Transcript
Speaker: Alright lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got The Ball. Double upload week, Shane. How are we feeling? ah These are always the best weeks. It just means the episodes don't feel as rushed by the time we get to the end of them. Barred this one because Conor was rushing us off the call, um as as you'll see. no Yeah, it's just been like a quiet week. I'll keep the keep the news for the usual episode. We'll just get this one over and done it nice and quickly because it's long enough as it is.
Speaker: Yeah, yeah, we usually give our our details of our last weekend in our intro. But as you said, this is an extra episode. It's an NFL preview. So we'll give our we'll sha that we'll save the sha we'll save the pleasantries for our usual episode that comes out on Friday. And we'll just get straight into the football action on this one because there was plenty of laughs along the way.
Speaker: We gave a full preview of the season. So we started with player award predictions, gave our underdogs and favorites for things like MVP, offensive player the year, coach of the year, everything that you can imagine. And then we jumped into our division winners, our wildcard spots for each conference. We went AFC first and NFC. Then we gave our AFC championship matchups and winners and the same in the NFC.
Speaker: And we reached the Superbowl and we gave our winners for that. and We had different winners across three of us we had two of us with one team and one with another so very interesting um you'll have to listen to get to that point and then we did wrap it up with our over under wins draft the same as last year we each drafted five teams so we think are going to hit over under on their projected lines so very interesting something to look back on at the end of the season but we'll get into the football and the season is right upon us so let's jump into the good stuff okay so nfl is back tomorrow night very late it's gonna be like quarter past one Irish time that first game between the Seahawks and Patriots repeat of the Super Bowl we have got Conan back on the show for the preview of the NFL season just saw you last week home over here in Ireland and yeah great to see you as always and great to have you back on
Speaker: Thank you very much. i'm I'm very happy to be back. And I did get to see your face last week. It was great. And it was it was for, we actually got to be behind the scenes, got to meet, well, not meet, we got to see Mr. Belgic in the flesh. That was crazy.
Speaker: He was happy. No, always good. Always good. Always good to spend spend all my money in Dublin. It's great. Yeah, no better place to spend money, especially when no matter how many times I tell you not to go to Temple Bar, you still go back there. But anyway, okay the money Hoover. So this year is kind of similar to how we ran through last year because we kind of got everything boxed off and all of our predictions heading into the season.
Speaker: Evan joined us last year. um Unfortunately, he couldn't make it today, but and will we'll be representing him in his spirit with some Cowboys predictions. We'll start off with player awards. So we'll run through our favorite for each of these and also an underdog.
Speaker: and So we'll start with you Conn and since you're the guest, give us your favorite for MVP and your underdog. ah Okay, I was really hoping to hear everyone else's dogs first so I could gauge it. Okay, my MVP favorite, okay, now I'm i'm aware this is not going to be ah a very popular opinion, but I just think...
Speaker: with how how much firepower there is is on on this offense, especially receiver-wise, I don't see why... ah no. I don't see why it can't be in the conversations again.
Speaker: he was in the conversations a couple of years ago, back when Brady was still in the league. Now, i think... It's only my time now. so my MVP favorite is Dak Prescott. Oh, okay. That's not as bad as I thought. That's my... Oh, who are you thinking? I thought you were going to say Jared Goff with that old spiel there. Oh, no, no, no, no. no no no no no No, I think Dak Prescott. I think CeeDee Lamb's ah always been him.
Speaker: George Pickens, you know, is playing on another deal. He was great last year. you know, Jake Ferguson's always good. The the offense was taken, know. Now they've got an even better defense, so...
Speaker: I just think it's almost inevitable, man. so
Speaker: Dak Presco is my MVP favorite. Now, underdog. okay so I technically haven't really written anything down because I was going through a bunch of things. Saquon had a pretty good gear. yeah right There's a reason it's underdog. get no okay Underdog means yeah probably not very likely to happen, but we'd all love to see it. Would we really love to see that?
Speaker: No, I'm not saying Saquon, but Saquon had a historic year two years ago with the Eagles. He'd put in like ah the almost the best numbers that we've ever seen from a running back. And he didn't even get sniff of you know whether he's MVP or even off as a player, I don't think, at that time. But I forget. Anyway, I think this guy, he was great last year. kind of eased off a little bit.
Speaker: But I think... he has the potential to get to that point. So I think Jonathan Taylor is a good shout. Well, an underdog shout. I think he's always consistent.
Speaker: And I just think surely you can't just stay... as consistent, I reckon. reckon there's another gear to him, so that's my underdog pick for MVP. I would lean more for offensive player of the year for Taylor because it's generally a quarterback award.
Speaker: And that year, Saquon did win offensive player of the year when he had that crazy season. But no, it's it's your pick. like it's It's still possible. I'm going with Lamar Jackson as the of my MVP favorite.
Speaker: I think... he's He's won it twice already. He should have had it three times. and They just gave it out of pity to Josh Allen that one year. And now he's back reinvigorated with Jesse Minter. they have a good relationship and they just think he's going to be back to his best and and the Ravens are going to do very well.
Speaker: um And when he's at his best, there's no one better in the league at the position in terms of being able to be a dual threat, which is what they value a lot. And then my underdog is Bo Nix.
Speaker: So Lamar Jackson is 8-1. Bo Nix is 35-1. I just think it's a bit long, really, the odds for him because Jalen Waddell coming in, adding to Cortland Sutton, Thomas Bryant.
Speaker: and Troy Franklin like and now they've added Jonah Coleman as another running back to to add to what they already had there RJ Harry and JK Dobbins so I feel like they're nicely set up on offense with plenty of weapons and I think Bo Nix is the type of guy that will be really annoyed by how last season ended with the the ankle issue and not being able to play against the Patriots in a game that was clearly winnable for them.
Speaker: And it could be way different if he didn't get injured. He probably believes that they could have got to the Super Bowl and and possibly won it. So I think he'll have a point to prove this year. And with new offensive coordinator, he's probably going to show things he hasn't before. So I like that as an as an outside pick, although it's quite unlikely that he leapfrogs some of the other AFC quarterbacks.
Speaker: Yeah, um I'm firmly in the pity party here and I have gone for the favourites as my favourite for the award and I've gone with Josh Allen at 6 to 1. He has word receiver one for possibly the first time in his career, one that he can probably trust in DJ Moore now to just sling it up and hope he brings it down. And he's been doing a job with like...
Speaker: kind of wide receiver twos at one and two every single year he's been in the league, really, from what I can remember. So I think with someone good in there... Ever since he lost Stefan Diggs.
Speaker: yes yeah since Yeah, since he lost Diggs, he's kind of not had anyone. I just think the man's a joke. He's the best quarterback in the league. He can do it all. He can run. He can pass. He puts up numbers that...
Speaker: are just frankly untouchable at times. And I think 6-1, he's clearly the favorite for a reason. and My underdog is not quite as underdoggy as your underdog is, but I've gone with Pasha Mahomes at because...
Speaker: because I think 12 to 1 are just fantastic odds for someone like him who is still in a lot of people's eyes probably the face of the actual organization if not by the people who watch it if anything so if he comes out and puts up numbers that he did two or three years ago they'd only love to try that throw that award back to him so at 12 to 1 I think why not it's not quite your 33 or 35 to 1 of what have you said but I didn't know how how outside the box we were going on this.
Speaker: ah Well, hey, Shane, that, they all depend if he loses his job to just the fields. That is the question. Oh, no. We might not see him on field. I was going to put Justin Fields in here as my underdog, but I said I better leave him. better, I'm trying to keep his little Jets talking it this year after what I said last year, so...
Speaker: ah Yeah, that's probably be the best bet. We'll see when we get to who's going to get into the playoffs, if you've gone mad again or not. But we'll get to offensive player the year then. And this is kind of piggybacking off the MVP because it's usually an offensive player again.
