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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

