The Rejuvenated Cowboys, Most Desperate NFL Teams, Lane Kiffin’s LSU Move, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal, Todd McShay, and Van Lathan

Key Takeaways

NFL Week 13 analysis covered playoff implications, inconsistent team performances, and debated coaching decisions across several matchups.
The podcast explored the most 'depressed' NFL fan bases, citing team performance, playoff odds, and future outlooks for teams like the Steelers and Lions.
Hosts reviewed their season-long NFL future bets, discussing Week 13 upsets and the unpredictability of certain divisions like the AFC South.
The 'Parent Corner' segment provided personal anecdotes on familial football loyalties, including a son's surprising allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys.
A significant portion focused on college football, analyzing Lane Kiffin's move to LSU and its implications for the transfer portal, NIL deals, and coaching fame.
The discussion highlighted the growing financial demands in college football and the potential need for government intervention to regulate the sport.

The Broncos' overtime win against the Commanders initiated the Week 13 NFL recap, impacting playoff discussions.
Scenarios like the Bears' playoff seeding, AFC South competitiveness, Chiefs' wildcard chances, and Cowboys' NFC East potential were considered.
Week 14 was identified as a significant weekend for the NFL, with major playoff implications, especially for teams like the Chiefs.
The host questioned the Dallas Cowboys' legitimacy as a playoff contender after recent wins, including one against the Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles' inconsistent offense and defense, despite strong receivers, were scrutinized, alongside Jalen Hurts's effectiveness.

Josh Allen's perceived decline in physical dominance this season led to questions about his status as the league's best quarterback.
Patrick Mahomes's record was acknowledged, while cautioning about the Buffalo Bills' late-season surges in previous years.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line issues and a historic number of rushing yards allowed were highlighted.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett's perceived decline was noted, with an assessment that the Steelers' season is 'done' due to offensive struggles.

Discussion centered on the Steelers, Ravens, Lions, and Chiefs as having the most depressed fan bases.
The Steelers' lack of a clear future and the Ravens' missed window with Lamar Jackson were cited as contributing factors.
The Detroit Lions' recent struggles after a promising period and the Kansas City Chiefs' uncharacteristic losing streak were also mentioned.
NFL playoff odds for the Ravens, Chiefs, Lions, and Steelers were updated, reflecting recent team performances.

Hosts reported season-long NFL future bets records of 7-5 and 6-6, mentioning specific picks like New England over and Minnesota under.
Week 13 successful picks included the Patriots and Seattle, with the AFC South division identified as particularly difficult to predict.
The Carolina Panthers were highlighted for their 10.5-point underdog win against the Rams, despite an inconsistent season.
The Houston Texans' 7-5 record and wins against strong opponents were contrasted with the Kansas City Chiefs' struggles.

Exceptional plays from Week 13 included a 'pick six' described as the play of the year and remarkable catches by players like Bowers and Aiyuk.
The host secured a crucial fantasy football win, attributing it to 48 points from the Seahawks defense and kicker Myers.
Debate occurred regarding the scoring system for shutouts in fantasy football, with one suggesting 20 points.
A unique statistic was mentioned: a team having two quarterbacks throw a pick-six in their first start in the same year.

Bill Simmons initially set the Packers-Bears line at Packers minus 5.5, while Cousin Sal picked the Jaguars minus 1 against the Colts.
Concerns were raised about Trevor Lawrence's performance and the Jaguars' offensive line issues, leading to advice against betting on that game.
The Ravens-Steelers game line moved from Ravens minus 4.5 to 6.5, with speculation on Lamar Jackson's potential performance after a 10-day break.
The Bills-Bengals game had odds set at Bills minus 5.5, with consideration given to teasing the Bengals up to 11.5 points.

The Seahawks-Falcons game was favored by the host by four, against a line of 8.5, noting the Falcons' history of 'fishy lines.'
The Buccaneers were favored by 8.5 (line at 7.5) against the Saints, while the Rams were favored by 8.5 (line at 7.5) against the Cardinals.
The Browns-Titans game, though unappealing, was discussed for betting, with the Browns favored by 5.5 (line at 3.5).
Bo Nix's inconsistent performance in the Vikings-Commanders game was analyzed, noting a rally in overtime after earlier struggles.

The 'Parent Corner' segment began with the host discussing the enjoyment of the football weekend.
The host shared a story about his youngest son, Harrison, unexpectedly becoming a Dallas Cowboys fan, despite attempts to dissuade him.
An anecdote involved one of the host's sons cheering for an opposing team's touchdown due to fantasy football reasons.
A story about the host's dog, Murph, possibly consuming turkey parts and Italian cookies during Thanksgiving was recounted.

Todd McShay and Van Lathan joined to discuss the anticipated news of Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss to coach at LSU.
The situation was compared to Brian Kelly's 2021 move to LSU, noting similarities in coaching changes during potential playoff runs.
Van Lathan commented on LSU's history of such coaching changes and called the current state of college football 'abject insanity'.
Lathan had learned about Kiffin's potential move through contacts in Baton Rouge a week and a half prior, indicating the deal was finalized.

Factors influencing Kiffin's decision included LSU's stronger NIL war chest and more aggressive support compared to Ole Miss's historical performance.
LSU's program resources potentially include NIL deals reaching $20-25 million annually.
Louisiana is highlighted as a fertile recruiting ground for NFL talent, benefiting LSU as the state's dominant SEC school with a lack of other in-state SEC programs.
Kiffin's ability to develop players, as demonstrated with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and his schematic offensive capabilities were praised.

Discussion centered on Lane Kiffin's potential impact on college football fame, drawing parallels to LeBron James's career trajectory.
The current state of college football is perceived as lacking 'sex appeal' due to a focus on playoff implications and cultural clashes, overshadowing individual stories.
The transfer portal and NIL deals are noted for creating a 'system of mercenaries' among players and coaches.
Kiffin's departure from Ole Miss allegedly involved attempts to leverage the system by taking his staff and players, which ultimately did not succeed.

Challenges of evaluating NFL draft prospects were discussed in light of young players receiving sudden wealth, fame, and free time.
Participants agreed government intervention may be necessary for college football regulation due to the significant financial benefits for those in power.
The rise of 'sleazy' handlers and the dramatic increase in financial demands for players, from $50,000 in the past to millions for top prospects, were highlighted.
The influence of agent Jimmy Sexton in college football coaching hires was noted, with guests agreeing he is currently the most powerful figure.