Speaker: I'll throw out my two picks first. I feel like the first guy I've gone chalk, I've gone Jameer Gibbs. I just think the fact that he's the lone back now for the Lions and there's no one else to take and he carries off him, he's just going to be He's going to go crazy this year. He's going to be so, so good. And I really highly rate the Lions going into this season. I think they're going to have a big bounce back.
Speaker: And then for my underdog, I've gone with Malik Neighbors, 40-1. Huge bounce back opportunity. In his rookie year, he was dominant. And who did he have thrown the ball to him? Like a plethora of nobodies.
Speaker: And he was superb. Then last year, obviously, he got the injury, which is unfortunate. But if he comes back and matches that same ability he had in his first year, I think he could rack up numbers. Now, I don't think he will win this, but I do think he'll have a big season. And at 40 to 1, that's my underdog.
Speaker: Would you not be more likely put him in maybe comeback player the year rather than offensive player the year, no? Yeah, but we're not doing comeback player the year like so. Yeah, we're not going to win either anyway. Yeah, it doesn't matter. Oh yeah, it's like Zeno Smith and other win both. Sorry about that.
Speaker: I'm going to go next because I've decided. Yeah, I also have Jameer Gibbs. What I've written here is that, is it the obvious answer again? Yes. But he is the absolute main man in Detroit, like you said. He's the lone back now. He's going to her absolutely just go off. And they have such an easy schedule as well that there's no excuses for him not to put up the same kind of numbers he did last year and maybe even go above it as well. My underdog then is Justin Jefferson, 18-1. I couldn't believe he was 18-1.
Speaker: I know he had a really, really poor year last year with only two touchdowns, but the man is still a joke. He's still one of the top three, top five best receivers out there. He just needs someone to consistently find him at the ball again, and he'll canll make things happen. I just think 18-1 is, I just think they're crazy odds. And then a little side one is Ashton Gentry is 75-1. I absolutely wasn't throwing him out there as my actual underdog, but I think 75-1.
Speaker: for a man playing behind you a brand new offensive line his team have a new defense he might get more touches on the field maybe he'll put up numbers and you'll never van know so if if he does win it if we can just come back to this next year and say I was a genius but I wouldn't be backing him myself. ah ah okay and un what you even you you Okay, I've not gone Jimmy Gibbs. Oh.
Speaker: i I, hello. I worry that because he's essentially the lone back that, you know, it might be too much for him. ah Not as in the stars would be too bright, but don't worry about his health with having more, more carries.
Speaker: So now I've changed mine since just looking at it now. I'm going to go with... I reckon... i reckon... Jumachais might have ah another very good year.
Speaker: And I feel like... ah maybe Maybe there'll be more more more more more priority in the passing or there'll be less standout running backs maybe this year. So his accolades might stand out even more so this year. Yeah.
Speaker: New look offense as well for the Bengals with Burrow going to be under center a lot more so. And I think i think Joe Burrow is starting to lose his mind at this point. And I think he said on multiple occasions, like, it is do or die, is make or break, or I'm gone, essentially. so And I know, you know, Jamar Chase is like, that's his guy. So he's going to make sure that Joe is going to stick around for as long as he can. So I think Jamar Chase is going have...
Speaker: a really good year and, know, the talks of offensive player of the year, especially if the Bengals go through to the playoffs as well. um And then my my underdog with that one is another receiver, considering i mentioned the quarterback, I'll go here with CeeDee Lamb. Why not? and Okay. I know he's, you know he's constantly...
Speaker: you know, named, well, up there is one of the best receivers in the league. So why not? Why can't he now step up and be the number one? Why can't he, you know? In the place of the Cowboys. Well, there's that. But maybe, hey, maybe Justin Jefferson has another sour a year because of the, whatever quarterback fiasco is going on there. Maybe Kyle Murray can't do it.
Speaker: Now, JSN, I think, won't have have as good a year as he did. you know maybe This is all just paving the way for Malik Neighbors. Great. Great news. All right. right Okay. All right. All I actually think are going but two things ah i actually think that that that CD Lam is an actual chance for Triple Crown, though, because... yeah it's a If Pickens doesn't fire as much and they just feed targets to CD, then it's actually realistic. and I think Jefferson is a good shout for racking up crazy yardage and touchdowns. But then with Addison there, it might take away a little bit. But I do think that he is a good shout as well. Both of those underdogs are, yeah, I like them.
Speaker: Defensive player the year then, Shane. Let's hear your one first this time around. And I'm your underdog. I've got Will Anderson Junior at 8-1 as my favorite. The man is a freak show.
Speaker: um 12 sacks last year, 20 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, two recovered, one touchdown, played every game, obviously, 35 solid tackles.
Speaker: If he puts anywhere near those numbers again this year and Myles Garrett doesn't go and break his own sixth record again, then I don't see how this man doesn't get it because he's on the best defense in the league in day at the Texans and he's Probably best in class of what he's doing outside obviously of... Myles Garris.
Speaker: So i just I just think this man's a freak and at 8-1 the odds are short enough but he's not the favourite favourite and I couldn't keep going for the favourite favourite so I had to go for the second favourite. What about your underdog?
Speaker: Max Cosby 20 to 1 I think this man is going to be on an absolute mission this year the defence has taken a big step forward in terms of like people on this we'll see if they can actually do it when it comes to game time now but if they're going to do anything on defence he's going to be the leader of it and if if they get into the playoff somehow by some freak freak accident or something I think he could be well in the running for defensive player year I think it means he's had one hell of a season yeah Yeah, I like that. I really like that Crosby one.
Speaker: That like fire in your belly when everything went on in the summer surely has to be there for him. Conan, what have you got as your two picks? the Okay, believe it or not, I've gone against what I've written down again. So, I think i think as boring as it is, right? As boring as it is, i think Myles Garrett might do it again.
Speaker: I know that the ensemble that has now might diminish, might downplay or might take away his numbers, but I still think he... because Especially if the Rams go all the way, you know with them being favorites now.
Speaker: And he will still be the the main guy on that defense. Well, on whatever defense he goes on, he is the main guy. So I don't see why e can't do it again. I know Aaron Donald is there, but know I I just think he's in he's in his prime. He's ah ah just a freak specimen and going to a better team where maybe because there's a better ensemble,
Speaker: they'll have to pay more attention to the w rest of life rather than just him. know, it could be, it could go either way. So that's why I'm going to bank on him having, know, more, more fun again this year. And then my, um,
Speaker: My underdog then, my underdog then, i had another name on my head, but it's gone now. So now this name, you're not not going to like, but okay, we're looking at, even though I hate, i well, no, hate, hate's the wrong word. I dislike, i dislike the signing. Yeah. And I dislike the contract that a certain team gave him.
Speaker: But, maybe Maybe there's a reason why. So that's why my underdog pick for Defensive Player of the Year is Chase Young of the New Orleans
Speaker: Saints. I would be surprised if there's even odds on this. it let me I need to get the odds up right now. I have the odds checker up. I can tell you where he is. You may not find us. No, I remember the other name. Sorry. Bye-bye. Bye-bye. No, no, no. You have to double down on this. is No, no, no, no. He's 300-1 on bet 365. Oh, hey. Hey. Go big or go Well, it's either him or Jared Verce on the Browns. Yeah, that's a that's a better shot. Yeah. i think
Speaker: That's a better shout. Jarvis on the Browns, I think. He's got... He'll be... I don't know if we can swear on this one, but he he's going to be livid. you knew everyone hiss He's pissed. He's pissed. He's freaking out the big boy words. Can't believe he said this. Jesus. all right okay he's He's pissed that he's on the Browns, all right?
Speaker: So I think he's going to show in in his play, all right? Now, whether he has a ah historic year like Myles Garrett had, is I don't think that'll be the case. But...
Speaker: I think he's going to be an entirely different person. And I think he's going to take the role you know the leadership role you know seriously with the Browns now because he's kind of yeah the the main guy on the defense now. So he's going to try and up the game for everyone else. So I think he's a a good underdog shout rather than Jaycee Young.
