The Underdog NFL Show

00:13 – Opening Banter & Coaching Shock

Chris and Mario open with gallows humor before diving into the stunning John Harbaugh move to the Giants, why defensive coaches rarely make sense long-term, and how pairing stability with the right offensive coordinator can change a franchise.

02:56 – Running Back Value & Giants Roster Build

Discussion on the importance of a true lead running back, modern RB usage, Malik Nabers’ return, and why offensive balance matters more than splash signings.

04:16 – Mike Tomlin Steps Down

Reaction to Tomlin leaving Pittsburgh, legacy context, why Steelers fans should be careful what they wish for, and how coaching "rights" could still net value in the future.

07:16 – Dante Moore Stays in College

Deep dive into Moore’s decision to return to school, NIL economics, second-contract logic, Oregon’s QB room, and why patience may now be the smartest path for elite prospects.

13:38 – Coaching Markets & OC Shortlists

Breakdown of coordinator rumors for the Eagles and Lions, McDaniel vs. Stefanski debate, and why failed QB development can unfairly define coaches.

17:17 – NBA & Culture Tangent

Short detour into Eric Spoelstra’s coaching legacy, superstar trades, and why culture fit matters as much as talent.

28:26 – Playoff Landscape Setup

Transition into Wild Card Weekend, playoff rooting interests, fan-base narratives, and how oddsmakers view conference favorites.

NFL Playoff Games Discussed (Spoiler-Free)

34:26 – Bills at Broncos

Cold-weather AFC matchup highlighting quarterback resilience and defensive pressure.

35:54 – 49ers at Seahawks

NFC West clash shaped by injuries, offensive efficiency, and home-field edge.

38:45 – Texans at Patriots

Physical AFC game centered on pass rush, ball security, and roster toughness.

40:48 – Rams at Bears

Cold-weather test featuring tempo control and early-game execution concerns.

00:13 – Playoffs Are Here & Format WeirdnessChris and Mario open with disbelief that the playoffs arrived so fast, questioning seeding quirks and how certain road teams received unusually favorable first-round matchups.00:48 – John Harbaugh Firing & Coaching CarouselReaction to John Harbaugh's dismissal after 18 years, comparisons to Andy Reid's Eagles exit, speculation about landing spots, and why some organizations remain unattractive despite openings.02:18 – Coordinator Firings & Continuity FailuresDiscussion of the Lions moving on from John Morton, how bad coordinator fits can derail seasons, and why patience sometimes backfires.03:26 – Todd Bowles Retained in TampaAnalysis of Tampa Bay's decision to keep Bowles, Baker Mayfield injury effects, and why the collapse wasn't as simple as staff turnover.04:46 – Betting Reference ChangeThe show explains switching to oddsmakers for lines due to accessibility, parlay flexibility, and consistency across platforms.07:02 – Quarterback Declarations & Draft TimingConversation on early QB draft entries, Jets development struggles, market myths, and why limited college starts remain risky.11:26 – Falcons, Colts & QB Decision RegretDebate on Atlanta's QB timeline, Indianapolis' handling of Riley Leonard, and how hesitation often costs playoff chances.13:25 – Draft Philosophy & Age DebateCritique of older prospects rising into Round 1, late-bloomer quarterbacks, and how physical peaks skew evaluation.16:56 – Defensive Draft MissesBreakdown of recent drafts where defensive talent existed but was misidentified or misused.19:26 – Eagles Defensive Collapse ContextDiscussion of coverage busts, penalties, and how opponent game plans exploited weaknesses late in the season.NFL Playoff Games Discussed (Spoiler-Free)22:16 – Rams at PanthersUnusual seeding matchup shaped by spread disparity, environment, and recent history.26:13 – Packers at BearsCold-weather rivalry game centered on playoff nerves and offensive reliability.31:19 – Bills at JaguarsMomentum-based matchup highlighting belief, quarterback variance, and perception gaps.33:46 – 49ers at EaglesHigh-profile playoff rematch focused on defensive health and offensive rhythm.37:34 – Chargers at PatriotsExperience vs. first-time playoff exposure with coaching contrast front and center.39:33 – Texans at Steelers (MNF)Physical AFC matchup defined by defense, pass protection, and postseason pressure.

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00:13 – Opening & holiday banter: Hosts reflect on recording during the holidays and set the stage for a busy Week 18 with multiple divisions still undecided.01:26 – Personal story & league news: Anecdotes segue into discussion of off-field NFL news, including recent legal issues involving notable players and how public perception lags performance.08:05 – Week 18 overview: Why this final regular-season slate is unusually meaningful, with several division titles and playoff seeds still open.09:26 – Panthers at Buccaneers: NFC South title implications, division format quirks, and draft vs playoff value discussion.22:31 – Seahawks at 49ers: NFC West on the line, quarterback matchup context, and how recent performances shape the stakes.24:35 – Browns at Bengals: AFC North matchup context, sack records, and player motivations.26:17 – Cowboys at Giants: Draft positioning implications and the tension between winning and long-term team interests.27:50 – Rookie QB discussion: Comparing first-year quarterbacks across the league and what metrics actually matter.32:11 – Packers at Vikings: Playoff seeding context, backup quarterback situations, and coaching priorities.33:12 – Colts at Texans: AFC South race implications and late-season roster instability.34:42 – Titans at Jaguars: Division-clinching scenario and late-season evaluation themes.37:13 – Saints at Falcons: Limited stakes game used to evaluate individual players and future roles.41:05 – Cardinals at Rams: Wild card seeding implications and coaching mindset discussion.44:53 – Lions at Bears: Missed opportunities, rivalry context, and how expectations shifted over the season.46:17 – Chiefs at Raiders: Minimal competitive stakes, roster management, and fan-interest challenges.47:55 – Chargers at Broncos: Resting starters and playoff positioning context.48:35 – Dolphins at Patriots: Turbulent week backdrop and end-of-season evaluation.50:26 – Jets at Bills: Stadium significance, team form heading into playoffs, and defensive trends.54:31 – Commanders at Eagles: Division familiarity, resting starters, and low-scoring expectations.55:29 – Ravens at Steelers: Monday night finale, physical identity discussion, and running game emphasis.59:54 – Wrap-up: Final thoughts, Week 18 tone, and transition into the playoffs.

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00:13 – Christmas Eve Chaos & NFL SchedulingChris and Mario open with holiday travel stress, family logistics, late-season fatigue, and how Christmas games distort preparation, recovery, and fan attention.02:42 – NFL Parity, Clinching Confusion & League FatigueDiscussion of how few teams have clinched, wild-card congestion, exhausted rosters, and why December football feels more chaotic than ever.06:18 – Betting Markets, Line Movement & Public PanicChris explains why oddsmakers' lines swing violently late in the year, how public money misreads motivation, and why “must-win” narratives are misleading.09:44 – Quarterback Health, Benching Optics & Media OverreactionDebate over QB benchings, injury disclosures, leadership narratives, and how media framing distorts reality for struggling teams.14:26 – Coaching Stability, Short Leashes & Fan ExpectationsConversation about coordinators becoming scapegoats, why firing rarely fixes systemic issues, and how impatience resets teams backward.Week 17 NFL Games 18:13 – Cowboys at Commanders (Christmas Day)Holiday divisional matchup shaped by injuries and backup QB uncertainty.20:05 – Lions at VikingsNFC North clash tied to playoff survival and late-season momentum.22:48 – Broncos at ChiefsAFC West game influenced by health questions and seeding implications.25:58 – Texans at ChargersDefense-vs-protection matchup highlighting trench play.27:18 – Cardinals at BengalsTwo evaluation-mode teams measuring young talent.28:24 – Jaguars at ColtsVeteran QB return storyline amid roster instability.29:37 – Patriots at JetsDivision game dominated by directionless offenses and line disparity.32:26 – Saints at TitansLow-stakes matchup shaped by recent surprises and draft positioning.35:33 – Steelers at BrownsPhysical AFC North rivalry emphasizing defense and discipline.37:43 – Seahawks at PanthersUnpredictable teams battling for relevance.38:36 – Buccaneers at DolphinsTwo struggling offenses searching for rhythm.40:44 – Giants at RaidersDraft-order implications dominate the conversation.42:58 – Eagles at BillsThe week's marquee game with playoff-seeding consequences.45:08 – Bears at 49ersInjury-influenced matchup between playoff-caliber rosters.47:16 – Rams at FalconsOne team surging while the other looks for stability.

