The FAN Checkdown

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett kick off the episode discussing Falcons head coach Arthur Smith's comments about struggling in the redzone and get into their NFL midseason awards. Next, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic joins the show to talk about Justin Fields injury struggles, Matt Eberflus’s future, the Bears recent acquisition Montez Sweat and if Chicago can be a free agent destination. Later, David Newton of ESPN talks Bryce Young, Chuba Hubbard’s recent level of play, if there is a future for Brian Burns in Carolina, and if Jonathan Mingo can improve (31:37).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett begin the episode by discussing the rumors of Bill Belichick leaving the New England Patriots, as well as whether his coaching style would suit with any other team. Next, Adam Rank of the NFL Network joins the show to speak about the Super Bowl being in Las Vegas this year, what to anticipate, and more speculation about CJ Stroud being this year's MVP. Later, the boys discuss potential Super Bowl locations, Carson Wentz's new signing with the Los Angeles Rams, and whether or not this was the right decision (32:16). Finally, the guys discuss some Week 10 matchups.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese kicks off the show with a recap of last night's game between the LA Chargers and the New York Jets. Matt delves into the possibility of Aaron Rodgers returning sooner than expected, the Chargers and Jets remaining in playoff contention, and whether CJ Stroud can lead the Houston Texans to the playoffs. Next, Matt discusses Kyler Murray's comeback and what we may expect from him against the Atlanta Falcons, as well as the possibility of Murray auditioning for another team. Next up, News Editor from The Score Brenden Deeg joins Matt (25:31) on the discussion of Kyler Murray's return and whether CJ Stroud is in the MVP conversation. Finally, the guys discuss whether the Bills are pretenders or contenders.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese kicks off the show with a recap of Week 9 and the possibility of losing trust in the Buffalo Bills. Donnovan Bennett, host of The FAN Checkdown, joins Matt from Vegas to discuss who the top AFC contenders are, Lamar Jackson's playoff track record, the Kansas City Chiefs not being the same, and the Cincinnati Bengals getting hot at the right moment. Next, the guys talk about the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Dallas Cowboys; are the Cowboys on the same level as the Eagles? And the notion of Dak Prescott needing to make critical plays. Later, the guys shift their attention to the Miami Dolphins and discuss if they are contenders. Finally, the boys debate whether the Baltimore Ravens are the best team in the AFC, speculate on Lamar Jackson becoming this year's MVP, and analyze Daniel Jones' season-ending injury (34:11).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett get right into the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday night, drops from Pittsburgh's receiving corps, Will Levis showing promising signs and which of Levis or Pickett has the more positive, long-term outlook. Does Mike Tomlin get enough credit as one of - if not - the best coach in the league? Then, previewing Sunday's early-morning match in Germany between the Chiefs and Dolphins (18:39), Valdes-Scantling's dog-sitting problems, Tyreek Hill's MVP case and if Dolphins DC Vic Fangio has any answers for Mahomes. They wrap up with some of the rest of Sunday's best matchups, including Ravens vs. Seahawks (26:33), Giants vs. Raiders (33:26), Falcons vs. Vikings (36:01), Cowboys vs. Eagles (40:56) and Bills vs. Bengals (44:21).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett start with a look at tonight's Thursday night-er between the Titans and Steelers before revisiting the mess in Vegas and why the Belichick coaching tree has failed outside of New England. Can Belichick be called the GOAT coach considering his lack of success without Tom Brady? Later, on Will Levis' impressive debut against Atlanta and if he can repeat tonight in Pittsburgh. Finally, AP Steelers reporter Will Graves shares his thoughts on who's to blame for Pittsburgh's stagnant offence, how Steelers fans are evaluating Kenny Pickett, and George Pickens' ceiling (33:52).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett start with last night's news that the Raiders have cut ties with coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler, what comes next for the team, if McDaniels will be brought back into the fold in New England and how it went so wrong in Vegas. Then, the Falcons announce that Taylor Heinicke will take over for Desmond Ridder, reflections on yesterday's trades and which teams' inactivity was most surprising. Later, NFL.com insider Adam Rank shares his thoughts on the mess in Vegas, winners and losers from the deadline, the Falcons' move at QB and if the Jags are getting enough respect as an AFC contender (25:05).

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett react to a relatively busy deadline day, including the Vikings replacing Cousins with Josh Dobbs and the Bears curiously buying high on Montez Sweat. They get to the Monday night-er, the Lions' overly cute playcalling, Jimmy Garoppolo's struggles and Davante Adams showing frustration (19:56). Then, a visit to the rumour mill with Bears star DB Jaylon Johnson requesting a trade, where Jerry Jeudy might land and buying teams' biggest needs to target in the dying hours of the deadline. Afterward, live reaction to Chase Young being traded to the 49ers. Finally, former NFL O-lineman Willie Colon (40:53) reacts to some of the deals from today, the 9ers' superpowered defensive line, deadline day from a player's POV and why the Chiefs need to make a move for a pass catcher.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Matt Marchese and Donnovan Bennett take a look around the NFL after Week 8 is (almost) in the books, beginning with the news that the Bills are signing Leonard Fournette to the practice squad. What does Buffalo need at the deadline? They get into the bounce back game from Joe Burrow as the Bengals waxed the 49ers, and discuss the quarterback injuries around the league, including Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, Matthew Stafford, Tyrod Taylor, and Kirk Cousins all going down at different points. Where do the Vikings go from here now that Cousins is done for the year? Plus, they discuss the play of the 5-2 Seahawks, the 6-2 Jaguars, and preview Monday Night Football with the Raiders and Lions.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.

Sho Alli and Donnovan Bennett start with news around the league, Jalen Ramsey pushing back on reports that he's healthy, Deshaun Watson's bizarre injury designation situation, the Bijan Robinson debacle and how all these stories come back to the NFL's ties to gambling. Next, a Hall of Fame discussion around how modern QBs' inflated numbers translate to their Canton case, the bar for running backs and they touch on some polarizing cases including Eli Manning, Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson. Later, a chat on the state of the 49ers coming off two straight losses, whether Brock Purdy is still a 'system quarterback' and how Shanahan's system might hold up with Sam Darnold at the helm.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates.