In this week’s action-packed episode of Football 301, hosts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald deep dive into the best matchups of Week 16, including a full breakdown of the weekend’s slop watch games and heavyweight matchups. First, Tice and McDonald open with a report on the New York Jets, whose dysfunction continues to spiral, especially with owner Woody Johnson reportedly nixing a trade for Jerry Jeudy because of his Madden ratings. The conversation takes a turn as C Mac reflects on the bizarre, unhinged decisions Johnson has been making for years and how the team’s dysfunction has only worsened over time.

From there, the guys shift to some of Week 16's most intriguing games, including the New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons on slop watch, where Charles questions why Kirk Cousins wasn’t benched sooner, and Tice outlines what to watch for with Michael Penix Jr. in his first NFL start. Nate also mentions a New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills matchup that promises an intriguing duel between rookie QB Drake Maye and Josh Allen before the duo turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens automatic hoss fight. With George Pickens out, the Steelers' offense looks in peril – will they be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ stout run defense? The Washington Commanders are taking on the Philadelphia Eagles, where they will look to improve upon their woes from the last matchup.

Finally, McDonald and Tice wrap up with their analysis of Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes' ankle injury could spell trouble for KC, and a Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks clash that promises explosiveness as both teams deal with key injuries. Finally, Nate and Charles wrap up with two mailbag questions, including thoughts on Jaxon Dart as a potential NFL prospect.

(2:20) - Woody Johnson & the Jets' dysfunction

(10:00) - New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons

(23:10) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

(32:55) - Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Commanders

(41:00) - Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

(55:00) - Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks

(1:07:30) - Mailbag questions of the week

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In this week’s episode of Inside Coverage, Frank Schwab and Jori Epstein deep dive into the Atlanta Falcons' decision to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Jori, though not shocked by Penix's start, is taken aback by the team's decision to market it as a permanent change. The duo discusses what we can expect from Penix in his first NFL action and debates whether Cousins, struggling after his Achilles injury, will find a starting role next season (plus some potential landing spots that make sense). In other news, Jori heads to Philly this week to examine the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive defense, highlighted by the rise of linebacker Zach Baun, who’s making a name for himself after an offseason transformation.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to a common theme in the NFL: process vs. results. Frank and Jori analyze some key quarterback decisions by process alone: Deshaun Watson’s rumored return next year and Anthony Richardson’s stagnant development in Indianapolis. Jori and Frank analyze the Indianapolis Colts' decision-making process in drafting Richardson and whether it was a case of bad process or just bad luck. They also discuss the potential of Deshaun Watson bouncing back in Cleveland, reflecting on the Browns' investment and whether his struggles were a product of poor decision-making or something more complex. Frank and Jori also break down the Dallas Cowboys' hot streak and whether head coach Mike McCarthy’s job is safe after recent wins.

The episode closes with a discussion on Frank's NFL power rankings, with Frank placing the Eagles at the top and Jori arguing for the Buffalo Bills at number one, and the hosts' picks for Thursday Night Football as the Denver Broncos head to Southern California to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

(2:45) - Kirk Cousins benched in Atlanta

(21:20) - Rise of Zach Baun in Philly

(31:35) - Process vs. results: Anthony Richardson

(38:00) - Process vs. results: Deshaun Watson

(46:10) - Process vs. results: Mike McCarthy

(55:00) - Frank's power rankings corner

(1:01:55) - TNF picks

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

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🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

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❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this jam-packed episode of Football 301, hosts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon break down each top NFL contender's biggest concern that could send them home early in January.

The Buffalo Bills kick things off, fresh off a big win. The offense is as dynamic as ever, while the defense—specifically the run defense—might be their Achilles' heel, especially when facing a physical team like the Baltimore Ravens. From there, the conversation turns to the Philadelphia Eagles, where Jalen Hurts' consistency in the passing game is a concern. The Kansas City Chiefs also come under the microscope, where a lack of downfield explosiveness and pass protection problems have made Patrick Mahomes and company more efficient than flashy.

Next, the Detroit Lions’ injury woes have raised major red flags, but their high-powered offense may still be enough to overcome these setbacks. The Minnesota Vikings continue to live and die by big plays, while the Ravens have quietly improved their defense, but one wrinkle in their pass coverage continues to be a weakness. Along the way, the guys hit on other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans, each with their own set of glaring questions heading into the postseason. Will Baker Mayfield’s hot streak last in Tampa Bay? Can the Texans offense improve enough to compete in January? The duo wrap up with some quick-hit thoughts on the other likely playoff teams.

