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Stanford Steve Talking Ball, NFL Week 14 Picks & Preview, Lions End The Cowboys, Lebron's Streak Ends, Fyre Fest And More

Friday, December 5, 202526 takes

The Lions are back after they handle the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football for a huge win (-). We talk Lebron's streak finally coming to an end, Giannis wants to be traded and Chris Paul was kicked off the Clippers (-). Week 14 Picks and Preview with the slate of the year, Bengals could maybe be alive, Bears vs Packers, Jaguars looking to take control and elimination game for the Chiefs (-). Jerry's fantasy minute and our best bets (-). Stanford Steve joins the show to talk College Football playoffs, being the dude of the year, What teams he trusts in the NFL and best bets for the weekend (-). We finish with Fyre Fest of the week (-).

Stanford Steve on CFP Chaos, NFL Week 14 Picks, and Lions over Cowboys

The Detroit Lions are officially back. After dismantling the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, Big Cat and PFT started the show by breaking down how efficient Ben Johnson's offense looks when Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are both on the field. While the Lions look like a juggernaut again, the Cowboys are spiraling, and the vibes in Dallas are reaching an all-time low.

Loss
Dec 5, 2025
#6220
Big CatBig Cat

Detroit got their mojo back and looked like the efficient team they were earlier in the season

I feel like Detroit kind of got their mojo back a little bit and like, 'Hey, we're not going out without a fight.' Detroit didn't make those mistakes. Detroit didn't turn the ball over.

The Lions missed the 2025 playoffs entirely, eliminated in Week 17. Getting their mojo back was temporary.

Dak Prescott’s struggles have become so routine that PFT admits he doesn't even get the same rush from watching the interceptions anymore. It's a sad state of affairs for the Cowboys when even the haters are starting to feel a bit of pity for the situation.

Void
Dec 5, 2025
#6221
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I'm softening on the Cowboys and no longer get joy from Dak Prescott interceptions

You know how I know that I'm softening up on the Cowboys? I don't get the same joy that I used to get off Dak [Prescott] interceptions. Dak interceptions used to give me life. They used to make me so happy.

This is a subjective feeling about a sports rivalry.

LeBron's Streak and Chris Paul's Exit

Basketball took center stage for a moment as LeBron James finally saw his double-digit scoring streak end at 1,287 games. Big Cat was actually annoyed that LeBron made the right basketball play with a game-winning assist rather than forcing a shot to keep the streak alive. Meanwhile, Chris Paul was unceremoniously booted from the Clippers during his own farewell tour.

Void
Dec 5, 2025·NBA
#6223
Big CatBig Cat

Chris Paul being a dickhead in his 20th season is actually a credit to his accountability

In his 20th year in the league at his age, he was still being like, 'Hey guys, we gotta be accountable.' Because I would think that if you're doing a farewell tour... I'm gonna chill with the boys. He was still being dickhead Chris Paul. It's more of a credit to Chris Paul.

This is a subjective interpretation of Chris Paul's personality and career.

There was also some concern for Giannis Antetokounmpo after a non-contact calf injury. While the timing is suspicious given the trade rumors, PFT isn't buying the conspiracy theories quite yet.

Void
Dec 5, 2025
#25147
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I do not believe Giannis Antetokounmpo faked his calf injury to force a trade.

I don't think that [Giannis Antetokounmpo] faked the injury. ... I think he actually hurt himself. I do too. I don't think that he looked bummed when he got hurt. ... It's unfortunate timing, but yeah, the report came out yesterday that he was actively exploring other options.

The sincerity of an injury is inherently subjective, but typically follows medical reports.

Week 14 Picks and Preview

This Sunday is being billed as the slate of the year. The guys are looking at Bills vs. Bengals as a potential season-defining game for Joe Burrow. PFT pointed out that Burrow has been quietly perfect over the last calendar year, even if the Bengals' record doesn't reflect it.

Win
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6225
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Joe Burrow has started eight games in the last year and is 8-0 as a starter

In the last 12 months, Joe Burrow has started... He is eight and oh as a starter in the last calendar year. Since this date, December 2nd, the last 367 days.

PFT's claim that Joe Burrow was 8-0 as a starter in the last calendar year (from approximately Dec 2, 2024 to Dec 5, 2025) checks out. From December 2024: Burrow started and won 5 games (Weeks 14-18: Cowboys, Titans, Browns, Broncos, Steelers). In 2025: he won Weeks 1-2 (Browns, Jaguars) then missed Weeks 3-12 with turf toe, returning to win on Thanksgiving vs Ravens (32-14). That's 8 starts, 8 wins.
Loss
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6224
Big CatBig Cat

The Bengals can make the playoffs if they beat the Bills

I know that I've made the joke that everyone says don't let the Bengals into the playoffs. We won't. There is a chance that Bengals can make the playoffs because if they can win this game [against the Bills], the rest of their schedule is easy.

The Bengals finished 6-11 and did not make the playoffs. They missed the postseason for the third consecutive year.

