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The Strictly Bias with Will Retherford: NFL Week 13 Reaction (2.99.1) · The Central Indiana Sports Report

0:00
[SPEAKER_02]: You are listening to the strictly biased podcast with Will Rutherford.
0:05
[SPEAKER_02]: Only on the Central Indian Sports Report.
0:13
[SPEAKER_00]: Welcome back to strictly biased with the yours truly Will Rutherford for our week 13 breakdown of this NFL slate.
0:21
[SPEAKER_00]: I am here to join today by an esteemed guest.
0:25
[SPEAKER_00]: The legend Greg Mengelt with producer Susie sitting to his right.
0:30
[SPEAKER_00]: She is not in the chat, but she had some strong words to say to me last night regarding the colds and dolphins, so I appreciate that.
0:38
[SPEAKER_02]: Thanks for having us, Will.
0:42
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you, Greg.
0:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel like this week we learned that the ineptitude of college football will always be why the NFL is the best and I cannot wait to break it down with you.
0:54
[SPEAKER_00]: Greg, I have a lot to say this week, but first, what would you like to know?
0:59
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, is there a favorite?
1:02
[SPEAKER_02]: Is there anything resembling a favorite right now?
1:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think so.
1:07
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that this is a situation where it is as wide open as I have ever seen it in my life.
1:12
[SPEAKER_00]: The NFC, you've got the number one seed has nine wins and the seven seed also has nine wins.
1:17
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I have no idea.
1:24
[SPEAKER_00]: the next week, we're proved differently.
1:25
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that we have an idea that there are six teams probably that can really go win the Super Bowl and then everybody else is kind of middleing there in mediocrity.
1:40
[SPEAKER_00]: But I could be proven wrong.
1:42
[SPEAKER_00]: Every week, I feel like we kind of are peeling back layers of Nianian and onion and learning more about the league as a whole and it just seems that the parity is as strong as ever.
1:53
[SPEAKER_00]: Minus I don't know, maybe five teams that you really probably think don't have any chance to win most weeks.
2:01
[SPEAKER_00]: There are still leagues wide open.
2:05
[SPEAKER_02]: It feels like it's gonna be more like the NHL or Major League Baseball playoffs where you just never know what's gonna happen.
2:14
[SPEAKER_00]: I agree with that.
2:16
[SPEAKER_00]: Who's playing the best football come January?
2:17
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's kind of where we'll be able to pick our actual Super Bowl favorite.
2:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I think there are some teams that are definitely kind of flying under the radar right now maybe not a part of conversation that a few more wins can put them in there.
2:33
[SPEAKER_00]: we've seen good teams.
2:35
[SPEAKER_00]: We've seen what I think are a couple great teams.
2:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if there are more than a couple.
2:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I think there's a lot of good football teams who can win week and a week out.
2:45
[SPEAKER_00]: I've kind of had a few teams that the script has been flipped on their head a hot start and then all of a sudden it's kind of buttering the tires here come early December maybe they missed the playoffs when it looked like they were shoe insides.
3:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I have no idea.
3:04
[SPEAKER_02]: both a little Baltimore and Kansas City, none of them are guaranteed to make the playoffs.
3:11
[SPEAKER_02]: Just crazy.
3:13
[SPEAKER_00]: We talked about the beginning of the year that one out of the four Super Bowl favorites always misses the playoffs and three of those teams were Super Bowl favorites coming into the year of the top four and they may all miss the playoffs.
3:28
[SPEAKER_00]: possible.
3:29
[SPEAKER_00]: There's a chance the Eagles don't make the playoffs as crazy as it sounds like they're eight and four.
3:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that they're a good football team, but they've kind of crap the way a strong division lead these last two weeks.
3:41
[SPEAKER_00]: I think the Ravens and Chiefs are I don't know.
3:45
[SPEAKER_00]: That's just a really interesting case.
3:46
[SPEAKER_00]: I think Buffalo Primates and of those three I'm picking Buffalo to make it just kind of given the situation they're at.
3:52
[SPEAKER_00]: It's going to be hard for them to not make it now.
3:55
[SPEAKER_00]: I think
3:56
[SPEAKER_02]: The way things are going, well, I think they're my favorite to win the whole thing.
4:00
[SPEAKER_02]: I just think Josh Allen is the best player and with no serious favorite, give me the best player.
4:08
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that there's an argument to me made there.
4:11
[SPEAKER_00]: I still think there's a couple teams.
4:13
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd have over them.
4:14
[SPEAKER_00]: I think you'll be
4:17
[SPEAKER_00]: I think you'll like my list this week.
4:19
[SPEAKER_00]: I think I know a couple weeks ago I got knocked down pretty heavy last week.
4:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it was better.
4:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think this week you'll like and you'll appreciate where the mindset's at.
4:45
[SPEAKER_01]: Hey, well, who are the winners and the losers of the week?
4:51
[SPEAKER_00]: Five winners, five losers, I think that there were a lot of losers this week, Greg, to be quite frank with you, losers that we've already mentioned.
5:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm going to start with the Baltimore Ravens because I don't know if there's a situation that they make the playoffs without winning the division.
5:08
[SPEAKER_00]: I really think the AFC North is going to get one team at this point and it's kind of a crap shoot between Pittsburgh and Baltimore as to who gets there.
5:17
[SPEAKER_00]: Raven's regime has consistently been good with Lamar and for whatever reason to tease come back from injury, they just don't look like they're a cohesive unit.
5:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know whether that's play calling, whether it's personnel.
5:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Their defense has improved some from a really putrid beginning of the year.
5:37
[SPEAKER_00]: But well, they just blew a good.
5:39
[SPEAKER_02]: And it's the first half of the first game of the year.
5:41
[SPEAKER_02]: That was the last time that I was like, whoa, these ravens against Buffalo.
5:45
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
5:46
[SPEAKER_02]: That was the last time I remember that thinking they look good.
5:49
[SPEAKER_00]: It's been ugly.
5:50
[SPEAKER_00]: The win a game three weeks ago, against Cleveland two weeks ago, excuse me, they win last week against the Jets and it's like they're just kind of pulling these games out by the the skin of their teeth and I just don't know if that's really a conducive way to get into the playoffs, ultimately with Lamar, I think if they can get hot and that offense can get flowing.
6:12
[SPEAKER_00]: they're going to win the division by a couple of games get into the playoffs and and all of a sudden we're talking about the misupper wall contenders again just because similar to what you said with Josh Allen if Lamar is right he's a top two player in the world and you're going to pick him over teams that may not have that that caliber of player.
6:33
[SPEAKER_00]: moving on.
6:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I thought the Eagles were a big loser this week.
6:36
[SPEAKER_00]: Pretty bad performance on Friday afternoon, football against the Chicago Bears at home and just never got going in that game for whatever reason.
6:47
[SPEAKER_02]: You thought coming off the embarrassing finish the week before that they come out ready to play on a black Friday and they just like they flip off their
6:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I completely agree that was one of those games that it just feels like it compounded on top of each other here.
7:02
[SPEAKER_00]: We we kind of gave a game away against Dallas on the road to game that pretty much puts the division on lock were all the sudden only it We're at nine and two and then
7:13
[SPEAKER_00]: They just kind of go into that Chicago performance.
7:15
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not sure they were able to to shower it off and all honesty.
7:19
[SPEAKER_00]: They just it look like the same issues that plague them in the second half of that game against Dallas, plagued them at home against Chicago.
7:25
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe the bear's just got a good read on what they were able to do.
7:28
[SPEAKER_00]: There's a lot to be concerned about right now in Philadelphia because that was a team.
7:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that look like they were going to potentially run the table again and go back to back and right now.
7:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if they're on the outside looking in, but just seems ugly.
7:42
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, when we were making our picks this week, I asked producer Susie, was that just a blip for the Eagles that fourth quarter against the Cowboys or is this the start of the beginning of the end that we've been predicting in the end.
7:56
[SPEAKER_02]: I ended up picking the Eagles, but I think we may be of seeing the beginning of the end of the.
8:02
[SPEAKER_02]: And James, I think so.
8:02
[SPEAKER_00]: So we're very good.
8:04
[SPEAKER_00]: I think so too.
8:05
[SPEAKER_00]: And part of the issue is that they force feed the ball day, J.
8:07
[SPEAKER_00]: Brown, and I just don't like they get to volunteer Smith enough touch as when it really matters to me.
8:11
[SPEAKER_00]: He is the better receiver.
8:12
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he has been the last three years.
8:14
[SPEAKER_00]: And don't take away from what AJ Brown's been able to put on his resume at this point of his NFL career.
8:19
[SPEAKER_00]: But he just is a diva.
8:21
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's a locker or a miss you if he's not getting the ball is creating problems.
8:25
[SPEAKER_00]: I really kind of wish they would have shipped them off for their sake at the trade deadline.
8:29
[SPEAKER_00]: I know they say, oh, you don't get rid of a player or that caliber.
8:31
[SPEAKER_00]: But to me, he seems like a root cause of their issues.
8:36
[SPEAKER_00]: Even when he had 10 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns last week against the bears.
8:41
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.
8:42
[SPEAKER_00]: There's there's got to be some some give and go between him and Devonta Smith to just.
8:48
[SPEAKER_00]: Share the ball a little bit more equally.
8:51
[SPEAKER_00]: I think when when AJ Brown misses that that offense looks a little better if you want the truth for whatever reason, but yeah I see that as a team that is Falling down the stairs and I see AJ Brown is a big trade target over the office.
9:10
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll move on to the second half of last year's Super Bowl.
9:12
[SPEAKER_00]: That's the Kansas City Chief's huge loser.
9:16
[SPEAKER_00]: on Thanksgiving in Jerry World a game that really they kind of had to win to be honest with you.
9:21
[SPEAKER_02]: I think the Broncos have this division one tried to tell you coming to this game that you were done.
9:27
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if I'm going to put the nail on the coffin just yet, but it's I've I've got him I'm holding it right there above it.
9:36
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm ready to do it.
9:38
[SPEAKER_02]: I have to go on the feet of the rest of the way, I think, will.
9:41
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that 11 wins is what's going to have to get you.
9:47
[SPEAKER_00]: And I tend, you're going to need some, you're I need some help probably.
9:50
[SPEAKER_00]: I think 11 is gets you there comfortably.
9:54
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't, I would be awfully surprised in a 17 playoff if an 11 one team gets left out.
10:01
[SPEAKER_00]: I guess it's not impossible.
10:02
[SPEAKER_00]: I just would be surprised.
10:03
[SPEAKER_00]: I think 10 is the bare minimum.
10:06
[SPEAKER_00]: But I don't know if I see a path of them have to play the chargers again, have them to play Denver again, that happens to me.
10:12
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what I'm talking with you.
10:14
[SPEAKER_02]: The chief offense not been playing very well against a really good Texan's defense.
10:19
[SPEAKER_00]: You could make the arguments and bust one for both teams, though.
10:22
[SPEAKER_00]: So, uh,
10:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it is kind of an eliminate here.
10:27
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't, I think Houston can afford to lose and still get in if they can win a couple games down the stretch.
10:36
[SPEAKER_00]: They still have to play the chargers too.
10:37
[SPEAKER_00]: They still have to play the cult again.
10:39
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think if the chiefs lose this week, it's over.
10:43
[SPEAKER_00]: That six and seven, they've already hit their loss quota for the year.
10:46
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't see them see it working out for them.
10:51
[SPEAKER_00]: Moving on, let's talk about your Detroit Lions.
10:54
[SPEAKER_00]: I can't help but put them in there.
10:57
[SPEAKER_00]: And it's unfortunate, because that's team.
11:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I really enjoy watching, but for whatever reason, they just can they beat the packers on Thanksgiving?
11:08
[SPEAKER_03]: No.
11:09
[SPEAKER_00]: What is the voodoo?
11:11
[SPEAKER_00]: What is the voodoo that they just cannot find a way to beat this Packers team on Thanksgiving a couple years ago.
11:17
[SPEAKER_00]: The Packers ended up winning that game being three and six.
11:20
[SPEAKER_00]: They made the playoffs.
11:22
[SPEAKER_00]: Now, with that being said, the lines.
11:24
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm going to run the table and go to the Super Bowl.
11:26
[SPEAKER_00]: But.
11:27
[SPEAKER_00]: This offense, especially if I'm gonna all say Brown's missing any time.
11:31
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if they're gonna be able to survive if it like that, especially with the bears at nine and three.
11:37
[SPEAKER_00]: The packers at eight, three and a one.
11:39
[SPEAKER_00]: If you're talking about they're the third place in their division at seven and five.
11:44
[SPEAKER_00]: And right now they're two games out of the playoffs.
11:46
[SPEAKER_00]: It just seems to me like it that's all kind of compounding on top of each other.
11:51
[SPEAKER_00]: The offense looked better with Dan Campbell taking over playcalling a few weeks ago.
11:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I didn't see great playcalling in that green bay game.
12:02
[SPEAKER_03]: It's another team I think maybe done.
12:06
[SPEAKER_03]: Done.
12:07
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't know.
12:07
[SPEAKER_03]: I said maybe.
12:10
[SPEAKER_00]: for this year for the future, for this year.
12:13
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, I see the Eagles done for the future.
12:16
[SPEAKER_00]: I think this is the, the Eagles, I'm pretty sure.
12:20
[SPEAKER_00]: The Lions, I'm not sure.
12:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I hate for this to be the biggest loser of the week, but they have to be, it's the colds.
12:29
[SPEAKER_00]: Just brutal one, add home against the Texans.
12:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Again, they just could not afford to lose.
12:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think in any capacity,
12:38
[SPEAKER_00]: They were the Super Bowl favorites.
12:41
[SPEAKER_00]: It felt like on this podcast about six weeks ago, and here we are, I'm not sure they're making the playoffs.
12:49
[SPEAKER_02]: And they're certainly not gonna have home field, and that's gonna probably not make for a very long postseason, even if they get in.
12:57
[SPEAKER_00]: I agree with you.
12:58
[SPEAKER_00]: I think Daniel Jones, we always said, hey, he's gonna revert to the mean.
13:03
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he is reverted to the mean.
13:07
[SPEAKER_00]: Last two fourth quarters that he's played in he is the lowest graded quarterback by QBR and the entire league as QBR is like 32 in the fourth quarter.
13:20
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if it's Shane Stiken.
13:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if the team, I don't know if it's Daniel Jones.
13:29
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know what the root cause of the issue is, but for whatever reason he.
13:34
[SPEAKER_00]: these teams are have gotten a read on him and are making him uncomfortable and he didn't look bad yesterday.
13:40
[SPEAKER_00]: His numbers didn't scream bad.
13:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I thought he was pretty efficient when he needed to be.
13:45
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if he got ahead of the sticks too often, but that also falls in the offensive as a whole.
13:52
[SPEAKER_00]: But this cult team, they have now the 30th ranked pass offense, which doesn't
14:01
[SPEAKER_00]: do you I mean what what's what's your take on it because I'm feeling like this team isn't making the playoffs as currently constructed in the way they've been playing the last few weeks.
14:11
[SPEAKER_02]: I think there's best team and they have South and it's not very close.
14:15
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what I think.
14:15
[SPEAKER_02]: I think they're going to win that division.
14:18
[SPEAKER_02]: But like I said, they're not doing anything in the playoffs.
14:22
[SPEAKER_00]: They don't control their own destiny now.
14:23
[SPEAKER_00]: That's part of the problem.
14:24
[SPEAKER_00]: If the cold
14:27
[SPEAKER_00]: you hope that's the case.
14:29
[SPEAKER_02]: They lose out when the change is everything.
14:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I agree.
14:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that's probably true.
14:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I also, I think that the conference is that a bit of a non-sustainable pace, too.
14:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm, are the chargers really going to win 11 games?
14:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I, yes.
14:45
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.
14:46
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, they are.
14:47
[SPEAKER_00]: If Justin Herbert misses any time with this left hand injury that he has, I don't, they can't play without him.
14:53
[SPEAKER_00]: He's there.
14:54
[SPEAKER_00]: Did he yesterday?
14:57
[SPEAKER_00]: They played the Rares, too.
14:59
[SPEAKER_00]: They've got some tough games coming up.
15:01
[SPEAKER_00]: They've got to play the chiefs.
15:02
[SPEAKER_00]: They've got to play the Texans after the Broncos.
15:06
[SPEAKER_02]: Yep.
15:06
[SPEAKER_02]: I didn't see the schedule until.
15:08
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
15:09
[SPEAKER_02]: I said yes.
15:10
[SPEAKER_02]: Uh, that might make the difference.
15:12
[SPEAKER_02]: But I think Jim Harbaugh is that good.
15:14
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's a good coach too.
15:15
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not taking that away.
15:24
[SPEAKER_00]: In fact, we're just going to move on to winners now, we're done with the losers.
15:28
[SPEAKER_00]: I saw the bills as a big winner.
15:29
[SPEAKER_00]: Going in to Pittsburgh, they were two and three on the road.
15:33
[SPEAKER_00]: They're now three and three on the road.
15:35
[SPEAKER_00]: I thought they looked really good.
15:37
[SPEAKER_00]: Super efficient.
15:38
[SPEAKER_00]: Allen, obviously, had the turnover, but him and James, what a one, one, two rushing combo between James Cook and Josh Allen and you had Ray Davis into the mix, that's a three-headed monster.
15:51
[SPEAKER_02]: And Josh Allen, this is the best 123 yard performance you'll ever see.
15:57
[SPEAKER_02]: He was a complete control of that game when they needed a few yards for first down he'd run for it.
16:02
[SPEAKER_02]: When they needed a 10 yard pass for first down he'd throw for it.
16:06
[SPEAKER_02]: He just was in complete second first half.
16:08
[SPEAKER_02]: He didn't look great second half.
16:10
[SPEAKER_02]: He was in complete control of that game.
16:13
[SPEAKER_00]: I didn't even put the Steelers on the losers because I they're so irrelevant at this point that I just didn't even want to waste the breath talking about it.
16:22
[SPEAKER_00]: this bill's team though is worth the breath because I think that they found a spark that worked yesterday.
16:27
[SPEAKER_00]: And, and, and, and a Sean McDermott struggle on the road at times and for whatever reason that Pittsburgh game and I get, you know, Rogers with the nose injury, he definitely was not at the 100% they got a defensive touch.
16:38
[SPEAKER_00]: John, that always helps what the scoring looks like, but it just felt like that team came together in a way yesterday to pull that winoff that is going to build really well for their future in this NFL season.
16:51
[SPEAKER_02]: And they have the bingles at home next week, and then they go to New England.
16:59
[SPEAKER_00]: Big one, I see that New England Bill's game is probably gonna end up being who wins the division.
17:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I think if the bills can win that game.
17:10
[SPEAKER_02]: Hey, well, I know you're not gonna have the patrons on your winners and losers this week.
17:16
[SPEAKER_02]: But they are serious winter.
17:18
[SPEAKER_02]: They legit it mentally now can win the AFC because they're going to be playing at home.
17:22
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they're not win in the AFC.
17:27
[SPEAKER_00]: They are the fourth best team in the AFC.
17:32
[SPEAKER_00]: Even with their right on home against no immigrants really significantly good.
17:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I would love that matchup for the cults.
17:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I would, I would love that matchup for the cults.
17:43
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that there are six teams right now that would love if New England is there, team.
17:48
[SPEAKER_00]: I think Houston would love to play New England if they got the chance to get in.
17:53
[SPEAKER_00]: Jacksonville's the most eight and 14, I, they baffle me, it just baffle me.
18:01
[SPEAKER_00]: If you're buffalo, you want to go in and play New England even at home on the road.
18:08
[SPEAKER_00]: I think a lot more wants to go play New England on the road.
18:11
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think it matters.
18:12
[SPEAKER_00]: I think this Patriots team, their schedule has been so bad.
18:16
[SPEAKER_00]: It's so hard to analyze what they are.
18:18
[SPEAKER_00]: They've got one good win on their record, great win on the road against Tampa Bay.
18:23
[SPEAKER_00]: And I guess you could say that win at Buffalo was an impressive one of itself.
18:28
[SPEAKER_00]: Josh sounded and played great.
18:30
[SPEAKER_00]: He's not gonna play that bad again.
18:33
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's put it that way.
18:33
[SPEAKER_00]: So if it takes Josh Allen's worst game of the year for you to pull one off, let me put it this way.
18:39
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, before this week, I did not have the Patriots on my radar winning the AFC today.
18:46
[SPEAKER_02]: I do.
18:48
[SPEAKER_00]: another big winner for me this week was the 49ers.
18:51
[SPEAKER_00]: Why?
18:51
[SPEAKER_00]: Because they're holding serve in an incredibly difficult division to win.
18:55
[SPEAKER_00]: And what looks to be at a really tough conference to make the playoffs.
19:00
[SPEAKER_00]: And you said this team as a better chance of being the number one seed than they do of making the playoffs, they're not in four.
19:08
[SPEAKER_00]: They've come in and Kyle Shanahan has put on one hell of a coaching performance this year.
19:12
[SPEAKER_00]: I would say that it is his best coaching performance to date for just what he's been able to maximize with the injury limitations with the roster limitations as a whole.
19:26
[SPEAKER_00]: You just you really like watching them grind out wins and I get their win was at on the road against Cleveland and Cleveland as a good defense at home.
19:38
[SPEAKER_00]: And you know, it may not speak much at the end, but it just, they're, they're still have a chance, we're in that division.
19:45
[SPEAKER_00]: They still have a chance when that division.
19:47
[SPEAKER_00]: They're all all Seattle, the Rams and now San Francisco, Cisco are all sitting at nine wins.
19:57
[SPEAKER_00]: we already talked about them and just briefly the Cowboys were a big winner this week why they kept their playoff hopes alive and quite frankly they have opened that door up just a little bit to win that division if the Eagles are going to you know really struggle down down the line what's not so unfortunate this Cowboys team might be the best version of the Cowboys I've seen in my lifetime and they'll miss the playoffs because they had such a poor start to this season.
20:26
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm not in your life.
20:27
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm not even close.
20:28
[SPEAKER_02]: Those days, Brian team was a play away from the Super Bowl.
20:32
[SPEAKER_00]: This offense is really, really good.
20:35
[SPEAKER_02]: It is.
20:36
[SPEAKER_02]: Those weapons are really good.
20:37
[SPEAKER_02]: They can run the ball back, press, got particularly when he's not under pressure or fantastic.
20:42
[SPEAKER_02]: You're right.
20:44
[SPEAKER_00]: Moving on, the Texans huge winner this week.
20:49
[SPEAKER_00]: They have now, after an O and three start, found their way right into AFC South Conversation.
20:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I said it when they came back and won that game against Jacksonville.
20:59
[SPEAKER_00]: You do not want to let this team get in.
21:01
[SPEAKER_00]: Their defense is too damn good.
21:03
[SPEAKER_00]: They, they shut down whatever the hell you want to do at all times.
21:09
[SPEAKER_00]: just their ability to swarm, to tackle fundamentally, to use their defensive line in a multiple different formations in ways to disrupt your passing game.
21:22
[SPEAKER_00]: I said it, they've got all pros and all three levels of their defense.
21:25
[SPEAKER_00]: If this is a team that gets into the playoffs, defense always travels and the run game always travels, their offense is horrible, this defense might just be
21:36
[SPEAKER_02]: And after Kansas City this week, Arizona home Vegas at home and they close with the cult.
21:41
[SPEAKER_02]: So kind of destiny in their own hands.
21:45
[SPEAKER_00]: I would say at this point, yes, they are offences bad enough to trap game could definitely happen because they can sometimes really struggle with all these up.
21:55
[SPEAKER_00]: That defense keep them in every game, though.
21:58
[SPEAKER_00]: My biggest winner of the week and it just pains me to say it, the Chicago Bears at
22:04
[SPEAKER_00]: Did anybody have number one seed on the Chicago Bears at any point of the year even week one I didn't Are they good?
22:15
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think so Can they win their division probably not Can they win a playoff game probably not but
22:29
[SPEAKER_00]: Ben Johnson's on the health of job coach and the steam to be honest with you.
22:32
[SPEAKER_00]: The fact that he's gotten them to nine and three.
22:34
[SPEAKER_00]: I think is impressive.
22:36
[SPEAKER_00]: They're offensive line is at the forefront of everything they want to do.
22:39
[SPEAKER_00]: They they went and invested in their offensive line to keep Caleb Williams upright.
22:43
[SPEAKER_00]: So far he's done the phenomenal job.
22:45
[SPEAKER_00]: These last four or five weeks of playing on schedule on pace and using his legs when needed, but not as much as he did last year.
22:53
[SPEAKER_00]: The sack numbers have dropped significantly.
22:55
[SPEAKER_00]: He's always done a great job of taking care of the football.
22:58
[SPEAKER_00]: This bears team.
22:59
[SPEAKER_00]: It feels like full school that feels like they could a team that could end up nine and eight at nine and three for sure, but everything they've done to this point, they they're ahead of schedule and I think they have overcome whatever expectations were on them at the beginning of the year.
23:18
[SPEAKER_02]: Five games left to against the Packers, 49ers, and Lions.
23:23
[SPEAKER_02]: So four of the five really tough.
23:25
[SPEAKER_02]: They got the Cleveland one at home in two weeks.
23:27
[SPEAKER_02]: That probably will be like a playoff clincher.
23:30
[SPEAKER_02]: So they're in the playoffs most likely, but we'll find out.
23:33
[SPEAKER_02]: If they win at Philly and at Green Bay and back to back weeks, we're gonna start to have a conversation.
23:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I agree, I think that's fair.
23:43
[SPEAKER_02]: Especially in a league that as we mentioned, it was wide open.
23:47
[SPEAKER_01]: Hey, I think this is one of those you just need to get there in there's a chance.
24:02
[SPEAKER_00]: Craig, I am so excited to give you this list.
24:04
[SPEAKER_00]: I think you're going to absolutely love it.
24:06
[SPEAKER_00]: Even though the Denver Broncos are on there, you have been, honestly, you say I slap Jim Harble on the face, you slap Sean Payton in the mouth every opportunity you're given to do so.
24:16
[SPEAKER_02]: It's bonic, it's not Sean Payton.
24:18
[SPEAKER_02]: I promise.
24:20
[SPEAKER_03]: Oh, hey, Bo's not the problem.
24:23
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, that interception last night was awful.
24:29
[SPEAKER_02]: I just don't believe him as a Super Bowl quarterback.
24:32
[SPEAKER_02]: That doesn't mean the team's not good.
24:33
[SPEAKER_00]: I think, you know, there is maybe some truth to that.
24:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I just know that every opportunity he has been given to go win that team a game he goes and does it.
24:44
[SPEAKER_00]: But they've needed to score.
24:45
[SPEAKER_00]: He's done it.
24:46
[SPEAKER_00]: I know that's you say it's on a winning recipe.
24:49
[SPEAKER_00]: It's not.
24:50
[SPEAKER_00]: It's not a winning recipe, but as far as passing the test in terms of when your team needs you to be good, he has been good.
24:58
[SPEAKER_02]: May just scored 10 points against the Raiders two weeks ago.
25:01
[SPEAKER_02]: Come on.
25:03
[SPEAKER_00]: That was just one of those.
25:04
[SPEAKER_00]: Hey, that was just a Thursday night.
25:06
[SPEAKER_00]: You know exactly what that was.
25:07
[SPEAKER_00]: Wait, man.
25:08
[SPEAKER_00]: You know what that was.
25:10
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
25:11
[SPEAKER_02]: Sorry.
25:12
[SPEAKER_02]: I think everyone who ever listened to this podcast knows that you like the Broncos and I know that's true.
25:19
[SPEAKER_00]: Not talking about the Broncos here first though.
25:20
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to talk about the Buffalo Bills is the 15 most likely when the Super Bowl.
25:25
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm kind of back on the bandwagon a little bit.
25:29
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, I say number one, they're number one, most likely.
25:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think they're number one.
25:33
[SPEAKER_00]: There's still a lot of weakness in terms of their run game and past defense.
25:40
[SPEAKER_00]: I, I, enough that it concerns me.
25:42
[SPEAKER_00]: I think Josh Allen is maybe one of the maybe VV best quarterback to ever play the game.
25:49
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm going to need to see a couple more weeks of it before I put them move many higher partially because like you said, they're going to have to play on the road most likely because New England is probably going to win their division and also be the number one seed.
26:02
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not afraid of the the bills going on the road and winning that game at New England.
26:09
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm potentially afraid of where they're going to have to go first if that makes sense just
26:19
[SPEAKER_00]: I still believe in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and I had a math last year or last week.
26:24
[SPEAKER_00]: If this week I've gotten back in, I just think it's because they're going to win their division.
26:28
[SPEAKER_00]: They're going to at least host a game.
26:30
[SPEAKER_00]: If they're able to play that second game in a dome, it neutralizes any weather effect.
26:36
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they're getting healthier.
26:38
[SPEAKER_00]: I think their defense is capable enough to do it.
26:42
[SPEAKER_00]: And I like Baker a lot and I think Buckier being came back and he's he was ready to go yesterday after missing every week since week four.
26:51
[SPEAKER_00]: He looked ready to go.
26:52
[SPEAKER_00]: He's a huge part of their game in their team.
26:55
[SPEAKER_00]: That that was big.
26:57
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm back on the demand.
26:58
[SPEAKER_00]: Why I can just a little bit.
26:59
[SPEAKER_02]: I still believe they're the best team in the NFC.
27:02
[SPEAKER_02]: I probably wouldn't have them at number two because
27:13
[SPEAKER_02]: I still deep down, believe that they're the best team in the NFC.
27:18
[SPEAKER_02]: I think so too.
27:20
[SPEAKER_02]: We've gone down.
27:21
[SPEAKER_02]: No one else has jumped out at me.
27:24
[SPEAKER_00]: So it looks like the NFC favorite.
27:27
[SPEAKER_00]: We've done Levi on Bell.
27:28
[SPEAKER_00]: We've done Antonio Brown, not the third of the killer bees.
27:31
[SPEAKER_00]: And that's the Denver Broncos.
27:33
[SPEAKER_00]: Ben Rothlissberger.
27:36
[SPEAKER_00]: I think though the two seed and I like a more than the Patriots, I think if Denver had to go on the road and win a game in New England, I think they do it because I think their defensive line is great.
27:47
[SPEAKER_00]: I loved Washington's scheme in terms of just trying to prevent their defensive line from having a huge impact on the game.
27:54
[SPEAKER_00]: They made just enough plays at the end.
27:57
[SPEAKER_00]: The back end looked a little getable, but, you know, Mark Mirio to can still sling the pillar around.
28:03
[SPEAKER_00]: He's a high tear back up.
28:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think there's a significant drop off from Jaden Daniels to him in terms of just being able to run the play as the play can be run.
28:14
[SPEAKER_00]: They have a similar skill set.