(2:10) - Buffalo Bills

(9:10) - Philadelphia Eagles

(16:20) - Kansas City Chiefs

(26:25) - Detroit Lions

(32:15) - Baltimore Ravens

(38:05) - Minnesota Vikings

(47:50) - Pittsburgh Steelers

(53:00) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(57:40) - Houston Texans

(1:02:40) - Lightning round

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

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In this week's episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab give their instant reactions and takeaways from Week 15 of NFL action. The guys kick things off discussing the polarization in the league this year, with a massive gap between the top-tier teams and those struggling at the bottom. The conversation shifts to what turned out to be the game of the week: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions. Fitz and Frank are in awe of Josh Allen’s incredible rise to MVP-caliber play. Frank lists the few quarterbacks in NFL history who have played at Allen’s current level, comparing him to the likes of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. But as impressive as the Bills are, the Lions defense is starting to show cracks. Can Dan Campbell’s squad continue to ride high with a shaky defense, or will this expose them in the postseason? Fitz is convinced that the Bills are now the team to beat in the AFC, even if that means taking down the mighty Kansas City Chiefs.

Fitz & Frank also highlight the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles against the dominant Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers rolling on primetime against the Seattle Seahawks.

Later, the duo cover every other matchup from Sunday's slate of games. Fitz is particularly concerned with Tua Tagovailoa’s erratic play, while Frank gives props to Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams showing their connection is still very much alive. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stun the Los Angeles Chargers, with Baker Mayfield leading the charge, and Mike McCarthy is quietly earning his job back in Dallas. The duo wrap up with predictions for the Monday Night Football double header.

(00:50) - NFL is extremely polarized this year

(5:00) - Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

(20:45) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles

(26:55) - Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

(33:00) - Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

(36:40) - Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

(40:15) - Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

(45:20) - New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars

(47:10) - Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints

(50:35) - Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants

(52:40) - Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans

(54:20) - New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals

(55:40) - Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

(59:10) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers

(1:01:40) - MNF picks

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

The Buffalo Bills dropped over 40 points for the second time in two weeks...only this time they won! 48 points was certainly enough to do it in another explosive performance from MVP frontrunner Josh Allen and this Bills squad, this time surviving a ping-pong game against the Detroit Lions where Jared Goff's nearly 500 yards of passing just was too little too late.

Nate Tice & Charles McDonald break down Bills/Lions as well as the four other best games of the week, including another win for the Philadelphia Eagles, this time over the cross-state sometimes-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing Jalen Hurts' birds squad to 12-2. The guys also discuss a Denver Broncos win that was all about momentum after a costly Jonathan Taylor goal-line fumble, the Washington Commanders fighting off a late rally from the New Orleans Saints and a Cincinnati Bengals win over the Tennessee Titans that was about as messy of a game as you'll see all year.

Closing the show, the guys give out their Week 15 Game Balls to a pair of defenders who changed the course of their games.

(0:35) - Bills take down Lions in 90-pt offensive wonder

(9:45) - Eagles prove Steelers offense isn't enough

(17:05) - Colts melt down against Broncos

(23:05) - Commanders hold off late Saints rally

(28:45) - Bengals/Titans was ludicrously sloppy

(33:10) - Week 15 Game Balls

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

The San Francisco 49ers have more questions than answers after a low-scoring loss to the Los Angeles Rams that effectively cost them their playoff chances. With the season all but over, should the 49ers go through with signing Brock Purdy to a $60 million deal or would trying their luck in the NFL Draft prove more successful? Plus, will De’Vondre Campbell ever return to the field after he left the 49ers in the third quarter of their Thursday night game? Jason Fitz, Jori Epstein & Frank Schwab break it all down on this episode of Inside Coverage.

After spending time in Dallas for the Winter NFL Owners’ Meeting, Jori shares her top stories from the event. Bill Belichick’s move to college football was top of mind for many owners and Jori explains why Belichick might make the move now even though several NFL head coaching jobs are still open. Jori also gives updates on the possible expansion of replay assist and the impact of teams selling stakes to private equity firms.

(0:36) Rams @ 49ers recap

(3:34) What do we make of Brock Purdy now?

(16:53) De'Vondre Campbell leaves 49ers mid-game

(23:37) Why would Belichick move to CFB with NFL jobs still open?

(38:45) Takeaways from Winter NFL Owners' Meeting

(40:45) Possible expansion of replay assist

(52:34) Teams selling stakes to private equity firms

(55:54) Goodell addresses Jay-Z allegations

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this action-packed episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald dive deep into the most intriguing matchups of NFL Week 15. They kick things off by discussing the surprising news of Bill Belichick heading to UNC—Charles is skeptical about the challenge ahead for Belichick at a program with a poor recruiting class. Can coaching scheme make up for a lack of talent? Then, it’s on to the Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills, where Charles and Nate break down the matchup between Josh Allen and the Lions defense. With Allen’s prowess against man coverage and the Bills’ strength in the run game, can the Lions hold their ground?

After the break, it’s time for a hoss fight as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to LA to face off against the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have been defined by their physicality, and this matchup promises to deliver some fierce battles in the trenches. Nate and Charles also dive into Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, breaking down what’s become an unlikely "slop watch" game. Can Jalen Hurts and the Eagles overpower a Steelers team led by Mike Tomlin, or will Pittsburgh’s scrappy defense find a way to keep it close?

The guys continue with predictions for Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos, a game that could have major playoff implications for both teams. Can Anthony Richardson take on a top-tier defense like Denver’s? Next, Charles and Nate break down Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks, with both teams fighting to assert themselves as true playoff contenders in the NFC. Who will come out on top—Jordan Love and the Packers’ high-flying offense or Geno Smith and the explosive Seahawks’ defense? Finally, the duo end with the mailbag question of the week on the pros and cons of spot drop and man-match coverage.

(2:20) - Thoughts on UNC hiring Bill Belichick

(7:45) - Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

(22:40) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers

(31:10) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles

(42:15) - Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

(48:35) - Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

(1:00:10) - Mailbag of the week: spot drop vs. man-match coverage

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In today’s Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz, Charles Robinson, and Frank Schwab dive into a wild NFL week filled with coaching rumors, locker room tension and playoff implications. They kick things off with a trending former head coach, Bill Belichick, and whether he’s on the verge of a surprising jump to college football with the University of North Carolina. Is Belichick ready to trade in the NFL grind for a new challenge, and what does the rumored succession plan involving son Steve Belichick really mean for his future?

The discussion heats up as Charles and Frank debate the potential of Mike Vrabel as the next head coach for the Chicago Bears. Charles offers insight into how the Bears might be targeting a strong leader to pair with an upstart offensive mind, but Frank raises concerns about the impact on quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the trio tackles the growing tension in the Philadelphia Eagles’ locker room, sparked by AJ Brown’s comments about the offense. Despite the team’s impressive 11-2 record, there’s talk of internal unrest, with some questioning quarterback Jalen Hurts. The crew breaks down how and why Hurts’ leadership continues to be scrutinized.

Finally, the guys wrap up with a look at the Kansas City Chiefs, who are somehow managing to be the worst 12-1 team in NFL history due to a number of lucky breaks. Can Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid keep their Super Bowl hopes alive with such a precarious record? Plus, the trio previews Thursday Night Football, where Frank and Charles favor the San Francisco 49ers to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, but Fitz throws in a bold pick for the Rams.

(4:10) - Is Bill Belichick to UNC real?

(22:50) - Could Bears pursue Mike Vrabel as their next HC?

(35:15) - Eagles locker room problems & Jalen Hurts

(48:10) - Frank's power rankings corner

(56:15) - Rams @ 49ers picks

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this episode of Football 301, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon take a deep dive into the 2024 NFL rookie class, breaking down the highs, lows, and everything in between. From quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, whose start with the Chicago Bears has been filled with ups and downs, to offensive lineman like Joe Alt, the guys evaluate how these rookies are performing and what we can expect moving forward.

Nate and Matt analyze Caleb Williams’ struggles with pressure and sacks in Chicago, acknowledging that the Bears’ disastrous season makes it hard to fully evaluate him. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels has been a revelation for the Washington Commanders, impressing with his football IQ and his blossoming connection with Terry McLaurin. Nate and Matt also dive into the impressive start from Drake Maye, despite a lack of talent around him, and Bo Nix, who’s been aggressive with the deep ball but still has room to improve his pocket presence.

The guys also look at the receiver class, noting that while Ladd McConkey has been the most consistent performer, it’s still early for many of the top draft picks. Despite some growing pains, they remain cautiously optimistic about the potential of late-round guys like Xavier Worthy and some slot receivers who haven’t quite hit their stride yet.

Additionally, the guys highlight standout rookies at tight end, including Brock Bowers, who’s already making waves in the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, and the impressive rookie offensive linemen, including JC Latham and Zach Frazier, who are living up to their first-round billing. The duo finish up with some rapid fire shoutouts on the defensive side of the ball.

(3:50) - Caleb Williams

(15:40) - Jayden Daniels

(26:20) - Drake Maye

(36:15) - Bo Nix

(48:45) - Wide receivers

(1:03:35) - Tight ends

(1:08:20) - Running backs

(1:13:00) - Offensive line

(1:22:50) - Defense

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF

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Nate Tice & Charles McDonald fire up the Football 301 fifth quarter with a look at four excellent games from Week 14's Sunday slate and one game that will have Chicago Bears fans wearing a bag over their heads.

The guys kick things off with the epic 44-42 carnival show in Los Angeles where the Buffalo Bills fell narrowly to the L.A. Rams in the inter-conference tilt. Both Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen looked excellent, and while only one team got the win, the guys explain that the Bills don't have too much to worry about, aside from seeding in the AFC playoffs.

Nate and Charles also discuss the Seattle Seahawks extending their NFC West lead with a win over the Arizona Cardinals, Sam Darnold throwing for 5 touchdowns in a 42-21 Minnesota Vikings win over the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers staying frisky in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Closing out the show, the duo share a mind-bogglingly terrible stat from the Chicago Bears loss and give out their game balls for Week 14.

(2:25) - Rams knock down Bills in 44-42 thriller

(12:20) - Seahawks extend NFC West lead over Cardinals

(20:45) - Falcons fall to Vikings in huge Darnold game

(29:30) - Eagles survive frisky Panthers team

(39:00) - Bad Bears stat & Week 14 game balls

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts