REAL TALK! with Doc and Marlon
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REAL TALK! with Doc and Marlon
NFL Predictions Week and Week 1 Picks ATS w/ Est in Oakland
We dive into MLB playoff race predictions before shifting to comprehensive NFL season forecasts including division winners, wild card teams, and Super Bowl contenders.
• Buffalo unanimously picked to win AFC East with potentially 14-15 wins
• Baltimore Ravens expected to dominate AFC North behind Lamar Jackson
• AFC West could be NFL's most competitive division with 3-4 games separating all teams
• Eagles favored in NFC East despite Dallas talent
• Falcons receiving strong support in NFC South with Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson
• NFC North predictions split between Detroit, Green Bay and Minnesota
• Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen leading MVP candidates
• TJ Watt consensus Defensive Player of the Year choice
• Week 1 game predictions including Eagles (-8) over Cowboys
• College football reflections highlighting LSU's impressive start
Join us next week as we review NFL Week 1 results and dive into WNBA discussion.
And welcome everybody to another episode of Real Talk. Doc, you doing all right today.
Speaker 2:Yes, sir, I sure am. I love our guests, man, do the intros, proud to have them.
Speaker 1:Yeah, we don't like them too much during football season, really baseball season for that matter, basketball season. You know, we tolerate each other because we were dealing with the same misery and pain dealing with the Lakers. But Raider S joins us, as he has always for our predictions and everything. So S joins us. What's up, man? How you doing.
Speaker 3:You know, just ready for tomorrow night. Just had my final fantasy football draft Feeling good. So, yeah, I'm ready for some football. But yeah, before we get to the football, though, my freaking Dodgers lost again tonight to the Pittsburgh Pirates. So, yeah, I'm ready for some football. But yeah, before we get to the football, though, my freaking Dodgers lost again tonight to the Pittsburgh Pirates. So, yeah, I'm ready for football.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, man. Welcome aboard Raiders. Love you, man. God bless you. Let's do it. Let's do it, brother, 100%. So here we are.
Speaker 1:We're almost on the home stretch of MLB right now. Wild card is, you know, right around the corner. So, doc, what are your thoughts right now? Just your big outlook on the AL, the NL. Who are you thinking is going to make it? Who's running away with the divisions? What are you thinking about baseball where it's at right now?
Speaker 2:Well, it's exciting coming down the stretch and I'm sure Ray has to agree, man because both the wild cards, both the American League and National League, are exciting. Man, you know, I just feel like Toronto and American League East, I think they do have enough, despite what Adam Schein said, to hold off the Yankees. They're two and a half up on the Yankees and Boston, and I think that you know Barrero's doing it, those cats. Toronto, man, we got to keep an eye on the Blue Jays and take them seriously. They've got 80 wins. Detroit, with Scrooge the pitcher, scrooge, they've got 81 wins, the best record in the American League, and it's one of those things where they seem to have got their act together in the, you know, american League Central, the Detroit Tigers and the National League, man, of course you notice the Dodgers they got 78 wins. But keep an eye on the Phillies, man. They got 80 wins.
Speaker 2:You know, in the National League East and it seems, despite the loss of Wheeler, they seem to be cooking right now with the Mets on their heels far back. You know, the wild card with the Cubbies and the Mets, and I'm actually pulling for the Cincinnati Reds. But it's getting exciting, brother, I would like to see an American League count rally make it with its 50 home runs as a catcher, or over 50. But I don't know if Seattle has enough, man. You know, and it's one of those things where you know, in the American League West, man, you always got to look out for Houston.
Speaker 2:You know, and it's one of those things where you know, in the American League West, man, you always got to look out for Houston. You know, I don't know how they do it, but they still got. You know the wherewithal and the experience in the American League West, but you know, it boils down to Dodgers Once they get healthy. Man, I don't think nobody's in it. And I didn't mention your Padres either. Man, the Padres have to step up, marlon. Your Padres, our Padres, everybody's Padres, let's go, baby. The Raiders is laughing at you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, for sure, my Padres Doc that's right, I know, with the exception of Raiders. You're right. I love the Dodgers, yeah, but that's it, marlon. You know the races are exciting, let's do it, man. A lot of great players out there, absolutely.
Speaker 3:Esteban. Yeah, you know it's funny, doc, because I know you're old school, so you remember back in the day when it was just the pennant winners that were going to the playoffs. But you know, ever since they expanded the playoffs, it has gotten more exciting. It is fun to see all these different teams vying for position. I mean, I think the Rangers are still in it. I think they have a good shot as well. I think they could be a dangerous team. I would like to see the Rangers make it over Seattle. To be honest with you, I think they have more weapons. It could be a lot more fun to watch in the playoffs than Seattle is. You know what I mean. I think it might come down to just the Dodgers and Houston once again and get our revenge on Houston for those cheating frauds in 2017. But yeah, I mean the Padres. I mean for them to still be this close late in the season. It's the latest that they've ever been this close in geez, like about 20 years or so, but it's fun to watch.
Speaker 3:I mean they're going to be hard outcome playoffs. I mean I don't know what the hell it is about my Dodgers. Right now we can't beat any team that has a horrible record, but we step it up when it matters the most. So I just I'm hoping that'll continue come playoff time. But yeah, right now I mean losing. They've lost two in a row to Pittsburgh. I mean before that they lost to the Angels, some other teams that they should not be losing to, but yeah, I mean it's going to teams that they should not be losing to. But yeah, I mean it's going to. This last few weeks of the month are going to be really fun to watch.
Speaker 2:Well, right, yes, I noticed we didn't mention the Yankees. I just don't like Boney. Boney's been messing up as a manager for the Yankees. Judge has been up and down since he came back from injury and you know Chaz Jismes is doing his thing, you know. But they Volpe. You know he's an era making a. I just think Toronto's going to hold off. And then Milwaukee Brewers, marlon a small market team like that man. They got Yellich and they got some other cats. You know the Yellich has been a mainstay there, so it's going to be exciting to get some new blood in there. And it's interesting to see if the cubbies and the reds and the messes I referenced make the wild card and the pot grays. So, other than that man, yeah, good, good reference right here. That's, you know, as the dodgers and everybody else, when they're healthy, otani's a superstar. Let's go yeah absolutely, absolutely okay.
Speaker 1:so as uh, before we get going to football world series predictions I know I asked you I'll just check the temperature again. What do you got in the World Series?
Speaker 3:Like I said a minute ago, it's going to be the Dodgers and Houston. I still want revenge for 2017. I mean, I still have my T-shirt with the Twin Towers. It says never forget, but I put Dodgers and Astros on those two towers. Yeah, I'll never forget what they did for me. I mean, you'll probably have to cut out that reference because it's insensitive, but I don't fucking care. But yeah, I think it's going to be Houston and the Dodgers in the World Series.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:That's fair. That's fair yeah.
Speaker 1:And how are you feeling, Doc?
Speaker 2:Oh, I think it's going to be the Dodgers and, believe it or not, somebody like Toronto. You know, toronto's the real deal, man, let's get some new things in there. I like Guerrero on the big stage. They're in front of the American League East for a reason. I like Cal Raleigh, seattle, but, as Ray, they don't have enough as far as sustaining, you know, and take it from there. Yeah, so I'm going with Toronto. Man, and American League is strange, marlon and everybody else. It's whoever gets hot late, you know. And in the National League, you know the Dodgers and the Phillies are going to be. You just know it, you know, and take it from there. It would be nice if the Cubbies, a big market team, could make it a level B Cubbies, but I don't think they'd have enough either. So, yeah, I'm going with Toronto and the Dodgers, marlon. Okay, all right.
Speaker 1:So now let's go ahead and get to these division winners. Then we'll get to some NFL MVP awards offensive rookie of the year, defensive rookie of the year, all of that coach of the year. We awards offensive rookie year, defense rookie year, all of that. Coach of the year. We'll dive into all of that. So, uh, first we will dive into the division winners. So, uh s, I'll go ahead and start with you, afc east.
Speaker 3:I'm sure it's no surprise, but who you got winning the fcs? Of course it could be the miami dolphins. I mean, come on, it's gonna be buffalo. I I mean I think Buffalo and and Baltimore probably tied for the best record in the entire NFL. I see both those teams with like probably 14 or 15 wins of this season. So yeah, it's gotta be Buffalo coming out of the East.
Speaker 1:Okay, doc, what do you got?
Speaker 2:I'm taking Buffalo man, I'm not messing around brother Josh Allen's on, on, on, you's on the hot seat to do his thing and I think they drafted good with the cornerback Harrison and they got Matt Milano healthy and some other cats, Taylor Rapp, and so I just think it's Buffalo's division a little. They're going to win by five or six games in that particular division. Maybe not so much because the Patriots, they're going to be improved, but they don't have enough, but go ahead.
Speaker 1:Same Buffalo too as well for me. So all right, doc, starting with you. Afc South Ugly division. Afc South who you got on that one?
Speaker 2:I got the Houston Texans man. I just think that Will Anderson on defense is just too much. Nick Chubb's going to start a running back because Joe Mixon's tripping with some kind of mysterious illness. But I think CJ Stroud's going to bounce back from his subpar sophomore campaign. This is his third year. He was a rookie of the year. It's a rookie year and he was all world. So I'm going with the Houston Texans. You can't even argue that man. Yeah.
Speaker 3:Okay, Esteban. Oh, I can argue that, Doug, because I'm going with my Jacksonville Jaguars. I think this is a team that's up and coming. I think we've got some really good weapons and I think Liam Cohen is going to be a huge benefit for someone like Trevor Lawrence. You saw what he did with Baker Mayfield out there in Tampa and I think he's going to do some great things with that team. And I think Jacksonville is going to surprise some people. He probably finished the season with like a 10-7 record, but I think that's all you'll need to win that South.
Speaker 2:Yeah, sunshine has to bring it. Yeah, I see your point.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I like Houston in this one too as well. I think they have the weapons, they have the team especially with the defense too as well to do it. The Colts. We don't know necessarily what quarterback they're going to have down the stretch, but they're a team you kind of have to respect. I think Cam Ward will surprise some people, but I do think the Texans will win the division. So okay, s AFC North, tricky one. Who do you have in this one?
Speaker 3:It's not tricky at all. Like I said, Baltimore I think Baltimore is going to be fighting with Buffalo for the number one seed all season long. I mean, I think Cleveland is crap. I think Pittsburgh is going to have a lot better season than they did last year. I can see them coming in second, with Cincinnati finishing in third, just because I don't trust Zach Taylor. But yeah, I think Baltimore's still the cream of the crop of that division.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I agree with Ray to ask on that, because Travis I mean Derrick Henry, excuse me he's on his last leg man. He almost ran for two grand last year, but it's only a matter of time before he shuts it down as a power running back. Lamar Jackson is under enormous pressure, more so than Josh Allen, because at least Josh Allen has performed adequately well in the postseason, whereas Lamar has failed badly. So I'm picking Baltimore. You can argue he should have won the MVP last year. Right, that's because he had 41 touchdowns and only four picks and he almost ran for a grand. But they gave it to Josh Allen, and rightfully so. But I'm going with LJ, man Baltimore's going to win that Doc.
Speaker 3:Doc Lamar didn't win because it's a black scene. Hell with him.
Speaker 2:That's right. They didn't want to give him three, three MVPs Right on Way to ask man Go ahead, martin, okay, all right.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I like the Ravens too as well. Who knows what's going to happen in the playoffs, but definitely do think the Ravens will walk away with this, no problem. So, okay, so so, uh, doc, I'll start with this one. You, you don't have a dog in the fight in this. Well, somewhat, you you kind of do, because you sleep with her, you know, every night. But as far as the AFC West, this is a a. We obviously had a big injury, the uh, the Chargers did. The Chiefs are still the Chiefs. The raiders had a um new coach, new quarterback, broncos are getting better um. So what are your thoughts, doc, on the afc west? Who wins this division?
Speaker 2:I think. I think denver is going to win the division, man. They picked up baron in the draft to go opposite patrick sartain. I know chad would love this kind of take here, but bo nicks is the real deal, throwing a courtland sutton. Now they got the running back to help out the young quarterback. I just think that the Chiefs are going to take a step back. Kelsey's older than me, you know, and I think that offensive line, even though they drafted Simmons, the big tackle at Ohio State, I think KC is going to have to take a step back. Now. Denver has a defense that might be best in the league, man, and I don't even like Sean Payton, but you got to be real with it. I'm taking Denver and the AFC West, you guys' division, roy Rader, yes.
Speaker 3:Doc, here's the thing Every year. For the last, I'd say, two or three years, we've been saying oh no, kc is going to be, they're too old. I think Andy Reid has lost it, but it wasn't simple last year.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 3:I just, and I thought the Chargers had a good chance until they lost Stanley. I think Stanley is going to be a huge, huge loss for the Chargers, to the point where I mean I think they will finish third, but only maybe like one game ahead of my Raiders. But, I think Kansas City is going to win this division.
Speaker 2:It's a tough division. That's a very good point there, man.
Speaker 3:I'll say this Doc man, I'll say this, doc, I think from first place to last place might be just maybe a three or four game gap amongst them.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's one of the most fun divisions to watch throughout the year, man, because you guys beat each other up and Raiders unexpectedly get people fixed in that particular division, but it goes noted. Yeah, you're taking uh casey, I'm taking dever yeah, right on, go ahead, man.
Speaker 1:Yeah, um, it's same thing, just like what I said. I mean, we've been in this division for, you know, 10 plus years and we've seen what essentially has happened over year after year after year and and the injury does hurt, I think we will. We will be competitive. I don't know that we'll come in last place Hopefully we don't but for sure think that we'll be competitive in the division. I don't know who's going to come in last place in this, but I'm hoping, like the past, every year, it's going to be the Raiders. But you got to pick the Chiefs Chiefs on top. And yeah, which leads me to my next point, as far as your three wildcard spots S, I'll go ahead and start with you. Who are your three wildcard spots in the AFC?
Speaker 3:Esteban Sorry guys, I had you on mute'm gonna have to go with Denver, I'm gonna have to go with Cincinnati and I'm gonna have to go with Pittsburgh alright.
Speaker 2:Well, I'm gonna go with the Steelers their defense with TJ Watt, cam Hayward he's on his last legs too, but they got to do it. With Aaron Rodgers I love Tomlin. I just think that they're going to get the wild card, I think, and take it from there. I'm going to surprise some things here with you guys, man, I think. Rabel with New England, wow. And the Ricky Henderson from Ohio State, I think they're going to win. They're going to go to the wild card this year with what they got with the second year quarter, with Drake May, they got Diggs a receiver. So yeah, and then, of course, I'll be remiss if I didn't take Cincinnati and all that. Offense man Trey Henderson's a camp, he's happy with defense, but it goes. Offense man Trey Hendrickson's a camp, he's happy with defense, but it goes. Noted, man, that with Jamar Chase and T Higgins, that's a team to be reckoned with big time. So yeah, those are the three right there for my wildcard brothers.
Speaker 1:You running the mile. Doc what you got going on over there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, no, I'm bringing in the trash containers. I just got home, but I'm all right, let's do it, brother, let's do it.
Speaker 3:Um, yeah, so, so. So, doc, you're bringing the trash containers, so chargers oh my goodness, that was rough.
Speaker 2:That's a rough one there. Hashtag brutal.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I got Chargers, bengals and Broncos in there, so hopefully we can squeeze in, at least make some noise and Justin Herbert can win his first playoff game, but probably not. Okay, on to the NFC-S. I'll go ahead and start with you the NFC West. I think this is just a very interesting division Kyler and the video games, matt Stafford in his back, brock Purdy and the rebuilding, not rebuilding Niners, and then the new look Seahawks. So so who's winning the division for the NFC West?
Speaker 3:as much as it hates me to say this, because I'm here in the Bay Area and I'm surrounded by these freaking 49er fans I think the 49ers are going to be winning the division this year. I think this team is just absolutely stacked on offense. I think, with Kyle Shanahan running that offense, I think Christian McCaffrey is a legit contender for Offensive Player of the Year, legit contender for offensive player of the year as well as comeback player of the year. But we'll get into that a little bit later.
Speaker 3:I think Brock Purdy with his, with his new contract. I think he's definitely going to want to prove himself and earn that contract. He's got some good weapons, I think. I think Ricky Pearsall is going to show up, but yeah, I think the Niners is going to. And plus, I mean I think an underrated hire was getting Robert Sala back as a defensive coordinator over there.