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00:13 – Intro & State of the NFLChris and Mario open with frustration about the season's chaos. They note how late it is to have so few teams clinched, surprise playoff qualifiers, and how wide-open divisions and draft positioning still are.03:16 – Betting Philosophy & Live-Line InefficienciesChris explains why early blowouts often create value later in games, focusing on first-quarter score swings and market overreactions.04:16 – Raiders Coaching Odds & Tom Brady TalkThey react to oddsmakers' Raiders coaching props, uninspiring candidate lists, and the absurdity of Tom Brady hype as owner, announcer, and hypothetical coach.07:44 – Chiefs Futures: Reid, Kelce & QB RecklessnessDiscussion of Andy Reid retirement speculation, Travis Kelce's timeline, Mahomes' injury management, and why rushing back stars rarely makes sense.09:58 – Absurd QB Comeback OddsThey laugh through oddsmakers' retired-QB list (Cam Newton, Foles, Kaepernick, Ryan, Fitzpatrick, Luck), debating realism vs. novelty.15:43 – Draft Order Chaos & QB DevelopmentDeep dive into tank races, trading down from No. 1, Giants' options, concussion concerns for young QBs, and why experience matters more than hype.NFL Week 16 Games17:13 – Rams at Seahawks (TNF)NFC West positioning and motivation despite clinches.19:15 – Eagles at Commanders (Saturday)Division matchup with playoff and draft implications.23:45 – Packers at Bears (Saturday)NFC North tiebreakers and late-season momentum.26:41 – Bills at BrownsBuffalo urgency vs. Cleveland's defensive impact.28:20 – Chiefs at TitansStrange line for a lopsided matchup and motivation questions.29:02 – Chargers at CowboysTwo inconsistent teams with volatile outcomes.30:18 – Vikings at GiantsYoung QB development vs. organizational dysfunction.31:49 – Jets at SaintsNew Orleans' unexpected surge against a lost Jets team.33:19 – Buccaneers at PanthersTwo teams trying to define what they actually are.38:46 – Falcons at CardinalsLow-confidence teams searching for footing.39:52 – Jaguars at BroncosDenver's playoff security tested by a dangerous opponent.40:40 – Raiders at TexansHouston's chance to capitalize against league chaos.47:16 – Steelers at LionsDetroit's push to stabilize vs. Pittsburgh's ceiling.47:56 – Patriots at RavensBaltimore urgency against a disciplined opponent.49:48 – 49ers at Colts (MNF)Veteran QB storyline and contrasting team directions.

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00:13 – Intro, Eagles/Lions Misery & QB StrugglesChris and Mario commiserate over a brutal football week: Eagles' early collapse, Saquon's lone bright spot, Lions fighting to stay alive, and general frustration with both teams' energy and execution.02:28 – Falcons Collapse & Rams' Draft GiftThey dissect Atlanta's disastrous trajectory, Raheem Morris' future, and how a potential top-five pick—owned by the Rams—shapes LA's rebuild. They debate whether the Rams should consider a QB if one unexpectedly falls.07:42 – Cardinals Offense & Jacoby Brissett StabilityBrissett's competence sparks talk about Arizona's future, Kyler uncertainty, Michael Wilson's emergence, and whether the Cards should reset the QB position.10:26 – Ravens vs Bengals Identity CrisisBoth teams flash promise but keep collapsing; discussion centers on inconsistency, injuries, and unclear ceilings.11:39 – Bills vs Patriots State of the AFCAFC parity, Buffalo's turnovers, New England's surprising record, and how both teams are stuck between good and not-quite-great.13:50 – The Josh Allen WR ProblemThe hosts vent about Buffalo refusing to provide Allen a true WR1 and compare it to McNabb's early-career struggles with weak receiving rooms.17:20 – Hurts/A.J. Brown Dynamic & Leadership QuestionsA long debate on personality fit, sideline demeanor, Alabama recruiting history, and expectations on QBs as emotional leaders.19:52 – Eagles' Remaining Schedule & ConcernsWhy Philly could still limp in, issues with coaching, and the remaining Raiders/Commanders/Commanders stretch.20:17 – Browns at Bears: QB Carousel, Shador Reality CheckHow Shador compares to previous weeks, Browns' coaching turmoil, Stefanski's decisions, and Chicago's pressure with Caleb Williams' development.23:50 – Browns Job Attractiveness & Coaching CandidatesEvaluating the appeal of the role, Watson contract timeline, roster strengths, and a weak upcoming coaching cycle (Joe Brady, Thomas Brown, Marcus Freeman, etc.).33:30 – Notre Dame Fallout & Bowl BoycottReactions to Notre Dame declining postseason play, what it means for seniors, and locker-room optics.NFL Week Games 02:28 – Falcons at BuccaneersFalcons' energy crisis vs. Bucs' evaluation week.07:31 – Cardinals at TexansTexans' defense surging; Cardinals relying on Brissett stabilization.10:26 – Ravens at BengalsTwo talented but inconsistent teams battling identity issues.11:38 – Bills at PatriotsA measuring-stick game between streaky AFC sides.20:17 – Browns at BearsYoung QBs under scrutiny; both defenses determining outcomes.33:47 – Eagles at RaidersPhilly needing a reset game; Raiders limited offensively.34:45 – Chargers at ChiefsKansas City's survival mode vs. LA searching for direction.39:22 – Jets at JaguarsQB uncertainty for New York; Jaguars proving staying power.42:33 – Commanders at GiantsInjuries and QB mismanagement framing both teams' seasons.45:28 – Panthers at SaintsCarolina's growing belief vs. New Orleans' inconsistency.49:12 – Lions at RamsA litmus test for Detroit; LA steadying behind veteran stars.50:51 – Packers at BroncosEvaluating Bo Nix's long-term ceiling vs. Denver's revived defense.54:51 – Colts at SeahawksColts turning to 44-year-old Phillip Rivers; Seattle heavily favored.56:49 – Titans at 49ersTennessee buying into Mike McCoy's culture; San Francisco overpowering.57:25 – Vikings at CowboysMinnesota volatile week-to-week; Dallas explosive at home.57:56 – Dolphins at SteelersMiami's speed vs. Pittsburgh's physical style in cold weather.

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00:13 – Intro & Lions/Eagles MiseryChris and Mario open from “on location,” joking about Uzbekistan, then dive into Lions and Eagles frustrations: injuries, failed physicals, underperforming CBs (Arnold, Okuda), tired defenses, Saquon's decline, O-line issues, and constant coordinator turnover.09:56 – Coaching Personalities & FitDiscussion of Mike McDaniel, Lane Kiffin, Joe Judge, personality conflicts, and how coaches struggle when they aren't “the guy.”13:56 – Recruiting, NIL & Transfer Portal ChaosShifts to college football: strange QB commitments (Houston/Vanderbilt), Penn State's recruiting collapse, BYU coach leverage, loyalty vs. opting out, and Wrexham anecdotes about finishing seasons with teammates.NFL Week 14 Games 23:46 – Cowboys at LionsDebate over Detroit's ability to stop Dallas, injury concerns, and Lions' must-win stakes.24:50 – Bengals at BillsBuffalo's inconsistency, Cincinnati's uneven form, and how each team's identity is shifting.26:15 – Colts at JaguarsConversation about both teams' surprising rise, T-Law's volatility, and AFC hierarchy questions.27:18 – Dolphins at JetsJets' cold-weather advantage, defensive competence, and Miami's road vulnerability.29:07 – Saints at BuccaneersTampa rediscovering rhythm, Saints' issues, and how injuries complicate both sides.30:26 – Steelers at RavensBaltimore's higher ceiling, Steelers' struggles, and roster decisions (Mark Andrews, Likely).34:45 – Seahawks at FalconsAtlanta's offensive talent vs. collapse, QB uncertainty, and Seattle's playoff relevance.37:23 – Titans at BrownsCam Ward soundbite, Tennessee's internal frustration, Cleveland's QB chaos, and fan unease.45:42 – Commanders at VikingsBoth teams' self-inflicted issues, run-game reliance, and thin margins.46:10 – Broncos at RaidersDenver's need to “prove it,” Raiders' volatility, and why this matchup remains unpredictable.48:15 – Bears at PackersPlayoff-seeding implications, Chicago's surprising standing, and Green Bay skepticism.50:41 – Rams at CardinalsArizona fading post-elimination; Rams viewed as eye-test contenders.51:14 – Texans at ChiefsDiscussion of Kansas City's strange season, playoff positioning, and Houston's growth.54:42 – Eagles at ChargersHerbert's health, Trey Lance possibilities, Eagles' defensive punch, and LA's underachievement.

