Talking Grit: A Detroit Lions Podcast
Talking Grit: A Detroit Lions Podcast
Bonus Episode - 2024 NFL Season Preview
In this episode of 'Talking Grit,' hosts Jason Harwood and Jacob Litton, along with guest Zach Zychowicz, go beyond their usual focus on the Detroit Lions to analyze and predict outcomes for the entire NFL season. They delve into each AFC and NFC division, compiling team records, playoff prospects, and key storylines. Discussions include potential top contenders like the Lions, Ravens, Chiefs, and Cowboys, as well as MVP candidates such as C.J. Stroud and Jared Goff.
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Welcome everybody to talking grit. I'm Jason Harwood and with me is Jacob Litton. In this episode, we're just doing something just a little bit different. We're going to go beyond the Detroit lions. We're going to talk We're going to talk the whole, the whole enchilada, as they say, they were going to talk about every division. We're going to talk about the records. We're going to talk about some storylines we're interested in. We're going to talk about who's making the playoffs. Who's not going to make the playoffs. We decided that this episode is just, it's too big for Jacob and I. It is just too big. So we have someone special to join us. someone that's fibbed a little bit on a job interview when asked how many fantasy football teams do you own? Uh, his name is Zach Zychowicz. Glad to have you here, Zach. So how many did you tell the interviewer that you had and how many do you actually own on your fantasy teams?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I appreciate you guys having me on. Um, I, I think eight is the official number and I can't confirm or deny beyond that, you know, what we may be at, but I, I did just, uh, hold this podcast up a little bit by finishing up a fantasy draft. So it got a lot of good value guys. Very excited to be here with you guys.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:We're happy to have you.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, for sure.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Alright, Jacob. First of all, how you doing?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Good. I've been pretty good. I've been off. Good
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I don't know.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Tiger's disappointed me a little bit tonight, but that's okay. Still in the hunt here. So I'll, I'll take it.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yep. So, we're going to start out first with the AFC South. Jacob, we're going to let you jump us off here. So, let's just go what you have in order here. How do you have that division finishing up?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Okay. So for the AFC South, uh, this year I have the Houston Texans winning the division at 10 and seven followed by the Jaguars nine and eight. Then I have the Titans actually finishing 3rd at 7 and 10, the Colts going 6 and 11. Um, I think it's probably going to be pretty close again, but I have Houston taking the division.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Zach, do you agree or do you got something different there?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, this is, this is probably the outlier answer for me. Um, I think the off season for the Texans has just been a little bit too loud for me. You know, you see, CJ Stroud walking around with, Amber Rose. I don't like my quarterbacks, you know, hanging out with influencers as much as, you know, maybe you know others. And, um, I really like the Titans in this, uh, division. I think Will Levi is a franchise quarterback in the NFL. I love Tajay Spears. Um, you know, Taja, he's a, is a second year guy. I think he's ready to pop. He came out of college and, you know, he actually does not have an ACL, so a lot of concern that maybe he's not gonna have a long NFL career, but. You know, every time he gets on the field, it just looks like the most athletic guy on the field. I'm really excited to see what the Titans can do. And I think the Colts could be interesting, but I'd really like to see more film on Anthony Richardson. You know, he only has like low twenties starts, you know, between high school, college NFL, I think it's like 22 or 23. It's definitely in the twenties. Very raw athleticism, but you know, I'd, I'd love to see him, you know, put more tape out there before I commit to, to picking them to win the division.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Alright, so, you have the Titans winning it, winning this one.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I do.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah, all right. So who's your second place team there, Zach?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah. I have the Colts at nine and eight. So I had the Titans, uh, at 10 and seven Colts at nine and eight, uh, Texans, eight and nine. I don't think they're going to have a bad year. Just sometimes you see a young team get to such a, Big game that they got to last year, that game against the Ravens. And, you know, you have a distracting off season, you sign a diva wide receiver, you know, and Stefan digs. And sometimes it's just, you know, tough to repeat those same results. So, you know, maybe next year, you know, I think I'd have them winning this division, but I think that maybe they take a step back this year. And then I have the Jags at seven and 10.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, not a fan of Trevor Lawrence, huh? All right. You know, um, I'm going with Jacob on this. I like the Texans. I, I do have concerns about Stefan Diggs going there, and uh, not so much Stefan Diggs this first year, I, he usually can fit in the first year, it's just, he kind of just wears thin after, you know, some time there, but when you have a young quarterback and then you get it. You know, this number one wide receiver. You're wondering if he's going to feel pressure to get him the ball. And then if Stefan Diggs doesn't get the ball, is that going to be an issue? They had such a good thing going last year with Nico Collins and Tank Dell. You know, it's, it could work out. It couldn't work out. I don't know, but, um, I have a little more faith that CJ Stroud's going to be, be able to handle it. But, um, it's tough to root for those Ohio state guys. Uh, Indianapolis Colts, I think they're going to surprise. They got a good offensive line, Jonathan Taylor back there. The wild card is what you mentioned, Zach, Anthony Richardson. Can he stay healthy? He plays four games last year, didn't even play four complete games. But he's also, like you said, inexperienced, so it's banking a lot that he's going to do good, but he is a weapon. So it just depends on if he stays healthy. Um, I have the Jaguars coming in third at eight and nine. I don't have full faith in Trevor Lawrence that he's going to be this full franchise quarterback. He's going to be worth that contract he just signed. Um, Tennessee Titans, not as bullish on Will Leavis as you are Zach, so I'm going five and 12 on them. We're each division. We're going to pick an MVP candidate. Uh, is CJ Stroud in this one. I think that he's got the best shot quarterback. It's hard to not pick a quarterback for MVP. Who do you got for an MVP in this, in this, uh, division, Jacob?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I went with Stroud as well. Um, you know, obviously MVP seems to be a quarterback's award. When you're looking at the quarterbacks in this division, I think really C. J. Stroud is the only one with consideration. 10 in yards last year as a rookie, 23 5 touchdown to interception ratio. I mean, outside of him, the only other one you could really say right now would be Trevor Lawrence, and I just don't think he's gonna have, I think we've seen the best out of Trevor Lawrence that he's gonna get. He lost Calvin Ridley last year to the Titans. I don't think he's gonna have a very good season. sounds like we're all in agreeance here that it's gonna be a pretty close, uh, race. I was giving kudos to myself for having the Titans not in last, and then Zach actually picked him to win. So I mean, maybe he's onto something here.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I know.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I think Jacob made a good point to, you know, the MVP has really turned into an award where it's, it's being given to a quarterback on the best team. I've seen some reports of pretty sharp money on will love is for like passing yard leader and, you know, MVP odds, but not to say, I think he's going to win, but I think the value is there. I think. You know, even if we'll this year could just be like, Hey guys, like I'm a, I'm an NFL franchise quarterback. I think that'd be a big step for him. And I don't think it can be overstated enough either. You know, these guys on rookie deals, we've seen this model work so many times and like a guy like Trevor Lawrence, and Jalen hurts, they're going to be going into their first contract where they're making, you know, 50 plus million a year. And you don't have the same pieces that you had in those rookie. Contracts. Just the fact that they're paying nothing in the quarterback room, a second round guy and we'll love us. I think that's, that's how it could be very interesting.