Speaker: Yeah, I think that the Browns actually have a pretty easy schedule and they might not do that badly. defensibly Because obviously they have their own division and then I think they have one of the easiest strength of schedules and with the other matchups. But when you were talking about Myles Garrett there and you were saying about you know how the the rest of the ensemble could take away or add to him, I believe that that'll help him because it'll take more of the heat off him in big moments, especially if Donald does play in regular season games. However, I've gone with Will Anderson Jr.,
Speaker: back-to-back seasons. I went with him last year and I really believed that that was going to be his year. Myles Garrett just exploded. But I think Will Anderson, after getting his payday, Shane said it all, like how good he was last year. And on this defense, there's so many guys that are so good. For him to rack up those numbers is mad.
Speaker: And you'll see a trend as I go through here with Texans because I think they're going to be superb this year. Next up is you're another one you're not going to like for my underdog. 35 1. Abdul Carter.
Speaker: abdo carter You want to listen to the statistical profile of this guy last year. He led the league. No, we don't. Yeah, you do. He led the league in time to pressure 2.39 seconds.
Speaker: He had 48 quick pressures, which also led the NFL just because he didn't have sacks. You know, it was like, oh, it wasn't a great season. He he was so good on that line as the season evolved. And we had potato call in place on the on the defense in Shane Bone.
Speaker: He is just an idiot. Like he had no idea what he was doing. Now we've got a proper defensive scheme. Also got way better linebackers with Edmonds and Arbel Rees playing at linebacker.
Speaker: And you still have Brian Burns coming off the other edge and Kay Von Thibodeau as an option. So I think that he will have a great season. Now will he win defensive player the year? Highly unlikely. But 35-1 is a good bet for someone I think that could rack up numbers this year because...
Speaker: How fast he is off the edge is scary in this league. So yeah, I think he he has some kind of a chance. 35-1 is actually better odds than I thought for Abdoul Kata. I will not lie. I do apologize if I've just offended him.
Speaker: That's okay. Well, Jared Verst was twenty eight to one So the fact that he has higher odds than Jared Versting says a whole lot. I think he's... far undervalued than he possibly should be but that doesn't mean like I still wouldn't put him in the top 10 it's just because he didn't get sacks last year and if he got the sacks then he would be in a better spot because this this is kind of a whoever rocks up the most sacks award basically but yeah i those are my two picks so we'll move on to coaches then coach of the year favorite and underdog conan we'll go to you first okay
Speaker: So I think i think the Broncos are going to have a good year. so And I think especially will be down to the to the coaching as well behind it, getting all this together.
Speaker: Getting all this band together. And I think it's really solid defense, really solid offense. And ah I think... But Bo Nix's injury last season, I reckon it would have actually been a very real toss-up in the Super Bowl, I think, personally. I know the C-O2 are unbelievable, but I think Broncos could have given them a run for the money.
Speaker: So, I reckon Sean Payton might... might have in him to to to do that. I see you smiling. I reckon Sean Payne might do it. to Get the Saints in as many ways as they can here written down in front of him.
Speaker: It actually just says Saints to bring up Saints on this talk. No, I think Sean Payne can do it. I think he's it's you know hes just he is a good coach as much as people hate him.
Speaker: And I'm meant to hate him because he's he's left us, but he is a good coach. So I've got him there. And underdog now. I don't know.
Speaker: and You make some hilarious noises when you're thinking outrage so no it's No, it's a weird one with... This is not so weird long the time or the space for thinking. that The thinking should be done here. Who's your underdog? All right. All right. We'll go. Okay. The underdog. We'll go with Jesse Minter then. And he's here with the Ravens. Okay. He's the favorite. He's the favorite to win it. So yeah. I put the favorite as the underdog. That's quite funny. Shane.
Speaker: how how can he say How is he? Sorry. How is he favorite though? He hasn't even, right. New team, new coach. dollars Yeah. um and pi Himself and John Harbour are both 8-1. I did have Jesse Middorin as my favorite and that is because i just ive I've never understood how this award is given out.
Speaker: Yeah. Someone goes, the two guys go into new teams all of a sudden they're the two favorites win the award, even though the two teams have gone into one of them are crap. I apologize, but the Giants on paper are bit crap. And the other one are a Super Bowl favorite. So how dare both the favorites. So just got him at him at 10 to 1.
Speaker: But underdog, I've got him at Demeckle Ryans. He's 40 to 1, Houston Texans head coach. if if they can do anything mad or massive, then 40 to one could be outrageous. But again, he's not going to win it because it's not only one of the new lads that have shown up.
Speaker: And just for fun, Robert Sala is 12 to one. was going to put him out there as my only Jeff reference. Well, it's, man he's, he's a new coach on a new team, blah, blah, blah. The same bullshit as Jesse Minter is 10 to one and John Harbour is eight to one. Do you have all the odds in front of you there?
Speaker: Can you say, what's Tom Payton out there? I'd say he's fairly way outside because he's been there for so long.
Speaker: Sean Payton is 100-1 with Unibet, 80-1 with Bet365. They rarely give it to someone if they've been there and they've already done really well. like Mike Craywell is 90-1.
Speaker: Yeah, that would be a bad look to give it to him after that. Okay. After everything. My two picks are the exact same as yours, Shane. We're on the same wavelength here.
Speaker: This defense for the Ravens is going to bounce back in a major way, and that's going to be down to Jesse Minter, and he's also going to get Lamar Jackson backfiring. So I have him as my favorite, and he is a new coach on the block, so obviously that gives him a boost. And D'Amico Ryans, I had him down at here. You had him 40, so that's pretty good. He...
Speaker: is going to dominate with this team, this defense, and they're going to get the one seed. He's going to get them to the AFC one seed. They're going to dominate this year. And he is a great pick for this. And the only thing that would s slow him down is the fact that he's been there for a while, in my opinion.
Speaker: um Other than that, if this was like maybe a second year, he would be up there for a favorite of this ward. But yeah, those are my two picks. We have offensive rookie year and defensive rookie year. Let's just quick fire these, where our thoughts behind them, and then we'll move into...
Speaker: Our playoff teams. So for offensive rookie of the year, I went Jadarian Price as my favorite. Six to one. He averaged six yards per carry last year on just 113 carries and 11 touchdowns. He's a ridiculous talent. Jeremiah Love is better than him. But Jeremiah Love is going on terrible team and Price will be in one the best teams in the league. So he's going to stand out.
Speaker: And my backup or underdog backup is Jacoby Lane. 20 to one big playability he'll offer similar to malachi field i think because he's big six foot four 200 pounds 15 yards per catch last year he bagged 12 touchdowns on 42 receptions a couple of years back a little bit slower last year but i think he'll he'll be made for this offense opposite zay flowers and then on the defensive side my favorite is arbel reese i think he'll line up at linebacker but he'll do everything he can play in coverage
Speaker: He can rush the quarterback. He'll have sacks. He'll have interceptions and he'll be a star, I think, on this team. And then my underdog is Mansoor Delane at 10 to 1. Steve Spagnuolo gets so much out of cornerbacks.
Speaker: He might not get a huge number of interceptions, but I think that'll be down to quarterbacks to literally just going to opposite side of him as much as possible because he is locked down and he'll do a great job for the Chiefs this year. So he's my my underdog pick.
Speaker: Conan, I'll throw to you to get your your thoughts on on these two awards. So from training camp, this guy's done really well. I know preseason, not so much, but I've gone, Carnell Tate is my offensive rookie of the year.
Speaker: I think he's really going to elevate Cam Ward's game. I think as underdog, I love, I love Jacoby Lane. i i I really think he's going to do special things with the Ravens. So out of spite that you picked him, I know that i know that the Browns are going to be awful this year, but love Casey Concepcion on the Browns. I think special teams...
Speaker: the returnability as a receiver anyway. He's listed a wide receiver number one already. i i just think he's going to be seriously good with the Browns, but then obviously the Browns are going to suck. So I don't know how well that's going to help him with his offensive rookie of year.
