Introduction

00:00:25 – 00:02:12

Intro

A.J. Brown and the Viral Book Trend

00:07:34 – 00:11:22

A.J. Brown was seen reading a book on the Eagles' sideline, which led to a massive 53 million percent increase in sales.

The book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, became the #1 bestseller on Amazon overnight.

Major League Baseball: International Signing Period

00:03:39 – 00:04:15

Discussion on the MLB's international signing period.

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is the most coveted free agent.

Chris states that Sasaki will likely sign with either the Dodgers or Padres.

Gaming & Pop Culture Discussion

00:02:12 – 00:09:33

Matt shares that he's been playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which was just released on the Nintendo Switch.

Matt mentions a 2006 movie, "Grilled", starring Kevin James and Ray Romano as door-to-door meat salesmen.

Major League Baseball: International Signing Period

00:03:39 – 00:04:15

Discussion on the MLB's international signing period.

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is the most coveted free agent.

Wrexham AFC and English Football Discussion

00:14:27 – 00:17:12

Wrexham had a chance to reach first place in their league but lost to a weaker team (Shrewsbury Town).

Chris explains why Wrexham needs to make roster moves to keep their promotion hopes alive.

Matt jokes about Rob McElhenney starting a fencing and roofing business to fund Wrexham's success.

California Wildfires & Insurance Crisis

00:17:44 – 00:21:53

Chris and Matt discuss the devastating wildfires in California.

Chris reflects on how California's fire season has become a year-round problem.

Weird Delivery Guy Incident

00:21:53 – 00:24:09

Chris shares a hilarious Ring doorbell video of a delivery driver struggling with three small steps.

Chris says he should immortalize the moment with a statue.

Dog Ownership and Neighbor Issues

00:24:30 – 00:29:07

Matt complains about cleaning up after his dog in the backyard before snowfall.

Matt vents about neighbors who don't pick up after their dogs.

Dental Office Mishap & Open-Concept Dentistry

00:41:03 – 00:44:16

Matt shares a story about showing up to his dentist only to find they moved locations without informing him.

Chris and Matt criticize the trend of open-concept dentistry, where patients have no privacy.

NFL Divisional Round Game Analysis

Chris and Matt break down each game in the upcoming Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.

1. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

00:30:50 – 00:34:42

Chiefs are favored by 8 points.

Matt emphasizes the Texans' defense, which forced four interceptions against Justin Herbert in the Wild Card game.

Chris compares Herbert's regular-season (3 INTs in 17 games) vs. playoff game (4 INTs in one game).

2. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

00:35:01 – 00:39:29

Lions favored by 9 points.

Matt chooses the Commanders and expresses confidence in them.

They discuss Jared Goff's efficiency and Detroit's offensive firepower.

3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

00:39:29 – 00:42:30

Eagles favored by 6 points.

Chris is concerned about the matchup but feels better knowing it will be a cold, snowy game.

Matt highlights how bad weather benefits the Eagles' run-heavy offense.

Discussion of the Eagles' home-field advantage and defensive strengths.

4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

00:47:57 – 00:50:45

They discuss how this could be an MVP-deciding matchup between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Chris praises Lamar Jackson's underappreciated career, highlighting how teams missed out when he was available in free agency.

Closing Thoughts

00:47:45 – End

Chris and Matt discuss game-day weather forecasts.

They reflect on how betting odds shift based on weather and game conditions.

Introduction

00:00:26–00:01:37

Hosts Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone open the episode with lighthearted banter about the cold weather and clarify that their Patreon page is non-existent.

Kobe Bryant Shoe Discussion

00:01:37–00:09:03

Chris and Matt discuss the release schedule of Kobe Bryant shoes.

Critique of various colorways, including "Year of the Mamba" and "Venice Beach."

Matt expresses enthusiasm for the Elite Protro and All-Star 2.0 editions but criticizes the high price points.

California Wildfires and Impact

00:09:03–00:10:12

Brief reflection on the devastation caused by wildfires in Malibu, highlighting the destruction of multimillion-dollar homes.

Both hosts send thoughts and prayers to those affected.

TV Series: Slow Horses

00:10:12–00:11:19

Chris shares his enjoyment of the spy thriller Slow Horses, which Matt had recommended.

Discussion of favorite scenes and characters, with a focus on Gary Oldman's performance.

College Football Playoff Discussion

00:11:19–00:13:07

Analysis of the upcoming Penn State vs. Notre Dame game, highlighting defensive matchups and potential player absences.