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right. move on to the AFCE. Zach, I'm gonna have you start us out here. How do you got that one finishing up?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:You know, I don't have any strong opinion on the AFC East. I have the dolphins going 11 and six bills, 10 and seven pats and jets, both going six and 11. Um, I think the bills offense, you know, at the beginning, it might look a little bit awkward for a week or two, I think that they're really tailoring this offensive around Josh Allen. You know, I know the knock is, Oh, they don't have any wide receivers. I think they had plenty of wide receivers. I think Dolan Kincaid can be one of the best tight ends in the league. Um, he's not going to feel the need to, you know, to force feed Stefan Diggs like he had previously, I think once it gets going, it's going to get going. And I think the dolphins will have a very similar year to last year where you're going to see them flash in September, October. And then as the weather starts to change, maybe there's an injury, maybe they don't look the same. So I think they'll get to the playoffs, but I don't know if they're going to make that big run. And, you know, I think for the past that they're just really looking to, you know, Develop the best that they can, with Drake may. And, you know, I don't think they expect to make the playoffs, but if they can just leave this year with Drake may feeling like a, you know, secure franchise quarterback, I think that'd be great for them. And I don't know the jets. You just, you just never know what the jets, I I'm almost starting to feel bad for Aaron Rogers. They're putting them all these primetime games and, you know. They're, uh,
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:did you just say?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:yeah, you know, I, I just got the, uh, new book that, you know, Connor book out of the darkness on my wife's Kindle. So I'm excited to start to read that. I hear there's a lot of good nuggets in there, but, I'm interested to see if he can do what he has done previously. It's tough
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:alright, alright Jacob, what do you got? You gonna be an Aaron Rodgers apologist?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:All right. Here's what I have. Uh, number one, I've gotten the Miami dolphins going 11 and six. So we're the same there. Number two, I have the jets going 10 and seven bills at nine and eight Patriots. I actually haven't gone three and 14. Um, I agree with what Zach, you know, mentioned before about the Dolphins. They're going to be hot early on. They're, you know, they do have a really good team. We'll see how late in the season goes as far as injuries and everything. I do think the bills are probably going to take a little bit of a step back. They're going to rely heavily on Josh Allen. You know, turnovers were a problem for him last year. Maybe now that digs isn't there, you know, begging for the ball every single drive. Maybe that does let him open things up a little bit more, spread the ball around and maybe that works out better for him. The jets, I have them finishing number two. I have them sneaking in with a wild card spot how good their defense was last year and getting Aaron Rogers back. You know, even if he's half as good as he was before it's still an improvement over the quarterback play they had last year They're going to be in position to win a lot of football games. So it was hard for me to leave them out That's why I think you know, the bills are stepping back. The patriots are what they are They announced brissette's going to be starting quarterback. We'll see how long that goes Obviously, they're not expecting a whole lot out of this year. It's a development year for them Um, but yeah, I feel pretty comfortable where I have those four What about you, Jason? What are you thinking?
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I'm going, you know, I'm the trifecta, the dolphins win the division. I got them going 12 and 5. I, I like the dolphins. I think they're a strong team. Rest of the division is kind of down for me. I got the Jets going 9 8, the Bills 8 9. I do not have faith in Josh Allen, and I can talk about that in a minute, but just to finish up the division, I got the Patriots winning one game. I just,
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:No.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:this is, is the year they're just gonna go in and get another good draft pick, probably get a wide receiver to go with Drake May next year. Talking about Josh Allen, I'm concerned about the bills. They lost a lot on that defense and Jacob, you talked about this. The turnovers rise when Josh Allen tries to do too much. He, you know, he's not terribly the most accurate passer and I just, he just makes some mistakes that, you know, NFL quarterback shouldn't make, especially playoff bound team. So I, I'm not excited about the bills this year. Um, Going to the jets, uh, you know, I'm not going to be reading any books written with Aaron Rodgers in there. I can tell you that, um, unless it's got a lion's cover on it and it's talking about how we're beating Aaron Rodgers, but I Kirby Joseph, uh, book that on, you know, how I own Aaron Rodgers. That's the book I would read. But, um, other than that, I, I think Jacob, you're right on. This is my thinking too. If they have any sort of decent quarterback play, that defense is really, really good. So they just need some consistency there. It's a big if though, first of all, it's the Jets, right? I mean, the Jets always find a way to screw up something or just bad luck seems to follow that franchise. two, and Rogers was hurt. He's getting older. It wasn't like he was. On fire with the Packers that last year, anyways, whether that was a want or will type thing of, he was just given up and he was done with the Packers. I've seen Aaron Rodgers look like he was down before. And then all of a sudden, you know, he, he's got to prove someone wrong and then he can do it. I mean, I, but I just don't know at, at some point your game's going to diminish just too much as because of age. The Dolphins their offense is so explosive. I love all the turbo motion. They, you know, they got a really strong head coach that can, that offense is just super dangerous. They just have speed all over the field. If Waddell and Tyreek stay healthy, they're unsoppable. Um, especially with their fast backfield. Most certain A chain just, you got to pick your poison and they're, they're going to be tough to stop, you know, to, uh, just got a big contract. We're talking about, you know, Zach, you made that point earlier at some point. All those things that you're purchasing on rookie contracts go away when those contracts are getting out of sight. So how long they can maintain this, know, who knows, but I think this is the year that dolphins, you know, when this division, Jacob, is there anything that, you know, I missed or Zach missed?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:No, I still feel, I mean, obviously, I think that's the big one. Just because when Aaron Rodgers is involved, he's headline material. And you know, the Jets have a new offensive line. Aaron Rodgers is back. Brees Hall has been exploding. They're obviously just going to hear all about the Jets and all about Aaron Rodgers. Halfway decent year and he's going to be getting the comeback player of the year for sure. So
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, let's move on to the next division. We're going to talk AFC West here, you know, defending Super Bowl champions in this division. Zach, what you looking at in this division?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah. You know, it's, let's not get cute. You know, the chiefs are probably going to win the division. Um, maybe not as dominant, you know, as usual. I think that they're really going to make a push for home field advantage, but just coming off back to back Superbowls, it's just so tough. Um, I think that I have the chiefs at 12 and five, uh, Raiders and the Chargers both at nine and eight and the Broncos at five and 12. I think the Raiders could surprise people. Um, I think they could be a really good team, you know, Antonio Pierce, there's a report that, you know, he has a pending 28 million judgment on a former car dealership involvement and you know, his wife had to file bankruptcy. So, you know, he's really going to want a second contract. He's going to coach with his hair on fire. Um, I still think Aiden O'Connell can play. Football, he's going to be the backup going into it. Gardner Minshew beat him out. I think they have dogs on that roster. I think that they're, you know, going to be good. The Chargers, I think it's just going to take a year to get the players that they need to run the type of offense they want to. I think they want to be a smash mouth run offense and, you know, they probably have the best tackle combo in the league. Um, but I think it's going to take a second for them to get going and. You know, Denver should be interesting because I think that's what I read is the most popular, um, public bet on an over people really like Bo Nix. They like that storyline. I think their wind totals at five and a half and the public is smashing the over. So I think if I had to say one that I feel really good about, it's that the Broncos are going to go five and 12. I think they're going to win five games, you know, public's going to miss by half, half a win.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right. What you got, Jacob?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Uh, so no surprises there. I also have the chiefs winning division. I have them going 12 and five. beyond that though, I have the chargers finishing second at 10 and seven Raiders at five and 12 Broncos at four and 13. Um, You know, I do think the Chargers are built to have kind of a quick turnaround, especially if they're utilizing the run game more. They, you know, they have the tools, they've got a couple new running backs there that they're trying to utilize. The Raiders, you know, because of the quarterback play, I'm not so sure about them. Like Zach said, Aidan O'Connell starting off the year as a backup, they're going Gardner Minshew. You know, who has shown flashes. He's definitely shown potential. He can carry an offense. So that's gonna be really interesting to see what happens here. And the Broncos, I don't have a lot of faith in them just yet. Um, you know, Sean Payton, he's got Bo Nix. According to him, that's who he wanted all along and that they played their cards perfectly for him to fall to them in the draft. don't know that that's really the case, but he did look good in the preseason. I think that's a toss up there between those bottom two, the Raiders and Broncos. I think they can go anywhere from, you know, four to like seven ish wins. Honestly, I just don't think that they're going to be doing very well, especially when they have to play the Chiefs a couple of times a year.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I differ a lot from you on that Jacob, except for the top one. We're yeah. So Kansas city chiefs, 12 and five exact same as you, but with Zach. I think the Raiders are going to surprise this year. I, I just feel, they've taken this lion's approach where they're going to, you know, get a coach that they could follow. I think Ontario Pierce is just. That guy, he's the Dan Campbell for that team where he's going to, the players are plate will play for him. And, you know, when you have Max Crosby on defense, you forget him fired up. You know, I like that Gardner Minchu just looks like he should be the quarterback of the, like the 1970s Raiders or the early eighties with, uh, John Madden. Just I saw a workout video with, you know, his mullet mustache. He looks great as a Raiders quarterback and he's got Devante Adams. I mean, Devante Adams got to perform this year, right? I mean, he's just. ripe to have a good season. I don't want to see him get traded to the Jets. I just don't want to see, I don't want to hear that storyline at all. Um, so I'm hoping that he, you know, the Raiders just, he does so well that they can't give him up. Um, I think the Broncos are going to surprise. I have them at 7 and 10. Um, Sean Payton's just too good of a coach. And they had a streak last year that they were, And that's in spite of Russell Wilson. Whether Bonix is a guy, I don't know, but I, I. Fully expect Sean Payton to have them playing better. Um, you know, the team was not going to get behind Russell Wilson. That was very clear during the year that that was just, you know, when you have a team that doesn't get behind its quarterback, that's just going to be tough to win in this league. So, you know, they will get behind the rookie quarterback. I liked Jim Harbaugh with the chargers. However, his first years with any franchise just seems like it takes a year or two to To get his players in there. And I think you kind of mentioned that Zach, right? I have them going six and 11 last in the division. Um, I don't think they're going to get blown out. I think they're going to play respectable football, but I also just don't think they have enough right now, they got rid of their wide receiver core. I'm sure Harbaugh is going to build a team that can run and smash the football and control the line of scrimmage. That's what he did at all his stops. And I feel like that's what he's going to do here. It's just going to take a little bit of time to get, um, to get his, you know, his players in line. As far as MVP, I think the obvious choice is, you know, Patrick Mahomes. I really don't see any other candidates in this, in this division. Um, so I'm sure that we're all on there. You are Zach, you got a surprise for us or you, you on the Patrick Mahomes chain
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:No, yeah, definitely. I think Mahomes definitely has the best chance in that division. But you know, we've seen the media have some fatigue at times with guys. So it should be interesting to see if Mahomes or Lamar get a little, fatigue from, the beat writers and seeing if they'll, you know, if he's the best player, let's see if he actually gets it.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:So, all right, I'm going to start off with the AFC North. I'll go first this time. Baltimore Ravens led by Lamar Jackson, 11 and six, got them when vision, uh, the next two teams I have tied the Browns and the Bengals. I have each of them going 10 and seven. And I actually had the Steelers eight and nine. I think the Steelers are a good team. That's a, this is a very strong division from top to bottom. you know, they're just all well coached teams. They all could win the division. They all could be in last place, except for Baltimore. I feel like they got the best all around team be interesting to see what Derek Henry does you know, a better offensive line and Lamar Jackson taking, you know, Pressure off him. It'll, I'm really curious to see how that lines up. It could be really dangerous. Um, it could be a bus. You know, sometimes you get those big agent signings and they just don't work out. So what, uh, what you got, Zach? What's, uh, what do you got in this division?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, pretty similar for me. I have the Ravens 13 4, um, Browns 10 7, Bengals 9 8. I have Steelers 6 11. I think that they're going to break that, you know. They've gone a lot of seasons without a losing record. You know, they just keep testing the waters of not having a franchise quarterback in the NFL and eventually it's just not going to work for them. Um, I think the Ravens are probably going to be the best team, or one of the best teams in the regular season in the NFL. Um, I don't love what I'm seeing out of Cincinnati. Drama with Jamar is even going to play week one. You know, Burrow seems like he's had a little bit of a distracted off season. Um, some beat writers have, uh, said that maybe there's a little bit of frustration in there and, you know, anytime you see their head coach, Zach Taylor, do an interview, he just looks like he's really frustrated. Um, I have a little rabbit hole theory about the Browns. I think the Browns are very, very interesting. So, you know, they clear 30 plus million of cap space last week. And everyone's like, Oh, Brandon Ayuk is coming. They're going to send a second, a third and a Mari Cooper to the 49ers. We're going to get Ayuk and then Ayuk didn't come. So, so now we have a situation where they have cap space and Watson's going to have a cap hit of 70 million for the next two years. I think that they're going to go all in this year. I think they're going to try to sign a couple veteran guys on defense, um, maybe at the trade deadline this year, like make a big push, try to make the playoffs. I think unless Watson plays absolutely exceptional, I wouldn't be shocked if the front office has already moved on from Watson. I think there's a chance that maybe they caught him after this year. There's going to be a lot of dead money for the next two years. Maybe an NFL record. I think they're going to try to just get really bad. You either want to be really good or really bad in the NFL. And there's some really good draft classes coming up. This 2025 class is going to be a very good draft class. So, you know, they might. Pull, pull the playbook with what they did previously, where they just say like, Hey, we're going to go one in 16 and we're going to get the number one pick. So I think this is a big year for the Browns franchise, and you know, I'm hoping they do well, but, um, should be interesting to see what they do with Watson after this year.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah. think the Browns had like instant regret with that trade. I mean, it's just been nothing but negative ever since it happened. There's been no positive for them at all. He's not, you know, Hudson's not looked anything like what he did before. And I mean, really, it's just a terrible, like all time, terrible trade. So especially if they were to cut him loose, I mean, that's like got to be one of the worst of all time. I, uh, I have it being a very close race. I actually have the Ravens winning division. I have them going ten and seven. So I have them taking a step back. Ten and seven for the Ravens. I have the Bengals also going ten and seven. I have the Browns at eight and nine and the Steelers at seven and ten. it's really going to be a dog fight all year long. I think for these guys, I still feel like the Ravens are going to come out on top. They, they have the best roster. I mean, I just feel like they're the best team in the division, the Bengals. They are going to be tough. Um, and I was that kind of mentioned already, but they do have a lot of drama coming into the season. I saw a report that said Jamar chase actually was really, uh, really wanting to be the top paid wide receiver in the NFL, and he's not accepting a contract less than number one money overall. know I saw a story too that said like he Even if it was a penny more than justin jefferson, he would take the contract which seems crazy But I mean from what we've seen from jamar chase thus far it kind of you know Fits the bill that just seems like the type of guy that he is definitely dramatic there, but they are they are a good team They've got a good offense I still think that they are going to be contending for the division and probably making the playoffs browns have the middle of the pack. I don't know exactly what to think They're going to be a tough team to play a lot Rests on how to Sean Watson's going to do if he does return to form, then obviously they're going to be a really tough team. I don't see that happening. And yeah, Steelers, no solid quarterback. I mean, I think pretty much everyone knew that Russell Wilson is going to be the starter and Mike Tomlin refused to name him the starter until after the last preseason game. And, you know, I'm not sure what to make of that right there.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:It is an interesting division. I think that Jamar drama makes me so glad that the lines that, you know, they got Penesul instead of like the thought of them trading up for Jamar Chase because he's like the opposite of Amon Hussain Brown, you know, just like he seems like an all about me guy and all this contract drama. I'm so glad that the lions just avoided. You know, not that Amun Ra would cause this type of stuff, but they just, like, did the right thing, took care of their players, and now we don't have to deal with any of this stuff that's distracting, and then, you know, we don't have to deal about questions like, is so is Jamar Jamar Chase gonna play week one, or whatever, but the worry is, and I know Zach, we talked about this one time, just, you know, at work, He's They got, these guys didn't practice they're not in football shape. They're going to pull a hamstring, you know, and we'll get to a division, you know, in the NFC that, uh, wide receiver that just signed, you know, CD lamb, same thing or, you know, are we worried that, you know, they're going to push it too much week one, um, or are they just not going to play very much week one, You don't want to lose them for like a hamstring injury can take you out like six weeks, especially for a wide receiver. So, that's the concern. However, I think in the NFL, say Jamar Chase does play, they're going to go on streaks where their offense is just too good. And they're in there, you know, that they're going to be hard to stop. The Browns have the other thing. I think their defense is so good. You got all world miles Garrett on one side. They're going to keep the, Games close condition Watson play anywhere close to what he used to play it. They don't need him to play like he probably like he was before they just You know, they won for, with Joe Flacco last year. I mean, can Deshaun Watson play better than Joe Flacco? You know, that defense is for real. So, you know, it, I think it's just going to be a dogfight all season. That division always seems to be like that. Just tough interdivision games. So we'll see. I think it'll be an entertaining one for sure. All right. Any MVP talk in this one? Um, Jacob,
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:I think that, uh, obviously Lamar winning last year, I think that if he has the exact same season that he had last year, I don't think they give it to him back to back. I know that kind of talked about earlier, you know, Once you're expected to have that, then you kind of fall off. Even if he does just as good, he's not going to get the same votes that he got last year. A lot of people last year feel like he didn't do enough to win outside of him. The only other person I really see that could have an MVP season is going to be Joe Burrow. And that's just because, you know, the media really loves Joe Burrow. He was hurt last year. Even the games he played, he kind of played hurt. And, you know, now he's going to have a full season back, hopefully full strength.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Okay.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:I don't really see that happening, but I think that outside of him, there's not another option. How are you feeling?
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Any, uh, MVP outside of those two. I
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:no, I think Lamar is the only one that has a real chance, but, you know, just to add to this Jamar contract thing too, he's, he's two years out. He's not, he doesn't have one year left on his deal. I mean, you typically do not pay wide receivers two years out after, you know, you're on your rookie deal. He's making good money with the number five overall pick. So, you know, I can see why Cincinnati is putting their foot down a little bit and, you know, gosh, how good does Amon Ra's contract look right now? I mean, Yeah. They were very smart to get that deal done first before the rest of the wider receivers followed in. You know, that's looking like a great value, you know, just a couple months, you know, later on.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:agree. All right. So I think that's going to wrap up the AFC. We're going to get to, um, something more Lions related, uh, the NFC. These are all teams that are gonna be battling for playoff, spots, with the Lions. So the first one. First division. We're going to start with is the NFC South. Um, last year, Tampa Bay one, Jacob, we're going to start with you on this one. How you got this division finishing up?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:right, NFC South. So actually, for this year, I have this one being kind of close to I have the Atlanta Falcons winning the division at ten and seven. Bay Buccaneers nine and eight. I have the Saints going five and twelve, and then I've got the Panthers at the bottom of the division going three and fourteen. You know, last year, the Falcons, they went seven and ten and they really didn't have good quarterback play. They The coaching was really not on point. They didn't utilize Bijon like they should have so, you know now that they've got Kirk Cousins They're planning on really unleashing Bijon You know, I think the Buccaneers are still gonna be a tough team, but they did not really improve at all I think they're still gonna be hovering around 500, you know, there's a chance that comes down to the last week It's gonna be really close, but I feel like the Falcons are gonna win. I'm Not really impressed by the Panthers. New coach. We'll see what they get out of Brace Young this year. But I still have them at the bottom of the division. The Saints are kind of a wild card for me. I have them going five and twelve, but I feel like it's possible, you know, for them to actually contend for this division just because it's not quite as strong as some of the other ones. So it's possible the Saints could get up there to nine and eight, ten and seven and possibly win as well. I just don't think it's going to happen.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, similar sentiment. Falcons nine and eight, I have the Panthers at eight and nine. Um, I think the Panthers are going to be a really interesting team this year. Um, Dave Canales, I think is probably my favorite person doing coach of the year. Typically goes to a first year coach, you know, how much do you improve? Even if they go eight and nine, I think everyone, you know, is ecstatic in that organization. Um, he really wants to establish the run and I love that they moved up to pick Jonathan Brooks number 44 overall. He's going to start the season on the pub list, but you know, Great tape. I mean, when him and Bijan were in the same backfield, they didn't look like that much different of guys. I mean, Jonathan Brooks is he's gonna be a really good guy in this league. So I think once they can establish that run and canalis is always talking about how they want to establish the run, you know, Bryce is going to get those play action passes and that's going to really help him out. That's going to, you know, not be as much pressure as going, you know, five wide out of shotgun. That's just, you know, that's tough to ask a rookie without a great roster to do that. I also think Bijon is going to have, you know, very, very good year. I'm a big fantasy football guy. I think this time next year, Bijon is going to be the first overall pick in fantasy football. Um, so I do have the Falcons winning at nine and eight. I do think it's going to be tight. I think the Bucks could take a step back. We see a lot of times like teams overachieve one year and they kind of take a step back. I do think Baker was worth the money in the contract, but you know, I think that they're going to be third place at 7 you know, they're going to have a little bit of a lackluster year.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right. I'm going to surprise y'all. I, I think Atlanta is going to win the division, but I looking at their schedule, got a pretty weak schedule. I think they're going 13 and four. I think Kirk cousins is going. Yeah, I know. Big
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:How does that really feel?
