.J. Stroud. Yeah. Josh Allen is 0 and 4 in Houston. It's about to be 0 and 5. At this week, it'll be 1 and 4. Put a 1-0.

Vague said to the late window. Vegas and Miami. Vegas opens as three-point favorites at home, for you and a half to see over under. No Brock Bowers. This one just fucking came out of nowhere. And, you know, jackasses like me and whoever else that drafted in fantasy

and was like, you know what? Last year's a fluke. Last year was a fluke. Yeah, he's out half the season. He still did pretty solid. I'm going to give him another go. Niscus trim. Out two weeks.

Great. Fantastic. Do I think it's going to hurt them? against my weapon no definitely not I mean

weapons wise maybe a little but still got ashen genty out of the back field um and

you see how uh kirk cousins does in a new location same thing with malik willis but I mean

it's the fucking dolphins uh the dolphins were made to tank for archmanning um so give me the raiders

uh raiders Yeah, he did that thing. Do I even care about this matchup so much? Miami's not going to be a threat. I think it's going to be the Raiders. I think that O-line is tremendously better since they added Tyler Lindenbaum, and you're going to see, by the way, how Ashton Genty runs the ball this year.

Clint Kubiab, being their head coach, will improve this offensive scheme tremendously. And hopefully, this defense isn't going to be so bad as it was last year. Not that it was bad. It was just the team is a wreck. So, yeah, I think Las Vegas is going to win this game pretty handedly, and I'm not sure what Miami is doing right now, but rebuilding seems to be the best bet, and I don't see them winning this game.

So, yeah, I got Las Vegas. To all the listeners, I would like to walk back what I said about the Titans and Jets. This, the Dolphids of the Raiders, this, this is a game. You know That's again That's all I can say is just this This is certainly a game It will be played and it will be one of the games

And I have the Raiders Why? Because the Miami Dolphins are one Devon A-chan Shore of a Juko outfit Packers, Vikings Vikings are one and a half point favorites At Home 46 and a half is the over-under quick news

Josh Jacobs officially pled not guilty in the domestic violence bullshit that he's in which is the reason why he's on the commissioners exempt list so Marshawn Lloyd

will be the number one so curious to see how that's going to go yeah I initially picked I was thinking Packers, but just like the more and more I think about it too. It's just like part of me feels like the Vikings might pull something out of their ass.

Like maybe we see the resurgent another quarterback resurgence in Minnesota. Maybe that's Caller Murray. Who knows? Who knows? I think I was saying Packers earlier, but I think I, in the last like five minutes, I convinced myself to go with the Vikings for no reason. for no reason. I wouldn't say no reason.

Carler can be a competent quarterback, and that's all Justin Jefferson needs. Competent quarterback play on the offensive side of the ball. They had Jordan Addison. I want to say they have Aaron Jones still. They have a competent, at least, offensive line, and that defense is still good. The Packers, I want to see what Matthew Golden does this year,

and they don't have a running attack. I'm not, Michael Parsons still is. there and they lost Roshan Gary. So that pass rush isn't what it's going to be. And I'm not sure how they're going to contain Kyler Murray if he wants to use his legs. So, oh no. I could see

Minnesota winning this one. And it's not Toyotathon right now. So, yeah, I got Minnesota right now. Look, no Toyotathon, no Parsons, no winning. I think if you're the Vikings and you look at Kyler Murray,

All you need is a little belief. And says it's Kyler Murray emphasis on the little part. And I do think we could be looking at other research, just like you said. I kind of like the Vikings here. Plus, I'm not a big believer in Matt Lafleur. I'm kind of expecting a bit of a Green Bay fall off. Yeah, I feel like this could get interesting. Packers also went 0 and 5, including in the postseason.

and without Michael Parsons. Moving on to the next game. Wait, tuck, you made your pick right? Yeah, I made my pick, Minnesota. Cool. Eagles versus commanders. Eagles are six point favorites at home

against Washington over under 44 and a half. Oh, hmm. New O.C. New number one with a new rookie wide receiver. This is going to be a very, very interesting game for the narrative. For both teams.

For both teams, too. I mean, Jane and Daniel says a lot to prove this year. There's a lot of, there's a lot of prove it going on. Careful. Careful. You can't use number five.

Careful. You can't use the number. My bad. I didn't say the number five. Just back off. Just letting us all know. Don't want to get that. Back off.

Hey. Hey, man. Lay off. Hey, man. Careful. I'm surprised you even said the number. I could sue you for saying that. Can't me?

