#6 - NFL Predictions - AFC

Craig D'Alessandro : 0:24

On this episode of the SNSW podcast after taking a look at the NFC in Episode Five, it's time for the AFC s Joe Malkin, Rachel Buchanan and Craig D'Alessandro preview and predict the record for each team with a few surprises along the way. This is the SNSW podcast, but it's all relative. And welcome to episode six of the SNSW podcast I am Craig D'Alessandro executive producer of the snsw network. If this is your first time finding us please consider subscribing it's easiest way to see we publish new episodes. The SMS w podcast is a one hour weekly two hour monthly podcast recapping the latest news in the world of sports with the New England flamer. The show notes and transcript of today's episode can be be found in the description box below, as well as our WordPress and buzzsprout pages. We are on iTunes, Spotify, Google and wherever you generally get your podcasts. Be sure to rate us and leave a review of any of our shows. We always appreciate your feedback. We are recording today's show on Tuesday, September 8 to be published Thursday, September 10. On this episode, it's the SN SW NFL prediction show as we predict the record and reputation of teams around the NFL. As you heard in Episode Five, we touched on the NFC and on this episode, we have the AFC and here to lead us into that is our host for this episode. Michael MarkAngelo.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:59

Thanks, Craig and welcome to episode six of the s NSW podcast. This is the afcs version of the SN SW prediction game. A lot like last episode, the rules are simple. The six members of the SN SW team had been broken up into two groups of three you heard the NSC. Now it's time for the AFC. Each group will get 12 minutes to submit their agreed upon best guess for the record of each NFL team for the upcoming season. Then the other group, we get two minutes to respond to that prediction. Whether they think solid choices are much more fun. They think you guys are pretty dumb. Each group will get a point for every correct record they predict within two games. So if we say the Pats will win 10 and they win eight or they win 12 that's a point. At the end of the conference, they will submit their now three wildcard picks, that if correct count for two bonus points. final tally will happen at the end of the season. As you heard yesterday, the NFC wrap up was myself Dave Clark and Bob Kelly. And now the AFC will be Joe Malkin, rayshawn Buchanan and Craig D'Alessandro, starting with the AFC south. Boys take it away.

Joe Malkin : 3:05

So RayShawn and Craig, we're gonna start with the Houston Texans who do take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. I have the Texans at nine and seven this year. I think Bill O'Brien is consistent but also a little nuts. And who Why did he sanction the Deandre Hopkins straight I know we can go into my whole theory of he didn't want to be there five years ago. The receiving corps this year would be one of the best in the NFL with Will fuller Brandon cooks Kenny stills and Randell Cobb. Like if you told me that five years ago, I'm drafting all four of them and fantasy football, and there's so much speed but are their hands good enough and they've all kind of had injury problems along the way. David Johnson needs to be healthy and Watson needs to be better to run. Watson was sacked 54 times in 2019. Most in the NFL. I just see a lot of disappointment with these guys. I haven't been nine and seven What do you guys think?

Craig D'Alessandro : 3:56

I'm just happy we're getting rid of the absolute dumpster fire of a division. First off, is this this just a bad division is not good. Houston's gonna win this division. I completely agree with Joe. They're gonna be nine and seven.

Joe Malkin : 4:07

Oh, I didn't say they're gonna win.

Craig D'Alessandro : 4:08

There are Oh, okay. All right, then. Then I agree on the record that they're gonna be nine at seven. But the only reason they're gonna win this. The only reason they're gonna go nine at seven is because deshaun Watson. They have the Houston Texans have won this division two years in a row. But the runners up to this division have advance further in the playoffs and the Texans have both of those years. So, you know, I think that, you know, the fact that deshaun Watson is to Shawn Watson's gonna be enough for them, but this is just a garbage division for me. It's gonna be like this. It's gonna be a theme for this division.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 4:40

Yeah, I don't I don't have Houston winning division either. But however, believe it or not, we actually have them having the same record. So check that out. We're already all out already, you know, so. But, you know, I think you know, losing DeAndre Hopkins was huge like that. That to me is really unforgiveable on bill O'Brien's part. And Wagner whoever's whoever's in their front office like that, that just can't happen. Um, you know, I like woeful as a player but I've said before, like, I just I don't think that either him or JJ Watt. If I make it past five or six games, because they're just they're just prone to injury. And at the end of the day, we know that your your best ability is availability. So I just don't see that. That happening. So, you know, nine, seven, it's nice that 97 we agree to that. So next

Joe Malkin : 5:29

Alright, so now i know i know we could go off on that but we're gonna we're gonna go with nine and seven on the Texans and then we're gonna move to the team that Craig alluded to. That was the wildcard team last year but went further than the Houston Texans and that's the Tennessee Titans who I have winning the AFC south. Just gonna throw that out there now, I really like this team like if I had to pick a mediocre team to like it's the Tennessee Titans. I have them at 10 and six. I really do think Tana Hill is a new man and he has his own personal bodyguard in the backfield in Derrick Henry, who I think we all love as a football player. I think he's phenomenal. Their young receivers are gonna they have another year under their belt AJ brown will probably see a production slip they have Johnny Smith tight and Corey Davis will be important to the offense Tannahill was only a sec 36 times, which was middle of the pack last year and it Have davian clowny, who they signed last week and Malcolm Butler can stay healthy. I think this defense is too fast and too hard hitting not to go tenant six and not to win this division.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 6:36

Yeah, um, so I actually don't have them winning the division. But I had to lose in the tiebreaker to Indianapolis, so we'll get to in a second. But the addition of counting to me was, um, I know he only had like two and a half sacks last year, but I felt like he's someone when he's locked in the can be, you know, a playmaker on defense and a difference maker. And, you know, up to date Henry got his he is one of the top running backs in the AFC of the NFL. You know, he led the league in rushing last year. I think an underrated move was one of them actually signing Gus koski especially if he's healthy. I just think that you know, they're becoming New England south, so to speak. And I believe that they'll have a good season, but I still didn't win division because you have a guy like Ryan tannehill but I just, I just think they'll still go you know, tend to six maybe 11 but I think they lose a tiebreaker. Cool So,

Joe Malkin : 7:25

I mean Jadeveon Clowny is just going to have a field day in this division with these quarterbacks,

Craig D'Alessandro : 7:29

a Tennessee I see have them going, actually seven and nine. I have a really really hard time you know we talked about everything Jadeveon Clowney and Derrick Henry guys have a hard time looking at this team being a winner long term with Ryan tannehill being your starter for 16 games it just that just doesn't you know, I've seen him on Miami for so many years. It just doesn't work in my head that he will we also never saw him play this button or this good in Miami. That's well that's true. They're completely different teams. I think you might variables better close to these ever had. But still the player he is I just I just don't see it in a full season.

Joe Malkin : 8:05

So what do you think?

Craig D'Alessandro : 8:07

7-9.

Joe Malkin : 8:08

So you're at seven and nine. Ray and I are both at 10 and six. Let's go nine and seven. Yep, yep. Perfect. All right, and we move on to the Indianapolis Colts who rayshawn believes is going to win the AFC South I believe they finished third in this division. My record is eight Nate. But this is kind of a weird one for me because Frank Reich is one of my favorite coaches in the NFL. I think he gets so much done with so little where I said earlier that the 49ers were Kansas City Light. I think Frank Reich is big Frank Reich is Bill Belichick light, which is kind of funny seeing as they were supposed to have Josh McDaniels, Philip Rivers is the quarterback if he and ty Hilton can stay healthy. It'll make for some fun highlights rivers loves that deep ball we saw with Keenan Allen in San Diego and Los Angeles. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league which is great for an agent quarterback, Marlin Mac and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. I have them at eight and eight. But I think this team is going to be fun to watch. I feel really bad for the for the other team on the NFC because we're just agreeing a lot of this here. Oh, Indianapolis to me who a team I think will finish second in this division at also 79

Craig D'Alessandro : 9:25

You know, Phillip Rivers, he loves that long ball. And I think with a good actually a good offensive line, I'm like what he had in San Diego and Los Angeles for a number of years, you know, just throwing it up to ty Hilton these, they're gonna score a lot of points, you know, their defense is better than it has been. But I just don't think it's to the point where they're going to be contending. So you know, I just don't see it yet. But this is definitely a team that you should watch out for

Joe Malkin : 9:47

that oil could have one of the best seasons of Titan who's gonna have in his career this year?

Rayshawn Buchanan : 9:51

Well, I actually have them in 11-5. So I guess I'm a little bullish on them. But I think like Marlin Mac, and to Hilton, the best receiver running back duo and this division, and I just think like, you know, obviously Philip Rivers should be comfortable in the freight ride system, because he you know, he had him as a coach over us, right? It was a the NGO. And so I just like yes, are they healthy? Are they healthy? I just feel like they should win. It should be the favored to win the division.

Joe Malkin : 10:16

So you have them in 11 and five, Craig and I both have him an 8-8. I know this is very diplomatic of me, but I think we Put them at No, I think we put them at nine and seven with the other two teams and then we can decide who wins the division later.

Craig D'Alessandro : 10:29

I'm just saying I had them in seven and nine.

Joe Malkin : 10:30

Oh, you add them in seven and nine. I hadn't made it. All right. What do we think nine and seven?

Craig D'Alessandro : 10:34

I won't say no.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 10:36

I think like, I still didn't win a division. I didn't get a tiebreaker. So I said that so that's true. Go 9-7. Yeah, that's why I said

Joe Malkin : 10:44

and the final team,

Craig D'Alessandro : 10:47

this should be fast.

Joe Malkin : 10:48

Like what was what's our clock yet? Because the first thing I have written for a note on the Jacksonville Jaguars is tank for Trevor. Doug marone is a is an absolute fraud. He's a fraud. Gardner Minshew is the best thing they have gone for them, and he's kind of a cult hero. Like he's gonna sell tickets and put butts in seats. But they'll be competitive. But they're not. They're not gonna win many games. DJ Chuck is the only wide receiver there. They have a competent defense. They always have But in this division, they're gonna have a have a tough time. And then my last note that I wrote this was too much to write about a team. I have zero faith in two and 14.

Craig D'Alessandro : 11:34

Yeah, this is a team that's just pretty much rebuilding and you know, they're competing for a number one pick, you know, basically it's got basically the seasons about whether they're starting quarterback moving forward. It's gonna be garden Minshew, or somebody else.

Joe Malkin : 11:44

That's Lawrence next year.

Craig D'Alessandro : 11:46

Really all they're playing for.

Joe Malkin : 11:48

Yep. What's your record? Craig?

Michael Marcangelo : 11:50

Oh, Lord, what is my record with the Jacksonville Jaguars? Four and 12

Joe Malkin : 11:54

Oh, wow, that's generous. Right? What do you think?

Rayshawn Buchanan : 11:58

So you'll laugh at this. I never write notes for them. That's how I forgot about them. So. So that lets me that lets you know what I think about them. So, um, I don't even think they go for on top but then they go 2014 Yeah, um, you know, when you trade literally the whole damn team away. Um, you know, you get rid of some you get rid of kauflin who's in the front office as a special advisor. He was just sold. Yeah, he was all but you know, You know, I mean, just team moved to the AFC Championship game and everyone thought it was on a rise and just like that it was over. So I said, you know, we don't need to continue. No go Yeah, typical, right? They'll go to a 14 and they'll go get a top, you know, five pick and they'll stay over one, two.

Joe Malkin : 12:39

As a great man once said, as the host of this segment, I'm going to tell you that they're going to and 14.

Craig D'Alessandro : 12:46

I'm not gonna direct quote, I'm not gonna argue with you on that.

Joe Malkin : 12:49

All right, boys. Go ahead. Two minutes.

Rob Kelly : 12:51

Okay. So as the host of this segment, you're taking the executive approach and going to and 14 with one of the worst teams in football when our host went going to

Dave Clarke : 13:01

steal Thank you thinking I'm still thinking about Mike putting putting the

Rob Kelly : 13:04

only thing I'm thinking about right now right.

Dave Clarke : 13:09

Now, but so I'm worried about them. I'm worried about the AFC podcast team because mmediately they started getting along when we spent we spent about 12 minutes a segment is absolutely at each other's throats. Wait till we get to the east.

Unknown Speaker : 13:21

But

Rob Kelly : 13:22

I do. I do. So going to the actual picks here, I do have to agree with Joe on the Titans here. I think the Titans are a dark horse, Dark Horse a dark horse. If I could talk

Michael Marcangelo : 13:33

well those horses

Rob Kelly : 13:34

a dark horse for the Super Bowl Be quiet winds man. And I think Derrick Henry is going urges and other as that top tier running back this year. So I agree with you on that one. Joe. I think Titans definitely win that division.

Michael Marcangelo : 13:48

Yeah, I mean, I got to agree. I think the Titans are the favorite in that division. I do think that the Colts with Philip Rivers and a dome though could be sneaky but I mean, your picks weren't outlandish I do you think the Jacksonville Jaguars probably have four wins in them. That's that's about that. But Bobby No, they're not gonna win the division. Okay. dk Go ahead. Ah, they're a dark horse by

Dave Clarke : 14:09

their a dark horse. I think Indianapolis is not as good as you guys said is the only thing I disagree with. I think that personally, I personally think just my own special personal opinion is that Philip Rivers sucks.

Rob Kelly : 14:21

Yeah,

Dave Clarke : 14:22

that's all I have to say. So

Joe Malkin : 14:24

Alright, Michael, where are we going next?

Michael Marcangelo : 14:26

All right, so we are going to the AFC, north, you all have 12 minutes starting

Joe Malkin : 14:32

now. I love the AFC North. I love this division because it's it's actually going to be competitive again, except for one team and we'll get to them because we're gonna start with the team that I think is going to win the division. And that's the Baltimore Ravens at 13 and three, last year, they finished 14 and two, I think this year that there's a little bit of a slip, it's a one game slip. That's all I think it is. I think you're gonna see Lamar Jackson learn how to manage his offense better. I think in a lot of a lot of places last year, he felt like he needed to use his legs and be a playmaker with his feet, rather than putting the ball into the hands of his playmakers which he has so many of including marking groom in the backfield. He has Mark Andrews a tight end they really haven't changed. Much and john Harbaugh was on the hot seat if everybody remembers prior to the 2019 season like everybody wanted him gone, and I think that was partly Flacco spot because I think Joe Flacco just decided that he's like done and wants to sit on a couch and watch TV the rest of his life. Baltimore is ranked 32nd Baltimore's ranked 32nd and scheduled difficulty heading into the season. And like I said, you might see some numbers slipped from Jackson, but I just like this team all the way around 13 and three,

Craig D'Alessandro : 15:54

love this team heading into this year, I think they are pretty much the exact same team. You know, Jackson's gonna have another phenomenal year like he did last year. I don't think he's going to run as much as he did during his MVP year last year. I still think he'll be a good dual threat quarterback but essentially, you know, they added Mark Ingram and the running game, but this is essentially the same team that they had from last year and that was a pretty good team. And they added even more on the front seven. So I look at this team, you know, I think they dip a little bit because I have a hard time you know, given any team I got like one of those phenomenal records like oh, they're gonna come out 51 Records I see them as little up and five team they're gonna be really good.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 16:31

So as I was saying they're not they're not gonna dip that far Craig I do appreciate the sentiment though. I had them going from Virginia to so they're gonna have the same record they had last year. Um, you know, I think finally you know, Lamar does his first playoff win relay so we'll speak about that another time on and you know what, you know, so you brought up Jake Kato? I don't know when you brought up JK Dobbins, but I'm with them and drafting him like I think besides I was Hilaire, who was drafted by Kansas City, I think he'll have the most impact as a rookie running back. Um, so I expect them to do more of the same. I actually think Lamar is know that she will be improved as a passer. I agree he had but he had he has to run in order for them to be as successful. So, um, you know, it may it may be different when he does it. You know, maybe he'll have us five times out of 10. But he has to keep that up. Right there, but they went division 14.