Speaker 2:Wow, wow. Well, I'm going to go chalk, I'm going to go Rams, man, I just think, even though Stafford is coming on he didn't practice all year and all that I think the Rams are just too deep defensively, with jared first and jason fisk, uh on the d line, and then of course, you got puka nakua, you got the running back williams, you know, to help out stafford. So I'm gonna go rams winning the nsc west, with the uh 49ers coming in second.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I, I liked, I like the. I like the Rams as well. I think that with them they know how to win. But Matthew Stafford's health, it scares me. But new coach now. Lions A lot are saying they're not going to be as great as they once were last year. And then the Packers let's see if they take a step forward from what they did last year. And then the Vikings with their new quarterback, jj McCarthy. So, doc, I'll start with you on this one.
Speaker 2:NFC North. Who's winning it? Well, that's interesting. I know JJ McCarthy hasn't played a down yet in the NFL, but I love their defense man. But who can really, with their right mind, discount, you know, detroit Lions man With Amari St Brown? You got it right, doc. You got it right, doc. I know.
Speaker 3:You got it right, well, no, you didn't. What's his name again?
Speaker 2:Amari St Brown, is it? Yeah, oh, my God, close enough. Yeah, I'm going to write it. I'm going to write it. They got Hutchinson back, hutchinson back, and I love the two-headed running back with David Montgomery and Gibbs, jermaine Gibbs, and you know they got Sam Laporte at tight end, so they got enough. And I like Dan Campbell to come out of the division. Minnesota is a great defense, don't get it twisted. But JJ McCarthy, he's still a rookie, you know, and I think Detroit's going to win that division. Chicago is going to come in second. I just love their defense Caleb Williams, ben Johnson. So I'm taking Chicago to come in second, but Detroit's going to win the North, where Raider is.
Speaker 3:I got to say that this division is probably the second division. I'll be watching to close to this after the AFC West, because I think it's just going to be a dogfight the entire season. I'm one of those guys that is not a believer in Detroit. I think Detroit actually might have the last in this division. I think losing both of your coordinators is just a huge loss, and I think Dan Campbell relied on those coordinators to make him look better than he actually is as a head coach. But for me, I'm going to go out on a limb. I'm going with the Minnesota Vikings.
Speaker 1:I thought the.
Speaker 3:Minnesota Vikings were going to win even before Green Bay got Parsons and I think I think Parsons. I think Green Bay closed the gap but I still liked this, this Vikings team, a lot. I think Green Bay closed the gap but I still like this Vikings team a lot. I think KOC I had him as my coach of the year last year and he came through for that for me. I think he's a great head coach. I think he's going to do some awesome things with JJ McCarthy. I think if Justin Jefferson, if his hamstring is all right, if he's fine as far as health goes, he's going to do great. I think getting Jordan Mason as a backup running back is huge for this team. And TJ Hawkinson I think TJ Hawkinson is going to have a fantastic year at tight end.
Speaker 2:Well, there you go. We disagree on that. Good job. You know, Marlon, your take and we're going to disagree three times.
Speaker 1:I think the Packers have a chance to do it, especially with all of the points that S said as far as with the coordinators and all that with Detroit. I think they'll take a step back. I think they probably still will make the playoffs. I don't trust the Bears that much to make that much noise to have that much of an upgrade and also that much to make that much noise to have that much of an upgrade. But, and also too, I can't put that much faith in a rookie quarterback. So well, pretty much a rookie quarterback. So I like where the Green Bay is going and of course now with Micah, that definitely helps the defense out. So, yeah, I'm going to go ahead and say with the Packers to win that division. So it's going to be interesting.
Speaker 3:I'll say this real quick about that division. I think it's going to be a lot like that fc west. Like I said before, it might just be maybe, uh, three or four games that separate all four teams and as far as record wise goes, I I agree, 100 agree.
Speaker 1:So all right, uh, doc, this, this is your segment, right here, nfc, south baby, I know with you and your falcons, you, you from you guys who you guys drafted. Um, yeah, from top to bottom. I know how you feel about your falcon, so tell me what you think about this guys.
Speaker 3:Well, don talks about the nfc south. I'm gonna go take a nap. Let me know when you're ready to talk, all right right.
Speaker 2:Yes, that's right, that's right, ray, that is. But Atlanta's had some tremendous upgrades. Gentlemen, on defense, you know about Jalen Walker and James Pierce Jr out of Tennessee walk out of Georgia. But Xavier Watts is safety and the kid Bowman, the other kid, out of Oklahoma, he's going to be the starting nickelback to go with Jesse Bates III. But here's the thing Drake, london man, he's going to have a great year this year. B John Robinson, michael Penix Jr, and I just love the fact that what they're doing offensively and they're going to feature Kyle Pistis, there will be a Kyle Pist signing.
Speaker 2:Remember, gentlemen, we swept Tampa Bay last year and I like to think that Raheem Morris learned from his mistakes going down the stretch against Washington and Carolina that we should have won the division last year. You know, I got to believe that. And Leonard Floyd is an underrated free agent signing. The 10-year pro out of Georgia is an edge rusher. You know, outside linebacker, he's going to have 10, 10.5 sacks to help the young rookies out. So I got to go there. Nothing against Tampa, man, but nobody's scared of Tampa in this division, least of all Atlanta, like I referenced. We swept them. You know Baker Mayfield's going to give it up, but he'll throw touchdowns, but he'll give it up to the other team too. You know, go ahead, raiders.
Speaker 3:You know, right on no, I mean, it's hard to go against Atlanta in this division. I think I think losing Liam Cohen from Tampa Bay is a huge loss. I think he's the one who really showed up for Baker Mayfield. I think losing Chris Godwin for Tampa Bay is a huge loss, even though I think Emeka Ibuka is going to have a great year. I think the biggest loss for Tampa is probably losing to Tristan Wirfs there on the line. I think that's a huge loss for Tampa Bay. Buffy Urban had a great year last year but I don't have a lot of faith in him again without Tristan Worf's hair. So I think this is Atlanta's division to lose. I think Carolina's on the up. I think Carolina's going to surprise some teams this year. I think Bryce Young really showed up towards the end of the season last year. He got some good weapons now and I think the Saints are probably going to have the worst record in the nfl this year wow oh, absolutely yeah, I couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1:Uh, give me bake show, bake show the buccaneers. I think that they have. They've been there before and they've won, and maybe not by much, but they've been there, um, they've won this division and um, they've added some extra weapons, uh, to this receiving core, chris Gotland. He's going to be back in four or five weeks, however long it is. You've still got Mike Evans there, future Hall of Famer Bucky Irvin. So you've got the weapons, but it's going to be a close race.
Speaker 1:I still need to see just the same thing as with the Vikings. I need to see more from well. Well, I need to see something from Penix. We need to see how he is, how he gels with this offense. Will Kyle Pitts be the Kyle Pitts that we all thought he was when he came into the league? Bijan we know what Bijan's gonna be. Drake London same thing with him. But what is this offense gonna look like when you have your quarterback, with the full offseason, with preparation? How is he gonna, how is this offense going to gel and mesh and make some noise in the NFC South? So I hope that you guys proved me wrong, but for now, just give me the Buccaneers. Keep it real simple. That's fair. Okay, so on the playoffs. So three wildcard teams. Well, this is the NFC East.
Speaker 2:Oh.
Speaker 1:NFC.
Speaker 3:East.
Speaker 1:That's right, that's right, that's right.
Speaker 3:I'm so sorry let me scroll up, go to nc. Okay, all right dog nfc east.
Speaker 1:Uh, yep, absolutely 100 nfc east. Doc, who you got?
Speaker 2:I'm taking the eagles man. They upgraded the defense tremendously. We drafted linebacker from alabama jihad campbell and a former all-american. He can play off-ball or he can rush off the edge man and the reason why he fell late is because he had an injury in college. But this guy's a playmaker. No, kobe Dean won't be ready at middle linebacker. You got big Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, of course, saquon Barkley and AJ Brown on offense to go with Jalen Hurst. Dallas is in turmoil and the Giants just doesn't have it. Man and Jalen Hurst in Washington. He's too frail. But I want to see what Deebo does with that particular team. But they lost Brian Robinson, the stud running back to Frisco. He's going to back up CMC. Will Jaden Daniel have a sophomore slump Now? The team's got some film on them. So I'm taking the Eagles Philadelphia Eagles to repeat as NFC East champions, for the reasons I mentioned.