Speaker: know ah the campaign. Now, defensive rookie of the year, I'm quite shocked that you didn't mention this guy's name at all, James. I've gone with Reuben Bain with the Bucs. I think same as Jared Verst. I think he's pissed that people, you know, he picked it was picked so low that people coined him, you know, the T-Rex in pads, essentially. I just think his his bend, his aggressiveness, his hand placement because of his short arms, you know, yeah he's having to depend on his hand placement really and to do everything right and his technique right.
Speaker: So I think he's going to be seriously good. I've already seen clips of him and he just looks crazy good. So Rupert Bain and then the underdog, I'll go with Arvel Rees. I know it's not much of an underdog, but I'll go with him, I think. Same reasons as you, really, James. you know He's going to be in better scenarios to get the stats rather than a Sonny Stiles would be. So I'll go with Arvel Rees on that one.
Speaker: Famously due to my infamous college knowledge, actually have a mix of all of yours somewhere. So I have Arvind Rhys as well as my underdog at 17 to 2. It's because I asked Chastry with he who to put in as the favours. And they said Reuben Bain. So Reuben Bain is in as my favours. I have Casey Concepcion in as my underdog as well because just liked his name. I don't know a single team about any of these. He's coming in. He's my underdog. It's brilliant. I love it. I love it. My favorite for Wednesday Rook of the Year. I genuinely, one thing I do know is that it has got to be Jeremiah Love for the money he's getting paid coming into the league. It's an absolute...
Speaker: It's a joke, to be perfectly honest. He has to just he has be firing out the block straight away. He needs to be defensive rookie of the year. And then Kenyon Tadiq is a really cool fifty five to one if you fancy putting a euro on to lose a euro. So there you go.
Speaker: Oh, yeah. Talk about quickfire. All credibility of this podcast out the window. First Chase Young is on the dog. Defensive player of the year. Now this... okay let's move into our team-based predictions because that's the player side of things done um start with our conference predictions first and we'll go with our afc division winners so shane we'll get you up first uh for your four division winners in the afc and we'll go around the houses we go shane conan and then to me and then if we have any thoughts before we move into wildcard spots
Speaker: Okay, I think this was kind of it kind of picked itself for me to be perfectly honest. So Bills, Ravens, Texans and Chiefs. The Bills are, they ah they are the best team in that division quite comfortably. The Ravens, I think they have the best roster.
Speaker: Obviously Cincinnati will be tough. But I just think they have enough to get them to that one seed. The Texans, I just think they're and they're just going to come on leaps and bounds from what they did last year. i think CJ Stroud is going to come back to what we know he was before he got absolutely blown apart last year. He got absolutely space jammed last year, whatever happened to He'll be back this year.
Speaker: And then I've already put Patrick Mahomes in as my underdog for MVP. I think the Chiefs are going to be back this year. I just think so. I'm not 100% sure, but I just think they'll be back. So they're my four...
Speaker: my four division winners obviously you're going to go completely different to me because you both had the biggest shock I've ever seen on faces in my whole entire life no no no not at all no I mean I I think me and James had the that the same the same reaction the same thing because I've gone I've gone Ravens Bills Texans yeah Broncos. Yeah. well Broncos winning winning that one because of the whole Justin Fields scenario. And I know that Andy Reid is a football genius, but but can you you can't polish a turd. I don't know if yeah how much you can get out Justin Fields, but we'll see on that one.
Speaker: But how many games this field' is Fields going to play? Is it 21 or two? thought it was seven. No, it's going to be probably like three maybe. I thought was 7, thought it was real bad. I was looking at Patrick Mahomes in my fantasy, I have him as one of my keepers and I was like, it says he's back in week 3 which probably means week 4. It's definitely not going to be 7 or 8 games. No i don't think so. I thought you meant when you said you can't polish a 30, you meant this roster.
Speaker: Because this roster is 30. uh it's it's looking i think it's looking it's kind of gone past where it where it should be they haven't really improved massively the o-line is still crap and they were bad last year with my home starting so i think both of our reaction to you shane was you when you put in the chiefs because i also have bills ravens and texans they're all the strongest teams in their division and i already said about the texans i think they're going to be the one seed in the AFC. and But although I think the Broncos are the better team, I've gone with the Chargers.
Speaker: I think the Chargers are going to just... The famous Matthew Stafford Chargers. Yeah. I think with Mike McDaniel... i knew it was coming up. The defense to continue as good as it was before, they're just going to... like drive through this season and win a lot of regular season games. I think they'll crash out again in the playoffs. I don't have them making any noise any further than this, but I have them being close to the Broncos and just pipping to them, pipping them to it this time. And the odds are ridiculous. The Chargers are nine to five and the Broncos are a better price at 11 to five, but the Broncos are a better team. So I would, I would bet on the Broncos if I wanted to bet, but I think the Chargers will manage to do it.
Speaker: think we should pause for a second because lost Shane. Sorry, I'm back. I'm essentially off my jumper. It was got it just getting unbearably worse. We didn't get the striptease. That was so quick. That was so quick.
Speaker: So, yeah, I think we we we should probably just move on to wildcard spots because I think we we're all very similar there. We have a different AFC West winner, but the rest is all the same for us. the only thing i'd say about the charges i know the defense was unbelievable last year but i was i'd say jesse mince had the big part on that as well true true he did but i i just think that they're one of those teams that are built to play well in the regular season and then see what happens after that but yeah broncos is probably the smarter pick and that's why i've got them as my wildcard team first wildcard team Oh, I've also got the Bengals.
Speaker: I do think that they'll do better on defense this year and get enough wins to get through this last spot. Then was, I changed my mind a few times on this, but I'm going with the Patriots. I e was between them and the chiefs, but I can't get there with this chiefs team.
Speaker: Um, And I think the Patriots, while they have gone kind of for some older players and they've gone full commanders on us here, I think that they've got better coaching in place and their offensive line will probably improve as well. So I'm going Patriots to grab the last wild card spot.
Speaker: Conan, what have you got for your wild cards? Believe it not, i'm I'm overlooking this again, but won't. But I've gone for the Bengals. I think they're going to be a lot stronger this year.
Speaker: And like you said, on defense as well, Dexter Lawrence is massive help. I've gone with the Jags. purely based on how well Trevor Lawrence was last year. and surely, surely, ah knock on wood, if I have that any wood here, but there is no way, there is absolutely no way that he is...
Speaker: having a calamitous year afterwards. I think the offense is brilliant, and I think the defense, you know, the defense wasn't solely Devin Lloyd. So, I think that team as a whole was... I think that team as a whole will still be alright.
Speaker: But I am overthinking it now, because the Chargers have a better setup going on, I think. So... what whatever I'll stick with the Jags because you know I'm a man and I stick with my decisions so Bengals Jags and I've got the Chiefs last I think I can't see the Chiefs miss out on the play playoffs again so I I have the Chiefs in there as well especially now that I've learned that Justin Fields isn't actually there for as long as a boy be as a star so and I struggled with between the Broncos and the Patriots in this. So I have the Bengals and the Chargers as well, but the Broncos and the Patriots is such a toss-up for me, more than it is for you, clearly, because one of you has the Broncos winning the division and the of you has them as their first option. But I think the Patriots, how tough their schedule is this year compared to last year, I think you might come back and bite them a small bit. So I am going to go with the Broncos on this over the Patriots, but...
Speaker: I just think ah would not surprise me at all if the Patriots do get through. I do think they still have a good bit of upside. And as they get into a Super Bowl last year, I think they're going to want to not kick on because I know they were so far ahead of schedule getting to that Super Bowl last year. But for them to not even get to playoffs this year, I think would be ah massive kick in the teeth for Patriots fans.
Speaker: But I just think this side is just it's stacked that anyone who does miss out in the playoffs is kind of like, oh, well, fair enough. Look at the teams that got in ahead us. Yeah, I don't think it would be the worst thing if ah Patriots fans didn't get exactly what they wanted for once.