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I think Bijan Robinson is going to have a monster year. He's going to have a hopefully I have a competent coach that knows what he has in the backfield, right. And just uses him. Kurt Cousins going to have some weapons, Drake London, uh, well, Kyle Pitts finally get, you know, proper usage. Um, I, I think Atlanta, I think they're going to start out slow. The schedule is a little. Strong up front, but then I think they're going to just finish really strong. Uh, Tampa Bay, I was going to step back seven and nine, uh, New Orleans six and 11. And I got the Panthers same as you Jacob three and 14. Um, when we talk about MVP, I think Bijan Robinson could be in the talk for MVP, uh, if he has a strong year, especially if Atlanta does what I think they're going to do, this division is just weak overall and that's why I think Atlanta will take advantage of that I I did not think very much of Arthur Smith I I made a lot of questionable coaching decisions and just I just don't think the team followed him And I think Atlanta I think Atlanta's good Knows that they can win this division, and I think they're gonna, I think they're gonna take it pretty easily actually. All right, Zach. I'm gonna start out with you. We're gonna go with the NFC East.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah. I think, uh, I think the Cowboys take this one on 11 and six, um, have Eagles at 10 and seven Giants at seven and 10, I think the Giants will be better than what people think. And a commander six and 11, um, Doc and the regular season. I mean, he gets paid to win regular season games and be good at the podium for Jerry. Um, that's, you know, nothing we're concerned about, you know, he's a great regular season quarterback. The Eagles. I'm very, very interested to watch. Um, You know, the Eagles are notorious for having great beat writers in the NFL, probably the most reliable beat writers in the, all of the NFL, very reliable sources, leaking information this off season about how Jalen hurts is not think that Nick Sirianni knows like X's and O's. He does not believe in his play calling. He doesn't think that he's a great offensive coach. So I think they were very close to getting rid of Nick Sirianni last year. And I wouldn't be shocked if he's out of there by the end of the season. But by the time the season ends, so, you know, I think he's on a scorching hot seat. Even with all that talent, I think they could go 10 and seven. I think, you know, you take out one of the best centers in the history of football. You know, they're probably going to be losing another, you know, Hall of Fame left tackle at some point in the next year or two, it's going to be interesting to see how the Eagles adjust to, you know, life when. Jalen's not making, you know, second round quarterback money when he's paid as one of the highest quarterbacks in the NFL. Um, I think the Giants defense is going to keep them in games. And I don't think Daniel Jones is as bad as people think he is. You know, he won a playoff game a year and a half ago. He's, he's not a bad quarterback. He went on the road, he won a playoff game. Um, I'm a fantasy football guy. He was the number eight quarterback scorer in that year that they went to the playoffs. So, you know, I know that the Giants get knocked for that contract. I'm not saying I would have. paid him that, but I don't think he's as bad as people think, uh, Jaden Daniels, I think is going to look really good. And I think, you know, if they can just get out of the season, the commanders think that, Hey, like this guy's our franchise quarterback. I think that's all they need. I don't think they're expecting to make the playoffs this year, but you know, I got my popcorn ready for the Eagles, uh, drama for sure.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:So I, I also have the Cowboys winning division. I have them going 11 and 6. I have the Eagles 2nd. I have them also going 11 and 6 though. Commanders, I have 10. And then I have the Giants actually falling out and going 3 and 14. I actually, I think the Commanders are probably going to be the surprising team to win some games, the rookie quarterback. Looks good. Um, time will tell I just don't feel like the Giants did, hardly anything in the offseason. They let Saquon go. I mean, I think that they're just really close to having to just give up on Daniel Jones and just clean house and start over again. As far as the Cowboys and Eagles go, I mean, I think it's going to be kind of similar to last year, back and forth, probably really close at the end. The, I guess the wild card, the problem that we have here is that the Cowboys don't have a running game. Prescott's going to have to throw the ball 40 or 50 times a game, but they have the defense. And then on the flip side of that, you have the Eagles, who do not have a very good defense, but They have a very good top offense, so why I'm kind of back and forth on those two teams. I'm not sure either of them are really going to make an impact in the playoffs, but I think they're both going to have really good seasons. Interesting about the Sirianni thing that you mentioned, though, because I kind of, you know, feel like that's been the story most of the time is that he really, his coaching ability is not very good, but he's benefited from having a great roster, a great team of people around him the whole time. know, I remember the one, I think it was a playoff game, Where, you know, he's yelling at the sideline and Jalen Hurts actually had to go kind of like push him back and tell him to calm down. And that's just something you should never see your quarterback trying to tell your head coach to keep his, you know, head straight. Uh, so that was crazy to me ever since then. It's like I don't really care for Sirianni. Um, So, I mean, I think the Cowboys are going to win the division. I think it's going to be close between the Cowboys and Eagles. The other two teams could surprise, but I don't think they're threats.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I feel the Eagles are going to win the division this year. I think they're going to go 12 and 5. I think they're going to just have a comeback. Um, Dallas, I just never have faith in Dallas, but I think, I think you're right. They're like, you know, they always well in the regular season, they get the playoffs, and then they just screw it up. I think the Dak Prescott stuff is going to just stay all year. I'm worried that C. D. Lamb, if he gets hurt, Their offense is going to be really in a rough shape. And we talked about him just not doing camp all, you know, off season, going to get his contract. I just don't understand that. Um, you know, those guys are going to get their money. I mean, what are you trying to save? Like, even if it's a million or two, is it worth all that drama and then. You know, I don't know that you have to exhibit your control if you're the owner general manager, you know, I just don't I just don't see that I think happy players And also I think it helps you get, you know, future assets when they know if I do well, I'm going to get paid. Right. They're going to treat me well. Um, so I have Dallas going 11 and six. I have Washington, um, at six and 11. And I'm with you, Jacob. I think the giants, I just don't see very much, um, out of them. Three and 14 is what I have them going. I am really curious to see how Malik neighbors plays. I really, he, you He looked really good in those lions practices when they were playing, he was making, making some plays. I want to see how he performs with Daniel Jones. They haven't had a wide receiver there, you know, in a while, probably since OBJ. So, you know, I'm, I'm curious to see how, how that goes and what that makes Daniel Jones looks like if he actually gets some receiving threats, you know, they had the off season hard knocks and the giants just were not painted well, right. You know, and, and those shows they typically want to paint. The team in a good light look like make poor decision after poor decision. And I think that those bad decisions will end up just having them having a very poor record.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Do you think the Giants tried to get out of that after the way the offseason played out? Because they came out looking terribly. They had to be like, please don't air this.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I think it's like the opposite of what happened with the lions, right? It helped build, you know, the hard knocks just helped push them up to, you know, this level of America's team and that did the opposite for, for the giants for sure.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Right?