Speaker 1:Okay, esteban.
Speaker 3:I'll tell you this If we had this podcast a month ago, I would have told you that Dallas was going to win the East. You look at the East and they haven't had back-to-back winners in I don't know how long, and I thought Dallas was poised to come back and be able to show up and show out in this division. I think I just again. But now it's the Eagles. It has to be the Eagles. I think the Giants are going in the right direction. I know Washington people love Washington and what they did last year, but you know what that was last year. I think they might just take a step back this season. I think they're going to be competitive. I think they're still going to have some good games, but something about a sophomore's club with Jaden Daniels. I think their running back room is just absolutely horrible. But yeah. So I just think Washington might take a step back and I think it's going to be a fight for second place in that division behind the Eagles.
Speaker 2:Yes, it's fun Because remember Washington won a few games on Hail Marys and last second plays. But when you do film on this cap plus he's staying Marlon will he get hurt in the 17th game? He took the lead by storm last year, so really that makes a great point.
Speaker 1:They're going to take a step back To his point with the NFC East. We know that they have not won at the same division winner in I don't know how many years. I'm going to pick Washington A little something different. Nobody's picking them to win. Everybody says they're going to take a step back. We'll see. Just show me, can you detain Jaden Daniels? Can you figure out how to hold Scary Terry? They're running backs. Okay, we'll figure all that out, but still they have a, for the most part, of okay Defense. Let's show. Why not? Let me just roll some out there. Let's see what Washington can do. So okay, now onto the playoff. So, doc, go ahead and start with you. Who are your three wildcard teams?
Speaker 2:And NSC man, I'm going to take Tampa Bay as a wildcard. I In the NFC man, I'm going to take Tampa Bay as a wild card. I'm going to take the 49ers as a wild card and I just feel like you know, if Dallas can get their act together, they have the potential, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, to do something like that, as long as the Stacks stay healthy. So there you go. There go my three teams right there.
Speaker 3:Okay, that's the bottom all right, I'm going with, uh, green bay, I'm going with detroit even though I talked to you about detroit, I think, uh, I think that I think the industry works. It's going to get uh, three playoff teams out of there. And I'm going to go with the Arizona Cardinals. Wow, I think this is a team that's going to get some sneaky wins and it's going to be competitive all year long. I think Kyler Murray is going to have a good year. I think Call of Murray is going to have a good year. I think Call of Duty doesn't come out until maybe late October, so you might be able to get some wins under him before that comes out. But yeah, I think they have a fairly easy schedule to be able to get them into the playoffs.
Speaker 2:That's fair man. Green Bay scares me only because of the quarterback, Marlon Jordan Love. That's why, even though they picked up Parsons man and they got the running back there, I just feel like what's that? Josh Jacobs, yeah, josh Jacobs. Yeah, love. Can he revert back to two years ago when he went down a stretch late? It was arguably one of the runners for MVP. That Love. Can he revert back to two years ago when he went down a stretch late? It was arguably one of the runners-in-VP.
Speaker 3:Last year he reverted back to who he really was so good answer. Ray, I love it. That's good stuff, absolutely. I'm going to go out on a limb right now and say that Jordan Love is going to be a top-five quarterback in the league this year.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well.
Speaker 3:Well, he got the fat um I think they got the then they're going to receive in the draft. Yeah, yeah, I'll talk. I'll talk about him again later on when we talk about awards right okay, all right okay so I have the, uh, the lions, the eagles and the bears.
Speaker 1:Oh my, for my picks for the playoffs. So, uh, it'll, it'll be interesting, I think all of you guys picks, you know, picking the niners. Picking, uh, the, the, the cardinals, uh, you know, picking the bucks. It's, it's definitely going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out. So, um, real quick, before we go ahead and get to all of the awards esteban, your super bowl predictions. Who you got?
Speaker 3:right now. If you were to go to vegas and place this bet, you will get 70 to 1 odds on the kansas city chiefs versus the minnesota vik Vikings in the Super Bowl. We're going to have a repeat Doc of Super Bowl IV. It's revenge time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, I like that. Super Bowl IV. Hank Strahm, you know that's good stuff. I'm going with Baltimore versus Philly. Marlon, you know, I just think that Lamar Jackson versus Jalen Hurts, that's Philly Eagles defense man. They're sick with it and Lamar, he's under enormous pressure. Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers is healthy, gentlemen, and I think Mark Andrews is going to make up for the huge gaffe at home in the postseason against Buffalo, dropping that two-point conversion. So give me Baltimore versus Philly, with Baltimore winning it.
Speaker 1:We'll go ahead and run through these awards, we'll do some picks for a week, one, a little college football, and then we're out of here. So all right. So we'll start with MVP. Uh, doc, your, uh, your prediction for NFL MVP for 2025. Who you got?
Speaker 2:I think it's going to be Lamar Johnson. Man, he's pissed off. He didn't get it last year, and rightly so. He's going to have a chip on his shoulder to get that number one seed again Because he failed badly at home. I think it's going to be Lamar Jackson, you know, to win it all. Jamar Chase might come in second, you know not. Josh Allen, Jamar Chase up there in Cincinnati might have a 2,000-yard receiving. But I'm going with LJ Go Cincinnati's might have a 2,000-yard receiving.
Speaker 3:But I'm going with LJ. Go ahead, raider S All right. So when I look at awards, let me tell you guys real quick, I don't always like to go with the favorites and I like to do one guy that's up there, then one guy that has a bit of a long shot. So I'm looking at again Josh Allen, to repeat, I think Buffalo will probably have the best record in the league. And then I like Jordan Love at plus 1,200 to possibly shock some people.
Speaker 2:like I said earlier, Wow, all right, brother, that's a big one. Okay, okay, all right, go take one All right Offensive player of the year S.
Speaker 1:We'll start with you on this one.
Speaker 3:Doc, you're going to love this because I was flipping a coin between two guys. Doc, you're going to love this because I was flipping the coin between two guys and both of them are on your Falcons, with Bijan and Drake London. I think both these guys are going to have some great years. I mean, drake London has some longer odds, but Bijan, plus 950. I like him to be Offense Player of the Year. And then again, my dark horse on this one is going to be Christian McCaffrey. Like I said, I think the Niners are going to have a good team this year. I think McCaffrey if he stays healthy, I think he might be a runaway on this one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm taking B John to win it this year he might have 2,000 yards. You know he's going to do that. He did it last year, catching and receiving and running. So I think he's going to run for over two grand man to help out the young quarterback, the. So I think he's going to run for over two grand man to help out the young quarterback. The only thing with CMC Raider is you make a good point with that Can he stay healthy? Now? They got Robinson from Washington to help him, brian Robinson, but I like CMC's skill set. He's only 29. But for second place I'm going to go Jamar Chase. Man Signed a big contract, he's healthy, had a stupendous year last year and I think Joe Barrow is not going to waste any time getting in the rock, given that defensively, you know they've been shaky, at the very least despite Trey Henderson. So Chase is my second pick, okay.
Speaker 1:Yeah, Offensive player of the year. Okay, Keeping it over to you, Doc. Defensive player of the year. We have a lot of great players, some that you drafted and some that you know come out of the Georgia program.
Speaker 2:So defensive player of the year. Doc, what are you thinking? I'm taking TJ Watt for the Steelers man. I just think that he's ridiculous. Suffered through some mild injuries last year, but I think he's coming back with a vengeance. You know I love Miles Garrett, you know. But I think TJ Watt is going to do the thing over Miles Garrett and Bosa for the 49ers and take it from there, tj Watt.
Speaker 3:I have to agree with Doc on this one. I think TJ Watt at plus 700 is the best bet right now on the board. But you guys were talking about the Houston Texans, about winning the division. If they do win that division, I think the reason why they will win it will be Will Anderson, so that's a guy at 10-1 odds right now. It could be a good pick as a possible defensive player of the year.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like him. There you go, alabama. Good point, yeah, estaban, throwing it back to you. Yeah, I like him. He out of Alabama.
Speaker 1:Good point, yeah, okay all right, esteban, throwing it back to you, so Offensive Rookie of the Year. Now, doc, I know this is in your wheelhouse. With the NFL draft, we got a lot of rookies in here.
