The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 3 - NFL playoff picture, HC Sean Payton is doing the unthinkable for the Broncos
Dec 15, 2025
Mike DeFabo, beat writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers at The Athletic, joins to discuss the NFL playoff landscape. They dive into the rising Denver Broncos under Sean Payton, emphasizing his transformative coaching style. The conversation shifts to Mike Tomlin's job security amid mixed approval ratings, exploring the relationship with ownership. Aaron Rodgers' struggles in Pittsburgh and the implications for T.J. Watt's future with the team are also highlighted. DeFabo previews the Steelers vs. Dolphins matchup, focusing on key defensive challenges.
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Injuries Shift NFC Power Balance
- Injuries transformed the NFC playoff landscape, making Detroit a tougher matchup than Green Bay.
- Colin Cowherd argues Detroit's roster now exceeds Green Bay's due to key Packers injuries.
Denver Emerges As AFC Threat
- Colin rates Denver highly in the AFC despite being outside the Mahomes/Burrow/Allen elite.
- He credits Sean Payton's coaching for Denver's roster balance and playoff clinch.
Payton Keeps Focused On Bigger Goals
- Sean Payton framed the goals: win the division, get the best seed, then the championship.
- Payton stressed Denver hasn't completed any of those goals despite clinching a spot.