Lucas computer: Welcome back to the Cleats to Courts podcast. I'm one half of your host, Lucas Forster. Joining me today is my co-host, Taylor Wolfel. What's up, T? Taylor: Not much Lucas. Just wanna start the podcast with a little R.I.P. shout out to Don Nelson, one of the the Bucks greatest coaches to ever do it. Won five straight division championships back in the late seventies and early eighties and two time coach of the year and he passed away this weekend at the age of eighty six. So sad day for the old time Bucks fans that were around back then to watch him, but we always heard about him growing up and the second winningest coach ever. So sad day for Bucks fans. And I got one little shout out to the Dodgers for losing seventh straight the past week. So that that's pretty exciting news in the baseball world and like one and eight in their last nine games. So go Dodgers, you know. But anyways, how are you doing, Lucas? Ready for your run this weekend? Lucas computer: Doing great, doing great. Man, that was quite the intro from Taylor today. Shout out Don Nelson, R.I.P. legendary coach and player. Also, awesome stuff here. Dodgers, doing great with that big pickup here before before the trade deadline. It's really panning out for you guys, but Taylor: Yeah. Hate hate to see him struggling, man. Lucas computer: Yeah, it's it's a sad day when the Dodgers are struggling. Everybody in the baseball world is so heartbroken by that. But how the Brewers doing? They still rocking? Taylor: Yep, five and two last week and got like a four game lead on the best record in baseball. So we're doing all right. Lucas computer: Talking about. That's what I'm talking about. That's a team right there. We don't need we don't need the big names. Anyway, we're gonna get into Taylor: Yes. Yeah. Lucas computer: some football talk. That's just a little bit about MOB, what's going on there, a little bit of sports world news going on. Got to touch on that stuff to get us going here. But today we're be talking straight NFL football, mostly just the AFC. We're gonna give our playoff predictions coming up. We're gonna give also our Divisional winners, who we think is gonna win, who's gonna come in second, third, fourth, all that stuff. So before we actually we get on all that, we gotta talk about the Hall of Fame game last week. First off, Taylor: Electric. Lucas computer: yeah, that was probably one of the best Hall of Fame games I've ever tuned into. the quarterback play, outstanding from both teams, which is really fun to watch. And also our bet hit as well, right? We hit Panthers minus one and a half. And then we also hit the over in points. That over was destroyed, which is awesome to see. But we did hit in our first bet this year, so we're pretty hyped about that. our first public bet. And we hit it. Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: but that's what we're talking about. Probably not the smartest thing to be betting in preseason and betting in a Hall of Fame game, but when you win, you win. You're happy with it. what are your takeaways here, Taylor, for the Hall of Fame game? Taylor: We might have a quarterback controversy in Arizona here coming up soon. Might be four or five weeks in of the season if they're not winning any games and Jacoby Brissett is struggling a little bit, they might turn it to Carson Beck here pretty soon. He j he looked really good for the little over first half that he played. He was he was slinging the ball and he they his rating was somewhere around one thirty, but I know the quarterbacks combined had a hundred and thirty two quarterback rating, which is super good. Like not many people do that. So That was impressive to see and then this past weekend there was a video of him in practice doing no look passes and stuff like that. So he's got a lot of momentum going right now. So Lucas computer: I did see that. That was that was an amazing pass. Taylor: Yeah, that was nice. But other than that, nothing too crazy. I know your guy AJ Dillon looked good running the ball for Carolina, but what was your major Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: takeaway besides Carson Beck? So I I stole that one from you. Lucas computer: I think Haynes King coming out of nowhere. I don't Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: think anyone expected him to just come ball out in the preseason. Especially like Hall of Fame game. You're not expecting the guy like that to come step in. ACC player of the year last year, which I don't think anybody remembers that happening, but after seeing him play, they're like, I can understand why he was that guy last year. he's Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: a little little unorthodox with throwing the ball. You can see his mechanics are not quite there, obviously, for like a starting quarterback in the league, but