Speaker 3:So, esteban, offensive Rookie of the Year who you got? I mean, you guys might think, as a Raider fan, that I go with Aston Genting on this one. Here's my thing I never trust a rookie running back to make it past week 14. I think lots of times they hit that rookie wall. I think Genting, who's someone who's had a ton of carries in his career at Boise, I think he might possibly hit that rookie wall. So I'm going to go look at three receivers for this award. Like I said before, matthew Golden is my dark horse at 25-1, and then I'm looking at Ted McMillan at 12-1 and Emeka Ibuka at 14-1. I think Ibuka is going to get probably 100 receptions this year. I mean, mike Evans is a great receiver but he isn't the volume guy for that team. He never has been. He gets yards after catch. That's what he's known for. But if you can make a book, it's going to be a guy who's going to be a collector of receptions this year.
Speaker 2:I'm going to go with Ashley Gentrymore and the reason is because, as ready as you know, referee carries the ball around and Pete Carroll is going to help out. You know Smith and the guys built like a tank man. I don't know if you're going to hit the rookie wall. You know Dickerson did many, many years ago for the Rams when he ran for 1808. I think Jente is going to and I love Colton Miller. I love their offensive line. Colton Miller left tackle. They picked up a guy. I love the center. So I think Ashton Gentry's going to be an offensive rookie of the year.
Speaker 2:You can make a case now for his radar as referenced. It'd make a buker at Ohio State. Put up some numbers there, osu giving their Godwins out. But I'm sticking with Ashton Gentry. The only reason I didn't pick Omar I'm wearing Hampton for your charges because your boy, najee Harris, is going to steal some carries and some touchdowns as a power back in red zone, you know, and we'll see how that works out. But I think a Mary Hampton is going to have a thousand yards, but he's not going to be enough to overtake Jente Najee Harris ain't no joke when he's healthy on the goal line. You know, and you have to have touchdowns. So yeah, there you go, genting.
Speaker 1:Okay, All right, Doc, Now staying with you, defensive rookie of the year who you got.
Speaker 2:Oh man, you know I'm going with my guy man, jalen Walker. He did everything for the University of Georgia. I think he's an off-ball line-up and Jeff Ulbrich is going to put him in edge rush situations, on the other side of Leonard Floyd and James Pierce Jr. This guy is a ball hawk. He had a slight groin injury in training camp but when he plays man he can probably lead the league and lead the team in tackles and sacks. You know that was a blitz. He had three sacks well, actually five and a half total sacks against two games against the University of Texas, and they over-armed him were actually five and a half total sacks against two games against the University of Texas, and they owe it to Calvin Banks. He was number one pick for the Saints.
Speaker 2:I think Jalen Walker is going to win a defensive rookie year. I love Barron for Denver. They're going to throw opposite Patrick St Tertain, but I think the numbers and interceptions might not be there for Barron. Out of Texas, abdul Carter is going to be getting double teamed because Thibodeau ain't showed nothing on the other side for the Giants and I love Abdul Carter out of Penn State He'll be my second, you know, behind Jalen Walker.
Speaker 3:I know you're going. If I could have placed money on you picking Walker, it would have been minus 5,000. Because I knew you were going to pick Walker. However, the two guys that you said are my picks for D-Roy, because I think Abdul-Farder I mean he's only a plus 250. He's a favorite which I hate picking, but I think this guy is just an absolute stud. I think this guy, if he stays healthy on the field, he's going to be just an absolute nightmare for quarterbacks this year. I think Abdul Carter is just an absolute shoo-in for this award. But my second guy as the dark horse Jaheed Barron. I think Barron, if Denver is the number one defense in the league, then they have to give some kind of award to this defense. And I think Patrick Chetan has already won defensive player of the year, so I don't think he's going to be able to do it again. So I think they would have to award one of the rookies. I think Barron is the guy who could come up big for this award plus 2,000.
Speaker 2:There's a lot of great defensive rookies out there Marlon, the kid for Philly, jahar Campbell out of Alabama, he's another one, but with N'Kobe Dean coming back in week six, his numbers might dwindle now unless they move him to the outside, which is not his forte. But yeah, it's interesting man, you know, and take it from there. I love that defensive rookie class. Go ahead, marlon.
Speaker 1:Okay, all right S staying with you. Coach of the Year. Who you got for Coach of the Year this year?
Speaker 3:I got to tell you guys, coach of the year is my favorite thing to pick, because there are certain rules when it comes to coach of the year. You never pick a guy who's won before. Um, you never pick a guy whose team was great the last year. Um, you look at coaches that'll have maybe like a five game differential between the season before, preferably a seven game differential between the season before, preferably a seven game differential season before. You look at coaches who might, during the season, have to overcome certain circumstances.
Speaker 3:The guy I love this year is the team that I said is going to win the AFC South Liam Cohen. I think Liam Cohen is going to do some fantastic things there with Trevor Lawrence. I think Lawrence has been a disappointment. I mean, this guy was highly touted, especially after his sophomore year when he let Clemson win the national championship and people thought he was just going to be the second coming and honestly, I think he's been a disappointment. I think Liam Cohen is going to get the most out of Trevor Lawrence and lead this team and he's going to win that coach of the year my dark horse for this one. Of course I have to be a homer and go with Pete Carroll.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, that's fair on that. You know you got some weapons there to make some noise in the SUS, man, you know. But I'm going to go with the old head man, harbaugh, and Baltimore because, as I referenced, lamar Jackson and that cat, with Derek Henry and Kyle Hamilton as safety, you know, with the rookie Malachi starts out of Georgia, I think they're going to win 15 games, man. You know they're not going to go undefeated, but they'll go 15 and two and Harbaugh will be getting credit for that. After people bashing them the past few years, this is a a middle finger tour for Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. So give me Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. So give me Harbaugh on that. If I had to pick a second one man, you know I might go with the Minnesota coach. You know McConnell there, and if he does something special, then with the rookie quarterback he might do it, you know, in Minnesota, but give me Harbaugh.
Speaker 1:Okay, I love it. I love it, love it, I love it. Okay, all right. So uh s I'll start with you on this one, doc, um, just preparing you, I'm gonna ask s just any win totals, uh, for all the teams that he loves, some, uh, you know, just whatever team out there that you that you love. So I'm gonna ask him first, and then you'll go ahead and you can either critique his list or go ahead and give your own, uh and say what you love, hate and all that stuff. So s I'll start with you, what are some win totals that you love, uh, for this year, for the uh 2025 season?
Speaker 3:all right. So I'm I am a pessimist. So I look at those teams that I think are just going to absolutely shit the bed. Number one is Cleveland. Cleveland has a win total of five and a half games. Honestly, I see three wins on their schedule, maybe two. I think New Orleans, which also is five and a half games, is going to finish even worse than Cleveland. Those are my top two things. I believe both of those teams are going to finish under on their win total.
Speaker 3:Another team I have under win total is Miami Dolphins eight and a half games. I just I can't see them winning more than six games on their schedule. I think this is a team that's just going to take a step back. I think there's a market out there for first coach fire and I think the Dolphins coach is going to be the first one fired in this league because he just he was a stupid glasses, the stupid sweats that he wears, I mean it just I think this team is just going to absolutely shit the bed and my other under that I have the Detroit lions. I mean they're at 10 and a half and I mean mean it's not going to be a lot under.
Speaker 3:I'd say maybe nine games, possibly 10 games. I mean, like I said, I had the Detroit still making the playoffs, but I just I don't think they're going to be able to get 11 wins under their belt. As far as my overs, real quick I have, like I said, said jacksonville, who I'm high on they're only at seven and a half games. I think this is a team that could possibly win 10 games, um, and then, uh, the other two are just our baltimore buffalo. They're at baltimore buffalo. Oh, the overrun. There's 11 and a half games. These are two teams that I see winning 13, 14, possibly, like doc said, 15 games. I think both of them are going to be vying for that number one seed and, yeah, I think they're both going to be well over that number.
Speaker 2:Well, ray, that's just about all, man, I agree with everything you said. But as far as the unders man, you know you got to throw the Colts in there too, because the quarterback position in Indy is a disgrace. You know it's otherworldly bad. You know when you depend on Daniel Jones and poor Jonathan Taylor, you know the other quarterback, richardson, he's garbage. He never should have been drafted fourth overall with the Antics team. But Daniel Jones, they're depending on him. Think about that for a second. So as an under, I agree with Cleveland and the Saints and the Colts as an under, whatever their total is.
