The Tailgate

Embrace the exhibition games! Join Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice as they outline what to watch for in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason!

The guys dive into the biggest camp news of the week, including Emeka Egbuka’s injury scare in Tampa Bay, the latest report surrounding Puka Nacua and Josh Jacobs, and Kyler Murray officially being named QB1 over JJ McCarthy in Minnesota. Will the Los Angeles Chargers roll out a running back-by-committee approach? How does the Houston Texans' new offensive line gel? Plus, what rookies have the most to prove?

The "Tailgate" ravish in the return of real football!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00
Trending NFL News & Notes - 0:03:37
Emeka Egbuka (WR - TB) - 0:03:47
Puka Nacua (WR - LAR) - 0:07:53
Kyler Murray (QB - MIN) & J.J. McCarthy (QB - MIN) - 0:17:01
Omarion Hampton (RB - LAC) - 0:22:38
Laremy Tunsil (OT - WAS) - 0:28:34
LaDainian Tomlinson Signed San Diego Chargers Jersey Giveaway - 0:32:00
What To Watch for This Week - 0:33:16
Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders - 0:33:41
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans - 0:38:09
Other Thursday NFL Preseason Storylines - 0:40:39
Friday NFL Preseason Storylines - 0:45:25
Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs - 0:48:23
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints - 0:51:52
Other Saturday NFL Preseason Storylines - 0:54:41
Outro - 0:58:19

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Ryan Wormeli, Andrew Erickson, and Derek Brown break down the biggest NFL training camp overreactions, news, injuries, ADP risers, and fantasy football takeaways on The Tailgate.

The crew reacts to Stefon Diggs signing with Washington and what it means for Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Chig Okonkwo, Antonio Williams, and the Commanders' offense. They also discuss Zay Flowers’ massive contract extension, why he could make a fantasy leap in Baltimore, and whether the Ravens should use him more in the red zone.

Plus, the guys break down Kenyon Sadiq’s injury, Jacoby Lane’s Ravens camp buzz, the 49ers’ growing injury concerns, Keaton Mitchell’s rising ADP with the Chargers, Parker Washington vs. Brian Thomas Jr., and bold training camp takes for Cyrus Allen, Jordan Love, the AFC South, and the NFC playoff picture.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00
Trending News - Stefon Diggs signed to Washington Commanders - 0:04:00
Trending News - Zay Flowers contract extension - 0:17:27
Trending News - Kenyon Sadiq setback - 0:27:01
BP Premium Giveaway Winner - 0:30:20
Training Camp Risers and Fallers & 49ers Injuries - 0:31:08
Keaton Mitchell - 0:39:45
Brian Thomas Jr. - 0:44:58
Hard Rock Bet - 0:46:46
Hot Take Hype Train - 0:48:16
Outro - 0:55:37

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The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and it's time to look beyond the obvious Super Bowl favorites.

Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Derek Brown break down five legitimate dark horse Super Bowl contenders for 2026, including the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. Which teams are truly capable of making a deep playoff run, and which long-shot bets are worth considering?

The guys also dive into the latest NFL training camp news and fantasy football fallout, including the Ricky Pearsall injury, what it means for Jauan Stribling and the 49ers offense, Chris Brazzell's injury in Carolina, concerns surrounding Jeremiah Love in Arizona, Marvin Harrison Jr.'s rough camp, Micah Parsons landing on the PUP list, Baker Mayfield playing without a contract and the latest on Tank Dell.

Plus, the crew looks back at some of the greatest preseason “member berries” — players who exploded onto the scene during preseason and briefly convinced everyone they were the next big thing.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Preseason Memories - 0:00:40

Ricky Pearsall - 0:07:20

Injury Roundups & Training Camp Notes - 0:15:50

BettingPros Premium - 0:28:44

The Dark Horses - 0:29:20

Hard Rock Bet - 0:45:46

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Find out which teams' shot at a Lombardi Trophy could be shattered by injuries and unforeseen circumstances. Join Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Derek Brown for their Mt. Rushmore of the NFL's most fragile Super Bowl contenders and most controversial takes!

Could the San Francisco 49ers' season collapse before it even gets going? Are the Kansas City Chiefs in a reloading year? Plus, will the New York Jets actually be viable?

The "Tailgate" prepares for some hostile fan reactions! 