The AFC South is also coming to a head. The Colts have a historical nightmare ahead of them in Jacksonville, and Big Cat thinks the schedule might finally be too much for Shane Steichen to overcome.

Open
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25148
Big CatBig Cat

The Colts are in deep water because they have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL.

The Colts could be in deep water because the Colts have the toughest remaining strength to schedule based on win percentage. They play the Jaguars, the Seahawks, the 49ers, the Jaguars and the Texans. Those are all playoff teams right now.

This will be proven by the Colts' final record and whether they make the playoffs.

In the NFC, the guys are looking at the Seahawks' defense as a legit problem for the rest of the league. Big Cat even went as far as to compare their current run to the legendary Legion of Boom era.

Void
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6227
Big CatBig Cat

The current Seahawks defense is playing better than the Legion of Boom did in any seven-game stretch

The Seahawks defense in terms of... a seven-game stretch, they have actually played better in a seven-game stretch this year than the best seven-game stretch of the Legion of Boom.

A specific statistical claim requiring detailed game-by-game comparison data. The Seahawks defense was elite but the exact comparison is unverifiable.
Open
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25151
Big CatBig Cat

Now is the perfect time to buy stock in JJ McCarthy.

I actually think this might be where you wanna buy some nine [JJ McCarthy] stock. ... I'm gonna buy some nine stock this week. ... This might be nine week.

Depends on JJ McCarthy's performance in the upcoming games.

Stanford Steve Joins the Show

The number one dude of the year, Stanford Steve, joined to help navigate the absolute mess that is the College Football Playoff committee. He didn't hold back on the illogical rankings, specifically the Notre Dame and Miami situation.

Void
Dec 5, 2025
#6232
Stanford SteveStanford Steve

Miami should be ranked ahead of Notre Dame because they won the head-to-head matchup

I look at what matters on the field. They... actually played. Miami led the whole game. They won. I don't understand [them being ranked lower]. Miami should be ahead of Notre Dame.

This is an opinion on committee logic and ranking principles.

Steve also gave some love to Texas Tech as a dark horse and looked ahead to the NFL playoffs. While everyone is looking for the next scary team, Steve thinks we should be looking at the most solidified team in the AFC.

Loss
Dec 5, 2025
#25155
Stanford SteveStanford Steve

The AFC playoffs will go through New England because the Patriots are the most solidified team in the conference.

I've been in the belief... that the home field [in the AFC] was gonna go through New England. I, I firmly believe that because of the schedule and seeing them in person Monday night. ... New England is more solidified and I would lean towards them getting home field.

Stanford Steve predicted AFC home-field advantage would go through New England. The Denver Broncos earned the #1 seed in the AFC at 14-3, giving them home-field advantage. The Patriots were the #2 seed. The AFC Championship was played in Denver, not New England (Patriots won 10-7 on the road).

Fyre Fest of the Week

Wrapping up the show, the guys hit Fyre Fest. Hank is still suffering through his thousand-page book for Jerry O'Connell, PFT got out-negotiated at a car dealership despite his best efforts, and Max is officially off the Ozempic train after visiting the gym twice. Max is also reaching his breaking point with the Eagles, demanding they prove something to him before he buys back in.

Void
Dec 5, 2025·Fyre Fest
#6234
MaxMax

I have lost all hope in this Eagles team and they have to win me back

I have lost all hope in this Eagles team. They got, they have to win me back. I'm opening up that they could win me back. But right now, they have to prove it.

This is a subjective statement of fan loyalty and emotion.

Just remember, if you see Max at the gym, don't mention the words 'Super Bowl Sunday' unless you're ready for a buffet talk.

nflcollege-footballdetroit-lionsdallas-cowboyslebron-jamesbetting

More Takes

Win
Dec 5, 2025·NBA
#6222
Big CatBig Cat

LeBron James robbed fans of a hater moment by making the correct basketball play

I feel so robbed by it because [LeBron James] actually made a very selfless play. A game-winning assist for a buzzer beater. I was really hoping that the situation had occurred where he was trying to force it and he cost him the game. He robbed that from us.

The streak literally ended as described in the episode.
Push
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25149
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The Jaguars vs. Colts matchups are essentially a two-game series to determine the NFL Coach of the Year.

I think that this is Leg one of the home and home coach of the year series. ... I think that a sweep, a sweep goes a long way here. ... Liam Coen's done an incredible job.

PFT called the Jaguars vs Colts matchups a 'Coach of the Year series' between Liam Coen and Shane Steichen. Liam Coen finished 2nd in Coach of the Year voting (behind Vrabel), so the Jaguars' coach was indeed in the conversation. However, the Colts collapsed from 8-2 to 8-9, suggesting Steichen was not in the running. The take about Coen being a COTY candidate was validated.
Open
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6226
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Sam Darnold is 10-0 straight up in his career as a favorite of six points or more

Sam Darnold has been a favorite of six points or more 10 times as a starter in the NFL. He's 10 and oh straight up, eight and two against the spread in those games.

This is a verifiable fact claim in the context of Sam Darnold's career up to Dec 2025.
Void
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25150
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Shedeur Sanders isn't actually controversial; the polarization is driven entirely by external conversations about him.

The most controversial parts of Shedeur Sanders are actually not Shedeur Sanders. It's what other people say about Shedeur Sanders. ... As a guy goes, I don't think that Shedeur is the reason—it's everybody else talking about [him].

Inherently subjective assessment of a player's public persona.
Loss
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25152
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I am 60% sure Jayden Daniels will not play against the Vikings.

I still don't know [if Jayden Daniels is playing]. ... I'm at like 60% that he's not gonna play. ... Big picture, if he gets hurt, I'm gonna be like, why the fuck was Jayden Daniels playing in this game?

Jayden Daniels was cleared and did start the Week 14 game against the Vikings on December 7, 2025. PFT said he was 60% sure Daniels would NOT play, but Daniels did start (though he left the game early with an elbow injury in the 31-0 loss).
Void
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6228
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I would rather see Jayden Daniels play and risk injury than sit him for the rest of the season

Big picture, if he gets hurt, I'm gonna be like, why the fuck was Jayden Daniels playing? Counterpoint: Good football players want to play football when they're healthy. I would really like to see Jayden Daniels play this weekend. I don't care. I like watching him play football.

This is an opinion on team management and fan enjoyment.
Win
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25153
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Riley Moss has the most pass interference calls against him in the entire NFL.

Do you know who has the most pass interference calls against them in the entire NFL... defensively against them? ... Riley Moss is number one by far. He's got, I believe, seven. Next closest guy has four.

Multiple sources confirm Riley Moss led the NFL in defensive pass interference penalties during the 2025 season. Through the time of the episode (Week 13/14), Moss had seven DPI calls, the most in the league, with the next closest player at four. This matches PFT's claim exactly.
Void
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6229
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Matthew Stafford's 31 career pick-sixes is actually a complimentary stat

Matthew Stafford has 31 [pick-sixes]. Brett Favre has 32. And you're like, 'Ooh, that's a bad stat.' And then you realize... that means you're very, very good because you played long enough that it didn't actually matter. It's actually kind of a compliment that the rest of your game is so good that 31 pick-sixes are completely irrelevant.

This is a subjective interpretation of a statistic.
Void
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#25154
Big CatBig Cat

The Texans' defense is the best singular unit of any team in the AFC.

The Texans might be the best singular unit of any team in the AFC. ... Their defense is for real. And it's, it's like, shit, man. They, they beat the fuck—what they did to Josh Allen a couple weeks ago was like, oh man.

Subjective ranking, though advanced stats could support it.
Win
Dec 5, 2025·Picks
#6230
Big CatBig Cat

Week 14 is an elimination game for the Chiefs

The Chiefs season kind of comes down to three-game schedule at home... If they lose this game [against the Texans], I think it's gonna be very hard for them to make the playoffs. This is an elimination game pretty much for the Chiefs today.

The Chiefs went 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Losing key games late in the season, including to the Broncos on Christmas Day, sealed their fate. It was indeed an elimination stretch.
Void
Jerry O'ConnellJerry O'Connell

JJ McCarthy is a sit in fantasy because he can't throw for 300 yards

Sit [JJ] McCarthy for not being able to throw the 300 yard. He can't throw 300. We're gonna sit Hank also because he can't throw for 300 yards like Drake May.

Fantasy football sit/start advice for JJ McCarthy in a specific week. McCarthy had a poor 2025 season (1,632 yards, 12 INTs in 10 games), so sitting him may have been good advice overall.
Loss
Dec 5, 2025
#6233
Stanford SteveStanford Steve

Texas Tech can win the National Championship because of their defense

I am in the belief that Texas Tech can do it with that defense... Texas Tech is a 'yes' for me [to win a national title] because of that defense. They're going to be stretched where they haven't been stretched before.

Texas Tech did not win the national championship. Indiana defeated Miami 27-21.
Open
Dec 5, 2025
#25156
Big CatBig Cat

If Mike Tomlin leaves the Steelers, he will have to take a year off before getting another head coaching job.

I think [Mike Tomlin] would have to take a year off. ... I think that there's, and I guess it depends on how it ends there, but I think it would be like, he's gotta do a year where, you know, like Mike McCarthy did that, you know, Mike Vrabel did that where it's like a year of, oh, I gotta reassess and now I'm back.

Depends on Tomlin's future moves if he departs the Steelers.
Loss
Dec 5, 2025·Fyre Fest
#25157
PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

The 2026 World Cup draw will be rigged in favor of the United States.

The World Cup draw is tomorrow. ... I think this is gonna be the most rigged draw ever for the United States. And I put together my, this is my pick for our group: USA, Iran, South Africa, New Zealand.

Hot TakeSoccerHotSarcastic
The 2026 World Cup draw placed the USA in Group D with Australia, Paraguay, and a UEFA playoff winner — not with Iran, South Africa, and New Zealand as PFT predicted. The draw was not conspicuously 'rigged' for the US either, as Australia and Paraguay are competitive opponents.

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