Chris notes the recent line shift in favor of Penn State and discusses quarterback Drew Allar's NFL draft potential

Tyreek Hill's Potential Trade

00:14:09–00:15:54

Chris highlights rumors of Tyreek Hill leaving the Dolphins, with the Ravens and Raiders among potential landing spots.

The hosts debate Hill's fit with different teams and how his departure could affect Miami's offense.

Custom Sneaker Viral Video

00:22:34–00:23:57

Chris and Matt discuss a viral video of a child receiving custom sneakers based on his drawings.

They praise the parents' creativity and reflect on the joy of such personalized gifts.

NFL Wild Card Weekend Game Analysis

1. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans

00:17:18–00:18:21

Chargers are favored by three points.

Discussion about Justin Herbert's impressive passing stats and the Texans' inconsistent performances.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

00:24:11–00:25:06

Ravens favored by 9.5 points.

Matt hopes for a Steelers win due to his family ties but acknowledges Baltimore's strong defense.

3. Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills

00:25:56–00:26:45

Bills favored by 8.5 points.

Both hosts praise the Broncos' turnaround but expect the Bills to dominate due to their offensive strength.

4. Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

00:27:02–00:28:38

Eagles favored by 4.5 points.

Chris emphasizes the Eagles' depth and Jalen Hurts' return from injury.

The absence of Christian Watson is noted as a significant blow to the Packers.

5. Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

00:28:38–00:29:58

Buccaneers favored by three points.

Matt argues Washington could upset Tampa, criticizing the Buccaneers' performance against stronger teams.

6. Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams

00:30:16–00:31:41

Rams are one-point underdogs.

Discussion on Sam Darnold's struggles and the Rams' ability to score points.

Closing Thoughts and Props

00:32:04–00:33:04

Chris mentions an intriguing NFL prop bet involving Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs scoring touchdowns.

Introduction

00:00:31–00:02:30:

Hosts Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone wish each other a Happy New Year and reflect on the fact that they are the first people working in 2025.

Matt jokes about having accomplished everything by being the first to work in the new year and expresses his intention to not do anything else.

College Football Discussion

00:02:30–00:09:00:

Chris discusses the upcoming college football playoff games and shares his thoughts on the automatic byes for certain teams, which he criticizes. He mentions the underdog status of teams with automatic byes, including Arizona State playing Texas.

Matt offers his opinions, saying that the automatic byes are a flawed system as they discuss game matchups.

00:09:00–00:14:40:

The conversation briefly turns to the state of betting on bowl games, with Chris mentioning how people often bet overs when the unders are more likely to win.

The hosts share their ongoing bets for the day, including the game between Texas and Arizona State.

NFL Week 18 and Other Topics

00:14:40–00:21:00:

Chris shifts focus to the NFL, discussing Saquon Barkley and his quest to break the NFL rushing record, and how the Eagles plan to rest their starters in Week 18.

They briefly discuss the Eagles' decision to rest players and how this impacts player statistics and the upcoming playoff seeding. Matt mentions how Barkley should be happy with his 2,000-yard season despite not breaking the record.

00:21:00–00:25:30:

Chris talks about the Detroit Lions' decision to play their starters in a game that had no playoff implications. 

The conversation shifts to Sam Darnold and how his career has been full of ups and downs. Chris and Matt discuss how Darnold was once considered a top prospect but has now turned into a surprise MVP candidate for the Minnesota Vikings.

NFL Playoff Picture

00:25:30–00:36:00:

The hosts dive into the playoff picture, talking about teams like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, and where they stand in terms of seeding.

They touch on the Packers' chances and potential playoff implications of various teams winning or losing their Week 18 games.

00:36:00–00:41:00:

The discussion turns to Ezekiel Elliott, focusing on his recent release by the Cowboys and the state of his career. They discuss whether any team might pick him up and how his once-promising career seems to be winding down.

Chris expresses how he feels about Elliott's fall from grace and how it's more about PR than anything else now. Matt points out that Elliott had a solid career but is unlikely to play at a high level again.

Pop Culture and Netflix

00:41:00–00:51:00:

Chris and Matt shift to discussing pop culture topics, including Macklemore's song "Let's Eat" about carbs (part of Matt's New Year's resolution), as they joke about New Year's resolutions and "Quitters Day."

They then turn to the Netflix documentary Kings of Tupelo, where they discuss its wild and unbelievable storyline. The series involves bizarre events like Elvis impersonation, black market organ trafficking, and a presidential assassination attempt.

They spoil the plot of the documentary, describing key characters and plot twists, including a conspiracy surrounding organ trafficking and an ex-wife with an unusual obsession with receding hairlines. The show is described as a "Southern fever dream," leaving Matt and Chris in disbelief at its outrageous events.

