In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald bring you their picks for end-of-season awards. From MVP to the best assistant coach, the trio debates the key players and coaches that defined the 2024 NFL season.The MVP race was tight, as the trio debate between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. As the discussion shifts to Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley’s historic 2,000-yard season gives him a very strong case, though Ja'Marr Chase’s Triple Crown performance puts him in consideration. On the defensive side, Patrick Surtain II stood out as the top contender for Defensive Player of the Year with his lockdown play, while Dan Campbell's leadership and resilience in Detroit is compared to Kevin O'Connell's unbelievable turnaround of Sam Darnold's career in Minnesota for the Coach of the Year award.The episode also includes debates over Assistant Coach of the Year, with Aaron Glenn's impressive defensive turnaround in Detroit and Joe Gilbert’s work with the Carolina Panthers' offensive line both getting major props. Meanwhile, the Executive of the Year conversation highlighted the impressive work of Jason Licht for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Brad Holmes for the Detroit Lions, turning around their teams with savvy draft picks and trades. Wrapping things up, the guys discuss the candidates for Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, including Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers, Quinyon Mitchell, Jared Verse, Nate Wiggins and more.(3:00) - Most Valuable Player(11:15) - Offensive Player of the Year(18:25) - Defensive Player of the Year(28:10) - Coach of the Year(36:20) - Assistant Coach of the Year(45:05) - Executive of the Year(54:20) - Offensive Rookie of the Year(59:45) - Defensive Rookie of the YearSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab break down the key moments from Week 18 of the NFL season, offering their take on some of the league’s biggest matchups and the implications for teams heading into the playoffs. They kick things off by discussing the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions game, which didn’t live up to expectations as both teams were feeling the pressure. From there, the hosts dive into the drama surrounding the New England Patriots' loss to the Buffalo Bills and the firing of Jerod Mayo, with Frank questioning the team’s management and Fitz wondering why the Patriots waited so long to go after Mike Vrabel. They also touch on the Denver Broncos dominating the Kansas City Chiefs backups. Next, the duo analyze the Miami Dolphins' loss to the New York Jets, with Frank reflecting on the future of Aaron Rodgers and Tyreek Hill's uncertain status with the Dolphins. Later, the hosts discuss key matchups like the Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens, where Frank feels the Browns need to draft a QB with the second overall pick. They also break down the Cincinnati Bengals' missed playoff chances and the Chicago Bears' morale-boosting win over the Green Bay Packers. With a look ahead to next season, Jason and Frank consider the future of coaches like Mike McCarthy, Brian Daboll, Antonio Pierce and others, while touching on the unexpected rollercoaster ride that is the Seattle Seahawks. (00:30) - Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions(11:15) - Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots(19:40) - Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos(25:05) - Miami Dolphins at New York Jets(33:15) - Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens(35:20) - Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers(38:30) - Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons(40:45) - Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys(44:35) - Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers(47:00) - Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans(49:45) - Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts(51:30) - New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles(54:00) - New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(52:05) - Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders(1:01:00) - Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams(1:03:20) - San Francisco 49ers at Arizona CardinalsSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

The 2024 NFL regular season is finally in the books and the blockbuster Sunday night finale between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings was a bit more lopsided than anticipated. Jared Goff and the Lions secured an overwhelming 31-9 victory in which Jahmyr Gibbs scored 4 touchdowns and the Vikings offense never got comfortable.Nate Tice and Charles McDonald break down the biggest storylines from the end of Week 18, leading off with Detroit securing both the NFC North crown and home field advantage through the playoffs. Next, they talk about the Denver Broncos blowing out the Kansas City Chiefs backups in order to punch their ticket into the AFC playoffs and how this came at the expense of the Cincinnati Bengals, who beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.In the latter half of the show, the guys check in on the NFC South, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured another division title and the Atlanta Falcons blowing a game in overtime to the Carolina Panthers.In a surprisingly swift bit of news, the New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo after just a single season after he had reportedly been the head coach in waiting for a number of years. Charles and Nate criticize the Patriots ownership and front office with the decision making and wonder if Mike Vrabel or Ben Johnson could be the next HC in Foxboro.Closing out the show, the run through some quick topics including the Tennessee Titans securing the top pick in this April's NFL draft, Trey Lance getting the start in Dallas over Cooper Rush and Tanner McKee looking solid in relief of Jalen Hurts in a Philadelphia Eagles win over the Giants.(0:32) - Detroit Lions soundly win NFC North(13:20) - Broncos get AFC 7th seed over Bengals & Dolphins(27:15) - Buccaneers secure NFC South, another Falcons flameout(41:25) - New England Patriots fire HC Jerod Mayo(48:50) - Quick hits: Titans, Eagles, Trey Lance🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Dive into the juicy rumors of Mike Vrabel potentially coaching the Jets! Explore the impact of Pro Bowl snubs on players like Baker Mayfield and Brian Thomas Jr. Join the debate on Saquon Barkley's decision to sit out pivotal games, and whether the Eagles are making the right call. Plus, predictions heat up for the Vikings vs. Lions showdown. With playful banter throughout, the hosts unravel the complexities of NFL coaching and player recognition in a fun and engaging way!