Joe Malkin : 17:27

So 11 and 513 and 314 and two would love to meet in the middle and go into 13 313. And

Rayshawn Buchanan : 17:35

there's no way to win 11 games, any more than that.

Unknown Speaker : 17:37

Oh, yeah, absolutely. Yeah, for sure.

Craig D'Alessandro : 17:39

I just have a hard time giving any of those teams like, ah, they're gonna come out and just blow doors out,

Rayshawn Buchanan : 17:43

but I don't see a nominee though. Like it's not like it's one thing is one thing that they would like 7090 year before and then they got all this talent was like, oh, they're gonna go 15 to one. It's like no cut. No, no paper champion, but they show last year but the same exact team. They made the good.

Joe Malkin : 17:58

Maybe it's because we're patriots fans. I don't see 13 and 3 12 and four as outstanding. I see 14 and two is that threshold where it's like, okay, now now you're saying that a team is? elite? No. You know what I mean? Like that.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 18:15

Don't I agree? Take Take Take that Bobby take that.

Joe Malkin : 18:18

So, all right, we're moving on because we spent a lot of time on the Ravens just like the NFC team. spending a lot of time on the Bucs. Who won't want a playoff game Pittsburgh Steelers I have next at 10 and six after a disappointing year and eaten eight last year with no Ben Roethlisberger. He's healthy. I think Mike Tomlin is a good coach in the NFL, especially with Roethlisberger. I think James Connor is underrated, and we'll have a much better year this year even though he did play well last year. The Steelers defense is always the Steelers defense. And I just I don't see this team going 500 or worse, with a hell. This is this might be the heartache with a healthy Roethlisberger. I just I don't see him with James Connor Juju Smith Schuster. A good defense 10 six

Craig D'Alessandro : 19:05

is the heartache that Ben Roethlisberger is gonna be healthy. Yes. Actually completely out you know, and I'm sorry I don't see team but I completely agree of john this you know, Ben Roethlisberger was lost early last year and this team still March Madness to carve out and Nate Nate record, and you know, we're propolis Berger coming back with an offensive claim. Clearly he was comfortable with and wasn't comfortable last year with that, you know parade of quarterbacks that Pittsburgh put out and a defense that's just absolutely led by TJ watt on a pass rush. They're going to be feeling really comfortable the AFC North this year. I see them as a 10 and 16

Rayshawn Buchanan : 19:42

well guess what guys? Guess what? I had their record as

Joe Malkin : 19:45

talent six and a six baby. Let's

Rayshawn Buchanan : 19:47

get away. We are just right. It's almost like we had a show or we had a meeting before this is great. Yeah, Big Ben coming back to me as he was for them. I do believe he stayed healthy. I don't think he's had some of these seasons where he's on been out for the year or he's got two Super Bowl wins.

Joe Malkin : 20:03

He's better than Eli Manning.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 20:05

Yeah, exactly. No doubt. I'm Romo too, but a show. Yeah. So I just I gotta get going. Right and then lock lock it up. It's my turn. locking up cam. Hey, rad thing also was he assumed that he's been a staple of that defense. So and yeah, so I think USA Today wants to These two So yeah, I got 110 of six and should be bounced back here for them.

Joe Malkin : 20:28

Next up we have the Cleveland Browns who I have it seven and nine just gonna throw it right out there at the beginning. Who is Vikings former Vikings offensive? Yeah. Wow that word that gets the fancy I gotcha. Where'd that New York accent come from? Who is former Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski with an offensive coordinator at the helm. I see this team playing well on offense. I mean Cleveland was literally on the verge of a dumpster fire with Freddie kitchens at at head coach last year. He didn't know how to manage the personalities. And I think Stefanski will have a much better time of doing that with Mayfield. ob J. Landry. And they just sign hunt to a two year Kareem hunt to a two year extension. I just think he's going to be able to manage those personalities. This team is going to get there but it's not going to be in 2020 But if miles Garrett can stay out of trouble, and they can keep the defensive players on the field. I mean, I see three other winds coming in Cincy and Washington. I see them beating the giants in the Colts. But they'll surprise a couple teams along the way. I got seven and nine.

Craig D'Alessandro : 21:42

I have them at a 8-8. I think that the head coach position was obviously their biggest addition. You know, with Coach like him coming from Minnesota. I think that you know, this is when this team was designed. It was supposed to be an offense heavy team and I think it's going to be heading into 2020 and they should be right into it. They should be contending they lease for a wild card spot. You know, Baker Mayfield should have a much better year than they did last year and this offense should finally start to click a little bit I have a 8-8 today.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 22:12

I'm I haven't met nine to seven actually. Um, I think this is the time that you know bigger than me who has to take that step like it's to put up or shut up your film. You can't have all that talent around. And not produce so like I said huntin tub you know that should be a good running back door for him that should help him out. And it was like getting a coach that's going to be centered around making him better should help that team immensely so I got them going down to seven potential wildcard who knows but um, I got them going down to seven.

Joe Malkin : 22:42

So he had 78 98 89 and seven, we're going to put them at eight and eight and I think they can contend for a wild card. That doesn't necessarily mean we're gonna pick that at the end. But we'll put the Cleveland Browns at eight Nate and we finish off the AFC North with I this is weird for me to say. I think they're a worst football team than the Jacksonville Jaguars. But I think they're going to finish with more wins and that's the Cincinnati Bengals and my first note on them was yuck, this is the coach that I think is gone. Before he unpacks his bags and that sack Taylor. I don't think he makes it through the season. Things have changed a little bit. I mean Dalton gone. Joe burrow is Maybe that's what saves Zach Taylor's job is the fact that Joe burrow is a rookie quarterback and they're gonna give him time but I looking at their schedule no no game on their schedule it gives me any hope that they're gonna win anything. I haven't met three and 13

Craig D'Alessandro : 23:41

I actually have them at six and 10 Believe it or not, I think they're going to be a lot better than thing I really think Joe burrow is going to continue that really offensive showing he put on an LSU and you know, they tell me that AJ green finally healthy this year and if that's the if that's his first option, Joe burrow I think should have a while while obviously a losing record. I think that they're actually going to do you know better than people think heading heading into 2021 after a while a subpar 2020 season better than people think.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 24:12

Yeah, go for 12 um, you know, I am excited to see the the tiger King. Come in coming at Tiger King. You know lovely. I love that too. I remember on how to use that, but um, yeah, I haven't thought of football I think, you know, having a wide receiver like AJ green would also help. And then I think just sign you know, keeping extending Joe Mixon was huge for him. So he's had back to back 1000 yard season so there'll be extending at times, but at one day when nothing more than four games,

Craig D'Alessandro : 24:41

Can I say one thing about Joe Mixon? Sure, dude, the piece of shit.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 24:45

While he's a good running back, though, so I agree.

Joe Malkin : 24:48

Well, there's I mean, there's a lot of guys in the NFL. I mean, Ben Roethlisberger could be classified as the same thing. Sure, exactly. Correct. But good quarterback. So I have seen video of Joe Mixon being a piece of shit. Well, fair, fair.

Unknown Speaker : 25:03

Yeah. But

Joe Malkin : 25:04

that's not gonna change the fact that they're gonna win or lose games because of Joe Mixon this year.

Craig D'Alessandro : 25:10

It was more it was more of an observational like point.

Joe Malkin : 25:14

Well, I'm I can't I can't give them six wins and I can't give him five. So I'm going to go with raisons four and 12 on that one. I just I don't I have no faith in that team. And I think that they're just gonna I think six is way too much. I still think four is too much if they had a Super Bowl for the worst teams in the NFL, it would be the bangles and jaguars in my mind. All right, Mr. Mark Angelo, what are

Michael Marcangelo : 25:39

we doing? Just a couple of things here don't say could when referencing Ben Roethlisberger being a piece of shit, right? He is not good. He is one. And the Ravens are the definition of a paper champion. They have not won anything under this new under this new regime with Lamar Jackson. Yeah, they had a lot of wins last year and one year how do they do in the playoffs? Right.