Speaker 2:On the over, you know Saxonville bothers me, man. But listen to you, red S, I'm halfway convinced that they gave Sunshine some money, big-time money there, you know. And take it from there. Buffalo and Baltimore, that goes without saying. But I got to put Houston in there, man, I think they're going to go over whatever they're. I think it's 8.5, 7.5, something like that, I think, with the running game, and CJ Stroud and Tank Dale is healthy, I think you can take the over Doc Houston's at 9.5 games.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay, wow, I'll give him 10 and I'll take the over on that all right.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and, and that's actually plus money to do the over on that one.
Speaker 2:You're looking at plus 110 for the over of for houston I love this team man you mentioned, will anderson got some interior alignment that I love, and stingley out of LSU in his third year, one of the top corners in the league, and I just think that Nick Chubb is on a mission. When Joe Mixon out and he's going to improve the people, he might run for 400 or 500, while Mixon missed the first six games, I think it is. So there you go. I love the over. Give me 10, possibly 11 in that putrid division. Fellas, you know it's not getting twisted. We're talking about the Colts and the Texans and I love the quarterback rookie, but you know what is the over and under for Texans anyway, for Tennessee, excuse me, for Tennessee.
Speaker 3:Tennessee. Let me look it up real quick.
Speaker 1:I feel like it's like six and a half.
Speaker 3:Tennessee's five and a half Wow.
Speaker 2:Wow, I gotta know why I feel like it's like six and a half Tennessee's five and a half. Wow, I got to go over. I got to go Give him seven. I'll take the over, I'll call my boogie, I'll give him seven wins. That kid's that dynamic with Calvin Ridley. Receiver. I love Simmons at defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans. It's just one of those things. I respect Cam Roy and it sounds funny. They'll win some games they're not supposed to and give me the over on that. Yeah, I forgot about that, but go ahead, martin.
Speaker 1:Okay, perfect, perfect, okay, all right. So we're going to go ahead and get to these predictions for the week. One picks against the spread, so we will get into that now. All right, so we do have a game tomorrow. Uh, obviously this has been a long time coming 200 and some odd days. By the way, red zone I'm a huge watcher of red zone. They're not gonna have commercials, which I don't know how that's gonna work when you have red zone for commercial free football, but now it has commercials. So, uh, I'm not too happy about that, but anyways, I digress. So okay. So we have a game tomorrow Dallas at Philly, and Dallas is getting eight points Est. I'll start with you on this one. Who you got in this?
Speaker 3:Well, I'll tell you this about red zone on Sunday, it won't matter, because this podcast is taking so long that I have to take my girlfriend out to brunch on Sunday and take her out for a ride. So just to thank you guys and thanks for all this, I won't be watching any football on Sunday, but tomorrow night I mean again a month ago I'm taking Dallas. I'm taking Dallas all the way. I'm taking Dallas all the way. But I think what's happened now is, if this number gets to nine, I'm still taking Dallas. I think that's a point where it just is too far.
Speaker 3:I think the Eagles are definitely going to win the game, but I cannot see them being double-digit winners on Thursday night. I know Sirianni said that he's not going to be out there for the whole pomp and circumstance of them getting the banner up and all that stuff. But you know what? I still think that it's still NFL football, it's still first game of the season, it's still the Eagles getting their rings, their banner and all that stuff. I think Dallas will keep it close. If it's eight and a half, I would take Dallas. It's a small lead, but nine, I'm definitely taking Dallas.
Speaker 2:I beg to differ, brother. Hold on Dallas is a different rating. The owner, jerry Jones, is under fire for obvious reasons. The locker room is down because they let go of a premier player at age 26. Plus, you know, I just don't trust Dak on the road. This is the rivalry here, fellas. This is Raiders Kansas City or the Saints Falcons. They want to bury their face in Dallas' misery right now. So give me 31-10. They cover easily. I'm trying not to give you 31 to 17. I think it's going to be 31 to 10. That Eagles defense on Thursday night for coming out the gate against the Cowboys a rival. I'm taking 31 to 10. They'll cover, I'm hoping.
Speaker 1:Dallas will just keep it close. I'll take the points. I just want them to keep it close. That's it, alright. The Brazil game. Who knows what the turf is going to look like, or the grass or whatever it is out there in Brazil? Jordan Love got hurt last year, so who knows what it's going to look like? But I'll go ahead and start with this one Kansas City Chargers. Chargers are getting three points in this one.
Speaker 1:I do think that we'll win this game outright. Don't ask me about anything after this. I think we will just surprise some people and just win the game, not saying much about our season, but I do think we'll find a way to win the game. They don't necessarily know what our offensive weapons look like, the new ones that we have and some of our receivers. Najee Harris is going to get the start. Um, I just think we'll come out and and and make a statement. Um, home field advantage. They won't have much of a home field advantage. Obviously they would, if, of course, it was in Kansas City and in LA too as well. Excuse me, um, but in Brazil it's more of an even playing field. So I do think we will come out and we'll win the game outright, esteban.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I actually took Chargers plus three and a half a while ago on this one. I think it's going to be a close game. I think it's going to probably come down to a tie and whoever has the last possession kick field goal to win this game. Even though I have the chiefs winning the division, I would not be surprised at all If the chargers came out and won this game, like you were saying, marlon. I mean this. This is like one of the few home games that the chargers will have, even though it's in Brazil and everyone's going to be looking for Ronaldo to be out there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm taking the charges too. So that's the trifecta here 24-21,. Only because you run the rock and keep, you know, the quarterback on the other side off the field. You know, I think the world of number 15, you know. But it's one of those things where your guy Herbert has came to camp in tremendous shape, actually lost weight, looks good, and I think Najee Harris and Amanda Hampton is going to be too much for that defense line. You're not going to throw the ball 40 times a game, otherwise Chris Jones will have a field day with your offensive line depleted. But you're going to run the rock. And then you got Ladd McConkie and Keenan Allen the rock, and then you got lad mccunky and uh kenny allen coming back. So give me 24, 21 charges. I just love your uh offense. And it's not even to mention your defense man with mac and derby james and all that. So there you go right there 24, 21 charges close all right.
Speaker 1:So uh dog s raiders are getting two and a half points. They're at new england in this one. So, New England, they had all that money. They got a whole lot of shiny new toys, but also two with the Raiders New coach, new quarterback, a couple extra weapons, Amari Cooper, amongst some others. So, Doc, what are your thoughts on the Raiders going to New England getting two and a half?
Speaker 2:I like to run in the rock man and anytime you ever run in the rock with Ashley Jenner. You got Brock Bowers and Jacoby Myers. You got a chance on the road to do some things. You know, I love Drake May and Stiggs and Devontae Stevenson, but the rookie Henderson he plays special team. They lock that special teams down and lock down his speed in the running game.
Speaker 2:The Raiders can go in there and I love Matt Max man, let's not forget about him. Max Crosby, you know, the only reason why he won't get defensive player of the year is because you know they'll double-team and he might end up with only 11 and a half sacks. But week one Drake May is immobile. Well, I wouldn't say he's immobile, but I think Crosby's going to have a sack and a half. Let's put it that way. So give me the Raiders winning a close one, a low-scoring game. Give me 20 to 17 Raiders, you know, because Brock Bowers is my guy from Georgia, and the running back, ashton Gentry, and I think Geno Smith Raiders is going to make enough plays to the tight end of Jacoby Myers and Thornton. I think the other cat is to eke out a win on.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I mean, I absolutely love Dante Thornton. I think he's going to be a really, really good receiver. But I tell you, doc, I think my Raiders are going to win this game as well. I took them plus three and a half early on. It's now down to two and a half on this, but I'm telling you, this is going to hit the over Overrunner right now is at 44.
Speaker 3:I think that the Raiders defense, other than max crosby um, is just absolutely horrible. This is a team that's gonna have to do a lot of shootouts. They're gonna have to run the ball. They have to do, uh, just manage the clock. They're gonna have to just, if they, if they're able to have time, win the time of possession, then that's how they're going to stay in games and and the only way to do that is by running, by running the ball effectively. But yeah, I've to win the time of possession, then that's how they're going to stay in games and the only way to do that is by running the ball effectively. But yeah, nevertheless, I still think the Raiders have a great chance of winning this game and I think this is the game that, if they win, they're going over the win total. If they don't win this game, then they're not going to go over that win total Wow, wow.