Physically, he's got the attributes. I think he could potentially be a backup for for the Panthers here coming up, be a practice squad guy, and then maybe get himself into a QB battle later in his career would be pretty cool or something down the road. But yeah, I Haynes King was the big he's kind of surprised me from that game. Carson Beck, I just felt like he was gonna play pretty well, and he did. Kenny Pickett looked decent as well. He's been a starter in this league before. Super Bowl champion Kenny Pickett. So yeah, so it wasn't too surprised from the other quarterbacks, but yeah, Haynes King, that was the that was the big one for me. Just not really getting any sort of looks after college and then coming into this Hall of Fame game and showing out. Had the game winning touchdown as well, which is really cool. but yeah, so that's pretty my that was my biggest takeaway. AJ Dillon can still run pound that rock. So that was kind of fun to see see that again as a Packer fan. But Taylor: Big boy. Lucas computer: yeah, he I know I don't remember if it was Collinsworth or Tarico, but they said the defense made a business decision on that touchdown run. They just kinda let him go in. They're like, I don't need a concussion in the Hall of Fame game. Just let this big boy get a yard, score a touchdown. But Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: yeah, so it was really fun to watch him play again. I think he only had like three runs right on that first drive or second drive, third touchdown drive. but yeah, that was really fun to watch. Other than that, just a really fun game. I think if any if all our Hall of Fame games can look like that, I think that'd be really fun to watch. I think more people would tune in as well. but yeah. Taylor: That may be the preseason game of the year, to be honest, because that was just good football. Like I don't think there was like one fumble but there's like no interceptions or anything like that. So it was Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: just high quality. So that was fun to watch. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, you don't see the offenses clicking like that right away. Like, especially with a bunch of backups in there. it was really cool Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: to see. And it they did stall out right away, like both teams got pinned deep on their own half and it was like, this is gonna be like a typical Hall of Fame game, but no, it actually turned out to be really good and hoping the rest of them are like that. I can't guarantee that's gonna happen the rest of the time, but I am a little worried for the Panthers. I saw a stat that said teams that win the Hall of Fame game. end up not making the playoffs typically. I don't think it's like I don't know if it's undefeated. I think it's undefeated, but yeah, that was not good for the Panthers fans winning that game if if that stat continues. But maybe they'll be the one team that gets into the playoffs this year. We'll see. But I don't know. Taylor: Hopefully. Lucas computer: But yeah, electric game. We don't really have too much else to say on it, but really fun game to start off the year. We'll get into some preseason games that are coming up this week as well, getting into our first week of preseason, which is always fun. We'll talk about that towards the end of this episode. But we're gonna get into our divisional picks. So our divisional picks who we change who we think is gonna win for the AFC division. Sorry. We're gonna pick who we think is going to win and then who's gonna come second, third, and fourth on those lists. And we're gonna make our way to the AFC division North. AFC North. We have quick little graphic as well to show the odds in the AFC North. So right now the Baltimore Ravens are picked to win the division. they have the best odds to win it all at plus one hundred. And then the Cincinnati Bengals are second at plus one seventy. And then it takes a bit of a jump here. And the Pittsburgh Steelers are third at plus five hundred. And then Cleveland Browns are Sorry, but you guys are plus two thousand, so it takes a pretty large jump there for fourth. you guys still don't have your quarterback figured out yet, so we don't quite know exactly what's gonna happen with that. But other than that, Taylor, let's have you go first. You can pick and show who you decided is gonna win this division and then who you had ranking in the bottom. Taylor: I'm gonna go with the favorite right away and I'm gonna take the Baltimore Ravens to win the division. I think they're just due for a a bounce back year after the disappointing ending of the season last year. They got most of their guys back. They got some good rookies, the lineman that I can't pronounce his name, that they drafted pretty early on. He's supposed to be a really good guard. That'll