Unknown Speaker : 25:59

Our time our time

Michael Marcangelo : 25:59

our time it's our time you guys need to mute yourselves. They did nothing. They lost. I also just want to say one thing. There's a lot of ass grabbing going on in these segments. You guys a lot of agreeing. I want to see some more conflict here. Okay.

Dave Clarke : 26:13

Yeah, I mean, I didn't know we put the best best friends in the world together. Geez. I always the most reasonable our time our time. We only have I only have one point. That Joe burrow is as a rookie quarterback, the worst possible division to come into is to get just absolutely killed four times a year by the Ravens defense in the Steelers defense. He better learn how to win a game like five to three because that's what happens in that division. Like if he doesn't know how to do that then like I don't think he's gonna be very good. Bobby was champing at the bit to get in. So go ahead, Bobby.

Rob Kelly : 26:44

So I have so I don't agree that I think the Ravens are not going to run less this year. If anything, I think they end up running more haba guard he said he's not adjusting his offense to keep Lamar healthy. He's going to do what makes their teams the best possible. And that's a run with Lamar Jackson. Two, I think the Steelers win this division. I think that shoulder injury and surgery Too Big Ben is a big deal that people aren't talking about and I think they win the division and with the Bengals. I can't I can't hate on their last year, or zipkin. It was awful because

Dave Clarke : 27:22

coming is really easy. It's really easy. Watch the Bengals were terrible

Rob Kelly : 27:25

coming into 2019 that team was already looking at 2020 all right after and after week eight. They had I in Fenway starting as quarterback for the last eight games of the season. I'm just saying jack Taylor keeps his job to the ends of the season unless they start out like 12

Michael Marcangelo : 27:44

Our time is our time is up their time is now and they will be dedicating their next 12 minutes. To the AFC West your 12 minutes starts now.

Joe Malkin : 27:54

Well, apparently we we can't be nice to each other anymore. So let's start with the AFC West where the Kansas City Chiefs are first and they're going to go wait for it. Remember what I said about the Ravens where you can't give them your I said about any team to Craig 14 and two is an elite record. The Kansas City Chiefs go 14 and two, and they have a win now mentality. We've talked about it before with the contract of Patrick mahomes sign in the offseason. How are they They're gonna keep anybody else. So they go on when now they figure it out now 23 sacks of mahomes last year means that they have the best offensive line in the league. mahomes Hill Watkins Kelsey Hilaire me Cole Hardman to Marcus Robinson. Their defense was middle of the road in 2019. They're only going to get better this year. Andy Reid is a top three coach in the NFL. Not even going to playoffs and Well, I think they're gonna do their 14 to

Michael Marcangelo : 28:52

well, considering the fact that this is year one of Patrick mahomes. last four years in the NFL. It's going to be an absolutely You're insane.

Joe Malkin : 28:59

All right, yeah. Okay, first of all, no, this is where we're gonna get heated. This is one of the points that gets me going every time you say it, because we get into Mike's like, I it's gonna be great for eight years and you're like, No, he's not even gonna be in the NFL in four years. He's not gonna be he's not gonna be out in four years. He signed a long contract I get it's not the best contract in the world. But I understand why they signed it. I understand why they offered it to them and I understood And why he signed it. But there's zero chance that he is out of the NFL in four years, there's zero chance he's out of the NFL and seven and Mike and I were talking about it when comparing him to Tom Brady, which they're two very different players, we understand that. But Brady was elite, which this this makes Bobby angry. Brady was elite for eight years. Patrick mahomes will be elite for eight years. And I believe that started last year. I give him seven more years. But go ahead.

Craig D'Alessandro : 29:50

I just believe that the way he plays is just asking for trouble. It's the same way with Mr. JACK, the way he plays is asking for trouble. And I think that, you know, eventually he's going to get one of those sacks where he just doesn't come back. And then that'll be the end of them. But that being said, for this year, they are going to dominate it'll be a 13 and three record is just a question of how dominant they are, whether they just cruise in the AFC Championship game, or whether they have a few miscues.

Joe Malkin : 30:16

Remember when a guy on the other side of things said that he made a point about a guy and then turned it around. Well, I I'm gonna kind of do the same thing here and tell you that there was a guy in 2008 that got his knee blown up and came back and was elite for nine more years, or at least elite for a few more years and then still pretty good after that, and I just I can't I can't win with you and Patrick mahomes rayshawn get out of the hole.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 30:46

Yeah, that's that's a joke, Craig. I'm sorry, brother. That's, yeah, he'll he'll be elite for a long time. Um, but anyway, so I haven't gone 15 and one. And the only reason why to lose a game is because the rest of starters at the end. This is this is whatever this is this time. I think that he'll win his second MVP this year as well. You know, I made a reference to him earlier on the show but um, you know, drafting errors Hilaire was a he's like a real to me, he's like Brian Westbrook, 2.0 and, um, you know, interview to do with him. So I just felt like adding another weapon like that to go with Kelsey walkins. Hill, they're going to be dangerous. Like, they only lose a game because they choose the rest of us at the end of the year.

Joe Malkin : 31:34

I don't think it gets to that point. I think if they're 15 and oh, and in week 17 I think they play their guys to go 16 Oh, because I think Harbaugh is that kind of guy. I mean, he was one. He was one of the guys that started the whole thing in with New England, trying to get us in trouble pulling the rulebook out on us after bill did it to him, I think if he's got an opportunity to go 16 and oh, and put himself in the same conversation as the 2007 patriots. He takes he takes that opportunity and runs with it so so Craig, you had him at 13 and three, I had him at 14 and two reisha at 15 and one, Ray, I'm gonna go on our end here. I'm gonna call the 14 and two as the division winners, I don't disagree with you, but I think putting them at 14 and two leaves us open for that. 15 to 116 an hour, which I I do think is possible. Our next team is the Las Vegas Raiders. New City new stadium, same Raiders. I don't like Derek Carr. But I don't think that that that he can't be successful. He's got Henry rugs the third he's got Darren Waller. They bolster the offensive line. Car is a guy that needs to stay upright. He's kind of like a poor man's Drew Bledsoe in my mind. But he he needs to be more upright than Bledsoe did. And that's kind of saying something. They're going to struggle against Kansas City, cuz everybody's going to struggle against Kansas City. Their defense puts up a fight. I have them at nine and seven. It might be a lot. I think if they had fans in the stands, I think that that nine seven record would hold up more. But I have the Raiders at nine and seven.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 33:16

Yeah, I have them eight and eight. Just like some of the quarterbacks we talked on here, like I think is to put up a beer for Derek Carr too. The numbers are kind of pleading with him because we throw for another 4000 yards. Certainly last year, I think 21 touchdowns he picks but you know, when you have a talent like Josh Jacobs and you have a time like down Waller who's aware, um you have the produce, and yes, they've created some pieces of waste is good has been there but there's still talent there but but new like Joe said same same team you know they're in a different set. They go and they and they continue to be in that place of mediocrity. So

Craig D'Alessandro : 33:55

I think that the Raiders were one of the most disrespected teams in the NFL last year because they even though Yeah, they stunk. They were still in contention for a playoff spot until the middle of December, maybe the end and maybe towards the end of December. I you know, I don't hate car as much as a lot of people to and I still still think that Gruden is a good coach. But that being said, Yeah, and you know, but all that being said there's still a six attend Team