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I think missing Saquon Barkley is just going to, that's, that's going to be tough,
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:that was amazing to have front row seat watching, you know, the owner and the GM go back and forth about Saquon. He's like, as long as it doesn't sign with the Eagles, I think we'll be okay. But, uh, yeah, the GM's definitely seemed timid around the owner. It was interesting to see that dynamic.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah, it's crazy what they give you access to nowadays. I mean, that
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah,
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:was all just behind the scenes, but not too long ago. So, all right. Now we're gonna move on to the NFC West. We're gonna start with you, Zach. How you got, how you seeing this division finishing up?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I think the Rams could have a really special year. Um, I have the Rams going 12 and five. Um, you know, they kind of reloaded from that championship roster. Um, they spent a lot of cap money to get that roster to a championship level. Aaron Donald won't be there this year. And, you know, you pay a defensive tackle 30 million plus, you're not going to be able to do other things on your roster. Like typically defensive tackles are not getting paid, you know, 30 million. So, you know, I think they're going to play really well. They, they're They really started to get things moving at the end of the year. They have a good young offensive line. That's really coming together. You know, they have the second coming of Heinz ward, a fifth round draft pick Puka, who, you know, they're not paying a lot to either. I think he's going to have another good year. Just, you know, a plus blocker fits that offense. Absolutely. Perfectly. You know, the 49ers. Great roster, great team. Just, you do it so many times and just emotionally beat up, you know, you, you followed, you know, Debo and Kittle on this Netflix receiver show. And, you know, these runs take a lot out of these guys. I mean, emotionally, physically, these guys are beat up. So. You know, the 49ers, I could see them going into a little bit of a law. They're going to make the playoffs. I have the 49ers at 11 and six Cardinals, nine and eight Seahawks, eight and nine. So pretty tight division, but I think the Rams come out in 12 and five, but the 49ers, I mean, you know, I feel like it's going to look like a time as they're just kind of going through quicksand. They're going to make the playoffs, but you know, I think they're just going to run out of gas at some point.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, Jacob. How do you got this lining up?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:First, I want to say that's a great point by Zach talking about the 49ers. The last time they made the Super Bowl, obviously they didn't make it back there for a couple years, but they have been playing, you know, in the NFC Championship for the last few as well. Um, I still have the 49ers winning the division going 12 5, I have the Rams going 10 7, Seahawks 7 10, Cardinals 6 11. I still feel like obviously it's the 49ers division to lose. They still have all the weapons. They're still fully loaded. We'll see, you know, the late run last year, how much that really takes out of them, if they stumble at all, or if they just keep the ball rolling with that, Rams, you know, they're not going to go down easy. Stafford's going to put them positioned to win a lot of games. I think the Rams are still going to make the playoffs as well. Um, but it's definitely going to be the 49ers, uh, division to lose Seahawks with a new coach. I think that they're, you know, they're going to show some flashes. The Cardinals, obviously with a revamped offense, I think they're going to show some flashes as well. I just don't think either of them make the playoffs this year. Um, there's going to be some good intra division games here though. Like, you know, I'm excited to see them play each other. I definitely think the 49ers on top though.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I'm with Zach on this. I'm going with the Rams to win the division 12 and 5. I think they're set up with Kyron Williams running. I think of changing his offense a little bit. But now he's, you know, they're Kind of of try to take some wear and tear off Stafford because if he gets sacked a lot if he's back there passing 50 times a game. He's just not gonna make it through the season anymore I got the 49ers actually going 11, six. I think that's the same as you, Zach. I'm not. what I'm seeing with the off the off season contract disputes. You got Trent Williams out right now. You staying out, you know, all it takes is what injury to them. don't really agree with given Brandon. I, you call that money. I, I don't, I just the guy I think, you know, and you got kiddo, I just. Don't think he needed to give Brent tie that money up with Brandon. I know that they've traded a lot of draft capital away, so they haven't been able to replace players, but was my money. I wouldn't give Brandon. I, you guy would have traded them away and
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I agree.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:But I think
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I agree.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:wanted to trade what they wanted to train, but Brandon kept, you know, Denying all the, the trade. I, I don't get it. I want to get paid a lot, but I also want to be on this winning team and I just give me everything I want. I don't really like those type players. So I, you know, I'm glad the lions have avoided that drama so far. I got, uh, Arizona and Seattle, both at the bottom of the division at 5 and 12, not a huge Kyler Murray fan. I think he's got some weapons out there now. Um, so they could have some, you know, some fireworks, but I just don't trust Kyle or Murray to lead a team. And I, same thing with Gino Smith. I, they were slipping towards the end of last year and I knew they got a new head coach. I just don't have faith that that's, you know, they're going to, that they're going to do good. They're not, especially with Gino Smith as their quarterback. I have a surprise MVP candidate. I think Cooper cup might, you know, if Stafford falls in love with them again, they got Puka distracting them on the other side of the field. Cooper could just run wild. So I, he almost broke the, you know, the receiving record, a couple of years ago, I, I could see it happening. If, a non quarterback could win, you know, Cooper could
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:What kind of numbers do you think Cooper Cup would have to have if he was going to be in the MVP
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:you got a break? You got to break the receiving record. I know there's 17 games You're gonna break Calvin's that he did in 16 I think it starts there cuz like that's the conversation starter like he's the all time leading receiver if he gets 2, 000 in a season I'm not saying he's gonna get that but I'm just saying you're asking a Question like to get an MVP. You got to break that record I mean, if Tyreek would have broke it last year, I think he had a chance at MVP because like you said, people weren't sold necessarily on Lamar Jackson's numbers. To be a non quarterback, you're going to have to do something. That everyone's talking about and breaking an all time record. And they have to be a top, they got to win the division or be, you know, in the playoffs at the very minimum. Cause I don't think to win, you know, MVP, you gotta, you gotta be on a strong team.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Right. I just don't. I mean, as we were going through this and I'm trying to look, it's really hard to justify anybody outside of a quarterback getting it just because it does feel like they have to, if you're not a quarterback, you do need to have a record breaking season. You need to be setting all time numbers in order to get MVP unless you're playing quarterback. If you're quarterback, you can kind of just have a good year. Not even your best year really the last year the Cooper Cup went off He actually got one vote in the MVP
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I know.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:he I mean he he was deserving that year Tyreek also you had really an argument for him to be MVP last year. I think he finished like fourth or fifth You know behind the other quarterbacks McCaffrey got a little bit of love last year, but
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I think it's a shame that the MVP has turned into a quarterback only award. I think that Christian McCaffrey for sure makes that team go Brock Purdy doesn't make that team go in my opinion. It's Christian McCaffrey. It all flows through him Brock Purdy's can do I mean he can he does what that team needs him to do Distributed to all their weapons that they have and I'm not saying he's a terrible quarterback not saying anything like that But, you know, put Brock Purdy on the Cardinals or put Brock Purdy on the Giants. he's not talked about in the same light as, as he has with the 49ers.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:And, you know, quarterbacks win it every year until they don't. So it should be interesting to see like one of these years, they're going to get fatigue on voting for a quarterback every year, and it's going to happen where they're going to give it, you know, I think a defensive lineman, like a D and is more likely to get it over a wide receiver or running back, but one of these years it's, it's going to happen.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:So, all right, we've reached it. We're here. We're here. We're at the NFC North. This is the one, you know, everyone's listening to a Lions podcast. This is the division that we want to talk about. We'll talk a little more in depth, probably in this division than any other ones. Um, I'm going to start with, uh, you Zach, because we're going to leave it with Jacob and I talk about, you know, the Lions, but I'm going to start with you, Zach. How do you have the NFC North going?