definitely help out the pass protection and running game for King Henry. Then they got those two young wide receivers, Jacoby Lane. Yeah, Jacoby Lane and Elijah Surat. So that'll be some more targets for Lamar Jackson and I think they're gonna be I think they're gonna be doing some good things this year with the new head coach as well. And then in second place I'm gonna go with the one of the GOATs, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I I think they're gonna Rogers seems to be having some fun this off season. I don't know if any of y'all watched the Pat McAfee show last week, but he just seems to be in a a better headspace this year and just ready to just put it all on the line for his last year and just have some fun and Go out with the bang, hopefully, and maybe sneak in as a wild card, which we'll have those predictions later on. And then three, it's gonna be the Bengals. I think it's gonna be pretty close between the Steelers and Bengals. So I can see that being between the tiebreaker to maybe get a wild card spot and take second in the division. So I'm excited to see what they can do if they can stay healthy with Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase, those guys get beat up and T. Higgins, they get beat up pretty often. They're not on the field a whole lot together, but when they are, it's pretty electric. And then if that defense can do anything Of like compared to last year where they were thirtieth in points per game and s and just all their stats were pretty terrible on defense. So if they get any kind of improvement there, I could see them being pretty dangerous this year. And then in fourth place, of course is the Cleveland Browns. But maybe they'll surprise us and and get some good quarterback play, but not a whole lot else to say about the Browns besides that quarterback battle. But that's my quick rundown of my AFC North predictions and we'll let let's hear what your predictions are, Lucas. Lucas computer: Yeah, my my predictions are the exact same as Taylor's for this. not going with Taylor: Copycat. Lucas computer: the yes. Yeah, real original over here. Just gonna go with the Ravens to win it. but I think the biggest thing about this division is that there's three new head coaches in this division as well. just wanna get that out there and mention that. So it that makes things a little more interesting. but most of these teams are returning a lot of the players that they had last year. So I think With that, I don't know if the head coaches make much of a difference with that. But yeah, so I'm going same as you, Ravens coming out ahead, winning this division, and then I have Steelers finishing second, and then they have the Bengals third, Browns fourth. I think with last year the Ravens ended up a field goal away from winning that division, getting to the playoffs. so I think this year they take care of business, but I don't think the Steelers are gonna be too far off of them. So I'm excited to see that kind of come down to it. And then same thing with the Bengals. They just have so many weapons on offense. But that defense, we just really don't know. so it's hard to pick them one or two in this division. and then the Browns, Browns of the Browns. This is they're trying to figure out this quick QB. we'll see what they end up doing. Their defense is still pretty solid, even though they lost Miles Garrett. they have a lot of good pieces on that defense yet. But I think I think they just really gotta figure out that Q B and we're gonna talk about that. A little bit later for their matchup coming up in this preseason game, and what their practices have been like with that battle. But yeah, that's my one through four as well. So we don't defer at all in this division. anything you think, Taylor, that these teams anything like surprising that these teams could flip those positions by any way? Taylor: think one of my favorite additions in the division for like free agent wise would be Rico Daldo to the Pittsburgh Steelers, just 'cause I think him and Jalen Warren will be really good together because Rico can be the in-between tackle guy, just hand the ball off, and then Jalen Warren's more your pass catching back. And he's pretty electric when he gets the ball in his hands. So they just seem like a really good complement to each other and I can see them gelling pretty well behind Rogers and we know how good he is at controlling the offense. So I can see them being in some good spots to succeed and I'm excited to see what they can do there. But other than that, nothing too crazy. It'll be interesting to see the Browns without Miles Garrett after his historic season last year and breaking the sack record. That'll be a pretty big difference there. but Jared Verse could come in and do a pretty good job and they got some other good young guys from last year's rookie rookie