The Herd with Colin Cowherd 3 & Out - AFC and NFC Championship Weekend Preview
Jan 23, 2026
Stuckey, a betting analyst from The Action Network, joins former NFL scout John Middlekauff to dissect the high-stakes AFC/NFC Championship matchups. They delve into intriguing storylines, including Sean Payton's chance to reshape his legacy with Jared Stidham and Mike Vrabel's pivotal role in reviving the Patriots. Stuckey shares insights on betting strategies, weather impacts, and evaluates key factors for upcoming games, while reflecting on last week’s playoff surprises and potential off-season shakeups in the AFC.
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Sean Payton's Legacy Hinges On Backup QB
- Sean Payton winning an AFC title with a QB who hasn't thrown all season would massively elevate his legacy.
- Doing that with Jared Stidham would be one of the most impressive coaching feats outside a Super Bowl win.
Vrabel And Drake May Could Reshape The Pats
- Mike Vrabel reaching a Super Bowl would validate his coaching and the Patriots' rebuild.
- If Drake May reaches the Super Bowl in year two it could instantly reframe him as an elite young quarterback.
Defensive Coaching Resurgence In Seattle
- Mike McDonald represents a rare modern defensive-minded head coach succeeding at the highest level.
- His success would highlight John Schneider's talent evaluation and boost Schneider toward Hall of Fame status.