All the negative press on Jane Daniels, I'm very curious to see how he pans out on the field with all of it. I could see him laying egg in Philly week one. I'm going to go with the Eagles. Not going to be like the prettiest showing. I could see some good flashes just from it being a new O.C. So I'm going to go with the Eagles. New O.C. in Washington as well, too.

Yes. This game, it's a division rival. So I could see this being a close game. I could see this coming down to the wire. My only problem is I'm not convinced about the commander's O line. And when you're not convinced about an O line, facing off against the Eagles D-Line, with Vic Vangio as the D.C.

Isn't the most optimal thing if I'm the opponent. Not going to lie to you. It's not very helpful. So I think if it comes down to that, the Eagles are going to destroy the commanders. Because based upon how they fared against the Ravens, going to be very, very tough. So, yeah,

I got the Eagles winning this one. I'm going to make this quick. I only need six seconds. It would have been five, but I chose respect Jaden Daniels. I think Philly's going to stomp him. That is all. All right. Chargers, Cardinals.

Chargers, charger, uh, what spread? Yes, spread. Oh, we're doing this. Chargers and favorites. Obviously. Chargers plus nine and a half or minus half. Tuck, do you want to give a guess?

Six. Nine and a half was correct. Oh, how do you like that? My one right. I was hoping it was only a touchdown. I was hoping it was only a touchdown. Now, over under is 47.5. Wait, what?

It's not going to cover. I don't think it's going to cover. Yeah, 47. seven and half, that seems. I would imagine that it's going to be the Chargers doing a lot of the heavy lifting there. Yeah, I would assume so as well. Mike McDaniel. It's week one.

Kobe Berset, Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison, Jr., hopefully he's figured it out. Hopefully they've helped him figure it out because if he can get going, I think this team is low-key underrated with James Connor coming out of the backfield. Low-key, this team could ask. I kind of, well, Jeremy, I love to, but apparently they're kind of, they listed them as the number two. And he's still coming, and he's still dealing with an ankle thing as well. So it's going to be interesting to see how what is usage looks like for week one, say the least.

Yes, but I'm not going to lie. I kind of want to see. It's week one. So I do want to see how this game will go. I think the charges offense will look new and different, especially under, what is it? Damn it. Mike McDaniel. Yes, there's too many of them.

There's too many mics. Mike McDaniel is the O.C. And Michael Fleur is the new head coach for the Cardinals. Yeah, but Mike McDaniel is the O.C. is going to make this offense look new and improved. I think the running attack is going to look better. I think the passing attack is going to look better. And I think Justin Herbert will take his game to new heights.

Because I think he's like number two in like MVP rankings. Like he's top five at least. So I assume this game will be proved. of how good he could be under Mike McDaniel. So, yeah, and that Chargers defense, even though they just lost Jesse Mentor, they still have pieces on that team. So, yeah, I think they're going to win. I think the Chargers are going to win.

But Chargers could surprise people, man. They do have pieces. They do have pieces. Yeah. All right, CJ. Well, if Man will not have to play what if this week, because I think this Mike Daniels' offense is going to eat the Cardinals for lunch. Give me the Chargers.

Yeah, they're covering. Covering and then some. Sunday night football. Cowboys, Giants, Cowboys are three-point favorites. Overrunners, 48 and a half. It always feels like every Sunday night they always get this game. Like every other Sunday night in week one, they get this game. while ago they had it and the cowboy slapped them.

Yeah, you're not wrong. This would be hilarious if the Giants won. Got Jackson, Dart. They got everybody back. Scada Boo's back. Neighbors back. Darts fully healthy. Darts going to make a major leap. I think all three of those guys are just named are going to make massive leaps. This is going to be a fun year who watched the Giants.

but I don't think the Cowboys also improved heavily over the offseason as well. So I feel like it's going to be the Cowboys going to know this week. I think it's Cowboys too. I think that defense is better than it was last year. I think that offense has more camaraderie. I don't think they're going to take a step back. I think they're just going to either be the same or even better. their kicker is a weapon.

I think all around the team that they have this year is enough to be good enough to make the playoffs. I think they actually will make the playoffs. And the addition of Roshan and Gary to that D-line is low-key underrated and isn't being talked about enough. And I think that defense is going to be a top-10 defense in the NFL. So yeah, I think the Cowboys are going to win this game. game. I'm not sure how I feel about Dart yet or Camp Scataboo. I need to see Camp Scatibu actually run the ball on that ankle and actual live bullets. And Malik Navers just got back. I want to see him in his actual first game back. So see how well he's doing. So I think the Cowboys are

going to win. Yeah, I think they're obviously going to win. C.J. this Cowboys offense with Dack and George Pickens and C.D. Lamb and Jivante Williams and Terrence Ferguson. I don't like them over. Huh? Jake Ferguson. Jake Ferguson. Who the hell is Terrence Ferguson? I feel like that's someone who exists.

That is someone. I don't think. Jake Ferguson, yeah. But we're gross. Yeah, it's late guys or early depending on how you look at it. But I will tell you that I think it's the Cowboys. boys, you know, Jake Ferguson, excuse me. Just sit back, let him watch the show.

And one more note, for all those Giants Truthers out there, who say, oh, everyone's going to take a step forward. They got Harbaugh. It's going to be fun. No, it's not. I just want to say one thing. Their offensive coordinator is Matt Nagy. Do with this information what you will.

Oh, man. Yeah, consider that. Consider it. Don't be happy that you have a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. Don't be happy. It'll save you from disappointment. CJ, who is your pick? Cowboys.

Yeah. Monday Night Football, Kansas City versus Denver. Oh. Casey's two and a half point favorites versus the Broncos. 43 and a half is the over-under. First off, I'm going to dunk on CJ real quick for, because I was correct. on my homes being start starting week one um i'm not actually dunking on you cj but it's a weird you know better that's a that's a weird thing to dunk on someone for but um

i was right i not given the cheat the other team i don't understand the hype around is the chiefs i don't understand like sure yeah they got keth walker but like did they really get that much better everywhere else. Yeah, they got Rashid Rice back. We're acting like Rashi Rice is like a top five receiver in the league. Let's, I would argue he's not even top 10, maybe even, I'm going to stop. I want to stop because I may say something heinous. Like he's not top 20.

But like, I don't know. There's nothing about this Chiefs team that says like they just got exponentially better to the point where they're probably going to beat the Broncos. I don't think so. What? I could see it from the standpoint of their running attack last year was just not that good. Yeah. Falker helps alleviate that concern.

And they've made tremendous additions to that defense this year. They got Peter Woods that helps Chris Jones out. They covered the which I call it with Trent McDuffie leaving. They covered that with Mansour Delane. And then they got another edge rusher, the one from Oklahoma, Mason Thomas, that one. So clearly they've made adjustments to both offense and defense. Even though I'm not sure how I feel about the past catchers right now,

because even though Travis Kelsey is Travis Kelsey, he's in year 14. My God. Yeah. I'm not sure yet, but we'll see. I mean, I'm just not convinced of Kansas City yet in general. I mean, granted, I said all of last year that I wasn't convinced of the Broncos. So odd that I'm on the verge of picking the Broncos here while I say it.

So, yeah, I'm taking the Broncos, getting a week one win on the road. You know, I like Denver in this game. I'm not certain about how Mahomes is going to be post-injury. I still have questions about the offensive line and the offense in general. Now I have more questions about the defense. So as a whole, I kind of like Denver here because that defense is, A, going to be terrifying. And B, Jalen Waddle on that offense, healthy J.K. Dobbins, the second year, R.J. Harvey. I got Denver and honestly

I like Denver covering more so perhaps well I mean if they won then they would definitely cover that would be the same thing because they're the underdog duck do I know what yeah I'm gonna be the one this time I'm Kansas City

I'm picking Kansas City this time I think I think they're good enough to go into to win at home I think they're good enough to do that. Add Arrowhead, yeah, they have the advantage. I think their team is skilled enough to do it. Yeah, I'm fine with it. Cool.

That is our week one, pick some preview. Anything else we want to go over before we on the show? Long one. Yeah, we talked about all the college stuff we wanted to talk about. Yeah, I think we're good. Cool. I will. Enjoy this first real full weekend of football.

And well, starting this Sunday, we will have NFL every Sunday till the end of January. God bless America. Thank you for tuning into the first Friday episode of the 2006 season. New episode coming out on Tuesday to recap week one. Be sure at 8 a.m. be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We also have all our episodes available on Spotify, Speaker, Apple Podcasts, all streaming platforms. Be sure to follow our Instagram, Fulneruski underscore podcast, to keep up the pod and the latest coverage on the NFL.

Otherwise, we'll see you on Tuesday over now.