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Episode Summary 00:13 – Intro & Week 13 SetupChris and Mario open with holiday chatter, late-season bye weeks, collapsing hopes vs. rising hopes, and early playoff-picture talk.02:00 – NFC South & Panthers/Bucs ContextDiscussion of the messy NFC South, Tampa's losing streak, Carolina hanging around, and how late-season momentum matters.02:44 – Thanksgiving Game 1: Lions vs PackersDetroit hosts Green Bay; conversation centers on Lions' uneven play, Gibbs' breakout, Jameis' chaos last week, and defensive lapses.12:13 – Thanksgiving Game 2: Chiefs vs CowboysDallas at home vs Kansas City; focus on Dallas' inconsistency and Kansas City stabilizing under Andy Reid.17:18 – Thanksgiving Game 3: Bengals vs RavensCincinnati visits Baltimore; the hosts examine Burrow's return, injury-management tension, and Baltimore's steadier form.22:51 – Bears vs EaglesChicago travels to Philly; talk centers on Steelers' overrating, the Bears' late-game competitiveness, and Philadelphia's tendency to ease off early leads.24:38 – Cardinals vs BuccaneersArizona goes to Tampa; concern over Baker's injury status and whether Tampa's offense can steady itself.29:20 – Falcons vs JetsDiscussion of both teams' identity issues, Cousins' age/health arc, and Tyrod Taylor giving the Jets some stability.30:56 – Texans vs ColtsHouston at Indy; focus on D'Amico Ryans' coaching, QB uncertainty (Stroud protocol), and how each team adjusts to lineup changes.32:35 – Jaguars vs TitansJacksonville visits Tennessee; long examination of Trevor Lawrence's turnover issues, misleading stats, and Jacksonville's strange 7–4 profile.38:59 – Rams vs PanthersLA travels to Carolina; praise for McVay's revival, young defensive standouts, and the Panthers' struggles.44:46 – Saints vs DolphinsNew Orleans heads to Miami; discussion of Miami's pre-bye bounce-back, coaching strengths, and both teams managing volatile offensive stars.46:52 – 49ers vs BrownsSan Francisco at Cleveland; Shador Sanders' steadiness vs. limitations, Browns' defensive stars (Myles Garrett, Carson Swessinger), and rookie LB impact.52:23 – Vikings vs SeahawksMinnesota travels to Seattle; focus on J.J. McCarthy's struggles, Darnold's steadier play, and JSN's meteoric rise.55:50 – Bills vs SteelersBuffalo at Pittsburgh; uncertainty around Buffalo's identity, fading defense, and what Pittsburgh lacks offensively.58:03 – Raiders vs ChargersLas Vegas visits LA; Chargers leaning on run identity against a Raiders defense that can't stop much.58:36 – Broncos vs CommandersDenver at Washington; praise for Denver's competitive rebuild and Washington's inconsistency.1:00:12 – Giants vs PatriotsNew York travels to New England; Patriots' strong record vs. perception, but needing to prove real staying power against an irritating opponent.

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Episode Summary 00:13 – Intro & Opening BanterJokes about soccer/football confusion, UFC chatter, and baseball lineup mix-ups before moving into NFL Week 12.02:24 – QB Records & NFL HistoryDiscussion of Jacoby Brissett's completions record, past record holders (Jared Goff, Drew Bledsoe), Bledsoe's career, and a deep dive into the 1994 Patriots roster.11:13 – Delivery Apps, Tipping & Life RantsFunny segment on DoorDash behavior, tipping strategy, and delivery frustrations.20:13 – NFL Week 12 BeginsNFL GAMES 20:13 – Bills at Texans22:18 – Colts at Chiefs26:41 – Vikings at Packers34:28 – Patriots at Bengals35:08 – Giants at Lions46:50 – Jets at Ravens48:10 – Steelers at Bears49:39 – Seahawks at Titans52:47 – Browns at Raiders58:13 – Jaguars at Cardinals59:43 – Falcons at Saints60:13 – Eagles at Cowboys66:20 – Buccaneers at Rams66:51 – Panthers at 49ersNon-Game Segments28:02 – QB Carousel TalkConversation about McCarthy, Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Carson Wentz, and how teams overthink QB decisions.31:44 – NIL, College QBs & Lane KiffinHow NIL affects smaller-school quarterbacks, plus discussion of Kiffin's future and program dynamics.35:14 – Lions/Eagles Offense & Defensive ChangesBreakdown of recent offensive issues, Saquon usage, WR dynamics, and Jalen Phillips' impact on the Eagles' line.41:43 – Coordinator Turnover & Coaching CareersHow losing coordinators affects team identity, retread coaching candidates, and system fits.50:59 – Miles Garrett SegmentHis sack pace, Browns defensive context, and the franchise's long history of bad luck.55:05 – Rookie QB Struggles & Shador Sanders TalkEvaluation of his rough debut, overanalysis of prep, and realistic expectations.67:51 – ClosingFinal remarks and sign-off.

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• Opening banter / birthdays / calendars(00:13) Light back-and-forth on missed birthdays, daylight-savings gripes, and Ireland closing early.MAJOR NON-GAME TOPICS• Giants fire Brian Daboll + “next coach” odds(04:00) They roast oddsmakers' list: Todd Monken as the favorite, confusion about Ben Johnson being listed despite already having a HC job, plus Joe Brady, Mike McDaniel, Raheem Morris, Jim Harbaugh, Bill Belichick, etc.• Jackson Dart discussion(06:11) Dart's toughness, upside, OL concerns, and whether his physical wear will affect development.• Bo Nix regression & evaluation(10:07) Why his tape isn't matching expectations, concerns about intermediate accuracy, and whether he settles into the QB20-35 tier.• Eagles offensive dysfunction / AJ Brown frustration(12:40) Play-calling issues under Kevin Petula, lack of targets for AJ Brown, OL injuries, lack of rhythm, Sirianni needing to self-correct.• Jaire Alexander stepping away(19:49) Concerns about mental health around the league and frustration that the trade happened right before this development.WEEK 11 GAMES (Each With Timecodes)Jets at Patriots(21:26) Biggest line of the week; Jets offense still broken; Patriots viewed as legit and physical.Commanders vs Dolphins (Madrid game)(24:20) Commanders imploded last week; Dolphins expected to enjoy the Spain trip more and play looser.Panthers at Falcons(25:11) Both teams inconsistent; Panthers “look OK until they don't”; slight lean Falcons at home.Bears at Vikings(26:33) Lack of belief in J.J. McCarthy; Bears' offense scores more reliably.Bengals at Steelers(27:21) Steelers need it to avoid losing ground in the division; Bengals pesky but overmatched.Packers at Giants(28:53) Jameis starting; Packers expected to control the game.Texans at Titans(29:21) Texans praised; Davis Mills “backup lifer” energy; Houston momentum favored.Chargers at Jaguars(29:58) Travis Hunter's season-ending injury; Chargers “need-to-win” tendency to collapse; Mario leans Jags.Buccaneers at Bills(32:22) Bills expected to bounce back; Bucs tough and disciplined; close game.49ers at Cardinals(33:23) Strange line; Cardinals outmatched; Mario calls this his “lock of the week.”Ravens at Browns(35:18) Confusion why the line isn't bigger; strong confidence in Baltimore.Chiefs at Broncos(36:00) Chiefs in dangerous playoff position; must-win; trust placed in Reid/Mahomes.Lions at Eagles (SNF)(36:51) Eagles inconsistent but still NFC's #1 seed; Lions need to “earn it”; expected to be physical.Cowboys at Raiders (MNF)(39:04) Raiders' struggles vs Cowboys' volatility; emotional game following the tragedy; slight lean Dallas.

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