Episode 242: The Heisman and Week 15

The Underdog NFL Show

Intro 0:00 - 2:12: The episode opens with hosts Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines greeting listeners and discussing their excitement about Chris being a finalist for a Sports Talk Podcast award alongside notable names like the Kelce brothers and Scott Van Pelt. College Football Discussions 02:43 - 07:14: The hosts delve into the news about Bill Belichick reportedly finalizing a deal to become the head coach at the University of North Carolina. They critique Belichick's suitability for college coaching and discuss his extensive demands, such as NFL-style infrastructure, high NIL budgets, and dual-staff teams. The legacy implications of this move are also debated. 09:13 - 20:00: Discussion shifts to the Heisman Trophy finalists: Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Ashton Jeanty. Mario and Chris analyze each candidate's performance, focusing on Jeanty's historical production and Hunter's unique two-way role at Colorado. Comparisons to past greats like Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson are explored. NFL Week 15 Game-by-Game Analysis 25:30 - 27:22: Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers: Discussion begins with the Rams' recent success, including a big win over the Bills. The 49ers' struggles with injuries, including Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey, are highlighted. The Rams' Moneyline odds (+135) are considered intriguing given their momentum. 27:22 - 28:14: Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants: Ravens are heavily favored (-15.5). The hosts highlight Baltimore's strong motivation and the Giants' issues with Tommy DeVito under center. 28:24 - 29:10: Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans: Titans (+5) face a Bengals team struggling with defensive consistency. The hosts critique the Bengals' inability to dominate despite Joe Burrow's strong performances. 29:29 - 30:27: Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers: Panthers are slight favorites (-3). The hosts note Bryce Young's improving form, especially after the team's recent win over the Eagles. 31:12 - 32:03: Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns: Chiefs' tendency to win narrowly without covering spreads is analyzed. The Browns (+4) are seen as a defensively strong but offensively limited team. 33:11 - 34:14: Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans: Texans (-3) are favored. The conversation focuses on Houston's defensive capabilities and Miami's offensive struggles. 34:14 - 35:49: New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaguars (+3) host the Jets. The hosts discuss Jacksonville's challenges without Trevor Lawrence and the Jets' continued mediocrity. 37:10 - 37:58: Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints: Commanders are favorites (-7.5). The Saints' quarterback issues and general inconsistency are highlighted. 38:09 - 39:15: Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions: Lions (-2.5) are praised for their offensive prowess but criticized for defensive vulnerabilities. The Bills' strong playoff push is noted. 39:15 - 40:27: Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos: Broncos (-3.5) host the Colts. Denver's improved play-action offense and solid defense are acknowledged as key advantages. 40:27 - 41:16: New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals: Cardinals (-6) are expected to capitalize on the Patriots' apparent lack of competitiveness this season. 43:12 - 44:23: Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks: Packers are slight favorites. The hosts analyze the quarterbacks' performances and the teams' contrasting supporting casts. 47:35 - 48:58: Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings: Vikings (-7) are expected to maintain momentum against the struggling Bears. 53:55 - End: Atlanta Falcons @ Las Vegas Raiders: Uncertainty around starting quarterbacks dominates the conversation. Desmond Ridder's availability for the Falcons remains a key question.