The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Blazing 4 - Wild Card Weekend

Episode Date: January 4, 2020

Colin doesn't do an official Blazing 5 for wild card weekend but he does go over all four games and which way he's leaning with RJ Bell of Fox Sports Radio and Pregame.com and RJ tells him which side the sharps in Vegas are on. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise,

breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor? It signals to the world that you're not to be played. with and just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to listen to learn

the hard way on the iha radio app apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast what's up guys this is clivert taylor the fourth and on my podcast the clivert show i'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff like being an internet famous referee we're in the middle of a game this linebacker this linebacker walks up to me he goes a ref my mom wants you to wave at her what Time out. Quarterback on office blue with 42. Hey, Brett, my mama want you to weigh better. What?

Hey, Miss Parker. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. All right. I told you this week, because the way the Blazing Five works, I get all the games to choose just five games. But when it comes to the playoffs, my slate is only four games, and there's only one that I would bet this week. RJ Bell pregame.com at RJ and Vegas. Of course, doing the radio show straight out of Vegas.

Fox Sports Radio 6 to 7 Eastern. So RJ, the game I like to bet would be bills plus three at Texans. Why? Coaching edge, bills. I think coaching matters more in the playoffs. Defensive edge, bills. I think that matters more in the playoffs. And what the Texans do, the deep ball, the bills defend well.

So I like Buffalo straight out, getting points. I think they upset the Texans in Houston. How do the wise guys see it? This is the game I'm most conflicted on. So first off, let's acknowledge if you get three, if you can, because there's two and a halves and there's threes, I think your pick is much better. Three is such a key number. Now, that said, let me ask you a question because I believe that maybe Bill O'Brien's

getting a bum rap here. If I told you, and you know this, Houston has won their division four out of years. How many teams do you think in the entire NFL have done that this century, meaning at any point from 2000 on, they had a five-year period that they won four out of five division titles or more, in theory? There's only been nine of them. So eight teams plus the Texans have done what the Texans have done the last five years. Like, why don't we give him credit? And it's not all Watson because the first couple years of those five years, Houston had bad quarterbacks.

Yeah, I don't think O'Brien's a bad quarterback. I think they don't have a general manager. I think they've made some disputable trades. But you love that tons will trade. Well, I do, but they made another trade beyond that, so they don't have a lot of top picks. I don't think they're a well-run organization. I think Deshaun's remarkable and Bill's smart.

But I think they have struggled in big games and playoff games where I think coaching and details matter. I think they're low on details, high on talent. And I think those things have limitations and a ceiling in the postseason. And I always find that interesting. When a team guts its way to get into the playoffs

and then they get beat, there's two ways to look at it. One is, oh, when the big games happen, and I think that's a valid way sometimes. And other times it's like, wow, it's amazing they even got there. Now, you mentioned Watson. I think what is an under-considered factor in the playoffs is how running quarterbacks have even a bigger edge.

So what was the big lament with Lamar this year? Oh, he's very effective, but can he maintain it? Can he keep doing it? Which means effectively can he avoid getting injured? Well, in the playoff games, running quarterbacks typically are more willing to run. Yes. Because the leverage of the situation,

meaning the stakes are high enough, they are willing to take more of a risk. So think about it historically. Russell Wilson has done better in the playoffs. Even Aaron Rogers, who in his younger days could run very effectively, did better in the playoffs oftentimes with that ability to run. I think that's another advantage for Houston. I just look at their stats.

And I think to myself, you know something? Maybe I got caught up in Watson in his flash. Because really Houston, if you look at these stats, they are not that good. They've been, if you look at the point differential, you look at their yardage. Yeah, I think Houston was outgained. Exactly.

So, I mean, like, if you get out gain on the year, saying you're an average team at best. Right. So to me, let me say this, because once a year it's worth doing this. At three, I'm going to agree with you. At two and a half, I don't. So the listeners should be shopping. All right.

So the next game that I think if I was going to bet it, again, if this was on the regular season slate, this number's not tasty enough because I think the Patriots win at home. But the Titans are leading the NFL in yards per play over the last four to five weeks. They're getting five. I think they've got the quarterback that can move Tanna Hill and do pocket stuff. They have the receivers. They can get cheap touchdowns over the top.

And I think, frankly, New England has to play a certain way, get a block punt, trick play works. So I would take the points. Somebody told me years ago. Never try to take points, but take the other. team. Like, you pick a team. And I don't know if that's right or not, but this is the rare. I'm going to take the Titans plus five, but I do think New England wins. What side of the sharps on?

I disagree there. Sharp side to me. And again, there's not always a clear sharp side, right? Everyone thinks about, imagine there's all the wise guys, you know, and they pull up in this secret place in the basement meeting somewhere down on Fremont Street. They're smoking cigars and they're deciding the sharp side. No, sometimes they disagree. And to me, here, I think you're going to get some sharps that like Tennessee.

And their thinking is going to be, yeah, the season long, New England's better. But if you look at since Tanna Hill came on, and it is amazing, the contrast, Tennessee is scoring about 14 points more per game. Yeah, I mean, Marioota was a nonverbal kid at a verbal position, got hurt a lot. And frankly, he may have never been better than the middle of year two. And Tanna Hills got, you know, here's the other thing. Tana Hill's got a lot of starts, RJ. He's been in this league a long time, and he's faced the Patriots a lot. Though I'll tell you, well, he hasn't done so well against the pads,

though the dolphins have in general back then. By the way, Tana Hills performance seems to not shine too nicely for Adam Gase, does it? No, it doesn't. I don't know if you're expunging the archives yet of all those Adam Gays takes, but let's just say that Tannahill is looking mighty good. That said, Belichick being familiar with them is not a good thing necessarily. But what do the patch struggle with? Usually teams that can run and pass.

And they can do both. Yep, that's Derek Henry. So let's agree to this. If Tannahill is a 70th percentile quarterback, you know, better than two-thirds of the league, they probably win this game. But here's what I know. The Pats last 22 games at home, they've lost two. Now, so what you're predicting is, you know, the Pats are going to win by one, two, three, or four.

It's very possible. Not a great prediction. Now, someone might be screaming at their radio, screaming at their podcast player. But RJ, they've lost two, the pads of three at home. Yeah. And they've lost two of 22. So the question is, is the truth two of the last three? or is the truth for the Patriots two of the last 22.

I'm always tiebreaker going with Belichick, so I'm going to disagree with you. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo.

Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real.

From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't

realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on Earth, or are you a good person because you're afraid?

Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way.

Open your free, our heart radio app, Search learn the hard way and listen now. What's up, guys? This is Clever Taylor the 4th. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff, like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game.

This linebacker walks up to me, he goes, Hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue with 42. A rep, my mama want you to wave at her. What? Hey, Miss Parker.

Listen to the Clippers show on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, I'm Jared Adano. You might know me as that loud guy who yells out, help on the internet. Help! Somebody! But there's so much more to me than me.

I'm an actor. I'm a comedian. And recently, I've become quite the helper myself. And on my new podcast, Hope from a Hippocrat, I'll be changing lives, helping people in need with my safety. advice and thoughtful solutions. Sike, I'm a comedian. I'm not qualified to give good advice.

Join me and my comedian friends as we riff, rant, recommend some of the most legally dubious advice known to man. If I'm calling you, even if you're on your phone, let it ring twice. One ring is too scary. Oh, cream a chicken suit. A cream, cream a chicken suit. This is help from a hypocrite, the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from Hypocrite as part of the Mike Cultura Podcast Network available on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I would probably go Saints minus seven and a half, although I think the number is right.

I think the Vikings defense is excellent. I think this game will be lower scoring than people think because I think both defenses are excellent. I think Delvin Cook plays. they could take the ball for periods of time away from Drew Brees. So I like New Orleans at home. But I think it's a fairly low, you know, 2820 is how I see it. So I think the number's correct. But what would the wise guys say?

This would be, in my opinion, the strongest play of the week on Minnesota here. I just believe that perception has drifted this game into a place that's unreasonable. I mean, how often are teams favored by over a touch. down in the playoffs. Not much. And my question is this, in the first round, or let's say even the first two rounds, because sometimes you'll get a team that's a real powerhouse,

and they will be favored by eight over a really good team. So maybe the way to think about it is unless the team they're playing is the best team in the NFL, and obviously the Saints aren't, they're not even a buy team, when are they favored by this many against the Minnesota? team that quite frankly at different points during this season some very sharp guys I know

thought Minnesota might have been the third best team in the NFL. Yeah. So maybe they're not, but they're not that much worse than we thought. So I guess what I'm saying is what justifies this line in your mind? Because you're saying you think the line is about right. Well, I think it's about Kirk Cousins. That's what the line is.

Saints defense is better than advertised. They've got quite a pass rush. We don't trust Kirk in big spot. The line is a Cousins line because it feels like a four-point spread. Cousins makes it seven and a half. Now, that is fascinating because I think you're right that if this were a blind resume and all we saw was the stats because remember, Cousins is the one who got him the stats. It's the same thing about Jason Garrett.

Oh, the Cowboys would only be so much better without Jason Garrett. Well, we'll see. But if you look at their stats, you'd say, well, aren't those the stats Jason Garrett got you? and oh, by the way, those are the stats you're saying proves Dallas is a good team. Well, isn't that the same thing with Minnesota? If you look at the stats, Kirk Cousins gave or helped them get those stats, right? So I think the question is this. If you believe Cousins is as bad as the Monday Night Football stats,

as bad as he seems to be in the big games, you can't bet Minnesota. What I believe, and what we innovated, really, first to say it on straight out of Vegas, was that this is more about start times for him. When he starts at 1 o'clock, there's something about his routine where he's comfortable with it. And when he starts otherwise, he's not. At 1 o'clock Eastern, in his career, Cousins covers 67% of his games. Two out of three. That's amazing.

At other times, any other time at 1 o'clock, Cousins covers a third, 33% of his games. Now, you can say the big games are often other times. Yeah, but there's a lot of other games that aren't so big those other times. and he struggles also. So I don't know if this, though, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, whereas he keeps hearing about how bad he is in these big games, and he starts to doubt himself. But all that said, I think that with that start time where it is,

Cousins, if it gets off a little hot, who knows? I actually like Minnesota on the money line here a little bit, too. And lastly, for those in-game batters, and a lot of people bet in-game now, I think that don't expect Minnesota to necessarily come back if they're down big. So maybe watch for a while. And if Minnesota keeps it tight, I think it gives Cousin some confidence. But if Saints get out 14-0, oftentimes you might think, oh, Minnesota will come back.

I'm not sure if Cousins has that ability. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines.

We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people. people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slicelife 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kier Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing and we're still chasing it

and we don't know when we've done enough because people scoreboard watch life becomes about wins and losses Steve Burns, Dustin Ross because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth or are you a good person because you're afraid because that's two different intentions bro

absolutely and that's two different levels of trust I want you to just really be a good person Join me, Keir Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast,

learn the hard way. Open your free iHeartRadio app, search learn the hard way and listen now. What's up guys? This is Clever Taylor the 4th. And on my podcast,

The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff, like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker walks up to me,

he goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue of 42. Hey, Wreck, my mama want you to wave at her.

What? Hey, Miss Parker. Listen to the Cliverts show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. The story I've told myself about love or relationships can then shape my behavior, and that can lead me to sabotage the possibility. of connection. This Mental Health Awareness Month,

tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown and explore the journey of healing, self-discovery, and returning to yourself. We explore higher consciousness, emotional well-being, and the practices that help you find clarity, peace, and self-mastery in a world that can feel overwhelming.

The world is becoming lonelier. We're not becoming more social and connected. We're becoming more individualized, but we actually meet people in connection. If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you to hear more. Listen to deeply well with Debbie Brown

from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Finally, Seahawks Eagles is a really two banged-up teams, very limited over the top. I love both quarterbacks and coaches. I've gone back and forth. I've come to the conclusion for the seventh time in the last two days.