class to take a big step forward for them. But Nothing else too crazy and then Dexter Lawrence obviously with the Bengals. So those are those are the bigger additions or subtractions. But anything stand out for you to really look look forward to in this division? Lucas computer: No, I th I think you hit it right there. as far as that yeah, that Bengals defense, like sexy Dexie, he's the he's the only one that really stands out for that defense this year. Hopefully he can be a difference maker on the team. But yeah, we'll see kinda what happens there. I am interested to see how these young wide receivers for the Ravens do this year. I think is it Jacoby Lane? Yeah, Jacoby Lane and Elijah Surratt. So just add adding those two guys, they have Zayflowers yet two on there, who just became the highest paid wide receiver. which we will get into that a little bit too as well. But Taylor: I Lucas computer: yeah, so we'll see. So I do want to just pull that up. Here is our current most guaranteed money for a wide receiver all time. And number one, a name that none of you would probably suspect, other until just happened. Is Zay Flower so right at number one? Second is big old JJ over in in Minnesota. And we got Jamar and then JSN and CD rounding off that top. But 108 million going to Zay, and then eighty eight million is the drop off down to JJ. who's is is it Puka? Puka's coming up, right? To get paid. Taylor: Yeah, he'll probably be the every time that one of those studs gets an extension nowadays, they always seem to break the record for most guaranteed money or overall average and all that good stuff. But I think that's gonna be happening real soon 'cause I don't see how the Rams would want him to test free agency and possibly lose him. So we'll see what happens with that. But after we talked about last week, the guys with contract disputes and stuff like that, a lot of the guys got paid after last week's podcast. So that's pretty fun to see, which Two the the running backs from the NFC, so maybe we won't talk about them much today, but it was just fun to see all these guys getting paid this past week, so Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, it was really cool to see. Especially for like it's just like one after another. One gets paid, next one gets paid. Now they're all back in training camp. All their legging all their nagging injuries are not happening anymore. They're back playing again. Just weird. Taylor: Yeah, when you g when you get a hundred and eight million dollars guaranteed it can make a lot of things feel a lot better in a hurry, so Lucas computer: Yeah. I I think all my pain would just go away in my body. I don't think I'd have any more pain if I had that kind of money just getting tossed in. Taylor: Yeah, ready to practice again. Lucas computer: Yeah, I'd be I'd be full go running around. Head first into everybody. Ready to rock. But yeah, so we just wanna quickly Taylor: Yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: show that. Puka, I'm gonna be joining that list very soon. It's gonna be good for him. Good to see as well. Taylor: Yeah. I mean Lucas computer: But anyway. Taylor: this one one last thing for from me from that division is that it's just always it's been one of the best divisions in football ever since we've been kids. It's always been the Ravens and Steelers for sure and then some years the Bengals sneak in and make it a three team race. And I think it's gonna be the case again this year. Be good aggressive just bully football between those defenses and whatnot. So I'm excited to see how it it pans out this year like like every year. It's just one of my favorite divisions to watch football in. So Lucas computer: Yeah, those like it's always fun to watch. Even though the Browns are playing those teams, it's still an entertaining game to watch. It's like it there's not many blowouts usually, it's just like a slug fest the entire time. yeah, so that's Taylor: Yeah. Like the Browns can stink, but like they always end up beating Pittsburgh or Baltimore in Cleveland once a year. Like they always upset one of those teams. So you can never Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: take it easy in a divisional matchup, and it's one of my favorite ones. Lucas computer: Yeah, for sure. For sure. That's that's why I wanted to start with the AFC North, because it's it's just a fun team or like fun teams to talk about, fun division to talk about. So yeah, I think we could be spot on with our predictions or one big injury happens or a couple bad games happen and that just swings the entire season. So yeah, we'll see what happens, but it'd be exciting to go back and see if we were right on this or to see if these odds actually pan out to be true in the end. Just with that huge jump, like if I pop this up again, like that jump from the Bengals to the Steelers is very