Speaker: So I had to get them in there at the end, but i yeah, i I don't know. I could see them missing out too, personally. i think looking at...
Speaker: the Jags kind of like they were so reliant, so reliant on turnovers last year. And that is such a bad omen for your next season. And Devin Lloyd is the heartbeat of that defense.
Speaker: And their draft was horrendous. They tried to like, it was galaxy brain everything. And they didn't bring anybody new in and tried to be like super geniuses about the whole thing. And so I'm a little bit concerned about them, to be honest with you. And Trevor Lawrence is still Trevor Lawrence. Yeah, I can't buy into him either. don't know, though, because i because I thought that as well, but he was so good last year. So good last year. and If we can see it again this year, I think I'll believe in him fully, but I can't until it's doubled up because he's so shown so many times like he dropped off so massively from his first year in the league. But those are our teams. we We differed slightly there, so we'll jump into the NFC side of things then. I'll go first this time with my division winners and then throw it to you, Conan, and then Shane.
Speaker: okay i think we'll differ a bit across the board here especially when it comes to the nfc south because conan knows who i'm picking i'm going with the cowboys to win the east i think they are in business this year the defense is going to be better schottenheimer has them humming i think they're the best team in that division better than the eagles the lions then for the north i think they're going to bounce back massively They were in the spot they were in last year. Look, I've i've brought this up before, but I don't know if if for everybody listening, DVOA, defense adjusted value over average, I think is a really good stat to determine how good you were, really. It takes situational football into play.
Speaker: And last year, the Lions were third in DVOA behind the Seahawks and Rams, despite having a bad season. So they clearly have the talent and they were quite unlucky with injuries. I've gone the Panthers at 7-2 to win the South.
Speaker: I think they're the best team in this division, even though they have a tough schedule. and Yeah, I just think that the division is still crap, like and they'll come out on top. And then lastly, I've gone with the Rams to win the NFC West. I think they're the best team in it. It'll be close between them and the Seahawks, but I do think they have too much firepower, and the Seahawks lost some key pieces, so I'm going with the Rams to win that one.
Speaker: Conan, have you got? I've gone A lot of questions by the looks of his face. The Saints. No, I'm not going to go there. I've gone for the Cowboys as well.
Speaker: I think the Cowboys are going to be serious business this year. To think that they had essentially the worst defense last year going to be totally different. And like James said, Schottenheimer has got things rolling there.
Speaker: And I think with a competent defense as well, I think we're going to see big things in Dallas. I've gone with the Rams as well. It's another one that I'm on the same boat as James. This is where he gets off the boat after this one. It's the the way he's jumping around here. He's going to go for a third one the same as you and then the Saints. The 49ers being next to their power station and everyone getting injured. yeah It's no ideal. And the Seahawks, as good as they are, they have lost some key pieces as well. Now, the NFC North, I've gone with the Bears So I've gone with the Bears.
Speaker: Can't do this. So... I know, i do apologize. Now, i just think, i i I think that just... Who didn't think? like
Speaker: I think good coaches good good coaching in place. Like I said before, I worry about Jameer Gibbs being the main back with the Lions. So know I don't know how consistent he can be with that.
Speaker: But I would love to see him be the great back. I he did do it when Montgomery was injured already. So I think he has proven it. But I get your point. A full season is different. Yes.
Speaker: So it's it is a difficult one. that That division anyway is stacked. Like it's stupidly stacked. So, you know, you can't have... It's hard. You can't all... All of them can't win the division. So I've gone with the Bears. All right. I think Caleb will step up a little bit more.
Speaker: this is, you know, the Madden curse. where with Which other one. Now, NFC South... So I've not gone with Panthers. I've gone with the Tampa Bay box for this one.
Speaker: I've not gone with the saints on this one. I've gone on the Tampa Bay box. I think Ruben Bain is going to help out that defense. ah my My hope is that Emeka Kabuka steps up as the wide receiver one, even though he's still hurt at the moment for some reason. It's like 60% in training and stuff like that. But um i i I just think they are the best team in the NFC South and now it's I think it's just them imploding they'll ah mess it all up for them essentially so that those are my NFC division winners so move over to you now Shaney thanks so much also have the box so you're very welcome to the train they're 8-5 the reason I've gone with them to win it is they're the most stable quarterback and he's a man who knows how to win the division games and
Speaker: As you said, James, it's a pretty crappy division. Baron, my Atlanta Hawks, who are just wonderful. The Falcons, the Falcons, my Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta Falcons, who are just wonderful in every way. But but i I just think Tampa at 8-5.
Speaker: It won't be glamorous by any stretch the imagination, but if they could get to maybe nine or ten wins, I think that would get them over the line. I've gone with the Rams as well because i just think they're just an absolute joke. They don't need to go too much more into it.
Speaker: For the Lions, their defense is still pretty average, but their offense will get them over the line. They'll win that division. But I've gone with the Eagles over the Cowboys. It might just be, I don't know. i just i just don't fancy the Hellboys. I just think they're like they they're just like they they're like the Spurs of the NFL. like There's so much promise and potential there. And every time it comes to it, they just let everybody down consistently.
Speaker: They're not going to win this division. The Eagles will win it. And the Eagles are 6-5, Lions are Rams are 20-21.
Speaker: okay how Okay. Interesting. and i I've gone different vibes on the Eagles altogether here, but Shane will stick with you for wildcard spots.
Speaker: I'd rather you didn't know after saying that, to be perfectly honest. So I have the Seahawks.
Speaker: so i have the sea hawks I think there's no way they're not getting a Wildcat spot after winning Super Bowl It would be outrageous. I had the 49ers, despite the fact that they're beside the power plant. I think they have to get it. I think they have to get it. It would be mad if they didn't with the offense they have.
Speaker: And I've gone with the Cowboys reluctantly. It was between them and the Packers that I just think they're a bit better than the Packers. they had They do have a good offense as well. um If they can just kind of not explode or implode, whichever way it is. If that Prescott can win MVP for Connan, then I think they'll be okay. So I have reluctantly put the Cowboys in there.
Speaker: I wish everyone was here. Yeah, he'd be loving To suck me over the hill, but yeah, no. There we go. Okay, Conor, what have you got for your wildcard spots?
Speaker: So I've gone with, of course, the Seahawks because I think they're too good not to be in the playoffs. now Now I'm wishful thinking, okay? No. This is with belief in...
Speaker: with belief in Kyler Murray yeah and that the that the offense can, you know, Kevin O'Connell is one of, you know, if not the best quarterback whispers in the league the moment.
Speaker: think that's fair to say. James does not agree with me. Oh, I do. i do. I do i agree. oh Okay. ah So I think if he can't sort Kyler Murray out, then no one can. So I have high hopes. I think that defense anyway, but Brian Flores is just like a good defensive coordinator. I absolutely love the Vikings defense every single year. So I think that team as a whole is just solid. So I think the Vikings are another one.
Speaker: And now the third spot. Okay. So yeah, this one I hate because... in my head it has to be it has to be an nfc north team it has to be but then i'm also thinking well the nfc north teams have to play each other more often than anyone else does so does that does that guarantee more wins than the other nfc wildcards you know but the be hopeful teams
Speaker: So that's why i have the Eagles in this wildcard spot. Even though, going to say this on record, i do not rate the Eagles or how they're going to come into this year at all.
Speaker: And I do obviously rate the NFC North teams higher than them. But I just think because the NFC North teams have to play each other, and on a technicality, because of the win ratio that they get, I think the Eagles are going to go through with it. Because, you know, they're going stump the Giants, stump the Commanders. So I think that i think that'll help them. whether They're not a better team than those NFC North teams, but...
Speaker: That's what I think anyway. I think that's the one thing about these wildcard teams is that once you picture division winners, literally any other team bar the Saints could get into it. What the hell? What the hell?