28:17
[SPEAKER_00]: Jaden Daniels obviously, Jaden Daniels.
28:18
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not saying that, you know, he is coming for the job, but he has terms of a backup in a scheme.
28:24
[SPEAKER_00]: He's one of the best fits.
28:29
[SPEAKER_00]: I just, the Broncos got it done, they continued to get it done.
28:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they deserved to be in this conversation.
28:34
[SPEAKER_00]: Number two, the Seattle Seahawks still to me deserve to be on this list because
28:42
[SPEAKER_00]: I just like their ability to go on the road and win.
28:45
[SPEAKER_00]: And I don't think they're going to win their division.
28:47
[SPEAKER_00]: And they only have, I want to say it's two losses on the road in the Mike McDonald era.
28:53
[SPEAKER_00]: They're road warriors.
28:53
[SPEAKER_00]: They can get it done.
28:55
[SPEAKER_00]: Sam Donald is still fitting like glove for this team.
28:58
[SPEAKER_00]: Jackson Smith and Jigbick continues to push for the receiving record.
29:03
[SPEAKER_00]: They're, they're a good football team.
29:07
[SPEAKER_00]: And they're probably the favorite in every game they play the rest of the year until the final game of the year I think so and my most likely when the Super Bowl still is the Rams I am not as concerned about this loss to Caroline as others they kind of fit the mold of the going to the west coast to play a one a clock game at 10 a.m. local seemed a little sleepy their defense just didn't show up and
29:32
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, Bryce Young is good enough that if you give him the door, he'll take it and walk right through it, and he can throw a couple touchdown passes.
29:39
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think he's great by any stretch of the imagination, but he's good enough to get the job done in that Panther steam.
29:46
[SPEAKER_00]: They just took advantage of the opportunity.
29:48
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't see Matthew Stafford having three turnovers in a game the rest the year if if this is the worst loss They have in terms of just kind of giving a game away.
29:56
[SPEAKER_00]: They should have won.
29:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel really good about their chances They play at home.
30:00
[SPEAKER_00]: I think they'll probably win their division.
30:02
[SPEAKER_00]: They'll host at least one playoff game probably too
30:06
[SPEAKER_00]: I still believe in this Ramstein.
30:07
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't think it's we can go from them being like the world being or last week.
30:11
[SPEAKER_00]: And I know you were a little hesitant to say that.
30:14
[SPEAKER_00]: They have the least amount of weakness of any team on this list.
30:18
[SPEAKER_02]: I don't doubt they're the best team in the league.
30:20
[SPEAKER_02]: I just don't think I think it's a little bit of fool's gold.
30:25
[SPEAKER_02]: I think part of it's that other teams haven't played well.
30:28
[SPEAKER_02]: have a lived up to expectation, but their division is tough.
30:33
[SPEAKER_02]: And, man, I might take Seattle over the Rams right now.
30:35
[SPEAKER_02]: I don't know.
30:37
[SPEAKER_02]: Both of them are definitely Super Bowl contenders though.
30:39
[SPEAKER_00]: I think so.
30:40
[SPEAKER_00]: And maybe, you know, I feel like it's probably just based on our list.
30:44
[SPEAKER_00]: Maybe it's maybe you stabbed the books over the Seahawks and slide everybody down one spot there just because of
30:52
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, it's going to be difficult if they're in the same division for one to have a better chance.
30:56
[SPEAKER_00]: I just think that they might be the two most complete teams right now that I've seen.
31:01
[SPEAKER_00]: The Rams had to play the AFC South, which right now is three teams at the winning record.
31:07
[SPEAKER_00]: They also have to play the Tennessee Titans, which should count for something not much, but it should count.
31:13
[SPEAKER_00]: But their NFC division was the South easily the worst division in football.
31:19
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, they've probably all been given a couple of wins that maybe they wouldn't have if they were playing a tougher division.
31:26
[SPEAKER_00]: If they were playing the NFC North, I'd feel a little different.
31:29
[SPEAKER_00]: It might be full-schooled.
31:30
[SPEAKER_00]: I still have to, you know, have the proof in the tape proof in the tape.
31:34
[SPEAKER_00]: And that is that they look like the most complete team.
31:39
[SPEAKER_02]: Thanks so much to Will, once again, always appreciate it.
31:42
[SPEAKER_02]: Thank you for listening.
31:43
[SPEAKER_02]: Do as a huge favor.
31:44
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31:47
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32:06
[SPEAKER_03]: Centering and Sports Report is part of ITD Media, and I love you, Susie.