high, especially with Steelers adding more weapons on offense. They got Big Mike, who seemingly everywhere he goes, he just wins, even though it's his first year, he's a Pittsburgh guy. So I think his culture is getting set in there pretty quickly. and they have all their leaders back there as well. Like Cam Hayward, they got Aaron Rodgers, TJ Watt, like all these all these guys that were leaders in the locker room last year are back this year. So I don't I don't see how much changes with that. But seeing them at plus five hundred is just kinda intriguing, especially putting the Bengals up there with them not making too many moves on defense. like not many like big moves. But yeah, we'll see. It'll be interesting interesting to see this year. but that'll be enough for our AFC North talk. We could probably sit here and talk about AFC North for quite a while. we'll get into our next league, our next division, which is the AFC South. And these odds to win. It goes Houston Texans as number one plus one fifteen. Jacksonville Jaguars plus two twenty. Indianapolis Colts plus three sixty. Tennessee Titans plus one thousand. All right, so. A little bit tighter than the last the last odds going through here, but what kind of stands out to you, Taylor, before we get into who we pick to win, what kind of stands out on this list to you for these stand for these odds? Taylor: I'm pretty surprised to see the Jacksonville Jaguars so far behind the Texans. I mean it's not terribly far, but a hundred points if you want to call it that in odds is is quite a bit. Like from plus one fifteen to plus two twenty is a big difference for a team that just went thirteen and four last year and seemingly didn't really lose anybody besides ETN, but they got Bushal Tutin, I can never say his name right. But they got him and they they're pretty high on him and they think he could fill in fill in as an RB one. like right away. So I don't think they're gonna get too much of a drop off in the running back production. So I'm just kind of surprised to see that. It just seems a little bit disrespectful to the Jags, which I I mean, hand up, I did this I did the same thing in my pre my preseason power rankings where I don't have the Jaguars in the in the top ten either. But I think they're a they're Lucas computer: Yeah, I think Taylor: a sneaky team with decent value there at plus two twenty to keep an eye on. Lucas computer: Yeah. We just I think we both just kind of forgot about the Jags and how good they were last year. 'cause they surprised everybody last year too get in the playoffs, but gave the Bills everything they could handle in the playoffs. That's it. Taylor: When I was saying when you don't win a playoff game, I guess it's easy to forget about Lucas computer: Yeah, and there's like we didn't you don't think about the Jags as being a contender in the league. I haven't thought about that in a long, long time. So it was just just strange to see them last year. But yeah, this year, we're still we're all forgetting about They still have quite a few weapons on offense. But let's let you go into your picks. Who do you have for first, second, third, fourth running down this line here? Taylor: All right. first I have the Texans, which it just seems like a easy pick again on number one in the odds, but they got that dominant defense. And I don't think CJ Stroud can be too much worse than he was last year. And Nico Collins was hurt and stuff like that. And David Montgomery. I think that's gonna be a good addition for them on offense. Can rely on him to to pound the rock a little bit, which I think they were missing last year. So they're my division pick to win it all. And then I have the Jaguars at number two. I'm gonna go right down the list of odds here. This is kind of sad, but it just seems it just seemed right. And then the number three I have the Colts as well, with encouraging news hearing Daniel Jones is getting practicing already and getting close to full health. So I think he'll be ready to go right away, which is a good sign for the Colts. And maybe they can surprise some people with that plus three sixty odds. And then the Titans at number four, which they're young and improving, but I think they still may be a year a year or two away from really threatening for anything in the division. So it'll be it'll be a fun young team to watch to see what kind of improvements Cam Award can make. But I think they're definitely still destined for last place in the division. So what about you, Lucas? Did you copy me again or not? Lucas computer: We'll be a little bit different on on Taylor: Nice. Lucas computer: this. but for me, I went with the Texans, of course, being number one. I just with that defense, I think the Texans are gonna be the best in that division yet. And then like they were just shutting teams down the entire year last year. So