Episode 244: Checkers, Not Chess

The Underdog NFL Show

Introduction 0:00:45 - 0:43:31 Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines kick off the show with holiday greetings and set the stage for Week 17 discussions, emphasizing playoff scenarios and team struggles, such as concussion protocols and late-season roster changes. NFL Week 17 Game-by-Game Analysis 1. Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears 2:29 - 4:38 Discussion on the Seahawks' favored position (-4) against a struggling Bears team. Criticism focuses on the Bears' coaching and their inability to utilize their roster effectively. 2. Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots 5:29 - 6:44 Chargers are favored (-4.5) as they push for playoff positioning in the AFC. The Patriots, with the second-draft pick, are critiqued for their lack of competitiveness. The future of top QB prospects and draft strategies is debated. 3. Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals 7:23 - 8:31 Bengals (-3) face a surging Broncos team. Mario supports Cincinnati, citing their star players needing to step up, while Chris questions their motivation, given Denver's playoff stakes. 4. Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams 10:24 - 12:51 Rams (-6.5) are praised for their resilience, particularly Puka Nacua's performance. Playoff implications hinge on multiple scenarios, including a Rams win and a Seahawks loss. 5. Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13:12 - 15:09 With Tampa Bay favored (-7.5), weather conditions in Tampa (thunderstorms) are discussed. Bryce Young's struggles in adverse weather are highlighted. 6. Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles 15:09 - 18:35 Eagles (-7) are expected to dominate with the Cowboys missing key players like CeeDee Lamb. The conversation shifts to the challenges of backup quarterbacks fitting into different offensive systems. 7. Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants 19:25 - 20:45 Colts (-7.5) take on a struggling Giants team. Both hosts criticize the Giants' inability to compete and highlight Jonathan Taylor's costly mistakes in prior games. 8. New Orleans Saints @ Las Vegas Raiders 25:36 - 26:29 Saints (+1) host the Raiders in a game dismissed as largely inconsequential. Discussion includes critiques of Spencer Rattler's quarterbacking for the Saints. 9. New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills 26:59 - 27:31 Bills (-9.5) aim to keep playoff momentum as Josh Allen chases MVP recognition. Both hosts note the team's support for Allen. 10. Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings 31:30 - 38:03 Vikings (+1) host the Packers in a pivotal NFC North clash. Green Bay's resurgence is noted, while the Vikings are criticized for their inconsistency. 11. Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders 39:11 - 40:13 Commanders (-4) are favored as they play for their playoff hopes. The Falcons' inconsistency and Michael Penix Jr.'s development are discussed. 12. Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football) 40:28 - 41:21 Lions (-3.5) face a 49ers team with limited offensive options. Detroit's playoff-clinching scenarios are reviewed. Other Topics Pop Culture and College Sports 38:44 - End They discuss the college bowl games and surprising coaching hires, including Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson taking roles at HBCUs.