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00
BettingpPros Premium Giveaway 0:02:16
The Most Fragile Super Bowl Contenders Mt. Rushmore - 0:02:51
San Francisco 49ers - 0:04:13
Buffalo Bills - 0:07:52
Philadelphia Eagles - 0:12:58
Kansas City Chiefs - 0:14:47
Honorable Mentions - 0:18:26
BettingPros College Football Channel - 0:27:23
Our Most Controversial Takes - 0:28:08
Aaron Glenn Won’t Be the First Head Coach Fired - 0:29:15
The New Orleans Saints Have a 2025 New England Patriots-Style Run to the Super Bowl - 0:32:24
We Will Have a Winless Team in 2026 - 0:33:15
Hard Rock Bet - 0:35:13
Outro - 0:36:30

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Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson and Derek Brown each build their own betting card by drafting from three categories: Win Totals, Division Winners, and MVP Futures

Will Derek Brown's Panthers UNDER hit? Is Drake Maye worth an MVP ticket? Are the Chargers, Lions and Saints among the best values on the board? Plus, the crew debates strategy, longshot quarterbacks, portfolio betting, and which futures are worth grabbing before the market moves.

Whether you're building your preseason betting card or looking for value before Week 1, this episode is packed with actionable NFL betting advice.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Under 6.5 Panthers wins - 0:05:14

Chargers over 9.5 Wins - 0:07:25

Drake Maye for MVP - 0:10:04

The Tailgate - 0:14:54

Patriots to win the Division - 0:15:31

Trevor Lawrence MVP - 0:19:55

Bo Nix MVP - 0:25:27

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook - 0:30:52

Saints division winner - 0:32:47

Detroit Division Winner - 0:34:49

Colts over wins - 0:41:00

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Who will define the 2026 fantasy football season?

Joe Pisapia, Derek Brown, and Andrew Erickson each reveal their Mount Rushmore, the four players they believe will have the biggest impact on the NFL and fantasy football this year. From league-winning running backs to MVP candidates and breakout stars, the crew plants their flags on the names you need to know before your drafts.

Before unveiling their Mount Rushmores, the guys break down George Pickens' outlook for 2026, discuss whether he can repeat last season's breakout, react to the latest training camp buzz surrounding Cam Skattebo, Omarion Hampton, Ladd McConkey, and cover all the biggest fantasy football headlines!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Pristine Auction Giveaway - 0:02:37

Headlines - 0:03:25

Cam Skattebo - 0:03:43

Omarion Hampton - 0:09:53

Ladd McConkey - 0:14:38

Chris Rodriguez - 0:21:34

Hard Rock Bet - 0:27:19

George Pickens Deep Dive - 0:28:13

Players Who Could Define the NFL Season - 0:39:31

Joe’s List - 0:39:56

Erickson’s List - 0:42:24

D-Bro’s List - 0:45:32

Outro - 0:51:49

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Which NFL narratives are worth believing—and which ones are complete offseason overreactions?

Joe Pisapia, Chris Welsh, and Seth Woolcock break down the biggest storylines heading into the 2026 NFL season, including whether the Rams deserve to be NFC favorites, if the Bengals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and whether Patrick Mahomes will actually be ready for Week 1.

The crew also debates Brandon Aiyuk's latest social media antics, Dak Prescott's passing upside, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's breakout season, the Bears' expectations under Ben Johnson, and whether the Chiefs are finally vulnerable in the AFC West.

Plus, they rank every last-place NFL team based on their chances to go from worst to first in 2026.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Pristine Auction Giveaway - 0:02:30

Camp Buzz: BUY OR SELL - 0:02:56

Brandon Aiyuk - 0:04:20

Patrick Mahomes - 0:12:20

Can Dak go for 5000 Passing Yards? - 0:17:22

Michael Wilson goes for 1000 Yards - 0:23:28

Hard Rock Bet - 0:27:54

True or False Off-Season Narratives - 0:30:25

Ranking Worst To First Candidates: 0:52:37

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Which NFL players and teams have the most to prove heading into the 2026 season?

Joe Pisapia is joined by Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice to break down the biggest pressure situations across the league

The crew discusses whether CJ Stroud can bounce back after a disappointing finish to last season, why Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield are entering pivotal years, and whether Kyler Murray can resurrect his reputation in Minnesota. They also debate which franchises are under the most pressure, including the Chiefs, Lions, Ravens, Chargers, Bears, and Buccaneers.