seeing them all come back, they're gonna be tough to beat. And then like you said, like Montgomery on offense is gonna help. The Tank Dell should be back this year too. he was a really promising young rookie. until he had just a bad leg break, I think it was. Yeah, I think he broke his leg. Taylor: Yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: which is really sad to see. He was just having a really good year that year. And then he got injured again last year. I can't remember what happened last year, but he was out again. so hopefully he can get back to form again this year, like he was and he showed everybody. as his fantasy football owner. I'm really hoping he can get back to form this year. That'd be great. But thought I struck gold in that d dynasty draft. But here he is, two years later from playing. but we'll see. So I'm excited to see kind of what he is. Not a big Stroud fan, but if this team gets to where they need to be or want to be, he's gonna have to really step up his game from last year. Last two years really. Like his rookie year, amazing. Last two years, kinda meh. So if he can step up and feed these monsters that he has on offense. I think that team is really pretty dangerous in the in the AFC in general. but at two I have the Colts. I'm going with the Colts this year because Danny dimes is back coming off of his Achilles and fractured fibula or whatever it was, broken fibular they had last year. So having him healthy when he was healthy last year, that team was the best team in the league. They're eight and two, just like running through teams, scoring a lot of points. They're really fun to watch. So I'm putting the Colts on there. If if he stays healthy, JT stays healthy, I think they can be solid. I think most most of their defense is back, I want to say this year, other than Franklin's coming over to the Packers this year. So they lose him. But I think yeah, I think the Colts this year, that offense, most of them are back. Losing Pittman's gonna be a pretty, pretty big deal. But if they can get get things going with JT again in that run game. Danny Dimes slinging that thing around, looking like an MVP again, like he was last year. I think they could fly up into that two spot and maybe compete for that division, but I don't see them just winning it outright. We'll we'll kind of see what happens. But maybe they can surprise some people again this year. So then at number three, I have Jacksonville. I think there's not like much unknown. Like they bring back a lot of dudes. They have they have some studs in offense. Travis Hunter should be back. So yeah, I think I think the Jags could possibly do what they did last year. Schedule might be a little harder this year. But we'll just kind of see what happens. Like I think those two can flip flop there. but I also think those two could compete against the Texans if they get once out of those two matchups that they have during the year. I think they could sneak up there, which would be kinda cool. but yeah, this those three teams are really kinda intriguing this year 'cause you don't really know what you're gonna get out of them. So that'd be number three for me as a Jags. And then number four, gonna have to be the Titans. we just new coach were very bad last year. Young QB. We'll see. Carnell Tate's looking pretty solid in training camp, so we'll see what he amounts to be. But yeah, there's just there's so much unknown. We really don't know many players on this team either, so it's hard to pick them over any of these other teams who are established with their QB. They have weapons on offense, their defenses are pretty solid, so it's gonna be It'd be tough to pick them over anybody else. But yeah. That's just my rundown. Texans one, Jags at sorry, not Jags. Colts at two, Jags at three, and then Titans at four. Over here looking at the odds instead. But yeah. anything else that just kind of intrigues you about this division here, Taylor? I know we kind of explained each player how their what their outlook is this year, but do you think do you think the Jags could be for real this year? You think they could Contend for this division again? Taylor: I think so for sure. But one funny thing real quick, if you are correct on your placement in the division, your odds would be plus eight hundred and mine's only plus six fifty. So you went with the better odds. So might have to take your bet on that one and sofa you're right. But anyways, that's a fun little thing that I that I saw about picking the divisions correctly and stuff like that. But anyways, I do think the Jaguars for sure can compete in that division. 