Joe Malkin : 34:21

Six and 10. So I think I think we go with raisons here and go in the middle of eight Nate. I think that puts us in a safe position where we can go drop to the six and 10 or get to the nine and seven. And I don't think much more engaged the Cowboys at AFC, know they're better. So we'll go with eight and eight for the Raiders. And the third team and the AFC West is the Los Angeles chargers of San Diego. I'm sorry, the San Diego Chargers of Los Angeles. So this is this is an interesting one for me too, because I think the Chargers have a bad ownership group as well. I think Anthony Lin is a good head coach. I like Anthony Lin. But I don't think the organization wants to win. I think there's a couple of coaches in the NFL that are like that they they're not they're not going to blow the season to get Trevor Lawrence because they drafted Justin haber. Right. So but they have tyrod Taylor starting a quarterback. I have never been Especially after the first couple years but Keenan Allen and Mike Williams I'm just not I have no faith in because I don't think either one of them can stay on the field. Austin eckler has surprised everybody and come out as the top running back in the league. And by top I mean there's not that many but I I put them in a top. Hunter Henry is a good tight end if he's utilized correctly. And my last note I have here is how long until Hiebert starting a quarterback. I have the Los Angeles chargers at four and 12

Michael Marcangelo : 35:52

I have them actually at seven and nine because I actually think they are they're going to surprise a lot of people on offense and I think they have a really really good defense better than a lot of people think they do

Joe Malkin : 36:03

have a good defense

Craig D'Alessandro : 36:05

like Lance Leonard coats do I think that they're gonna surprise a lot of teams I think they're gonna they're gonna feed on a lot of the bottom feeders in this league to put off some good cheap wins but they'll be there at the end of the day.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 36:14

Yeah, I got them going six and 10 You know, I think Herbert probably would have been in a more pic Katie came on last year. However, I just don't believe in quarterbacks that come to Oregon because Mary are just trash. So I feel like it'd be a bust at some point but and as you know, same thing with you know, they you know when Mike Williams and and canal and like yeah great talents Derwin James great talent novanet great talent, but they don't reach their potential ever because I said did not able to be on the field. So don't don't go six to 10 Anthony Linden will be in his desk out at the end of the year and now they'll be in they'll be the end of that era for them.

Joe Malkin : 36:51

So we're gonna go with six and 10 on the charters. That's what I'm what I'm deciding here and Bob, we're not that mean. So finally in the AFC West, we have the Denver Broncos or Craig's favorite team, the Denver's Yeah, we Craig loves the Denver's the Denver's. This is an interesting one because I don't like Vic Fangio. I thought last year was a an interesting year for the Denver Broncos, finishing seven and nine. I thought that was almost generous. I know it's fact in what? It's what happened but I thought that was generous. I'm they have courtland Sutton. They drafted Jerry Judy. They sign Melvin Gordon. So they have Melvin Gordon and Philip Lindsay. Drew Locke is now going to have his first full season. Their defense just lost Von Miller, which is tough to an ankle injury. I still like their defense, but I I'm going to have to give I'm going to go back to back seven to nine seasons for the Denver Broncos. Um, I think they're I think they're moving in the right direction. I don't think Vic Fangio is the guy to get them there. But for right now, seven and nine,

Craig D'Alessandro : 38:11

you know, for the last five weeks of the season last year, Drew Locke led them to a five in one record last year, so it's been a lot He's good.

Joe Malkin : 38:17

I liked your lock.

Craig D'Alessandro : 38:19

So it's put you know, it's put a lot of people like you know on, watch out for Watch out for Devers mode. So you can, so you can, but you know the I just don't think they're ready for primetime anytime soon and with the loss of Von Miller especially to the especially today on Tuesday they I don't think they're gonna be a good team that's your I have a five and 11

Rayshawn Buchanan : 38:44

go quickly got them going eight and eight. I'm on the July bandwagon. I like Judy I like Simon I like Phillip Lindsey I like no offense. They miss they're gonna miss Von Miller but I think they go in a

Michael Marcangelo : 38:57

with a with with with five. No, no seconds to spare. I'm not going to tell you that. I thought that was your that was that was the best segment I agree with most of what you said there. I do think that is unrealistic that that the Chiefs lose more than one game. I also think that if they are 15 No, there is no way that they rest their starters that don't go 16 now, I am also on the lock bandwagon I think that the Broncos could be a sneaky team in that division. Don't The Raiders but the chargers are just terrible. tyrod sucks. That team doesn't want to win. You're right. Go ahead DK.

Dave Clarke : 39:31

I can't believe that like the majority opinion of the sites for sn SW Sinai sports team is that Jon Gruden is a good coach. He's got the stupidest man football. I hate that guy. Everything he says is ludicrous. He's a terrible coach. He's gonna dunk quarterback. He's a dumb guy to doms definitely make a dumb,

Joe Malkin : 39:49

so the owner is pretty dumb too. But I

Dave Clarke : 39:52

it's, I don't even know. But like, yeah, if you hire Jon Gruden, you're an idiot, so there you go. He's responsible for the worst Super Bowl in my lifetime and I 100% hate him. That's the only thing I'd say about that.

Craig D'Alessandro : 40:04

Is it true he still rides a van he drives a van shortbus I believe is the is the is the vehicle choice. So I bought it

Michael Marcangelo : 40:13

30 seconds Bobby

Rob Kelly : 40:14

achieved completely agree. I quickly do disagree with you. dk I love the Raiders this year. I think that they're going to be a sleeper team and let me

Dave Clarke : 40:22

just peel myself off the ceiling with the surprise that that just shot me up there that you're a Gruden fan. What like why am I not surprised?

Rob Kelly : 40:33

And then with the Chargers, I disagree with all of you. I think the chargers are also a sneaky team. I think Justin Herbert is going to be a really good quarterback in the NFL. I really liked him in Oregon. I know he's not a pro style offense guy, but I really like Herbert. I think the chargers are sneaky team. I do think the Chiefs will go undefeated I actually had that I was thinking that the whole time.

Michael Marcangelo : 40:55

All right, so ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, the main event of tonight's show is the A f c East Joe you have 12 minutes and I told minutes starts right fucking

Joe Malkin : 41:07

now let's do this backwards because I think we all thought I was gonna start in New England and i'm not i'm actually going to start in reverse order of how I think this division is going to finish. So we're going to start with the New York Jets, Adam cases of fraud and is another coach who We'll be fired before the end of the season. Again, the New York Jets a terrible ownership group. I think he's, they, I don't even know where to put my thoughts with Adam gates because I'm just so he frustrates me so much. They effectively imploded in 2019. And I think it's because of him. levy on Bell is nothing since he left Pittsburgh, and that can be argued, I know, but he just he's a shell of himself. I mean, look at him and Antonio the best, the worst thing they did was to leave Pittsburgh, they should have just stayed and played it out because they probably have a Super Bowl. Their defense is probably what's going to win them games. I'm not a huge Sam darnold guy. But I also think that Adam Gates is ruining Sam darnold and they also have the third hardest schedule in the NFL. I haven't been four and 12 which actually is probably generous after what I just said about him but four and 12 New York Jets the entire schedule for the AFC East it's just it's just a landmine it's just tough every week they don't have an easy any anomalies for teams have easy way except heading to the season.

Michael Marcangelo : 42:37

The New York Jets stick, they are really bad. They are their biggest addition from this offseason two of them. One of them's not even playing and that's Joe Flacco. The second one Rashad perriman he was in the heat to me is a minus on this team than what they had Robbie Anderson last year. The Jets are so bad. They're probably gonna end up getting a couple of sneaky wins, but they are for 12 team at best.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 43:03

Now, while I'm sleeping on the Jets, no, they go they go five they go five and 11. You know, I still think Sam Donald sees ghosts all year, not just for the pictures but all. Adam Gates was given this job because of what you did with Peyton Manning. And he's done nothing in Miami. He's done nothing in New York City.

Joe Malkin : 43:25

He didn't even do anything with Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning was already Peyton Manning What?

Rayshawn Buchanan : 43:29

Exactly but you know, you've got no certain guys great opportunities, but what Well, that's another podcast for the day. Sure.

Joe Malkin : 43:35

But Adam case got the job in New York because of Peyton Manning. I mean, he also had other quarterbacks out there, including Brock Osweiler, who he slightly made look okay. He's just he's, he's, he's a bad coach.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 43:49

Yeah, now he's slightly on a bench. But yeah, five, five and 11 um, they don't do much and I'm

Craig D'Alessandro : 43:55

happy doing better than we do.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 43:57

Yeah, I mean, I think what you know, because I mean, I don't think we agree on those as bad as you guys saying. He is like, I mean, obviously you're not what he wasn't Pittsburgh, but I think if he's utilized in the right way, which he probably won't that's saying a lot but I think they could find a way to win five games. I mean, they did be Dallas last year to get played at Robbie Anderson last year was great. So that that was one of my favorite players of the year. So

Michael Marcangelo : 44:18

I believe they let him go. He was our

Joe Malkin : 44:20

best player but we were moving on to the next team is to Miami. Dolphins. They were five and 11 last year with Ryan Fitzpatrick a quarterback. He's been named quarterback again for the dolphins in 2020 with two tagovailoa behind him demonte Parker and Mike iseki are going to be vital in that offense. Fitzpatrick it's funny that I'm about to say this, but he's another guy that makes it happen with his feet. That sounds so weird to say. But he did. I mean, he he. He won them games with his feet last year, which is wild. Brian Flores has what it takes to be a good NFL coach. And I can't see them being worse than 511. They drafted offense to offensive linemen in the first two rounds to keep Fitzpatrick upright. Fitzpatrick threw 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2019. Again, another organization that's not run very well. I believe they will beat Miami beat New England in Miami again this year their defenses suspect I haven't been seven and nine.

Craig D'Alessandro : 45:20

They have spent so much money trying to rebuild this team that I'm very happy that they are starting Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, because, you know, I'm not, I'm still not sure to tumble by low is 100% heading into the season, you know, I know they keep people keep telling me is but I saw that injury he had during college. And you know, I think it's it's better to play it safe and then when they know they're not going to compete this year, but they're looking forward to it in the future, but they rebuilt and spent a ton of money on the on their defense this year. So I expect them to at least, you know, be somewhat competent team. I'm not saying they're going to be good. But now I expect them to at least, you know, have some good games, but still there are four and 12 team of fast.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 46:01

I actually had them improving two games from last year and then they go seven to nine as well. So you don't agree again, go figure. I liked I liked the topic. You know, fans down there last year when I was living down at the time. You know, they talked about taking for tour. So it worked for them. So um, you know, I guess they were happy with that. And I said I think spending money on that defense was key, you know, so you're getting very annoyed getting burned. Jones, forget some of the names they added. But, um, I just think that helps. And, you know, so

Craig D'Alessandro : 46:30

a lot of expatriates.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 46:31

Yeah, a lot. Yeah. So I mean, which, you know, makes sense. But I mean, that feeds into what you know, florists are trying to do down there. So you're trying to build a different culture so but you know, they go they go somewhere. I think

Joe Malkin : 46:42

I'm gonna make a weird executive decision on this and I know on the NFC side they kind of if two people agreed, I'm actually gonna knock them down to six and 10 because I do think they improve. I'm just I I'm not sold. I'm not sold yet. And I and I think it's because we're going to see to a takeover at some point. And I don't know how that experiment is going to go. But I think Fitzpatrick is the right guy to have down there give the elder statesman the football have to it doesn't do well. And and try and do something with it. But I six and 10 because I think seven and nine could then we're talking about fighting for something if they can be that good. So the team that I believe is going to finish second in the AFC East, drumroll plays nothing All right, the Buffalo Bills I haven't met 10 six. They're young, they have playmakers all over their offense. Josh Allen is not the most accurate passer but he will get the job done. Devin Singletary in the backfield was going he was a big part of that team last year. He's gonna be even more a part of that team this year. Their wide receiver core is very patriots esque. It's interesting with Sean McDermott is doing up there. They have speedy guys with good hands. Stefan takes cold Beasley john Brown, elder statesman of the offense, their offensive line will keep Allen upright. The bill's defense was second in yards allowed last season, and Shawn McDermott has a great opportunity right now to do big things in Buffalo with a bit of a changing of the garden New England not full, you know, we're kind of just the has ventured out and but the king is still there. I have the Buffalo Bills at 10 and six.

Michael Marcangelo : 48:30

I also have the Buffalo Bills at 10 and six I do have them went into division at 10 and six I think that Josh Allen right Oh, we're gonna

Rayshawn Buchanan : 48:37

go at it. Let's go.

Michael Marcangelo : 48:39

I think that Josh Allen right now as a state as it as it looks right now and we haven't played an NFL game yet is the best quarterback in this division. I think the stefon Diggs give them the best chance to win. That's right. All right. Come on. Bring it. Come on.

Joe Malkin : 48:54

I'll get to it when we get to the next team. Good.

Craig D'Alessandro : 48:58

All right, but I have them attendance six. I think they win this division.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 49:01

Well, Craig, we agree, sir. But I think 11 and five, I'm

Craig D'Alessandro : 49:07

at handicap match coming up in a minute.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 49:09

Right? That's why Let's go Let's go. Let's go. Um, I think do they go 11 or five? I'm just Alan is the best quarterback in this division right now. Even without playing the game I feel like you know today is white is You know, a top, you know, five corner in the game, one of them so, you know, he's he's phenomenal. So, um, they came, they had a better offense, they probably would have been twice last year but they you know, but they did it. So, um, I just think they went 11 games this year and the division goes through Orchard Park.

Joe Malkin : 49:43

I'm gonna, this is kind of a handicap here where I, I don't hate the 11 and five, I'm going to put them in tenant six because as a team, we need to be in that in that ballpark. So I'm gonna put them in tenant six, and we can talk about who wins the division after I tell you that. I'm gonna I'm gonna lead into the New England Patriots by saying that you all all five of you know me very well and know that I am not a homer when it comes to the New England Patriots. I love my patriots. I'll cry whether you guys think it was real or not when we're talking about the 2001 Super Bowl. I can't I can't, I can't for the life. have me and if the other three of you make a note and say it after we finished this, I can't for the life of me understand why you think Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the AFC East. Cam Newton is the best quarterback in the NFL. He is the he has. He has an MVP. He's won an MVP. He's one playoff games. He is the best quarterback in the AFC East. And now he's playing for the best coach in the AFC possibly in the NFL. The addition of Cam Newton alone gives the Patriots 10 to 12 wins where I think without him. They're eight and eight, nine and seven. He's not Tom Brady, but he's dynamic. If he's again, the theme and Mike and I talked about it beforehand. And Dave as well, I think Dave was the one that said it when I said it's all about health and he was like Well, that's because you're in the midst of all your fantasy football dress. It's very true, but he's dynamic. He adds a dimension to the offense. That is That they were in desperate need of after Tom Brady left and not that Tom Brady was a dynamic as dynamic as Cam Newton was but Cam Newton can make plays Tom Brady couldn't and can't. And Tom Brady can make decisions that Cam Newton won't be able to. James White is gonna play a huge part in this offense. He's not Christian McCaffrey to Cam Newton. But they have two very young tight ends. They have it their wide receiver core is the most suspect unit on the entire team. Sony Michele is in a make or break year this year, they signed a fullback and Jacob Johnson, who I think will be very important to Michelle's game. Bill Belichick is still the head coach of this team. And if everyone rose the ship in the right direction. There's there's no way they won they lose this division that Cam Newton isn't the best quarter Back in the AFC East patriots 11 and five, winning the division.

Craig D'Alessandro : 52:28

I don't disagree with you on the principles the principles there I think we agree with on should Cam Newton be the best quarterback and maybe he will be the best quarterback in this division. Hundred percent he could be. But I'm basing it on what I see right now. And the fact that I saw no preseason games the fact that I saw had limited training camp film to see on him and the fact that he was just a mess after what I saw from last year. I'm just not willing to put all my chips on the table and go in on that. And specifically for this patriots team, which by the way, I haven't nine to seven right now it could change moving forward. I just have a hard time viewing them as the dominant patriot Siemens that I remember them being I you know, I look at that. I look at defense, you have their secondary still amazing. I think Kyle Duggar is going to have an amazing season. Stefan Stefan Gilmore is going to do what he does. I look at their offense. A particularly the wide receivers as you mentioned, they're a mess. You know, just elements. I think I have another good year Nikhil Harry, we're gonna see I'm higher on him than a lot of people are. But other than that, you know who's after him gunner Olszewski. I think that what what you're gonna see a little punt return. But so I think you're gonna see the fact that they cut Mohamed Sanu so late in camp, I think you're gonna see a lot of that offense that you saw in Carolina, where it's gonna be a lot of passes out the back and maybe a lot of work for the Patriots. It'll be a different offense than we've ever seen. Right now. I just can't just you know, maybe after week one. After the face Miami things will be different for right now. I just can't justify giving them any better than nine seven.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 53:59

All right, so nine and seven. No, I mean, I listen, Joe, I want I want you to be right. I do. I want you to be right. But like Craig said, as well. I see what my eyes Josh Allen's been that guy. I said they got to the playoffs last year. I just think they have what it takes to win the division again. Our entire one division is not again but winning one of this year, so we'll see what happens. I tend to 610 six.

Joe Malkin : 54:22

All right. We'll go with tenants. For New England, and guys, go ahead. I know we're a little over there, but go ahead.

Michael Marcangelo : 54:30

Yeah, I mean, I think it's I think it's asinine for one for anyone to say that that Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the AFC East that that is just absolute trash, especially when you have a former NFL MVP in there. as Joe didn't mention with the greatest coach in the history of the game. They're not going to be like 14 and two but they are going to go 11 and five. I think that time is going to happen sooner than later in Miami. But ultimately I think you know my gut I'm not a homer at all either. I do you think the Patriots won't win that division? I don't know if they're gonna go far but they win that division.

Dave Clarke : 55:03

So you do think Josh Allen is better than Cam Newton though because in this SNSD Fantasy Football League he went like six rounds before Cam Newton did so if there was like a ton of faith in Cam Newton, I feel like somebody would have drafted him you know, Josh Allen's a good I don't think it's that outrageous to say Josh Allen's the best quarterback in that in that division, like he's gonna throw for a good amount of touches. This season. Cam Newton is a totally unknown entity in New England. Like we don't even know what that team looks like. And he doesn't have a lot of people to throw to like they were saying make or break on Sunday. Michelle, it's like, I mean, that guy's numbers are not great. I mean, I'm not a pats fan. You guys know more than I do about them, but like, I don't know. Kansa it's 50. You know, he's got a big upside, but I wouldn't say definitely the best quarterback in the division. I think Damien Harris was healthy. Oh, Your time's over. You already went on for way longer than 12 minutes. Bobby, go ahead.

Rob Kelly : 55:54

So I'm with the bills tag. I think Josh Allen is the best quarterback in that division. I think you see a big step up from Josh Allen this year. Not only do I think the bills are gonna win this division, but I think they're serious Darkhorse to win the AFC you heard it here for

Michael Marcangelo : 56:10

sheezus. Great take. That's

Rob Kelly : 56:12

really heard. You heard it here. Last two. Well, pick the lines to win a fucking division. So all right. So I also think that Sony Michelle is possibly The worst first round running back maybe ever drafted besides Trent Richardson, I think he's an absolute bomb and he's gonna be a reason that they lose a few games but it was where was Laurence Moroney drafted? I would take worth Maroney over over

Joe Malkin : 56:40

what what Mike, how are you and i the only two same people on it like I was with rayshawn and Craig I mean, the whole thing about mahomes just blows my top off of both.

Unknown Speaker : 56:52

Wait, wait a minute. Wait.

Michael Marcangelo : 56:55

Hold on. You guys aren't done yet. We need your three what we need your three wildcard picks. Well, first of

Rayshawn Buchanan : 56:59

all, wait, wait, wait, wait. Whoa, hold on, Joe.

Dave Clarke : 57:01

Yeah, that's a pretty wild card picks. It's Oh my God, we have time for it. That's all we have time for. Well,

Joe Malkin : 57:07

first of all, we have another conversation to have because we have an AFC North winner in the Ravens and an AFC West winner in the chiefs. In the AFC south. We have the Texans Titans and calls all at nine and seven. Who wins the division

Craig D'Alessandro : 57:19

have the Texans

Joe Malkin : 57:22

well as a shot has the Colts I have the Titans. So we're going with the Titans AFC East. I'll get you know what, I'll give this one to you guys I completely disagree. But we can we can talk about that on another podcast because I think Ray Shawn and I are gonna have some words oh by the flagpole at three o'clock. I'm gonna give you guys the bills as the division winner. I think you're I think you're I think you're crazy. So our three wildcard picks, based on record, it would be the New England Patriots. I think we can all agree on that. The tech the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. Yes. Right. Yeah. No,

Rayshawn Buchanan : 58:01

no, I'm Alex. I got the quote one of the divisions on the wall card and then one of the divisions Oh,

Joe Malkin : 58:06

yeah, well, yeah. Well, that's why we talked about that. I'll give you the bills. You son of a gun. All right. So, Mike, our picks are the Texans Colts and patriots for the wildcards in the AFC

Michael Marcangelo : 58:19

I mean, I do think that the AFC South this year is I mean is probably With the division in the AFC I mean obviously the Chiefs we know what they're going to do we all we all get it but those three teams, in my opinion would be fighting for a playoff spot. It looks like you gave them you gave them all one. So that's that's good. But no I think that's a pretty good take.

Rob Kelly : 58:43

And Joe I have to give you all the credit in the world right now. The fact that you just put your path at a wild card and held your path segment to only five minutes I think just deserve so much recognition. I think

Joe Malkin : 58:57

you know what, it should have been longer and when DK said that we were only going to be given 12 minutes here I was like listen here pal that's not gonna be enough for the Patriots on

Dave Clarke : 59:06

loan. I wouldn't told you to stretch the two and the dolphins out.

Joe Malkin : 59:11

I really did. I stretched the dolphins, six and 10 timeouts and however long it was but so

Rayshawn Buchanan : 59:20

I'm not forgiving Bobby for that Laurence Moroney taken Sony machine. that's a

Craig D'Alessandro : 59:24

that's a week. So that's why that's why

Dave Clarke : 59:26

we have Sunday shows guys the game. That's right, congratulations.

Joe Malkin : 59:29

And if so again, if you are listening to this, and I'm sure Craig will do this and post but if you if you have listened to this whole thing and made it to this point, we do have our live show on Sunday evening at five o'clock, the Sunday night sports wrap, the flagship show of the SN SW Podcast Network, from five to seven, all six of us will be there and it's gonna be a good one because not only do we have football starting, but we'll be right on right at the end of the Patriots dolphins game. And during the 4pm game, so come hang out and watch and listen to games with us as we talk mostly about football and probably the NBA.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:00:04

Well, I'll be sitting in front of our flat screens.

Joe Malkin : 1:00:06

Yeah, I'm probably gonna be sitting right here. So you

Dave Clarke : 1:00:08

guys have flat screens. I still listen to it on the radio.

Joe Malkin : 1:00:12

I heard about that in LA it's about those those sweeping power outages, isn't

Dave Clarke : 1:00:17

it just playing with those little leather helmets?

Michael Marcangelo : 1:00:21

I just feel like my final word on this entire podcast. Is the Detroit Lions pick will win us the game but it won't it can't lose us the ultimate game okay Bobby's that's why you make picks like that you grow a set you make a pick.