Speaker: What the hell? What the hell? Sorry, but are you not aware that Tyler Shuck is on the Saints team? That's why he fell out. Do you forget about it?
Speaker: I'll just say it literally could be any team from either side that get these wildcard spots. There's so many good teams that, even if you're not good, you're decent enough to win your six or seven games that could get you into these wildcard spots. And that's why i but that's why it's so hard to to pick these spots. i'm like I'm leaving out the Bears, the Falcons, who else am I leaving out? The Packers. There are three teams that... he likes the Falcons man just let him Falcons stop making faces why are the Falcons in this conversation why no I'm not having this after berating my Saints no after the slide dig of my Saints no anyway continue there James Sam I think i think it's your go next yeah I think so
Speaker: Okay, I've got the Seahawks, just to keep it simple to start off. We've all got them Super Bowl champs. Not much to be said. i fully agree with you on Kevin O'Connell and Kyler Murray. I've got the Vikings as well. I think also on 19-4, they're a really good price to win the division. I think they'll be pushing up there with the Lions, to be honest with you.
Speaker: And yeah, at this point, it's like, do you go with somebody like the Packers or Bears, or do you go with... Oh, I'm going to have to go to the NFC East here because these teams are... You have to play the commanders twice a year. So, yeah, that's why I've gotten the New York Giants because that's the only logical explanation at this point. These New York Giants, they are ready.
Speaker: They are ready to win ah enough games to get them into this wildcard spot. They're better than the commanders who are one of the worst teams in the league. Dan Quinn is getting hand after this. The Eagles...
Speaker: They got rid of the the best offensive line coach in the world and they're just like, yeah, see you later. Our offensive line is still going to be good. No, it's not. They got rid of AJ Brown, one the best wide receivers in the league.
Speaker: They still have Jalen Hurts. Sean Mannion is supposed to be some kind of genius and all season Jalen Hurts has just been throwing ducks in preseason waiting for for for getting picks left, right and center.
Speaker: They've lost people on defense. I think that they're going to take a downturn this year and Sirianni is going to do what he does and implode. So that leaves me by... yeah by deduction of every other team left with the New York Giants as the only logical suggestion. No, i no, no. No, Conor, we're going to leave him have it because this was me last year with with with the Jets and I got absolutely blasted left, and centre after this. So yeah i'm i'm I'm happy that it's him that's going to be getting...
Speaker: the flat this year. I can't wait to bring you to put up the clip next year of you picking the Giants. I can't wait. the the shirt for and I can't wait. It's going to be a long but very, very fruitful 12 months. when i when she the saids well I should have said less than that because you're going to clip this instead of you getting to the playoffs. when i clip When I make this clip, it's going to be of me picking the Giants, you talking all that rope, and then the Giants getting into the playoffs. Right, can we clip this? Can we clip this? We're clipping that. We can have that as the intro to it. Yeah, yeah. Okay, so those are my picks. What did you just say? That wasn't English. I don't know what you just said. For me? Yeah, that sentence made absolutely awesome. But anyway, continue. You just trilled off at the end of the sentence. You didn't finish it. You were like, let's just clip this. Okay.
Speaker: Oh, my bad. I don't know why I did that. It's going straight into Welsh. Yeah. Okay, let's get to the AFC Championship matchup and winners next, and then we'll do the NFC, and then we're on to our Super Bowl and to bring it home. So I'll go first here. AFC Championship matchup. I've got the Texans, I'm sure. You won't be surprised at that, considering how I've talked about them so far this episode.
Speaker: to play the Denver Broncos. They're not going to win their division, but they are going to get to the AFC Championship matchup. I think that they are built for this and they're ready for it. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league, one of the best defenses, some great offensive weapons. They're just a really complete roster with good coaching.
Speaker: But I've got the Texans to beat them. 8-1, the Texans to win the AFC. This defense is scary good. It's the best in the league without a single doubt. They don't mess around. They just come at you and you cannot stop them.
Speaker: They've got players everywhere. They've got good offensive weapons. I know Jaden Higgins getting injured is a bummer, but they've still got Nico Collins and a lot more to offer with Jalen Noel. Hopefully Tankdale returns and looks okay for them. Montgomery is a good addition. Offensive line,
Speaker: looks better, and CJ Stroud should make a bounce back. So I've got them going all the way to the Super Bowl. I really like them this year. um Conan, what have you got? ah I do not have anything like that.
Speaker: i have I have the Jesse Minter Baltimore Ravens playing against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship ah match.
Speaker: Now, Yeah, yeah i and then the winner of that game, of that matchup, I have the ray Ravens winning it. Even though even though surely surely the Bills don't lose another AFC Championship game.
Speaker: But I don't know. there's I think there's something in the air about this Ravens team. And if if if they're all healthy... if things are going their way, then I don't see why not that why they can't go the distance. So I have the Ravens being the Bills in the AFC Championship match.
Speaker: Who do you have, Shaney? I remember this is this one absolutely sunk me last year. and So I hope the matchup I put out this year are actually able to play each other. um I have mix of both ears. I have the Texans and the Bills and the Bills winning.
Speaker: and The Bills are 5-1. I'm a bit like you. I think this Texans team are going to just be an absolute joke this year. I think they're going to be so good to watch. their Their defense love defending and I just I really enjoy watching them when they're going at it. So I'd like love to see them get here. But I just I do agree with Cunning that I can't see the Bills losing another AFC Championship match. I just I just don't think Josh Allen has it in him to lose another one. He's going to come out just with such a fire in his belly. I think that's the first cliche trying answer. That's okay. He's going absolutely mad for this. He's 30 this year.
Speaker: He's not going to want to be hitting 32, 33, 34 with this question still hanging over me with never playing the Super Bowl. So Biddles against Texans. Biddles come true somehow.
Speaker: i've got that that was the exact matchup I had last year Bills to beat the Texans so interesting one oh i I'm the the Ravens were right there for me in my mind but I just thought I could go with the two coaches that have been there a bit longer for this decision and and to pick the Bills and Ravens I think is a little risky because two new head coaches will work for both of them it's tough it's a tough one like oh did I actually did an an alternative matchup as well that I think could happen as well would be the Chiefs against the Ravens the um the other two they didn't put into my actual one and the Chiefs were 15-2 to win the conference when I looked that up obviously they're not going to do it but just wanted to show it out there because I researched this
Speaker: Okay, fair. so it' well Well, James, there go james i think it' risky I think it's risky to go with the Texans. How about that? They had a great defense last year. And how well did that take them? hey hey I think that's risky. How about that? I don't know where this attitude has come from from you in the last couple of minutes. I think you need to just...
Speaker: I don't know where this has come from. like I'm giving reasonable arguments and then he's taking it as a personal attack. It's okay, let your points out. You just made a little silly fool of yourself there, I think.
Speaker: There was only one personal attack here and it was me on the Saints. Now can we move on? Yeah, justified. Okay, NFC Championship matchup. We'll start with Shane this time. Shane, what have you got?
Speaker: I have the Rams against the Eagles. Although I'm starting to feel a bit silly about the Eagles now with the way you've talked them down. No, no, don't feel silly. I have the Rams getting to the final. They're 5-1 to win the NFC.
Speaker: Obviously Stafford, McVay, their loaded defense obviously makes them the favorites. I just think the Eagles have that wherewithal about them to to just keep going. and i know they were pretty crap last year. I don't think they're going be as crap this year.
Speaker: I think Jalen Hurts is still a top 32 quarterback in the NFL. So he's above Tyler Schultz. Yeah. i I just think they have enough in them. I'd love to see the Lions get there. Obviously, the Lions are a team I do really enjoy watching. They such an easy schedule and that it wouldn't be as surprised if they were able to coast through and just kind of get to this game.
Speaker: But I just, I don't see it this year. So I'm going with the Rams into the Super Bowl against the Biddles. Okay, Conan, what have you got?
Speaker: I have the Rams up and up to this point as well. But I have them... I have them playing against the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game.