Before diving into the main discussion, the guys react to the heartbreaking news surrounding Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis and examine the latest NFL training camp buzz, including the Browns' plans for KC Concepcion, Rashid Shaheed's expanding role in Seattle, George Holani's rise, and the Jets' rookie wide receivers making noise.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Pristine Auction Giveaway - 0:01:51

NFL Headlines, Chris Johnson has ALS  - 0:02:19

Camp Buzz: buy or sell? - 0:08:25

Players With the Most to Prove - 0:16:47

CJ Stroud - 0:17:20

Kyler Murray - 0:20:48

Alec Pierce - 0:29:58

Jalen Hurts - 0:33:40

Baker Mayfield - 0:39:22

Teams with something to prove, Buccaneers - 0:41:32

Baltimore Ravens - 0:42:15

Chiefs and Lions - 0:44:03

Chargers, Bears - 0:49:50

Hard Rock Bet - 0:54:33

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Joe Pisapia, Derek Brown, and Andrew Erickson don't hold anything back as they debate the league's biggest overrated stars. Is Jordan Love being overvalued after signing one of the NFL's richest quarterback contracts? Has Saquon Barkley become more hype than production? Is DK Metcalf really a true WR1? And does TJ Watt still deserve elite status?

Before the hot takes begin, the crew also breaks down the latest headlines around George Kittle's recovery, Kyle Pitts' extension, Brenton Strange's new contract, Brandon Aiyuk's social media antics, and some intriguing fantasy football tight end sleepers for 2026.

Plus, the episode wraps up with a hilarious debate over the most overrated tailgate foods!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Bijan Robinson Signed Falcons Jersey Giveaway Promo - 0:00:24

DBro - Hairy Headshots - 0:00:42

Headlines - Mac Jones - 0:04:29

Camp Buzz - George Kittle - 0:08:00

Falcons - Kyle Pitts contract extension news - 0:11:35

Jaguars - Brenton Strange contract extension news + Joe's Favorite TE Sleeper (Strange) - 0:14:04

Favorite Sleeper TE: Erickson - Greg Dulcich - 0:14:45

Favorite Sleeper TE: DBro - Isaiah Likely - 0:16:07

Brandon Aiyuk Social Media - 0:17:27

Hard Rock Bet - 0:20:38

Joe's Overrated Offensive Player: Jordan Love (QB - Green Bay Packers) - 0:21:55

Erickson's Overrated Offensive Player: DK Metcalf (WR - Pittsburgh Steelers) - 0:31:27

Dbro's Overrated Offensive Player: Saquon Barkley (RB - Philadelphia Eagles) - 0:36:54

Joe's Overrated Defensive Player: Kayvon Thibodeaux (OLB - New York Giants) - 0:44:18

Erickson's Overrated Defensive Player: TJ Watt (LB - Pittsburgh Steelers) - 0:46:46

DBro's Overrated Defensive Player: DaRon Bland (CB - Dallas Cowboys) - 0:51:01

Overrated Tailgate Food: Joe - Spinach Dip | Dbro - Lil Smokies/Pigs in a Blanket | Erickson - Salad/Veggie Platters - 0:53:35

Tailgate Youtube Channel Promo - 0:56:47

Outro - 0:57:13

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Join Joe Pisapia, Derek Brown, and Andrew Erickson as they break down the quarterbacks and longshot bets they believe could crash the MVP race this year — including Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott, and more.

The crew also runs through a training camp buzz lightning round, reacting to early offseason reports before closing with a fun NFL debate: If you could give one Super Bowl ring to a ringless NFL legend, who would it be? 

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Bijan Robinson Signed Falcons Jersey Promo - 0:00:35

Headlines: Geno Smith allegations, Brendan Sorsby conclusions. - 0:01:05

Buy or Sell this "Camp Buzz" - 0:06:55

Hard Rock Bet - 0:15:54

World Cup Chat - 0:17:37

Dark Horse MVP Candidates we actually believe in - 0:20:11

Anyone outside of QB who could grab it? - 0:40:03

Who would you give a SB ring to if you could? - 0:43:52

Joe: Barry Sanders - 0:44:09

DBro: Dan Marino - 0:46:03

Erickson: Randy Moss (+Logan Mankins Honorable Mention) - 0:49:57

Tailgate Promo - 0:52:34

Outro - 0:52:59

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