The Tailgate

Alfredo Brown, Derek Brown and Andrew Erickson are breaking down the matchups, players and storylines that could define the opening weekend. The guys make their predictions for Bengals vs. Buccaneers, Saints vs. Lions, Ravens vs. Colts, Bills vs. Texans and Packers vs. Vikings while identifying the biggest X-factor in each matchup.

Which players could swing Week 1 for fantasy football managers? The crew discusses Chris Godwin, Chase Brown, Juwan Johnson, Mark Andrews, Dalton Kincaid, Kyler Murray, Marshawn Lloyd and more. Plus, Erickson predicts a monster performance from Jonathan Taylor against Baltimore, while D-Bro explains why Emeka Egbuka could be headed for a difficult opening week.

The show closes with the biggest things to watch across the NFL, including Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars offense, the Washington Commanders offensive line and the new-look Chicago Bears offense with Caleb Williams. Most importantly, don't let one game wreck your fantasy football process: Week 1 creates massive overreactions, and those mistakes can create some of the best buy-low and sell-high opportunities of the season.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

DK Metcalf's Lost City of Antarctica - 0:01:46

Mahomes "Most Likely" Starts Week 1 - 0:03:03

Tua Talk - 0:04:05

J.K. Dobbins Listed As Starter - 0:05:18

Mason Taylor Gets Nod Over Kenyon Sadiq - 0:06:22

Polymarket - 0:08:25

Buccaneers vs. Bengals - 0:09:31

Lions vs Saints - 0:15:50

Colts vs Ravens - 0:20:06

Bills vs Texans - 0:25:51

Vikings vs. Packers - 0:30:47

Pristine Auction Giveaway - 0:36:25

Player Predictions - 0:37:06

Week One Thing To Watch - 0:41:48

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Week 1 is here, and Chris Welsh and Andrew Erickson break down the biggest storylines before kickoff, starting with the bombshell Brock Bowers injury news. What does Bowers' absence mean for the Las Vegas Raiders, Michael Mayer, Tre Tucker and the rest of the offense, and should fantasy football managers be worried about Bowers' long-term durability?

The guys also examine Kyler Murray's fit with the Minnesota Vikings and whether he can keep Justin Jefferson happy, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills facing an elite Houston Texans defense, Malik Nabers' Week 1 outlook and the early questions surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles offense. Plus, they tackle several fantasy football lineup questions, including Michael Mayer, Juwan Johnson and Trey Tucker.

Finally, can Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos make an early AFC statement against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs? Welsh and Erickson discuss whether Denver could emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl favorite, plus their Week 1 predictions, upset picks and the NFL storylines that could define the opening weekend.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Brock Bowers Injury - 0:01:38

Signed Todd Gurley Jersey Giveaway - 0:10:39

Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson - 0:11:47

Bills vs. Texans - 0:16:19

Polymarket - 0:19:29

Chat Q&A - 0:20:31

The Eagles Offense - 0:23:53

Broncos: Potential AFC SB Favorite? - 0:26:38

Outro - 0:29:57

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Andrew Erickson break down the biggest primetime matchups, starting with Drake Maye and the New England Patriots visiting the defending champion Seattle Seahawks before previewing the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Australia, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants, and Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Then it's time to get bold. Can the Miami Dolphins upset the Las Vegas Raiders? Will the Indianapolis Colts shock Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens? Get the matchups, fantasy takeaways, upset picks, and bold predictions you need before Week 1 kicks off.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Christian Gonzalez - 0:00:40

TreVeyon Henderson - 0:05:14

Jeremiyah Love - 0:07:43

Alec Pierce - 0:09:10

Tua Tagovailoa - 0:11:02

Darius Slayton - 0:15:00

Signed Todd Gurley Jersey Giveaway - 0:17:33

Patriots/Seahawks Preview - 0:18:19

49ers/Rams Preview - 0:25:45

Polymarket - 0:32:17

Cowboys/Giants Preview - 0:33:24

Broncos/Chiefs Preview - 0:37:43

Week 1 Bold Predictions - 0:41:10

Dolphins/Raiders - 0:41:21

Colts/Ravens - 0:46:19

Derrick Henry - 0:48:18

Jaguars/Browns -  0:50:39

Quentin Johnston - 0:54:59

Outro - 0:57:48

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throw it in park for the start of football by joining Alfredo Brown, Derek Brown and Andrew Erickson for their final 2026 NFL season predictions!

Can Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson win his third NFL MVP trophy? Will the Tennessee Titans be the biggest surprise team? Plus, what makes the Washington Commanders in a position to be the most disappointing franchise?

"The Tailgate" talks their biggest surprises, disappointments and MVP picks!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Introduction - 0:00:00
Kirk Cousins (QB - LV) & Fernando Mendoza (QB - LV) - 0:00:36
Caleb Williams (QB - CHI) Taking a More Serious Approach - 0:07:36
Todd Gurley Signed Los Angeles Rams Jersey Giveway - 0:14:04
NFL MVP Season Predictions - 0:14:24
Biggest Jump Season Predictions - 0:22:18
Biggest Surprise Season Predictions - 0:30:05
Most Disappointing Season Predictions - 0:39:49
The Audience's BOLD Predictions - 0:53:19
Outro - 0:59:50

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Preseason Week 3 is in the books, and Chris Welsh, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Scott Bogman break down the biggest news and fantasy football takeaways from the final preseason action. The Josh Jacobs situation creates major questions in Green Bay, including what it could mean for Marshawn Lloyd, Caleb Johnson, Jordan Love, and the Packers offense.

The guys also react to Aaron Donald coming out of retirement and joining a loaded Rams defense, Zach Charbonnet landing on PUP, and the Cowboys' surprising decision to move on from Joe Milton. Plus, they share their biggest preseason takeaways, including why Justin Herbert could be unleashed in Mike McDaniel's Chargers offense and why Mekhi Lemon is becoming an intriguing name to watch in Philadelphia.

Which Preseason Week 3 developments actually matter, and which players are poised to carry their momentum into the regular season?

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Trending News & Notes - 0:00:28

Josh Jacobs and the Packers - 0:00:42

Aaron Donald - 0:12:46

Zach Charbonnet - 0:20:05

Odell Beckham Jr. and Joe Milton - 0:24:46

LaDainian Tomlinson and Todd Gurley Jersey Giveaways - 0:29:15

Preseason Trends - 0:30:47

Makai Lemon & Devonta Smith - 0:31:30

Cleveland QBs - 0:35:48

Justin Herbert - 0:40:37 

Stock Watch - 0:46:29

Tyler Loop - 0:46:51 

Emmett Johnson - 0:49:02

Chris Bell - 0:50:17

Outro - 0:53:23

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out if The Pros can get along well enough to share a team that competes against the biggest NFL fans around! Join Ryan Wormeli, Andrew Erickson and Derek Brown for a 2026 fantasy football draft!

How does a 16-team league affect strategy? Can New Orleans Saints RB Travis Etienne Jr. carry a hero-running back build? Plus, why is late-round quarterback the best approach to the position? 

The "Tailgate" plugs into the highs and lows coming out of camp!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Introduction - 0:00:00
Alec Pierce (WR -  Off PUP List - 0:02:16
Cedric Tillman (WR - FA) Released - 0:09:25
Braden Smith (OT - HOU) - 0:09;50
Pro Bowl Ending - 0:09:56
Tailgate Fantasy Draft - 0:12:26
Autographed LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers Jersey Giveaway - 0:12:30
Round 1 - 0:13:00 
Round 2 - 0:16:03
Round 3 - 0:20:26
Round 4 - 0:26:08
Round 5 - 0:27:58
Round 6 - 0:31:05
Round 7 - 0:37:17 
Round 8 - 0:40:47
Round 9 - 0:45:27 
Round 10 - 0:49:07
Round 11 - 0:51:18
Round 12 - 0:55:46
Round 13 - 0:58:24
Round 14 - 0:59:37
Draft Analysis & Recap - 1:05:36
FantasyPros Premium - 1:08:45
Outro - 1:09:10

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Welsh, Scott Bogman, and Pat Fitzmaurice discuss the biggest storylines from Week 2, including Keyshawn Boutte's trade to the Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson being named the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, Breece Hall's potential Week 1 return, and what the Jets' backfield could look like.

The crew also dives into what they actually learned from preseason Week 2, including the remarkable underdog story of Bengals wide receiver Dante Myers, Jack Strand's surprising rise in Atlanta, the possibility that the Packers' special teams are finally becoming a strength, and why Tyrone Tracy's future with the Giants could be in serious jeopardy.

