The Big Playoff Sleeper, Bright Future Bears, Bring Back Belichick, Plus Week 18 Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Jan 1, 2024
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Cousin Sal joins Bill Simmons to discuss NFL Week 17 highlights, playoff potential, and Week 18 predictions. They also analyze the Cowboys season, question Mike McCarthy's trustworthiness, and talk about the disappointment of Eagles fans. Other topics include Coach of the Year candidates, Bill Belichick's future, devastating injuries, potential landing spots for a free agent QB, and analyzing betting lines for upcoming football games. They close with personal anecdotes and plans for upcoming football hangouts.
Baltimore and San Francisco are emerging as top teams in their conferences with the ability to win in different types of games.
The Cleveland Browns have the talent to challenge the Baltimore Ravens in the postseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have demonstrated resilience and are a playoff contender.
The Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown inconsistencies which could impact their success in the playoffs.
Deep dives
Baltimore and San Francisco look like the strongest teams heading into the playoffs
Baltimore and San Francisco are emerging as the top teams in their conferences. Both teams have shown the ability to win in different types of games, whether it's a high-scoring shootout or a low-scoring defensive battle. Baltimore has the explosive offense led by Lamar Jackson, while San Francisco relies on their strong running game and solid defense. Both teams have the potential to make deep playoff runs.
The Browns could be a threat to the Ravens in the playoffs
The Cleveland Browns have the talent and ability to challenge the Baltimore Ravens in the postseason. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and a strong running game, the Browns have the weapons to compete with the Ravens' high-powered offense. Their defense has also shown improvement throughout the season, making them a team to watch out for.
Pittsburgh's resurgence makes them a potential contender in the playoffs
The Pittsburgh Steelers have demonstrated their resilience this season, overcoming early struggles to become a playoff contender. With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leading the way, the Steelers have proven their ability to win close games and compete against tough opponents. Their defense has also been solid, making them a team that could pose a threat in the playoffs.
Buffalo and Tampa Bay have shown inconsistencies leading into the playoffs
The Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have experienced ups and downs throughout the season, raising questions about their playoff potential. Both teams have had impressive performances, but have also shown inconsistencies. The Bills' offense has struggled at times, while the Buccaneers' defense has been vulnerable. These lingering issues could impact their success in the playoffs.
Bills and Dolphins Compete for the 2nd Seed in AFC
The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins face off in a crucial game for the 2nd seed in the AFC. The winner secures the 2nd seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs, while the loser will be the 6th seed. The Bills are favored by 2.5 points in the matchup.
Cowboys and Eagles Battle for the NFC East Title
The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles compete for the NFC East title. If Dallas wins, they claim the division crown and secure the 2nd seed in the NFC. If Philadelphia pulls off the upset, they will win the division and secure the 2nd seed. The Cowboys are favored by 13.5 points in this must-win game.
Colts and Texans Fight for a Playoff Spot
The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans face off in a game with playoff implications. If the Colts win, they secure a playoff spot as the 4th seed. The Texans will try to play spoiler and end their season on a positive note. The Colts are favored by 3 points.
Patriots and Jets Wrap Up Their Seasons
The New England Patriots and New York Jets conclude their seasons in a divisional matchup. While the game is relatively meaningless in terms of playoff implications, both teams will look to end the season on a high note. The Jets are favored by 2.5 points in the game.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the biggest topics from NFL Week 17, including the powerful 1-seeds, the Bills and Dolphins battling for the 2-seed in the AFC, Chiefs-Bengals, Eagles-Cardinals, Bills-Patriots, an unsettling Cowboys win vs. the Lions, Steelers-Seahawks, Justin Fields seemingly securing his job in Chicago, the messy NFC South, and more (1:51). Then they guess the lines for Week 18 (1:02:24), before closing the show with Parent Corner (1:29:53).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guest: Cousin Sal
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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