Final NFL Game Predictions

00:51:00–End:

Chris and Matt preview more college football games, including the matchup between Ohio State and Oregon, and Notre Dame versus Georgia, offering their thoughts on betting lines.

They end the segment with a quick discussion about Ole Miss's game against Duke, but Matt is mostly disinterested in the outcome due to the absence of their quarterback, Jaxson Dart.

They wish their listeners a Happy New Year once more and sign off.

Opening 

0:00.36 - 2:44.00

The hosts, Chris Horwedel and Matt, exchange holiday greetings and discuss things including NFL Week 17 games. They reflect on their viewing habits and entertainment preferences, including a discussion about the comedian Nate Bargatze's new special "Hello Friend" on Netflix.

Entertainment and Pop Culture

2:44.00 - 10:07.00

The conversation shifts to recent TV shows and movies, including:

The Netflix show Squid Game and its new season.

Beast Games, a derivative of Mr. Beast's online content, featuring competitive elimination scenarios on Amazon.

Horror film- Terrifier 2, and their personal taste in horror media.

NFL Week 17 Game-by-Game Breakdown

10:07.00 - 24:07.00

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

10:07.00 - 11:25.00

Analysis highlights the Seahawks' struggles to maintain consistency despite being playoff contenders. The Bears are critiqued for their weak coaching and team management.

Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots

11:25.00 - 12:55.00

Discussion on the Chargers' playoff position and the Patriots' ongoing quarterback struggles. Their offensive inefficiency is noted as a major limitation.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

13:10.00 - 15:47.00

The Eagles, wearing their Kelly Green uniforms, are heavily favored. The Cowboys' injury concerns, particularly with CeeDee Lamb, are discussed as critical factors in this game.

Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants

15:47.00 - 17:20.00

The Colts are favored due to the Giants' continued struggles. The Giants' inability to compete effectively under their current leadership is highlighted.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

17:20.00 - 19:10.00

Discussion on the Chiefs' Super Bowl aspirations and their ability to balance offensive efficiency with defensive performance. The Browns' offensive struggles are mentioned as a key concern.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

19:10.00 - 22:10.00

Green Bay's resurgence is praised as they push for a stronger NFC North standing. The Vikings' inconsistencies are discussed, focusing on their inability to capitalize on key moments.

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

22:10.00 - 24:07.00

The Lions' playoff scenarios are outlined as they face a 49ers team struggling with injuries. The game is framed as a pivotal matchup for Detroit's postseason hopes.

Sports News and Fun Anecdotes

24:07.00 - End

Lamar Jackson's record-breaking performance, surpassing Michael Vick's all-time rushing record for quarterbacks, is celebrated.

Injuries in the NFL, including Tank Dell's severe season-ending injury, are lamented.

A tangent covers NBA news, including Victor Wembanyama's style of play, Jimmy Butler's trade requests, and changes in NBA viewership.

Lighthearted banter about how to improve the NBA's appeal (e.g., modifying courts for home-court advantages).

The hosts tease upcoming content and thank their listeners for their continued support, concluding the episode on a light note.

00:00–06:00: Introduction and General Holiday Conversation

Hosts Chris Horwedel and Matt discuss the holiday season and reflect on how quickly 2025 is approaching.

Nostalgia around the passage of time, referencing "Back to the Future" and the concept of 2025 feeling futuristic.

06:00–14:00: Movies and Media Discussion

Matt shares his interest in neo-noir films, highlighting titles like Mystic River, State of Grace, and Miller's Crossing (1990), which he praises as a standout.

Chris criticizes holiday movies like Red One with Dwayne Johnson and Carry On with Jason Bateman, noting their mixed reception.

14:00–17:00: Reality TV and Game Shows

Brief detour into reality TV, including excitement about upcoming seasons of shows like Traitors (Season 3).

Discussion of Mr. Beast's game show, controversies surrounding production, and Chris's mixed feelings about the shift in Mr. Beast's content focus.

17:00–24:00: Sports Jerseys and Soccer

Matt expresses enthusiasm for the Philadelphia Union soccer jersey design, praising its aesthetics and unique sponsor (Thomas English Muffins).

Chris recalls the MLS customization options, noting some humorous takes on rare or niche apparel.

24:00–29:00: Sneaker Discussion

Matt shares his disappointment with the Ja Morant sneakers, citing discomfort and an overly thick heel design.

Chris comments on the resale challenges and his reluctance to wear certain sneakers.

29:00–37:30: NFL Week 16 Games

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders (00:29:23):

Commentary on the Commanders' weak schedule and regression in performance.