Speaker 1:Okay, all right, all right, all right, okay, all right. The New York football giants. They are at Washington. New York is getting six points in this one S. We'll just go ahead and start back with you on this one. What do you got?
Speaker 3:Again. This is another game that I got in early on. I got it at with New York plus seven and a half, but I think the Giants have a good chance of actually upsetting the commanders in this team. I think, like I said before Washington, I think they're going to have that sophomore slump with with Jaden Daniels. I mean they got McLaurin signed, which is good. I think McLaurin is good, is what they need in order for Daniels to be good. But who do they have after that? Can anyone name the second receiver after McLaurin?
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:I mean, you have who's?
Speaker 3:their tight end. Zach Geist, I don't yeah, zach Geist, who's probably on his last leg. You have a running back room with Austin Eckler as your number one, probably. Yes, sir, I mean, everyone's high on Jacory slash Bill, but honestly I think Chris Rodriguez might be the best running back out of all of them, but who knows how much time he's going to have. I mean, this is a team in the commander. It's not a bet on the Giants, it's more anti-commanders.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I just don't see how Washington loses their home to the division rival right out the gate with a dynamic Daniels. I did say earlier they don't take a step back but they'll beat Washington. You're dealing with Russell Wilson, you know, and that thing there is going to get ugly, you know he'll throw two picks. He should have retired two years ago and I just think that Washington had just enough in home opener at the crib to defeat the division rival and the Giants. You know, especially with McLaurin happy, yeah, go ahead.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So now this game. This should have been the Sunday night football game, or even a Monday night football game if Rodgers would have signed earlier. So that way the league knew that. Hey, he's going to be in Pittsburgh, so Pittsburgh at the Jets. The Jets are getting two and a half in this one. So, Doc, what do you got in this?
Speaker 2:I'm taking it. It might surprise you, man, you know I'm going it. It might surprise you, man, I don't know. I'm going to take the Steelers. I'm going to take the Steelers to win. Maybe it won't surprise you. You know, justin Fields is dynamic and they got Breeze Hall and they got Allen at running back and they got Garrett Wilson. But this Aaron Rodgers, the old man who I really can't stand, this is a middle finger thing at Aaron Glenn, I think the Steelers right out the gate. Well, he got a close one. That's a 21 to 17 type thing. Justin Fields, you know he got to prove that he can be consistent throwing the route. Everybody can learn that. If he runs, they're going to linebacking crew and then of course, tj Watts there he might get hurt, you know. And of course TJ Watts there he might get hurt, you know, if he continues to run like that against the Steelers. And I think DK Metcalf is going to have a pretty good game too, right out the gate for Pittsburgh.
Speaker 3:So yeah, there you go 21-17 Steelers. Yeah, I mean this one, doc. I agree with you Steelers on this one. I cannot see myself at any time this season taking the Jets for anything. I cannot see myself at any time this season taking the Jets for anything. But I think the score is a little too high. I mean, you're looking at an over-under on this game of 38-and-a-half, which would still hit the under, but now I'm looking at maybe like a 17-10, 17-6, 14-3 type of game. I just think this is a game. That is just. I think the senior defense is going to show up and show out in this game and we'll see what kind of chemistry Rodgers has with this team.
Speaker 2:Right on man. Defense is a struggle. It's an ugly game.
Speaker 1:Yeah, good job on that Very, very, very ugly game. 100%. So hopefully for a high-scoring game. On this next one, Doc, your Falcons are getting two points. You guys are at home, tampa Bay is coming to town. So talk to me, doc. What are you thinking? What do you got? How many points you putting up over and under? Talk to me, doc, what do you got?
Speaker 2:27 to 17 at home. Week one. We swept them, as I alluded to an hour ago last year, and now we got a better quarterback an hour ago last year and now we've got a better quarterback. You know, believe it or not, kirk Cousins swept Tampa. So it's one of those things where an exciting Thursday night game a year ago where the Falcons came out on top in overtime with Ray McLeod and Ray just mentioned Drake London. You know we also got Darnell Mooney, so I think Pittsburgh's going to have a touchdown. So 27-17, you know I'll get Tampa 17 points in revamped defense At home. You know, division game. There's no way we're losing that game. So take the points. Two and a half, that's an insult and the players know that Dijon's going to have 150. Oh, you know.
Speaker 1:You guarantee it. Doc, you guarantee it?
Speaker 2:I guarantee it. I guarantee it, brother, 150. Okay, yeah.
Speaker 1:All right, esteban.
Speaker 3:Now you know I can't argue with Doc on this one, especially when you're looking at a. Villabea is not going to be playing in this game. I think that's huge for Bijan to be able to run up the gap without the big plug right there with Vita Villa not playing. So I agree, I mean it doesn't make any sense whatsoever when you look at these two teams in the offseason all the positive things with Atlanta what they did, what they did on defense, they addressed all the needs that they had. Tampa Bay is a worse team now than they were last year. Like I said, liam Cohen is going to be a huge loss for this team. You don't have Chris Godwin out there. Yes, I mean, I like Emeka Abuka a lot, but still he's a rookie playing in his first game. Can you expect him to do what he did last year? You don't have Tristan Wirfs out there for Tampa. I don't understand how Tampa is a road favorite on a divisional game on first week. It makes absolutely zero sense to me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. It could be Michael Penix, who knows, who knows? So okay, on to another matchup, another division game. I love the divisional first rounds, I love it. So we have Detroit, have Detroit getting two points at Green Bay. Another tricky one S we'll go ahead and kick it back with you on this one. What are you thinking on this?
Speaker 3:I'm going to put my money where my mouth is. Like I said, I don't trust Detroit this year. I think losing their coordinator is going to be a huge loss for them. I absolutely love Green Bay as a team. I think losing their coordinators is going to be a huge loss for them. I absolutely love Green Bay as a team. I think Matthew Golden is just going to be an absolute stud. I think Jordan Love finally has a receiver that he can count on and I think if they have a good chemistry to start off with, then this team the sky's the limit for this team. I mean, Michael Parsons, you don't know what he's going to have with his back. There's a lot of confusion. Parsons, you don't know what he's going to have with his back. There's a lot of confusion. But you know, honestly, I like the Packers' defense, even before they got Michael Parsons. I think Packers' defense is going to be one of the positives, even before Parker Parsons was on this team. So, yeah, you can give me the Packers to win this game.
Speaker 2:I beg to differ. I think the Lions, with Hutchinson coming back, he might have two and a half sacks on Love's ass. And you know, even though it's in Green Bay, I love David Montgomery and Jameer Gibbs combo, you know. And then LaPorter and Amari St Brown, the receiver, you know, and I think you know, as Ray D'Az alluded to, and I like Barsons. But when you're tripping with a back injury and you've got to get an epidural or whatever shot right out the gate after getting traded, it's hard for me to say that he's not having an immediate impact on golf. Who's immobile? Golf's going to make enough plays in Lambeau, you know. So there you go, right there. They got to have a bad taste in their mouth. Washington put 48 on their asses in the postseason in Detroit. You can come back. I just don't see them losing a game in the division right at the gate to Jordan Love. So yeah.
Speaker 1:Two more Sunday Night Football. We got Baltimore at Buffalo. Buffalo's getting a point, so it's dang near close to a pick-em, but you know Buffalo's getting that point on this one. So, doc, kicking it back to you, what do you got?
Speaker 2:Well, as I alluded to Lamar Jackson's, my MVP, I think him and Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews are going to go do the thing up there, and that's not to mention Roquan Smith on defense. You know whatever James Cook has on offense, roquan Smith's right there, two former Georgia players, and then you got Kyle Hamilton as safety. Lower the rookie Malachi Starks, and don't forget they got a corner two over there from last year's draft. I forget his name Baltimore. I just like think they're going to go to Buffalo and win this game, remembering last season's postseason Falk at home paybacks a bitch.
Speaker 3:Give me the Ravens 31 to 21 over the Buffalo Bills, yeah here's the most important thing to remember Is Baltimore playing Buffalo in the playoffs or regular season? It's regular season, so Baltimore's going to win this game. Lamar Jackson is great in the regular season. Come playoffs, it's a whole other story. I think Baltimore is going to take this game.