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dive deep into the high-stakes drama of Week 18, breaking down the biggest matchups across the NFL, including the highly anticipated showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. With the 1 seed on the line, Nate and Charles preview what should be a hoss fight for the ages. Will the Lions' defense, dealing with significant injuries, hold up against the explosive Vikings offense led by Justin Jefferson? And can Minnesota's aggressive defense stop the Lions' grinding run game? The guys explore these matchups and more as they analyze what makes this game a must-watch.Beyond the NFC North, the hosts touch on the Cincinnati Bengals' looming clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with playoff seeding and potential departures (including Tee Higgins’ future) looming large. Nate and Charles also give their take on the Kansas City Chiefs battling the Denver Broncos, with some lighthearted banter about backup quarterbacks and a fun tangent about Carson Wentz's unorthodox presence on the field. The duo also give their thoughts and predictions on the Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints matchups.As always, the crew wraps up with a mailbag question, where Charles gives his recommendations for books to read if you want to learn more about schemes and football terminology.(3:50) - Vikings @ Lions(41:15) - Bengals @ Steelers(46:10) - Falcons @ Panthers(53:20) - Chiefs @ Broncos(58:40) - Saints @ Buccaneers(1:05:00) - Mailbag question of the weekSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon are ringing in the New Year with their resolutions for NFL teams as the playoff race heats up. Matt's resolutions focus on teams in the playoffs, while Nate takes aim at franchises that are in need of some serious soul-searching.First, the guys tackle the red-hot Minnesota Vikings, who are gearing up for a crucial Sunday night game. Matt admits to regretting his past doubts about Sam Darnold, while Nate discusses how Darnold’s recent performances are reshaping the team’s future. From there, they turn their attention to the New England Patriots, discussing the lack of supporting talent around rookie QB Drake Maye and the need for a drastic roster overhaul. They also dive into the Detroit Lions’ identity, where Coach Dan Campbell's aggressive philosophy is clearly paying off.Next, they touch on the Chicago Bears, who have a lot of work to do, particularly in finding a long-term solution at center to help their young QB Caleb Williams. The conversation shifts to teams in need of renovation or a redefined sense of direction. The Los Angeles Rams need a refresh on offense with more speed and explosiveness, while the Indianapolis Colts seem stuck in the muck, lacking defensive leadership. On the flip side, Matt and Nate give props to the Houston Texans for their surprising playoff berth but caution that they may have overestimated their readiness for a deep run. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers might need to trim the fat in their offense, and the Las Vegas Raiders must decide whether to commit to a long-term plan or continue with their half-measure approach. The episode wraps up with a look at the San Francisco 49ers, who need to eat their vegetables.(2:15) - Minnesota Vikings(11:05) - New England Patriots(19:40) - Detroit Lions(24:40) - Chicago Bears(30:40) - Los Angeles Rams(38:05) - Indianapolis Colts(45:05) - Houston Texans(54:50) - Green Bay Packers(1:02:50) - Las Vegas Raiders(1:07:10) - San Francisco 49ersSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab dive into the fallout from every game of Week 17 NFL action, from a looming monster matchup to a coaching decision that could change the landscape of the 2024 season. Fitz and Frank agree: next week’s showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions is one of the most high-stakes regular season games of all time, and Campbell has a huge decision to make about whether or not to sit players on Monday night.As the duo breaks down the week’s key matchups, they touch on Sam Darnold’s explosive performance for the Vikings, why the Green Bay Packers still haven't proven they can beat top teams and how the Los Angeles Chargers are shaping up for a playoff run. The Denver Broncos suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with playoff hopes on the line, while the New York Jets’ disastrous performance against the Buffalo Bills raised even more questions about their future. Fitz and Schwab also dig into Brock Bowers breaking records and the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff chances crumbling with a disastrous performance.Fitz and Schwab also weigh in on the fate of Mike McCarthy after the Dallas Cowboys’ embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the Sunday slate before giving their uncertain predictions for an awkward Monday night matchup between the Detroit Lions & San Francisco 49ers.(1:50) - Week 18 battle for home field advantage(11:00) - Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings(22:00) - Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders(31:00) - Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots(35:00) - Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals(39:00) - Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams(40:50) - New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills(44:30) - Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles(47:50) - Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints(52:00) - Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants(57:20) - Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars(58:20) - Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns(59:40) - Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(1:02:50) - MNF previewSubscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT ❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways: • Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez • Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699 • Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

One more week left in the 2024 regular season and the playoff picture (and first pick in the draft picture) is coming into shape. Nate Tice and Charles McDonald discuss the five biggest results from Week 17's Saturday and Sunday action, leading off with the Minnesota Vikings' well-earned divisional win over the Green Bay Packers.Nate & Charles discuss how Sam Darnold's play and Kevin O'Connor's scheming always kept Green Bay a step behind and why the Packers defense is not quite up to the task of stopping an elite Super Bowl-contending offense.Speaking of elite, the guys look back to Saturday and look at the Los Angeles Rams' 13-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Nate explains why sophomore receiver Puka Nacua has entered the top-tier of NFL wideouts and why his play the last two seasons is basically unparalleled from a statistical perspective.Also on Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals eked out an overtime win over the Denver Broncos, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The guys talk about Joe Burrow's MVP case and how the Broncos still may backpedal into the playoffs against a Kansas City Chiefs team that will likely rest their starters next weekend.Closing out the show, they chat about Drew Lock and the New York Giants extinguishing the Indianapolis Colts' playoff hopes and Saquon Barkley's 2,000-yard season in a Philadelphia win over the Dallas Cowboys.(1:50) - Vikings take out Packers(12:10) - Puka's elite status in Rams win(24:40) - Burrow keeps Bengals playoff hopes alive(30:25) - Drew Lock extinguishes Colts(37:40) - Saquon hits 2k yards over Dallas(40:35) - Week 17 game balls 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

After a truly hideous, miserable Thursday Night Football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears, both franchises are left with questions at the QB position. For Chicago, Caleb Williams has issues holding onto the football for too long and oftentimes overlooks the easy play for the dramatic one. Can the Bears organization rely on him to execute their offense regardless of who is hired as head coach? Meanwhile for Seattle, Geno Smith has been good but not great all season long. Is it time to move on from his inconsistency? And if so, is there even a quarterback out there worth trading for? Jason Fitz, Charles Robinson & Frank Schwab answer these questions and more in their breakdown of the game.In this week’s QB Room, C Rob looks at the quarterback situation in Minnesota with Sam Darnold & J.J. McCarthy. Will the Vikings franchise Sam Darnold and punt on McCarthy in light of his unexpected success this season? Or should they let Darnold walk away and fully commit to McCarthy while he’s still on his rookie contract?To wrap, the trio react to Aaron Rodgers’ comments about the Jets needing to be “professional” and discuss if it’s fair for him to call out the Jets when he mishandled the preseason and minicamps. (0:50) Seahawks @ Bears recap(24:23) What should Minnesota do at QB next season?(47:52) Aaron Rodgers comments on Jets 'professionalism' Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenowUnder “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

As we enter the penultimate week of the NFL season, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald are back to break down all the action from a festive—but somewhat underwhelming—set of Christmas games before deep diving on the most interesting matchups to look forward to this weekend. The duo kicks things off by revisiting the Kansas City Chiefs' dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where despite some strong production value, the game got blown open as the Chiefs appeared to be entering postseason mode. The show then pivots to a tough reality check for the Houston Texans, who were completely outclassed by the Baltimore Ravens. While CJ Stroud did his best, the Texans’ glaring weakness in the trenches is hard to ignore, and Nate has some strong thoughts on their offensive line struggles.Next, Nate and Charles deep dive on the Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals matchup—a defensive hoss fight that features some of the league's top talent, including Ja'Marr Chase and Patrick Surtain II, and preview an intriguing Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings game where defensive adjustments will likely determine the outcome.As the episode rounds out, the guys tackle a high-stakes game for the Atlanta Falcons, who need a win against the Washington Commanders to keep their playoff hopes alive, and a double slop watch featuring the Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The duo wrap up with a mailbag question, as Nate and Charles dissect the complexities of motion in the NFL and why some teams choose not to use it very often.(2:55) - Chiefs beat Steelers 29-10(11:35) - Ravens beat Texans 31-2(23:05) - Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals(33:05) - Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings(49:00) - Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders(59:50) - Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles(1:03:30) - Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(1:07:20) - Mailbag question of the weekSubscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD 📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT