The Bill Simmons Podcast Darnold Does It, Snow Game II: Mile High, Pats-Seahawks, and the Wild Taipei Climb With Cousin Sal
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Jan 26, 2026 
Cousin Sal, comedian and regular sports-betting commentator, joins to recap the conference championship games. They break down Darnold vs Stafford and key receiver matchups. They relive the Patriots’ blizzard win in Denver and debate officiating and replay controversies. They finish by guessing Super Bowl lines, answering mailbag questions, and swapping wild parenting and stunt stories.
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Patriots As An Underdog Narrative
- The Patriots' run to the Super Bowl feels like a classic underdog arc that will grow on America over time.
- Bill ties Sam Darnold's redemption potential to historical QB comeback narratives like Jim Plunkett.
Darnold's Performance Reframes His Season
- Sam Darnold exceeded expectations with crisp throws and no turnovers, changing perception of his season.
- Bill emphasizes Darnold's day as a legitimate performance, not just luck or weather-driven variance.
Rams' Receivers Create Unique Mismatches
- The Rams' receiving duo (JSN and Puka) created matchup problems with sideline footwork and contested catches.
- Bill and Sal consider them among the most versatile and reliable wide receiver pairings in the league.