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The Underdog NFL Show

The Underdog NFL Show

By: Underdog Sports
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Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines talk all things NFL football year round, covering the sport with a unique blend of insight and humor -- along some help from their contacts from around the football world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025
Football (American) Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Episode 276: A Look Back at Super Bowl LX
    Feb 12 2026

    00:13 – Cold Open & Super Bowl Disappointment

    Chris and Mario admit the game lacked intrigue, comparing it to last year’s lopsided halftime. They discuss the Patriots' offensive struggles and Seattle’s dominant defensive tone.


    01:07 – Super Bowl: Seahawks vs Patriots

    High-level breakdown of Seattle’s defensive pressure, Patriots protection issues, Drake May’s uneven performance, Sam Darnold’s steadiness, and key defensive plays that shaped the flow.


    06:31 – Treveyon Henderson Prop Sweat

    Chris recounts betting the rushing over and surviving a late-game yardage swing, highlighting how game script killed run volume.


    10:34 – Standout Performances

    Praise for Christian Gonzalez, Craig Woodson’s rookie impact, Milton Williams’ interior presence, and debate over Kenneth Walker’s MVP moment negated by penalty.


    16:10 – Commercials & Halftime Reactions

    They critique AI-heavy ads, the Brad Pitt Netflix trailer buzz, and nostalgic de-aging spots that missed the mark.


    19:14 – Early Super Bowl Odds & Team Outlooks

    Using oddsmakers’ futures board, they debate Seahawks/Rams at the top, skepticism around Bills hype, Patriots’ standing, and surprise bottom-tier teams like the Dolphins and Cardinals.


    22:59 – Bears vs Jaguars Futures Debate

    Deep dive into Caleb Williams’ troubling completion numbers, postseason inconsistency, Ben Johnson’s scheme questions, Trevor Lawrence’s trajectory, and Jacksonville’s ceiling.


    39:59 – Receiver Trade Speculation

    Hypothetical trade talk: Brian Thomas Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., and even A.J. Brown scenarios, plus Bills’ need for a true WR1.


    52:00 – Veteran QB Carousel

    Discussion of potential availability: Kyler Murray, Tua, Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, and deeper backup names. Debate on value vs projection.


    53:35 – James Pearce Jr. Arrest & Fallout

    Detailed reaction to domestic dispute allegations, police pursuit, felony charges, and likely career consequences. The conversation turns to accountability, character evaluation, and Falcons implications.


    59:23 – Offseason Preview

    Show closes with plans for free agency, draft coverage, and offseason consistency.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr
  • Episode 275: SUPER BOWL LX
    Feb 5 2026

    00:13 – Pro Bowl Apathy & Football Fatigue

    Chris and Mario open by dismissing the Pro Bowl, joking about highlights, effort levels, and how little interest it generates compared to meaningful football.


    01:26 – Super Bowl Anticipation Check

    They discuss overall excitement levels for the Super Bowl, lingering Patriots fatigue, and why the matchup still feels compelling despite emotional burnout.


    02:36 – Marvel & TV Detour

    Extended pop-culture segment on Wonder Man, Disney+ pacing issues, long gaps between prestige TV seasons, and frustration with modern streaming timelines.


    09:31 – Belichick, Legacy & Hall of Fame Optics

    Conversation shifts to Bill Belichick’s post-Patriots career, Hall of Fame delays, college football detours, and how staying too long can complicate legacies.


    15:00 – Super Bowl Context & Team Profiles

    Breakdown of Seahawks vs Patriots from a high-level perspective, focusing on offensive balance, defensive strengths, season-long efficiency, and why the matchup is statistically intriguing.


    19:32 – Super Bowl MVP Landscape

    Overview of MVP trends, quarterback dominance, and why non-QB candidates require unusual game scripts to be considered by voters.


    23:26 – Running Backs & Usage Trends

    Discussion of rushing workloads, playoff usage patterns, and how backs can swing big games without guaranteeing individual awards.


    29:26 – Betting Props & Market Curiosity

    Lighthearted look at oddsmakers’ lines, including rushing totals, receiving yard thresholds, and how public perception shapes numbers.


    39:34 – NBA Trade Deadline Chaos

    Reaction to a wild NBA trade window, including Giannis rumors, front-office leverage, and teams positioning for long-term flexibility.


    49:20 – Halftime Show & Novelty Props

    Breakdown of Super Bowl novelty markets: anthem length, coin tosses, MVP speeches, and Bad Bunny halftime expectations.


    01:05:14 – Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ever

    They rank recent halftime performances, praising the Dre/Snoop/Kendrick show while critiquing others for lacking energy.


    01:10:06 – Eagles News & Closing Thoughts

    The episode ends with a reaction to Jeff Stoutland’s departure, music talk, and final Super Bowl anticipation before signing off.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 274: Chaos in Cleveland
    Jan 29 2026
    00:13 – Cold Open & Personality TangentChris and Mario open with storytelling about classroom punishment, performance, and why unintended encouragement often fuels confidence and showmanship.04:33 – Super Bowl Gap & Browns Chaos SetupThey note the awkward timing before Super Bowl week and pivot hard to Cleveland, setting up a deep dive into one of the league’s messiest coaching situations.04:56 – Browns Hire Todd Monken, Fallout BeginsDiscussion of Cleveland hiring Todd Monken after failing to align with preferred candidates, why the choice feels uninspired, and how internal demands fractured the search.07:15 – Jim Schwartz Exit & Defensive ConsequencesReaction to Jim Schwartz wanting out after being passed over, concerns for defensive stability, and how this decision could ripple into roster dissatisfaction.08:15 – Shador Sanders, QB Reality CheckThey discuss Sanders’ Pro Bowl nod, Cleveland’s long-term QB uncertainty, and why Monken’s success with Lamar Jackson doesn’t automatically translate.12:46 – College Football Age Inflation & Draft OpticsConversation about extended eligibility, older prospects, and why teams must balance production with shortened development windows.13:26 – Akheem Mesidor vs Youth ProspectsDetailed breakdown of Mesidor’s elite pressure numbers, age concerns, and how win-now teams may value certainty over upside.17:30 – Fernando Mendoza Lock at No. 1Discussion of Mendoza as the presumed top pick, oddsmakers’ certainty, Raiders fit, personality questions, and leadership challenges.22:26 – Raiders Roster, WR Fits & Free Agent MarketWide-ranging debate on which receivers actually help a young QB, cultural fit vs talent, and why most free-agent options feel uninspiring.32:18 – Diva WR History & Modern ComparisonsLighthearted but pointed segment ranking historical diva WR duos and comparing them to today’s personalities.42:22 – Eagles OC Search & Matt Nagy SkepticismStrong criticism of retread coordinator hires, Nagy’s offensive track record, and why Philly needs upside, not safety.45:25 – Schefter Tease & Coaching UncertaintyReaction to Adam Schefter hinting bigger changes may be coming, including speculation beyond coordinator hires.48:07 – Josh Allen, Bills & Promotion RisksDiscussion of Buffalo promoting internally, how QB scrutiny shifts when staff changes stall, and long-term risk.55:35 – Lamar Jackson Trade Prop ShockOddsmakers list Lamar Jackson-to-Raiders futures, sparking disbelief, mock trade exploration, and broader league instability talk.59:03 – Browns QB Wild Cards & Offseason OutlookBrief thoughts on Cleveland’s remaining options and why the offseason hype may not deliver.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 1 min
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