Washington's opponents' win percentage (41%) and the team's struggles against strong competitors highlighted.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks (00:31:08):

Chris admires both teams' jerseys and notes the Vikings' surprising 12-2 record.

The Seahawks' neon green uniforms receive praise.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants (00:32:02):

The Falcons bench Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Lighthearted critique of Penix's decision to forgo his celebratory hot dog purchase upon learning he was starting.

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears (00:33:22):

Injury concerns for the Lions discussed.

Anecdote about a failed bet involving Lions running back David Montgomery missing an opportunity to score a touchdown.

37:30–End: Betting Anecdotes and Closing

Chris and Matt reflect on past betting successes and heartbreaks, including a near-win on a Packers-Eagles game that fell short due to one missed touchdown.

An anecdote about Chris's $100 bet that could have won big.

The episode concludes with holiday wishes from the hosts.

Intro and Sneakers:

0:00 - 14:16

The episode starts with Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone talking about the day's big sneaker release, the Kobe 9 high "Christmas" and its resale value.  They also look at other sneakers, including the Kobe 6 "Grinch" cleats and the Nike Kobe 4s. They critique sneaker pricing, the impact of resale, and their personal preferences in basketball footwear. They touch on Complex's "Top 10 Sneakers of the Year" list, debating the rankings and sharing thoughts on popular models like the Adidas AE1 and Jordan 4s.

NFL Week 15 Game-by-Game Analysis

14:16 - 38:44

A detailed breakdown of several NFL Week 15 matchups using Bovada sportsbook odds:

Atlanta Falcons @ Las Vegas Raiders

The Falcons' slim playoff hopes and QB situation are discussed. Raiders are criticized but given an edge based on Desmond Ridder's potential return (29:49).

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

Broncos are favored (-4). The hosts note the Colts' slim playoff chance (68% with a win) and Denver's improving form with Bo Nix (32:09).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers are noted for their bad luck but are seen as the better team. Tampa Bay's injuries have derailed their playoff momentum (33:09).

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Rams are underdogs (+3). San Francisco's injuries, including Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams, are highlighted as critical challenges for the team (34:03).

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

Packers are slight favorites (-2). The Seahawks' playoff hopes (82% with a win) are evaluated, but Green Bay is seen as the stronger team (37:25).

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

Chiefs (-4) are discussed as a team that struggles to cover spreads despite winning games. Cleveland's offensive struggles are noted (37:52).

Bill Belichick's Move to UNC

38:44 - 40:13

The hosts discuss Bill Belichick's decision to coach at the University of North Carolina, highlighting his focus on NFL-level preparation and recruiting. They critique UNC's decision to hire a 72-year-old coach after parting ways with 73-year-old Mack Brown.

Pop Culture and True Crime Docs

40:13 - End

The conversation transitions to TV and documentaries. They review Wild Crime (Season 4) and discuss other shows like Anatomy of Lies. The segment closes with humorous reflections on Patrick Ewing's late-career stint with the Seattle Supersonics.

Introduction & Casual Talk

[00:00-02:06]: Hosts Chris and Matt start with a casual talk about the weather and the impact of early nights.

NFL Week 14 & Sports Betting

[02:07-04:30]: Chris introduces NFL Week 14, highlighting the Eagles' performance. They transition into a segment involving sports betting.

Top Sneakers of 2024, per StockX

[04:31-06:00]: A brief digression into top sneaker rankings for 2024 as seen on StockX, with a critical yet playful review of the Puma Speedcat OG and other models.

[06:01-11:20]: Chris and Matt critique the rest of the sneaker list from StockX, from Air Jordan 4 to Adidas AE1 and the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang. They share opinions on aesthetics, functionality, and whether the selections truly merit top-ten status.

Kevin James ChatGPT Quiz

[11:21-22:30]: Chris presents a Kevin James quiz created via ChatGPT. Topics include Kevin James' breakout role (The King of Queens), his real last name, and his notable career moments. Matt scores impressively, showing knowledge about James' high school wrestling days and his roles in films like Zookeeper.

Media and Pop Culture

[22:31-27:33]: Chris and Matt shift to TV shows, discussing Superstore and Say Nothing. They praise the storytelling and humor, with Matt re-watching Superstore.

Philadelphia Eagles & NFL Analysis

[27:34-30:45]: The conversation returns to football, specifically the Eagles' season. Matt predicts a strong finish and criticizes ESPN's power rankings. They also evaluate key games impacting playoff outcomes.

College Football & Flag Planting Controversy

[30:46-46:00]: College football takes the spotlight, including rivalries, flag-planting incidents, and Jason Avant's involvement in a Michigan-Ohio State post-game scuffle. They reflect on playoff decisions, specifically Alabama's inclusion, expressing skepticism.

Personal Anecdotes & Closing Thoughts

[46:01-End]: Lighthearted commentary on rail travel in the U.S., holiday activities, and quirky personal experiences, like Chris dealing with car repairs. The episode ends with reflections on the highs and lows of the football season.

Happy Thanksgiving (00:00.42 – 00:23.62)

Hosts Chris and Matt open the podcast, jokingly referring to themselves as a "calendar podcast" and talk about the approaching holiday.

Weather and Steelers-Browns Game Discussion (00:44.61 – 01:47.83)

Light flurries and rain in Matt's area, followed by comments on the Steelers-Browns game and speculation about snowfall in Pennsylvania.

Puerto Rico and Jake Paul Fight (01:26.84 – 02:06.67)

Chris shares his fondness for Puerto Rico and considers going back. Both critique a recent Jake Paul fight as a PR stunt.

Sports Rundown (02:09.30 – 02:21.15)

Week 13 of the NFL, basketball, hockey, and a poor performance by Matt's alma mater are mentioned.

Matt's Doctor  (02:27.84 – 03:06.80)

Matt humorously discusses his doctor calling him overweight and jokes about avoiding bread-related topics.

Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor Boxing Match (03:17.54 – 04:19.87)

Chris praises Serrano's hype man who comments on Taylor's "dirty" boxing techniques, referencing a significant gash on Serrano.

College Football: Matt's Disappointment (07:09.69 – 08:17.51)

Discussion about Ole Miss's playoff hopes dropping after a loss, with Matt expressing frustration about the season.

Philadelphia Eagles' Prospects (15:29.57 – 30:00.87)

A detailed discussion of the Eagles' performance, player injuries, and playoff prospects. Matt is psyched about the direction the team is going.

Detroit Lions and NFC Playoff Race (30:00.13 – 32:22.03)

The Lions' schedule, NFC playoff scenarios, and potential matchups are analyzed.

Thanksgiving Football Games and Farewell (32:22.03 – 32:51.54)

The Thanksgiving game lineup (Lions vs. Bears, Giants vs. Cowboys, Dolphins vs. Packers) is briefly discussed before closing remarks.

Introduction (00:00 - 01:21)

The episode begins with Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone discussing personal updates, light weather commentary, and their shared exercise struggles with Peloton and other fitness routines. The banter sets a humorous and relaxed tone.

Sneaker and StockX Discussion (03:30 - 08:00)

Chris and Matt delve into the recent StockX decision to allow returns. They discuss the logistics of returned items and share their experiences with sneaker customization using Nike By You. Matt reminisces about creating custom shoes on older platforms and laments rising sneaker prices.

NBA All-Star Format Changes (10:30 - 17:30)

Chris explains the revamped NBA All-Star Game format, introducing three All-Star teams alongside the Rising Stars winner. The new tournament-style structure sparks humorous speculation about its inspiration from NHL formats and playful tangents about alternate sports scenarios.

New York Knicks Check-In (18:15 - 21:00)

The hosts examine the Knicks' performance in the Atlantic Division. They praise smooth teamwork but joke about past roster confusions, particularly Julius Randle. Betting odds for championship contention are briefly mentioned.

Pop Culture and Humor (25:00 - 29:15)

The duo shares TV show recommendations, including Say Nothing and Harry Potter Wizards of Baking. Chris jokes about Matt's eligibility for Rising Stars and their mutual fascination with quirky competitions.

College Football Talk: Ole Miss Spotlight (29:30 - 36:30)

Matt passionately discusses Ole Miss' college football prospects. He expresses confidence in their playoff potential but admits apprehension about facing Alabama early. Jackson Dart's professional potential and the possibility of Tre Harris' return are key highlights.

Philadelphia Eagles and NFL Fantasy (44:30 - 47:00)

Chris and Matt shift to the NFL, focusing on the Eagles and upcoming fantasy football matchups. Matt shares his playoff-bound fantasy team's roster, emphasizing the thrill of closely tracking Sunday and Monday games.

On this week's episode of The Underdog, your hosts Chris Horwedel and Matt Crone start off the show by looking at some of the more exciting sneaker releases for the reminder of the year.  After that they discuss Florida's decision to redshirt 7'9" Canadian center Oliver Rioux, they go through all of this years' NBA City Edition jerseys, talk about the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight, and finish up by giving picks for the Philadelphia Eagles game vs. the Washington Commanders.