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I apologize in advance. I might go over my time allotment on this one. And, uh, you know, my answers are not indicative of me being on a lines podcast. These are just truly my thoughts on this division. Um, I think the Packers are going to go 13 and four, which, you know, that's going to be tied for the best record with the Ravens. I think, you know, I think that it's going to go through Lambeau and the NFC to get to a super bowl. Um, I think they have the quarterback. I think they have the run game. I think they have the defense, the coach. Um, you know, Aaron Rodgers. Wasn't calling your, he was audible and out of place that Lafleur was calling at the line of scrimmage. So it was tough to evaluate what type of coach Lafleur was when he was with Rogers. But you know, the improvement that we saw in Jordan Love was just amazing to see. I think it's going to be a great West Coast offense,, scheme, with Josh Jacobs, and, you know, we got some information recently through hard knocks and through some other information that Josh Jacobs actually was the number one running back, you know, teams are willing to pay him more than any other team. And you know, he decided to go to green Bay, uh, the bears wanted to pay him and he chose to take less money to go to green Bay. So I think that could be very interesting. I think everything's just going to fall into place for the Packers this year. Close behind, I have the Lions at 12 and five. I think they're going to play amazing. I think they probably have the best roster in football. Um, it's going to be really interesting to see that game on December 5th. I wouldn't be shocked if maybe we see a Packers win on December 5th and then, you know, maybe we see a game later on and, uh, see a different result, but. You know, I think Jared Goff MVP It's a, an award for the quarterback on the best team and he played so well and it's only going to get better. You know, we're going to see JMO, you know, get some touchdowns that he didn't have last year. I think that could be really interesting. I have the Bears going eight and nine. Um, I think it's a good roster. I think they did a good job putting the roster together. I think that they're, I don't think they understand what their true identity is though. I think the GM at times is playing fantasy football more than putting a roster together to win football games. You know, you draft Caleb, you sign Keenan. Okay, we're going to throw the ball. It's going to be great. And you know, last year they had one of the best run grades of any team in the NFL. I would have liked to see them sign a pounder and take some pressure off of Caleb. You can still have those wide receivers. I don't know though. I think that, you know, you signed DeAndre Swift. I don't think he was the guy and he was not their first option. They wanted Saquon. They were first for Saquon for a very long time. We saw on hard knocks. They didn't get him. They wanted Josh Jacobs. They didn't get him. So they signed DeAndre Swift, and you know, as Lions fans, you know exactly what DeAndre Swift is. He wants to run west and east. He doesn't want to go north south. I think they would have been better off signing someone like Zach Moss or Devin Singletary and save a lot of money. So, I think that DeAndre Swift is headed in a direction as Miles Sanders. I don't even know if he's on this team next year, but you know, I guess time will tell. Um, last in the division, I have the Vikings at 7 10. I am a Sam Darnold believer. I think that Sam is going to play really, really well this year. I think that he's going to make a really tough decision for next year, whether they go to J. J. McCarthy or maybe stay with Sam. I think Sam has a lot of football left in him, and I think he's going to get a contract like Baker did, so I don't know if it's going to be on the Vikings or maybe on a different team, but, you know, I am very excited to see what Sam does. And, um, you know, for MVP, I think love and golf are, Two names that are probably like the five most likely, in my opinion, that could win an MVP. Um, so it should be interesting. Packers, hopefully it'll go through, through Lambeau and Lions. We'll see them in the, uh, NFC Championship game.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:So, I have the Lions winning the division going 12 5.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Shocker.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:record prediction was the same. I've got them going 12 and five. Yeah. I have the Packers number two going 10 and seven bears, nine and eight Viking seven and 10 here's the most interesting thing for me is that the Packers probably could win all the way up to 15 games or they could win as few as eight that really, I think hinges on if we see the Jordan love from the first half of last season. Or if we see the Jordan Love from the second half of last season. Obviously as a Lion fan, I hope he looks like the beginning of the last season instead of the end because he looked like a killer towards the end of the year. Um, which is exactly what we didn't need, is for the Packers to have another all time quarterback. Great. And he really played like that towards the end of the year and in the first playoff game. And that's definitely, I have him listed for my MVP. Uh, for this division as well, just because if he does play like that, he's definitely going to warrant MVP consideration versus Jared Goff. I mean, he was top 5 in all the categories last year, 2nd best team in the NFC, and he did not even get an MVP vote. So, it's like, what more, you know, it's a popularity contest, but what more can he really do to try to get in the MVP consideration far as the other teams in division, you know, the bears. I like what they have, they definitely made their improvements. Time will tell the rookie quarterback. You never know how that's going to go. Obviously the flashes at the beginning of the year, like in the preseason, everything looks like he's going to be good. I still have them kind of middle in the pack and Zach, we kind of agree about the Vikings. I also have them going seven and 10. And. We've already talked about this a little bit before. I really thought that if J. J. McCarthy is healthy, he's going to be putting the pressure on Sam Darnold and that J. J. is probably going to be starting probably, you know, by week six or week seven. gone for the year. It's Darnold's team. There's no pressure. He's in a pass first offense. He's been put in a great situation. You know, I, I think the Sam Darnold is going to impress this year. I just think the Vikings overall are not going to be contending for the division. I do have the lions winning. I've got the Packers making the wild card, probably making some flashes as they did last year. For me, it just, it really depends on how Jordan love plays. And it's crazy to me that they offered him the contract and paid him as much as they did based on that small sample size last year, If you take the whole, you know, the year as a whole, how the first year, first half of the year versus the second half of the year, you would think if you're the Packers, you know, you're trying to work out a contract with him. You're not going to give him number one overall money. You're going to try to push back a little bit, but maybe they, you know, it's not broke, don't fix it. They've got their guy. Let's not upset him. Let's just give him what he wants. I don't know if that's how that conversation went or what, but I still think it runs through Detroit.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yep. I have, um, Detroit and Packers both going 12 and five. So I'm like right in the middle of you guys. Right. But I still think lions through tiebreakers are going to win the division. This is the lions podcast. Lions are going to win this division. still think the Packers are, uh, they're a tough team. I really liked LaFleur as a coach. Um, just like you mentioned, Zach, I think he's really strong coach. And I think it showed in that Thanksgiving day game, they put it to the lions and You know, had, had our number. And I think Dan Campbell is our coach in that game. like how the lions are built and I think they're built to win late in the year in the elements. Um, Packers could be too with Josh Jacobs and being able to run. So it's kind of interesting. I just think the lions are. They're the team this year. They, they have the mindset to win. I think they can go into green Bay and win. So it'd be interesting to play them three times in one year. Um, I don't, if it's in four field, hands down and playoff game, hands down lines when if it's in Lambeau, that's going to be tough, but lines have shown that they've had, you know, green Bay had everything on the line two years ago and the lines went in there with nothing on the line. it to the, to the Packers. So, you know, they won't be denied this year. I think that the Lions win the division and they, they will all play the Packers, even though I think the Packers are going to be really, really tough. Um, the bears are going to be one of those teams that could beat you on any given week or could get beat every, any given week that Ricky quarterback, Caleb Williams, I'm not a huge Caleb Williams fan. I know the bears are going to like them. The bears fans are going to finally think that they got their guy, but. You know, every three or four years, they think they got their guy. Right. So we'll, we'll see if Kayla Williams does it. Um, he's definitely gonna be able to be, uh, he's going to be a better passer than Justin Fields. Um, he can run it a little bit too, but that's not, you know, primarily his game, but, you know, he's offensive line is getting better, you know, but. But is it going to be enough for him to be able to get his targets? I don't know. And then will DeAndre Swift make it past week three or four without getting injured? Um, we know how that is as Alliance fan. It was, they paid him a lot of money,
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:It was a, it was a panic move, I think.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:it was. And, you know, and the thing is that like, we've seen what DeAndre Swift can be in the Alliance. He can be a game changer, but then. You know, you're not putting him in at the goal line because like he said, he's running, he's, he's not running into contact. And then when he does do that, he ends up getting injured. I just don't, I think you, you put money towards different resources. Um, I don't have faith in the Vikings. I think their offense is going to be fine. Um, I think they're going to go four and 13. I don't have faith in their defense. They lost to Nell Hunter. That's going to be hard to replace. That, that is a monster there. Um, and I think they were exposed last year. The Lions exposed them and I think they're going to be. just don't have faith in the Vikings. think you're right on, um, with Jared Goff with the MVP, the Lions are going to be on a lot of national games, either America's game of the week, you know, four o'clock game, we got Sunday night games, we got Thanksgiving, we got other prime time games. And what did we lack last year? And why jerk off? I don't think he didn't have a lot of deep shots. Those are the stuff that makes sports center that make all the highlights. If he can hit Jamo deep, that's going to be just put on everybody's radar. That's what he needs is a few, few of those deep shots to get on, you know, To get on the highlight reels and that, you know, you win your division, the lines are on people's radar this year. They're going to be looking for it. So if Jared Goff has another one of those years where he's number one or number two in passing yards, throwing respectable touchdown to interception ratio, like he has been, you know, he's got a shot at winning the NMVP, what are you thinking of Caleb Williamczak?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I mean, I don't think we've ever seen a prospect Be given so much support than he's been given. I think he's a good football player. I think he's going to be a good real life football player. I'm not as, as high on him from a fantasy perspective, cause he doesn't have as much of a rushing upside, but I think you'll be a good quarterback. I don't think that he's going to be, you know, the savior over there. I think he's going to feel a lot like Trevor Lawrence where it's like, Hey, he's going to get a second contract. He's a franchise quarterback. He could very easily set the franchise record for passing yards in his first season. I mean, it's not a big number to, to chase, but you know, I think that he's going to make some playoff runs, maybe win a couple of playoff games in his career. I don't, I don't see him as a perennial Superbowl. You know, guy, but, you know, I think you'll be good enough for the city of Chicago.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah, it's going to be the Bears luck that they're going to, you know, they're going to get their quarterback, but they're going to run into the buzzsaw of the Lions and the Packers, you know, having strong rosters, right? All right, we're gonna start out with you, Jacob. Um, what teams do you think that made the playoffs last year that aren't going to make it this year?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Um, the number one team on this list I have, that's not going to make it, is going to be the Steelers. You know, they barely skated by last year. They have a really tough division. I don't see them being able to get it done the same way that they did last year. The other teams I have on this list are going to be the Cleveland Browns, which I know we kind of talked about them, you know, and back to the same division thing. It's just, it's a tough division. That's hard to win. They're going to be kind of middle of the road. You know, I think they're going to miss out the other kind of surprising team, I guess, that I have, um, is the bills. I just think the Bills are going to fall behind the Jets and the Dolphins and that they actually are going to miss out on the playoffs this year.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, how about you Zach?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I think the Bucks will also miss, which, you know, not controversial based off of what we've all agreed on previously.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, I got the Bills, uh, being out. I don't, I don't have faith in Josh Allen, Pittsburgh Sealers, like you said, just skated in, really tough division. I don't see them making it in. And the Tampa Bay, uh, Buccaneers, they're going to miss the playoffs this year too. All right, Zach, we're going to start off with you. Who didn't make the playoffs last year, but we'll make it this year.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I think, uh, I think the Titans, uh, definitely a team that are one of the division that'll make it and kind of going through the teams. I have a lot of, uh, overlap from last year, but the Falcons, uh, could be a second team that that'll make it. They didn't make it last year.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, Jacob.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I have the Falcons as my number one on here too. Just because, you know, that division is really up for grabs. We kind of already talked about Bijon, Kirk Cousins, um. other team I have, the Bengals, Sneaking in this year. They were without Burrow, so I feel like, you know, having Burrow for a full year, they're probably going to make it. or come close to making it, but those are my two teams that I have.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah. The Bengals were surprisingly not bad with their backup quarterback last year. So you think with. Burrow, if I mean, if he's healthy, he's an offensive line is not their strong suit. So, you know, if he's healthy, that seems, um, like the question for Joe Burrow. Um, I have the Bengals making it in the playoffs. I have the Jets and the Falcons obviously with my outlandish prediction this year. So, um, top seeds. I have Atlanta and Kansas city actually this year, Jacob, who was your top seats?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Uh, so I have the Chiefs being number one seed in the AFC, and I have the Niners being number one in the NFC.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Ooh, risk taker. Same as last year. Good job. Good job, man.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:are predictions, they're not supposed to be wild.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Go ahead, Zach.
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah, I have, uh, Ravens and Packers, both going 13 4.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yep. All right. Now we're gonna get to the big one. We're gonna do Super Bowl prediction. Start with, uh, let's start with you, Jacob. Who do you got?
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Uh, so I have the Chiefs beating the Dolphins, and then I have the Lions getting revenge and beating the 49ers, and then I actually have the Lions over Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Okay.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:should have went last year. The poetic justice of it doing that this year.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right, Zach. What do you got in the Super Bowl?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I have the Ravens playing the Lions, and unfortunately I do have the Ravens beating the Lions in the Super Bowl. I think, I think the Lions will play a rematch, uh, in Lambeau, and I think the Lions will be victorious in that game because they're going to establish the run and, uh, you know, be very physical and beat the Packers in Lambeau.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:All right. I am going with our Lions beating the Miami Dolphins
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Wow.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:in it's called the Litten Bowl because it'll be JJ and Jacob, you know,
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:That'll be tough for my house, man.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:I know I'm doing that just to torture you actually, but you know, my, my brother's a huge Dolphins fan too. So it's, it's tort, it'd be, it'd be great. I won't be able to be in the same room as him if, uh, they're playing each other, so. I Well, I couldn't take it if, um, I mean, obviously if the Lions win I can just give them all the crap, but I couldn't take my team losing and my brother's team winning.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Right.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:sick.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Oh, that's my son. I'd have to hear about it for the rest of my life, too. Like, heh. There'd be no ever letting it down.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah, I
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:out the trash. Like, what happened to that Lions game?
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:No. Oh, man. I kind of want that to happen just to have you know, I can't have the Lions ever losing, but it'd be great to see you suffer. Zach. How was your first podcast experience?
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:I enjoyed it. You know, hopefully, hopefully we got some good info and I'll be back soon. But, uh, no, it was really fun to come on with you guys.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yeah, I thought you did great, man. I seemed very comfortable. A lot of knowledge. I don't want you to sound too smart because I don't want people to you know, what Jacob and I really know, you know, but
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Yeah.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:was fun having you on, Zach.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:Grayson's gonna have to cut a lot of what you said out cause you did sound too good for
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:Yes. Yes.
jacob_1_09-02-2024_212319:got a level of playing field and he gets to edit. So
zach_1_09-02-2024_212319:Home field advantage.
jason-harwood_1_09-02-2024_212320:That's right. Exactly. I like it. So I, I think I might call it from now on. It's a home field advantage. I not taught Jacob how to edit yet. So, um, You know, I always control the keys to this podcast. All right. All right. For Zach and Jacob. I'm Jason. lions.