Speaker 1:Okay, last game we have Monday Night Football Minnesota at Chicago Champs Bears. Chicago's getting one and a half points in this one S thoughts on Monday Night Football this week.
Speaker 3:Screw champ. Not even his real name. His name is Felipe. Like I said, I absolutely love the Vikings this year. I mean, I know it's on the road, I know these road divisional games are always tough, but I think it's going to be a close game. Honestly, it's one and a half. I wouldn't give the one and a half for Minnesota. I would take them on the money line rather than doing the one and a half, because it could be like a 21-20 type of game. It could be a 17-16 type of game. I think it's going to be a close game. I think it's going to be a close game. I think it's going to be a fun game to watch, but I have to take my Vikings this year.
Speaker 2:I think the Bears are going to win the game. Man, give me 21-18. And I say that because the Bears' defense rate at S-Mall is underrated. Man, with Jalen Johnson at corner, of course you've got Sweat on the edge, but it's offensively where they upgraded themselves. You know, I think Ben Johnson, kelly Williams, deandre Swift's going to have a huge year, sort of running backs in Detroit, go off. I think DeAndre Swift's going to have a huge year. The tight end, the rookie Colston oh hell, what is his last name? Colston Loveland, michigan, loveland, loveland, yeah, yeah, coasting something from Michigan, loveland, loveland, yeah, yeah, he's going to have it. And of course you remember Romaduse, you know, and this year they drafted the third receiver in the third round out of Missouri. There's just no excuse for Chicago to lose at the crib in week one at home, despite Minnesota's great defense. I just think they have enough offensively to do the thing and cover the one and a half, whatever it is. Yeah, give me the bears.
Speaker 1:Okay, perfect, all right, uh S, I know you need to get out of here soon. Um, so real quick, your thoughts on uh week one of the college uh NFL um season. If you will week one and then we'll, we'll talk in a week, week two, in a second. So thoughts on week one.
Speaker 3:You know what? The team that impressed me the most during college week one has got to be LSU. I think LSU went out there and they just really stepped it up and showed that they are a legitimate national champion contender. I think I've never been a big Brian Kelly fan. When he went to LSU I thought his whole stick was a little too much. But yeah, I think LSU is what impressed me the most.
Speaker 2:I think LSU is a great team man. It might be the number one team in the country to do what they did on the road in Clemson. Is is otherworldly. But on the other end of the spectrum, fellas real quick. Alabama's meltdown was unforgivable for that fan base for that team and five stars everywhere. The board the board is the wrong fit for Alabama. He's not from the South, he's not an Alabama guy, he has no ties, no recruiting, and despite all the five-star talent on that team, they let Florida State and their little short quarterback who was talking smack. He covered the smack by beating their asses. He said Alabama couldn't stop him and sure enough, what happened?
Speaker 2:Castellano, florida State might be a team to watch down the stretch, but Alabama, on the other end of the spectrum, has been a disappointment. And let's give a shout-out to Ohio State and Ryan Day, the overhype machine on Arch Manning. It did the number on them defensively with Matt Patricia. I think Ohio State's going to be one to reckon with going down the stretch, despite their young quarterback, sarah Sayer and I think his name was a former five-star. So you've got to give Ohio State handling business at home and a whole sports star. So you got to give Ohio State how my business at home and the whole sports you.
Speaker 1:OK, ok. And as we look forward to week two, it seems as if now week one started off with a bang and as a football fan, there's nothing more than any football fan would want Noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon, noon'clock noon, uh noon, eastern. You have texas and ohio state like, and then you have uh lsu playing too as well. But looking at this team, the only ranked teams that play each other in week two are going to be michigan and oklahoma, so everybody else should have easy wins. I think, doc, I'll start with you on this one, especially when I'm looking at texas, they're just playing san Jose State, so we should see a better game with Arch Manning. You know Penn State, they don't play anybody. So most of these teams don't play anybody. So what are you looking forward to in week two, going forward in a couple of days?
Speaker 2:Well, I love college football. That's my baby and Rayler S knows that and you do too, marlon. I think John Materia at Oklahoma to see if he's the real deal in the SEC. It's hard to think of Oklahoma in the SEC, but John Materia is the real deal man. He put up some numbers last year for OU and the fact that they're playing a young freshman from Michigan, even though he's the number one recruit in the country and Bryce Underwood you know it's going to be daunting against their OU defense, but Teer, remember that name. You know he might be up for the Heisman, might be fourth, but he's going to put up numbers. I'm looking forward to the Oklahoma-Michigan game, yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, esteban, looking forward to anything in week two.
Speaker 3:I mean I already have a. I had a bet early on in the week for I got Michigan plus seven in that game, but now it's all the way down to Michigan plus five. So I'm liking my CLV on that. But yeah, I mean it's funny when you look at last week, everyone was saying this is the greatest week one in college football history, just with the games. And now we're at week two and we have uh, just teams playing a bunch of cupcakes. So but I mean it doesn't mean that, uh, when it comes to like betting, that you can't, um, make some money on this. I mean that I think, uh, I think my favorite big number is Navy at a plus 21 over UAB. I think, I'm sorry, minus 21 over UAB. I think Trent Dilfer there at UAB, he just can't get this program in line. But I think the big thing is to let me get real quick. You're looking at like Heisman futures.
Speaker 3:To start off Beginning of the season, arch Manning was at like a 5-1. He's now down to 10-1. And you look at Texas' schedule coming up. I mean you got like San Jose State. They have a couple other cup games after that. I think you've got some. You got some just absolute ways of getting, of being able to get right. So now at a 10 to one, okay, no problem, I'll put a little money on that, because I think a five to one was just way too much. But the guy I liked up who, who I got early on at a 25-1, was your guy Carson Beck. I think what Carson Beck showed last week I think he came out and played a great game and I really really like him. He went from 25-1, he's now down to 9-1. So it's a Heisman favorite.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think Jeremiah Love and Jeremiah Smith for Ohio State and Love with Notre Dame going to have bounce back years and games going forward. As well. As Orange Manning Now, he's a big one now already against Georgia November 15th on the road in Athens, so we'll see what he's about in that game. But Jeremiah Smith and Jeremiah Love, they're the ones that receive and the ones that run it back, so we'll see. But carson bank, it goes noted man, that's georgia guy, you know. So, yeah, that's a good bet, man. It's wide open right now, you know. And uh, take it from there, yeah absolutely well s.
Speaker 1:We appreciate you for joining and I know we took a little more of your time and hopefully you don't get into too much trouble, guys hey guys, I have you on speaker real quick.
Speaker 3:I need you guys to do me one favor, because my girlfriend is waiting for us to eat dinner. I need you both to apologize to her for us taking so long.
Speaker 4:Was just three of you on the phone the entire time. Yes, it was just us talking sports on a podcast.
Speaker 2:So yes, ma'am, we held him hostage. God bless you and God bless him.
Speaker 4:You didn't hold him hostage. Okay, Because nobody likes hearing themselves speak more than this man. Okay, I did not hold him hostage. I'm pretty sure that a majority of the conversation was run by this fucking guy. And the whole reason why it lasted so long is because he kept fucking talking. So, marlon, it's not your fault, it's his.
Speaker 1:Okay, there you go. You already know your man. We tried to wrap him up, but he just kept going and going and going and everything Right. That's the problem.
Speaker 4:You mentioned one thing and he's just like oh yeah, I have something to say about that. It's very rare.
Speaker 1:I can get to find a topic where this man has nothing to say about that. Yeah, it's not my fault.
Speaker 3:I know everything. Alright, guys, that's right just bring up Ice.
Speaker 1:He won't talk about Ice, that much.
Speaker 4:He'll just run and hide you're right, he won't be able to talk about that yeah, exactly, he already has a hiding spot.
Speaker 3:I dropped the phone around the door when you said that that's right.
Speaker 2:Thanks a lot, ray, appreciate it.
Speaker 1:Oh man, this was great. S was good, we can dive into. If you want to dive into WNBA now, we can dive into it now and we can talk about that a little bit more next week. There's some Kawhi news that came out, but it's a lot that's going on right now in the sports world.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it is a lot, so we'll talk about that next week after week one's wrap-up of the NFL. So we'll talk WNBA next time. I don't want to hold the audience any longer. This is a great show, one of our best. I appreciate it, marlon for producing, absolutely.
Speaker 1:We'll catch you guys next week, peace.