Speaker: yeahp Yeah, you heard it here first. I have the Rams against the Cowboys. But... As boring as it is, I have the Rams beating them in the NFC Championship game. I i catch can't see the Cowboys getting to the Super Bowl this year. So I've got the Rams doing it, even though it's such a, I don't know. It's like, it's what everyone else is saying. Everyone else is like, Aaron Donald saying, no, they're going make it blah, blah, blah. and I'm feeding into it, but they are just too good. There's too much talent on the team. Like I just can't overlook them. picture Even if i I actually don't want to pick the same as everybody else, but I'm obviously going with the Rams here as well, but I'm going with the Lions.
Speaker: and For what you said, Shane, I think they're they're going to bounce back. I mentioned their DV away from last year. i think they'll be really, really good this time around. And the defense, I think, will be much improved. Aidan Hutchinson for a full year.
Speaker: And if Kirby Joseph and Brian Branch get back together at some point this season, then that'll be a scary... prospect for anybody and obviously their offense is so so good so i've got them against the rams but i have got the rams to win it in the in the jarred goff matt stafford bowl game i think too much too much good too many good players on this team the offense look and mvp from last year pukinaku is there still davante adams they've got the three tight end sets as an option karen williams is great defense forget even about the D-line which is the best in the league talent wise they've added so well to their DB room by adding Jalen Watson and Trent McDuffie that'll make such a world of difference so I've got them to get there but we've all got that so we'll move into the Super Bowl since we all agree on the Rams getting here just before we do move in can I just say on the Rams like do you think they're generally almost like oh they're too good to fail but are they maybe too good to succeed
Speaker: if that makes sense, that there's too much going on. There's too many stacked players that they might feed into their own hype of where we are literally unbeatable here and then kind of throw one in in the championship game or something and just get caught in a hop Lions or Saints there someone like that. Do you think that's actually possible?
Speaker: Maybe not the Saints, but with like with the Lions, they could be caught on an off day if they've won off day or they've... one bad quarter where they're just kind of half a second off the pace. And they're getting yeah literally too good for that to happen.
Speaker: and Yeah, that kind of thing. Exactly. See, i would i would be thinking the exact same thing, Shane. like i I always prefer the underdog and dog and i I hate these super teams that make it all the way.
Speaker: But these stupid super teams do make it all the way and it but just but boils just but gets my blood boiling. you yeah the box Tampa Bay Bucs super team when they had...
Speaker: you know Brady, Gronk, Fournette, when Devin White was like playing like the greatest linebacker that's ever played this game. yeah The Rams had a super team before with Von Miller, with OBJ, and they went all the way. so it's just The Seahawks had a super team in a way. you know They had the best receiver in the league.
Speaker: They had a solid running back. They had the best defense in league. So if... I hate saying it, but ah the the more so than not, the super team do make it, and it really bugs me. Yeah. yeah i think with And with Matt Stafford, it just takes another leap because, like, yes, the Seahawks roster was superb, but they had Sam Darnold, and that's why nobody picked him at the start the year, whereas Stafford is a reigning MVP, so it's like...
Speaker: even harder to overlook. But Super Bowl time then, we've all got our matchups. We've all got the Rams, but we've all got them against a different opponent. So, Conan, you have Rams versus Ravens. What way are you going with this?
Speaker: I have the Saints winning this one. stupid if I have, um I have, I think out spite, I did this. I have the Ravens winning the Super Bowl. Out spite. any given someven yeah Yeah, because I just didn't want to say the Rams.
Speaker: So it's going to be in and SoFi as well, which is going to be a crazy advantage for the Rams in my opinion. Oh my God. Oh my God. Okay, even better then. Even better. Spoilers. I'm going to pick the Ravens. going to pick the Ravens. Pick the Ravens to do the MOBA. And for for, who can say, to for Roquan Smith to run around the field going like this. like that Aaron Donald did.
Speaker: So, yeah, he'll have the final ill of interception to to to ice the game out, and he'll just go around pointing out his ring finger and be like, yeah, where's my ring?
Speaker: So, that's that's why I'm winning the Super Bowl. I don't know what's up with me today, I'm spiteful mood, don't know why. Okay, I think it's all the state's shots, that's why. Yeah, fair fair enough, Hugh. So, first first Super Bowl winner we've got is the Ravens, then Shane, you've got Rams and Bills, what way are you going?
Speaker: Yeah, so I do think Josh Allen is going to win a Super Bowl someday, but I don't think that day is going to be Valentine's Day of 2027, unfortunately. As you said, SoFi Stadium as well is just going to be such a help to them. I presume they'll get their own dressing room. There's no doubts over that. I'd imagine it's hardly a toss of a coin.
Speaker: Maybe he is of a coin. Well, they'll win the toss of a coin anyway somehow. And i just think the Rams will will get this done as the super team that they're going to be. Aaron Donnelly will go off on his second retirement. Maybe come back in two years time they build another super team and he's ready for it. But yeah. i just I just think the Rams, just based on the defense alone, their defense is an absolute joke. I know we've mentioned it a couple of times now, but how this has been allowed, like and how how do they have the cap space for this for a start and then then't be able to put together an offense as well is just wild. So, yeah, unfortunately, I just don't see how we how they're going to be stopped this year.
Speaker: I wouldn't mind if they were. I'm of a similar opinion. I think it'll be a great game because they've gone Texans, Rams, so it'll be super defensive. Both teams like just destroying each other and both quarterbacks trying to get as much as they can done.
Speaker: And in that situation, I'd always rely on Matt Stafford to be more seasoned than and learn from previous experiences against tough defenses and and come out on top in a pretty low scoring one. So I've got the Rams to beat the Texans. That exact matchup is 45 to 1 for the Rams to win it.
Speaker: in that order so yeah two for the rams one for the ravens very very interesting um going into this season to to see how it goes but we've all got the rams there so of course that means they're going to be absolutely terrible and get 20 injuries and nothing's going to go their way but uh No, we will move on quickly because I know, Conan, you do have to go.
Speaker: We did have one hot take each. Oh, no. Of course, we've kept you long enough already, but we did have one hot take each and our three best bets written down. We'll jump over that section and go to our over under wins draft as a little game to end it because I think that was but that was much more fun last year to look back on. And we came back. I haven't gotten to mention the Jets.
Speaker: I haven't gotten to mention the Jets once, so my hot take is the Broncos are going to win the AFC West. Oh no, I don't have answer about the Jets. The Broncos are going to win the AFC West. so I was just going to say, haven't mentioned the Jets the whole way through.
Speaker: And I'm still not going to, the Broncos are going to win the AFC West at 11 to 5. Now we can move on. What's going on there? Did your brain just melt down there for a second? and I didn't meet yeah didn't mention the jet. It's been a bit like Connors being melting for the last hour and several minutes. Oh yeah, that's what I'm going to do. was just going to be a piss-ache. But anyway, continue. Okay, so this is the Snake Style draft.
Speaker: Picking from the bookies lines of over under wins. So as an example, just take a random one here. The bears are marked at nine and a half. So we could pick like over nine and a half or under nine and a half.
Speaker: We'll go through in a snake style of our draft. We'll start with Conan since he is the guest. I think last year I had like four out of the five correct. So Shane, we'll throw it to you as second pick then. And then...
Speaker: I'll go third to to bring up the rear. So Conan, first of all, is with you. What have you go? What are you going with for your first overall pick in this draft? Okay, now now there's more pressure because James got 4.05 correct last year. Okay, out of spite, okay i have I'm going to go with the under on the Falcons winning 7.5 games.
Speaker: I just cannot. i with with the great With the great to ah turn the ball over and Michael Penis Jr., can't. I just can't. I just can't see them winning i more than that. No, no, I refuse. No.
Speaker: Okay. So I've i've the under on that one. That's my first pick. Shane, what have you got? you yeah He's actually taken my number one pick. I was going to with the Falcons over 7.5. He's taken them off the board. You can still take the over if he's going under. Okay.
