Key Takeaways
- The NFL MVP race is heavily influenced by narrative, media perception, and recent player performance.
- Bill Simmons' list of the 21 best sports movies of the 21st century generated debate on criteria and specific film inclusions.
- Week 18 NFL betting requires caution due to unpredictable outcomes and potential player incentives.
- The podcast explored criteria for top male actors and successful coaching transitions from college to the NFL.
Deep Dive
- Joe House recused himself from NFL MVP voting, citing narrative influence over pure statistics.
- Peter Schrager believes the Ravens organization supports Lamar Jackson, despite reports, and does not expect his availability in spring.
- Drake Maye's MVP candidacy was debated against Matthew Stafford, with Maye's rushing ability highlighted.
- Christian McCaffrey was considered a dark horse MVP candidate, with a significant primetime performance against the Seahawks seen as a potential narrative shifter.
- Mike Vrabel and Kyle Shanahan were discussed as Coach of the Year candidates, with Shanahan's chances tied to the 49ers securing the one seed.
- Additional candidates mentioned included Ben Johnson, Liam Cohen, Mike McDonald, Sean Payton, and DeMeco Ryans.
- Sean Payton's argument for Coach of the Year considered the Denver Broncos' performance despite salary cap issues related to Russell Wilson.
- The year was noted for an unusually high number of strong coaching candidates, potentially six or seven.
- The merits of hiring college coaches directly into NFL head coaching positions were debated, using Indiana's Tom Allen as an example of a successful turnaround.
- Jim Harbaugh and Chip Kelly were referenced for their transitions from college to the NFL.
- Steve Spurrier's brief and less-than-dedicated tenure as an NFL coach was highlighted, noting his desire to leave facilities by 4 PM for golf.
- The discussion questioned the lack of a standout 'culture coach' candidate in the current year compared to previous years.
- Bill Simmons outlined seven Ringer 107 picks for Week 18, including Bucks-Panthers, Falcons-Saints, Seahawks-49ers, and Bengals-Browns.
- Caution was advised for Week 18 games due to their unpredictable nature.
- The hosts favored the Seahawks to cover minus 1.5 against the 49ers and the Bengals to cover minus 7.5 against the Browns.
- Additional picks included the Vikings to cover minus 7.5 against the Packers and the Falcons minus 3 against the Saints.
- The wide-open AFC playoff picture was discussed, with the Steelers' quarterback Russell Wilson potentially seeing an opportunity.
- Betting strategies for the Ravens-Steelers game included considering the Ravens' moneyline and total points.
- The hosts expressed uncertainty regarding their specific picks for the playoff-determining Ravens-Steelers matchup.
- Mike Tomlin's record against the spread with the Ravens was discussed as a statistical trend for home underdogs.
- Hesitation was expressed in picking the Buccaneers due to recent performance and Baker Mayfield's health.
- Carolina's consistent underdog victories were contrasted with Tampa Bay's struggles attributed to defensive backfield injuries and perceived lack of effort.
- Uncertainty was noted regarding which team, if either, would be a reliable pick in their upcoming game.
- The discussion touched on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' struggles despite having veteran players.
- Bill Simmons attributed his current podcasting success to recent lifestyle changes, including giving up sugar and a trip to Germany with Joe House.
- A reminiscence about a 2017 food-focused podcast with Joe House noted it caused Simmons to gain weight.
- The hosts anticipated a busy sports year ahead, including the NFL playoffs, Winter Olympics, and the World Cup.
- The conversation briefly touched on hypothetical NFL trades and draft picks.
- Denzel Washington, Joaquin Phoenix, and Matt Damon were mentioned as contenders for the top male actors of the 21st century.
- Bill Simmons suggested Leonardo DiCaprio due to his consistent box office success and critical performance.
- DiCaprio's filmography was noted for its consistent success with 'banger films' and absence of commercial failures.
- The discussion contrasted DiCaprio's career trajectory with actresses like Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet.
- 'Borg vs. McEnroe' was praised for its execution, though its re-watchability was questioned compared to documentaries.
- 'Hustle,' starring Adam Sandler and Anthony Edwards, was acknowledged for its quality.
- 'The Iron Claw' was praised as effective but criticized for factual inaccuracies and casting choices, specifically the actor for Kerry Von Eric.
- The film 'Challengers' received mixed reviews, with one participant praising it and another criticizing its ending.
- Bill Simmons' list of 21 best 21st-century sports movies includes 'King Richard' (#19), whose legacy was potentially impacted by the Will Smith Oscars incident.
- 'Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' (#18) was described as a genuinely good sports comedy, with praise for Sasha Baron Cohen's performance.
- 'The Rookie' (#17) was identified as part of a 1997-2005 era of adult Disney sports movies, highlighting Dennis Quaid's performance.
- The discussion touched on the decline of original Disney sports movies and the impact of improved sports documentaries.
- 'Goon' was praised for Wyatt Russell's performance and overall quality.
- 'The Wrestler' highlighted Mickey Rourke's comeback and Darren Aronofsky's direction, examining its impact on wrestling culture.
- 'Miracle' focused on Kurt Russell's performance and the film's emotional resonance depicting the 1980 US Olympic hockey team.
- 'Sugar,' a baseball film, was praised for its realistic portrayal of Latino players' journey to Major League Baseball.
- 'Friday Night Lights' (2004) was ranked #3 on the list, praised as potentially the best high school football movie with a realistic ending.
- 'Creed' was placed at #2, noting the surprise and success of the franchise revival with Sylvester Stallone.
- 'Moneyball' was ranked #1, with speakers highlighting its revolutionary impact on how sports statistics are viewed and communicated.
- The production evolution of 'Moneyball' from a Steven Soderbergh project to a Bennett Miller film with an Aaron Sorkin script was detailed.