Joe Malkin : 1:00:35

So that's what that's where we we need to go back to is the point of the game is that you know, Mike Bob Dave are the NFC team myself, Craig and rayshawn are the AFC team we're trying to win the most points by being within two wins of their their win total and picking the playoff teams as well. So and then again, we don't know what the prize is going to be yet, but it's going to be something and probably embarrassing like they do in fantasy football or something I don't know. Who knows what we're gonna do. We will do a final word in just a second but just to give you a full and complete rundown on one more time real quick in the NFC for Bob. Dave and Mike NFC East they have the Cowboys winning at 10 Six Eagles at eight Nate cowboys giants at five and 11 football team at three and 13 that's so freakin weird. NFC North they have the lions at nine and seven is the division winner. The Bears at nine and seven as a wild card Vikings at eight and eight Packers at six and 10 NFC South buccaneers at 12 and four is a division winner. Saints 11 and five is a wild card. As a wild card Falcons eight and eight Panthers five and 11 in the NFC West they have the Seahawks at 12 and for winning the division 40 Niners at 10 and six as wildcard Cardinals at 10 and six Rams at six and 10 in the AFC for myself rayshawn and Craig in the north we have the Ravens winning the division at 13 and three Steelers at 10 and six Browns at eight and a Bengals at four and 12. In the AFC West we have the Chiefs at 14 and two as a division winner. Then we have the Raiders at eight and eight. The Broncos at seven and nine charges and six and 10 and in the AFC East. I don't know why they talked me into this. We have the Winning the division at 10 and six patriots as a wildcard at 10 and six dolphins at six and 10 jets at four and 12. I also just realized that we gave three playoff spots to teams in the AFC south and completely boned the Steelers.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:02:37

Yeah, sure did.

Joe Malkin : 1:02:39

Yep. We did it. The Steelers

Dave Clarke : 1:02:40

patriots patriots like the bonus Steelers that's that's the thing that they like to do. They do. It kicks out.

Joe Malkin : 1:02:46

Well, I really hope the Steelers stink in the AFC South gets three playoff teams, you sound like my home, you like my home life to be miserable. So essentially what you're saying, Oh, geez, she's not. Yeah, that's fine. My wife's a Cardinals fan, so I don't really have to worry about anything. So final words here. I'm going to start on the NFC side with Dave.

Dave Clarke : 1:03:07

That was a super fun show. I really enjoyed doing all this picks. I initially was panicked at Mike picking the Detroit Lions, even with a winning record or over 500 record, but apparently we're putting all our eggs in that basket. I feel like I'm about to lose my last 50 grand On the on the Detroit Lions but whatever let it ride

Rob Kelly : 1:03:30

Bobby uh yeah first of all the first take is that mean DK both somehow convinced Mike to put the cowboys and the bears into the playoffs so I see that as a fucking win and be as much as I hated that lines take your right Mike shooters fucking shoot go lines

Joe Malkin : 1:03:47

out Bobby's now dropped the most f bombs and a show I'm gonna Mike I'm gonna switch it up I'm gonna go to rayshawn here

Rayshawn Buchanan : 1:03:55

yeah I won't know this no this this this this was dope um I said the AMC it's a white the NFC is want to make that clear um you know ABC all the way baby as you see by my shirt even though you guys can't see it but you know render pass jersey shuttle tedy Bruschi um, but as always, I'll end every show until this happens, you know, arrest the cops that killed brown and yellow.

Joe Malkin : 1:04:22

Craig, your talent tonight So, final words, I know it's weird, isn't it people actually get to hear me talk rather than, you know, edit these shows for two hours. Everybody's gonna love it and they're gonna tell the other the rest of us to get off the show. And it should just be the Craig show, but we're not going to let that happen.

Craig D'Alessandro : 1:04:37

Now I know where my talent lies. You know, this is a, this is different for us. This is a good show that, you know, we're gonna have four hours of podcasts out for this week for everybody, including Sunday. So you know, hopefully everybody enjoyed it if you liked it. If you didn't like it, let us know. Of course you liked it. Let us know in the comments down below.

Joe Malkin : 1:04:56

Mike, go ahead.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:04:57

You know what, like, I just want to say like, I think that the amount of grabbing that happened on the AFC side was alarming and offensive. I think that what separates our show from other shows are the fact that we have difference of opinion and we have different tastes and we all have to make a decision based off of that. I feel like we did that on the NFC side. I'm taking the Detroit Lions shooters do fucking issue. All right, Bobby, and the NSE team is going to take this home. But thank you, Joe.

Joe Malkin : 1:05:23

I think I think the lions, I think that's, that's wild. I think that's why I think putting the lions and the bears in the playoffs over the Vikings and the Packers is wild. I understand the logic. So I'll I'll let it go. But my other take on the NFC is, and I'll say it again on Sunday, and it's not as important as what rayshawn said, but I'll say this until it happens. The Buccaneers are not winning a Super Bowl and they're not going to a Super Bowl, and then the AFC if anybody's a Steelers fan listening and hurt what we did I take full responsibility for keeping the Steelers out of the playoffs and 10 six. Guys, this was fun. I enjoyed this and, you know, a little more ass grabbing. We do have to give Dave some credit here for putting this together. I think this is gonna be fun to watch throughout the season. We'll give people a kind of an idea of what's going on NFL starts Thursday night. We really can't wait for the NFL season this year. A little slump To keep our minds off of things and and change the change our mindset here a little bit.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:06:30

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the world is a pretty shitty place right now, isn't it?

Joe Malkin : 1:06:34

Yeah, but that's why we get together every week because I like talking to you guys a lot more than I like being in the outside world.

Dave Clarke : 1:06:42

I don't like talking to my team I'm done with those guys.

Unknown Speaker : 1:06:45

Yeah, don't want those guys. Oh my god.

Dave Clarke : 1:06:47

Oh yeah, well Bobby chip Bobby jumped ship on like the vast division. He was like, I want to be on their team. I want you guys.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:06:53

I don't understand why you guys are so mad. I put the bears and the Cowboys in the playoffs.

Joe Malkin : 1:06:58

Listen, your heart spy. We had final words already. It's on the host. I'm gonna shut up and host thanks, Rachel. It's gonna

Dave Clarke : 1:07:06

be a ton of this end part. We are going

Rob Kelly : 1:07:10

to make those shirts By the way, the lines making the playoffs or winning the division would be the most 2020 thing ever to happen. So you know what? Probably going to happen.

Dave Clarke : 1:07:19

So tomorrow they cancel the football season.

Rayshawn Buchanan : 1:07:24

Why be

Dave Clarke : 1:07:24

would be the most 2020 thing?

Joe Malkin : 1:07:26

guys this was this was good Craig, thanks for jumping on this side of the the wall as well and being talent for this one. But we are

Michael Marcangelo : 1:07:36

forgot I have taken that's the problem.

Joe Malkin : 1:07:38

Well, we know you have takes, it's just when we get to the Patriots, it gets a little long. I mean, you know, we're trying to cut it down.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:07:45

And also there's six people on this show. I gotta let you guys do your thing.

Joe Malkin : 1:07:49

That's true, which is another reason why this kind of format worked a little bit. So you know, we'll have to do it for the MLB I'm just kidding. I can't even finish that sentence. So guys, thanks again for joining us here on the ss w podcast. The NFL division preview was a lot of fun. Thank you for listening. If you're not subscribed, subscribe, download and listen to our episodes. Follow us on social media. Craig we'll have all that down in the description below. For my co host this evening Michael Mark Angelo rayshawn Buchanan, Dave Clark, Bob Kelly. The best producer in the game and pretty good talent to Craig D'Alessandro. My name is Joel Malkin. Thanks for joining us. Enjoy the football season. We'll talk to you on Sunday.

Michael Marcangelo : 1:08:34

Thanks for tuning in to episode six of the NSW podcast one final time. I'm Craig D'Alessandro, executive producer of the ss w network. If this is your first time finding us and you like what you heard, please consider subscribing. It's easiest way to see when we publish new episodes. The SMS w podcast is a one hour weekly two hour monthly podcast recapping the biggest stories in the world of sports with a new a new flavor. The show notes and transcripts of today's episode can be found in the description box below, as well as our WordPress and buzzsprout pages. We are on iTunes, Spotify, Google and wherever you generally get your podcast. Be sure to rate us leave a review of any of our shows. We always appreciate your feedback. And of course Follow us on all of our social medias. All of our links will be in the show notes. Once again for the MSW crew. I'm Craig D'Alessandro. We'll talk to you next time.