If you're preparing for your 2026 fantasy football draft, dynasty league, best ball league, or simply trying to identify the NFL players poised to break out before Week 1, this episode is packed with preseason news and actionable takeaways.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Trending News and Headlines - Pats Trade Kayshon Boutte - 0:04:14

Deshawn Watson Headlines - 0:08:33

Breece Hall News - 0:14:02

LaDanian Tomlinson Signed Chargers Jersey Giveaway Promo - 0:16:39

What We Learned From Preseason Week 2 - 0:17:33

Fitz: That Dohnte Meyers (WR - Bengals) is an underdog worth rooting for. - 0:17:52

Bogs: Jack Strand hype could be real - 0:23:00

Fitz: The Green Bay Packers’ special teams might not be a disaster for a change - 0:24:46

Both: Tyrone Tracy has no future with the Giants - 0:29:15

Stock Watch - Pat: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR - 0:33:34

Stock Watch - Bogs: Jaydon Blue, RB - 0:38:27

Stock Watch - Welsh: Mike Washington, RB - 0:42:03

Outro - 0:50:02

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out who's actually earning it this preseason! Join Alfredo Brown, Andrew Erickson and Derek Brown for their top NFL risers and rookie standouts.

Is New England Patriots WR A.J. Brown about to blow up? Will Denver Broncos RB Jonah Coleman run away with the starting job? Plus, what makes Tennessee Titans WR Carnell Tate the favorite to be the most impactful rookie in 2026?

The "Tailgate" plugs into the highs and lows coming out of camp!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00 
Trending NFL News & Notes - 0:00:16
Autographed LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers Jersey Giveaway - 0:16:18
NFL Preseason Rookies Risers - 0:16:52
NFL Preseason Veterans Risers - 0:25:46
Roster Cuts Rookie Game - 0:30:14
Round 1 - 0:30:52
Round 2 - 0:47:36 
Round 3 - 0:48:45
Outro - 0:53:28

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Put a period after the first slate of exhibition games. Join Chris Welsh, Derek Brown and Scott Bogman for their NFL Preseason Week 1 reactions!

Could the Arizona Cardinals go winless after the injury to RB Jeremiyah Love? What does the signing of WR Keenan Allen mean for the Indianapolis Colts? Plus, will rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling be a difference-maker for the San Francisco 49ers?

The "Tailgate" gets listeners up to speed on the latest news, notes and risers/fallers from around the league

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00
Keenan Allen (WR - LAC) - 0:00:48
Jeremiyah Love (RB - ARI) - 0:08:16
Jordyn Tyson (WR - NO) - 0:13:52
Other NFL Injuries - 0:19:31
Von Miller (LB, DE - DAL) - 0:22:15
Autographed LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers Giveaway - 0:22:32
What We Learned in Preseason Week 1 - 0:23:27
Khalil Shakir (WR - BUF) - 0:24:29
Ty Simpson (QB - LAR) - 0:29:29
Cam Ward (QB - TEN) - 0:35:18
Cam Skattebo (RB - NYG) - 0:40:54
Tailgate Podcast - 0:46:06
Stock Watch - 0:46:20
Matt Hibner (TE - BAL) - 0:46:38
Emmett Johnson (RB - KC) - 0:47:46
De’Zhaun Stribling (WR - SF) - 0:51 :17
Other Notable NFL Preseason Week 1 Risers/Fallers - 0:56:33
Outro - 0:59:22

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Andrew Erickson on The Tailgate as he welcomes special guest Evan Lazar (Senior Reporter at Patriots.com and host of Patriots Catch-22) for an in-depth, boots-on-the-ground preview of the New England Patriots!  

The guys break down the biggest storylines coming out of training camp and joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts, detailing Drake Maye’s progression entering his second season and his blossoming connection with superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown. Plus, they analyze rookie tight end Eli Raridon's role, the wide receiver depth chart battles, and the key players holding down the defense.

Timestamps (maybe off due to ads):

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Evan Lazar (Patriots.com)
01:28 - Patriots vs. Colts Joint Practice Takeaways & Drake Maye Report
04:24 - Rookie TE Eli Raridon: Upside & Role Behind Hunter Henry
08:00 - Drake Maye & A.J. Brown Connection: Red Zone Role & Scheme Fit
012:30 - Patriots WR Room Breakdown: Pop Douglas, Romeo Doubs & Depth Battles
16:45 - Defense & Linebacker Depth: Robert Spillane’s Critical Role
19:15 - Preseason GOATs & Camp Traps: The Maurice Harris Lesson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.