I'm going to take Philadelphia here. I think their defensive line shuts down the Seattle running game. There is something about momentum and belief and playing at home and resilience. Seattle's coming off a brutally tough game. I think Philly's getting a little healthier. I would probably go, anybody that got points in this game, I'll take them. plus two feels like the right side? What would the wise guys say?

Agreement here for sure. Seattle's the team that's been the poster child of overrated for us this year. We took a lot of heat. I mean, even when they were the number one seed. And, you know, let's be candid is Seattle's banged up. So it's not like this version of the team is as good as they ever were. In fact, there was a couple weeks in the mid-late part of the season that maybe I was thinking I was wrong about Seattle, that they were better.

Because when Clowny came over, the D started playing better with him, they got the safety from Minnesota, or I'm sorry, from Detroit. And then there was a sense of that this team had an identity, as you like to say. But boy, the running backs banged up. Other people banged up. But you know something about Philadelphia? As much heat as they've taken, they've outscored their opponents this year by 31 points, which is better than Seattle. Seattle's actually less than that.

And then if you look at their yardish per game, Philadelphia is out gaining their opponents by almost 30 yards per game. So for all the sense that, oh, that NFC East team was going to be so bad, the Eagles aren't that bad. How many teams that bad go into Buffalo and do what they did? Remember that game? And Green Bay. And Green Bay.

Those are two of the better road wins of the. the year that any one team has. The only downside, as banged up as Philly's been, they're probably more banged up now than they've been throughout the year. So to me, this is an injury game, and both sides are banged up. Also, though, lastly, and let me ask you, last question for me, Colin, is, what do you think of Wents in this spot? Because it's easy to say the Eagles are about as clutch as any team has been.

I'm a big Wence fan. But first playoff start. I know, but I felt the last two. weeks for playoff games. I really felt the Dallas game felt like a playoff game. Last week felt like a playoff game. So I, you know, I never, you know, I think there are, I thought San Francisco, Baltimore this year felt like a playoff game. You know, Kansas City at New England this year. I thought it felt like a playoff game. You'll see that occasionally in the NBA where, you know, Clippers, Lakers, you're like, this has a psychological meaning beyond your average regular season game. So I think

Wenz played in two playoff games. that kind of intensity, do or die, sudden death, and I don't think he'll be phased. Yeah, and I think that's a valid point. And also, his teammates have done it so well. There's a sense of, come on, buddy, here we go. Whereas if it's your first start and your teammates inexperience, too, it's much more difficult. If you believe in Wends, you've got to love the Eagles here. R.J. Bell, pregame.com at R.J. in Vegas, straight out of Vegas on Fox Sports,

Radio 6 to 7. I am told, should I give a little hint on a app for pregame.com? You know something, let's just say this is as a guy who, in my opinion, your combination of understanding Vegas, and people always say, you know, these days, Colin, I think you know, a lot of Vegas experts are popping up. I don't know where they were before, but now they're experts. And you're a guy that doesn't claim to be an expert. No. But you were in Vegas for how long working. Seven years, yes. And you talked to a lot of sharp guys, I recall. I wasn't even around. You know, I was even around.

So to me, you know, I've been here 22 years. So to me, your insight is always valuable. And you've been so kind to take a look at some of the stuff we've done. Let's just say this. Within a couple months, we got a big surprise out there. There we go. I like mystery. I like it. So

congrats on your business. We'll talk again next week because I want to really break down the playoffs and the national championship game next week. So we will have a great weekend. We'll see you then. Thank you. Last night, a blown call changed a game.

This morning, the internet lost its mind. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. And every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source,

the athletes themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy,

not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to Learn the Hard Way

with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men can, carry a suit or armor.

It signals to the world that you're not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to, listen to learn the hard way on the AHA radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. What's up guys? This is Clever Taylor the 4th.

And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff. Like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker walks up to me, he goes, Hey, ref.

Mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue of 42. Hey, Wreck, Mom, I want you to wave at her. What? Where's she at? Hey, Ms. Parker.

Listen to the Cliverts show on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed Human.