Speaker: Oh no, i'll I'll come back to them some point. I'm going to go with the Lions over 10.5. They're even money. and I just think their're their schedule being as easy as it is, they'll be looking to really bounce back towards 11 or 12 wins this year. So I think three of my five last year, i i missed out by the half.
Speaker: So if I said someone's going to over 7.5, they won 7. So the Lions are going to do me favor and win 11. Okay. And not 10. Okay, interesting. and They were certainly on my shortlist of ones that i wanted. and But my first two picks that I did want are still here. So first I'm going with Broncos.
Speaker: How they're set of nine and a half is insane. They had 14 wins last year. They have the 11th easiest strength to schedule. It's ridiculous that they're at. nine and a half so I'm going with them and then I'm going Vikings over eight and a half I also went with Vikings over eight and a half last year I think and and it came through nine wins last year just about that was with JJ McCarthy Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer so I think this year it'll be a little bit better and I think they'll get those nine wins that I need so Shane it's back to you yeah this is the easiest pick off the board Saints under seven and a half 10 to 13
Speaker: It's your go now, Conor. You get to pick twice. but Oh, God. Okay. Can I just say, James, those are great picks.
Speaker: Thank you, sir. Great. You're sucks. Let's go with...
Speaker: let's go with Let's go with... I'll go with the over for the Raiders to win five and half games. Oh, that was the only one that was the only one that let me down last year, the Raiders.
Speaker: What, did you go over? and Yeah, i thought they were going to get there with Pete Carroll. I reckon they make it over. And as part my hot take, I reckon that top five rushing offense this year is going to take them over that five and a half win. So that's my second pick.
Speaker: Now, is this is this ah an eat too easy of a ah pick, having the Rams going over 11.5 wins as well?
Speaker: No, it's 33 picks. Whatever you want. to like I'll take the Rams there as well, I think. Fair enough. Good shout. Good shout with the Rams. I like it. Yeah.
Speaker: Shane? I'm going with the Giants on the over 7.5 as my third pick at 20-23. I just want to beat James to doing it. And I actually think david they do have a good chance with the coach the year favourite, John Harborough, in charge.
Speaker: I think they're obviously better than the Jets. And if the Jets' line is 5.5, then the Giants are going to win over 7.5. Okay, I like it. I had it down here, but I'm up next.
Speaker: Texans over nine and a half, 12 wins last year. They were the fourth best team in DVOA. I really think that they're going to do this and have us such a good year and definitely get more than 10 wins.
Speaker: So yeah, I'm going with them at nine and a half. Next up, I did have the Lions written down. That's what i really wanted, but they are gone at this point. So I'm going to have to go with the Titans under six and a half.
Speaker: They had three wins last year. Ward has looked scarily bad in preseason. They added a bunch of failed Giants and Jets players. I really don't like it. And I think that they're going to end up with under six and a half. I think the line is too high. So i think they'll maybe five or six wins. So that's what we've got next. Shane, next to you again.
Speaker: Yeah, this is when it gets bit chilly because every team is cracked. But I am going to go with the Falcons over 7.5 at 5-7 just because I think they're the second best team in football after the Rams.
Speaker: ah So, look, you have to back your boys sometimes. B. John Robinson is the best running back in the league. Not named Jameer Gibbs. So, I just don't see... I just i think they they have the...
Speaker: They have the potential to win eight, but i think they're going to win seven and let me down the way every team seemed to do last year. Okay. Okay. Fair enough. I like it. and Conan, you have two picks again to finish out your five.
Speaker: i have I'll go with the Ravens winning more than 11.5 games. I'll go with the over there. Super high that one. I think. Yeah, mad high.
Speaker: But i think I think with the Steelers being, reckon the Steelers be poor again. The Browns are the Browns, and the ba Bengals will give them yeah the the money's worth, but I reckon even if they split you know a ah win each there,
Speaker: i reckon I reckon they've got that. And then, so this is my last pick now, yeah? So I will go with, even though it's quite a low bar, but just with the quarterback trouble there at the moment, I have to go with the under with the Cleveland Browns, surely under five and half games. I got to go with the under there. I just can't see anything going right there right there besides Jarvis having a defensive player of the year performance. So that rounds out your five. You've got Falcons under seven and a half, Raiders over five and a half, Rams over 11 and a half, Ravens over 11 and a half, and Browns under five and a half. And Shane, what is your final pick?
Speaker: I'm kind of stuck in the middle Giroud now because I wanted the Browns on the under. I'm stuck between two, but I haven't mentioned the Jets all night.
Speaker: So I'm going to just put the Jets in at number five to go under five and a half wins at 10 to 11. I just, I think we're still crap.
Speaker: And I went absolutely wild on them last year with happiness. we've we've managed to keep the same coach. I don't say that in the fact but that he should have been snapped up by someone. I say that in the fact that how the hell did you not set fire a defensive coordinator who couldn't get into section in the whole season?
Speaker: So I just, I think five and a half is so generous. Obviously, I'd love to see him win six, seven, eight, nine, ten games, win a Super Bowl, but I just don't think it's happening this year. Yeah, so I've just got the Jets to go under 5.5 and to just be as miserable as always. Thanks so much. I did have them down, but a little bit later. So your total then is Lions over 10.5, Saints under 7.5, Giants over 7.5, Falcons 7.5, and Jets under 5.5. So rounding out picks here, I'm going go with the...
Speaker: so rounding out my picks here i'm gonna go with the I don't know. Can't decide between the last few here. I'm going to go with the Bears under nine and a half.
Speaker: That was my hot take. that They're going to have ah have a losing record this season. Seven and four and one score games last year. wow Terrible on defense. Didn't improve it at all. And Ben Johnson just said, oh we're going to coach better. You can't really do that on defense in the NFL. You need better personnel.
Speaker: um so yeah i'm going with them under nine and a half to wrap up i've got broncos over nine and a half vikings over eight and a half texans over nine and a half titans under six and a half and bears under nine and a half so that wraps the bears those yeah the bears under nine and a half was the other one ah was it when i was like i'm stuck in the middle it was between going with the jets under or the bears under and i went with the jets so you're welcome Thank you, sir. and I appreciate it. yeah have No problem at all. Happy to be of assistance. Well, we're going to let Conan go because he has given us so much of his time. He has to run for something and we really appreciate him jumping on. You make it out like i'm that thou thou that well said i You have something to go to and I'm i'm letting you go
Speaker: You literally have one minute. You told us to finish at seven and it's now, it's literally now seven, it's now 18.59.01 on clock here on my laptop. I'm letting you know. We've worked together.
Speaker: No, I'm not complaining. It's so sassy. This is the first time ever. We have timed something to perfection for the first time ever. And you're the reason we're going to go over. So I'm just going to say thank you very much. We we do really appreciate you coming on as always. And you you know we we do really appreciate you given you're giving your time up for things like these. We know it's like an hour and 20 minutes of your time.
Speaker: that you've just put in for us and so we do appreciate it. So thank you so much. No, no, you guys make out like I'm like, I have no time at all for anything. No, I love doing these. stuff I love doing these. Thank you very much for having me. It's just, I was just, just this week is just quite busy. to die So that is it. Yeah. So thank you very much. No, thank you guys. Thank you. Of course. We always appreciate it.
Speaker: Yeah, we surely will. With the Saint slander. Alright, so there goes Conan after another eventful episode. Really enjoyable once again. And we do appreciate him coming on, even though he thought we were using him as an excuse to end the episode. We were just showing the appreciation. and But yeah, hey it was another great episode. Shane, I'll throw it to to wrap it because we have gone on long enough.
Speaker: Yeah, so it's it another double episode week. So but we'll have our usual episode on Thursday as well. And just kind of continue listening. Now the NFL is back, we're back to having two sports again. So it won't all just be soccer base or NFL fans. People can come back again and we'll see you on Thursday again. I'm going keep it short. I'm about to piss myself.