'Cause Brian Thomas Jr., he struggled last year p quite a bit, especially after his explosive rookie year where he looked like possibly the next dude that's gonna get paid here real soon. So I think he's due for a bounce back and then I like the Tootin getting a better bigger role in the offense. I think he's ready for it. And Trevor Lawrence, he just kinda seems to be getting better every year as well. So I I think they'll be probably pretty close to the Texans. I think it's be another pretty pretty good division race to watch between those two and And possibly the Colts sneaking in there with that's speaking of guys that got paid, Jonathan Taylor. He didn't waste much time capitalizing on the running backs getting paid last year. So he he got a nice little two year extension with like twenty two million a year guaranteed. So he's he's happy as well. So I'm excited to see him have a have a good full year and hopefully stay healthy 'cause he's explosive and so much fun to watch. And being a former badger, I got a special place in my heart for Jonathan Taylor. So I think it's gonna be a Lucas computer: Of course. Taylor: fun division for sure. And yeah, as I mentioned earlier, I'm just excited to see what Montgomery can do in in Houston too, because he's always been second fiddle kind of guy where he's been in his career. So it's it's gonna be fun to see him as the main man, I believe, with Woody Marks being his backup. So I think I think they're gonna be doing some good things in Houston. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, it's gonna be I agree with all that. I think there's one thing with the Jags. There's one photo that came out that I think is the reason I think the Jags could compete in this in this division and possibly the conference, and that's look at Travis Hunter Taylor: Mm. Lucas computer: here. This guy is massive. In one year, this guy is just filled out, he's jacked. He's be locking up Taylor: Been in the gym. Lucas computer: your team's number one wide receiver. He's gonna be all over the field. Hopefully they got him in some offensive packages too would be awesome. But yeah, that's just that's an incre just an insane transformation for a guy. this happens every once in a while, but like having your stud CB coming out and looking like that the next year in training camp is impressive, especially coming off an injury. So I think this is this is just crazy to see that. it just reminds me of like when you'd see Giannis his transformation year to year and just how massive he is. But I know we just keep going on tangents Taylor: Good comparison. Lucas computer: about tangents about these massive dudes, but we gotta talk about it. We're talking football, physical game. I think Travis Hunter plans on not getting injured this year by the looks of it. So we'll see kinda what happens. But yeah. Taylor: One thing we've got to talk about the Titans just a little bit. I got some good friends down here that are they're big Titans fans, they're one of the closest teams for Central Arkansas. But I'm I'm excited to see what Brian Brian Dayball can do with Cam Ward because everywhere Lucas computer: yeah. Taylor: everywhere he's gone, he's had some pretty good success with quarterbacks from Josh Allen to Daniel Jones recently. And he's the the head coach there when the Giants actually won a playoff game. Or did they win I they at least made the playoffs this year. I can't remember. I think they might have won that game. So I think Lucas computer: With with Dayball, I think Taylor: I think the C Lucas computer: they won they won against the Vikings. Taylor: Yes, what I thought I remember they had one one there. So I think Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. A couple of years ago. Taylor: I think Cam Ward's due for a a good good year two and that you mentioned Carnell Tate. That's a good weapon to have. So I I think they're gonna be looking better, just still a couple years away. But I'm I'm excited to see what Dabol Daymol can do with with Cam Ward. Anyways, I don't have too much else to hit on in this division as we we covered a lot there. But I just had to I Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: have to get a little love to the Titans there. So Lucas computer: Yeah, yeah, I I respect it. I respect it. You're welcome, Taylor's friends over in Arkansas. Get a little love. Taylor: And that's one other one other one other guy got paid this week and that was guard Peter Skoronsky. He's he just got four year hundred million dollar deal and became the highest paid guard ever. So it's just every every time these guys sign a deal nowadays it's highest average or highest guaranteed and that's Lucas computer: I know. Taylor: another one from this past week. So there's a lot of happy guys Lucas computer: It's lot of money. Taylor: in NFL this week, so Lucas computer: yeah, so just so much money. So much money out there. It just keeps growing, the league keeps growing. Fan bases are growing in other countries now, which is really cool to see. But yeah, a lot of money. A lot of money out there for these teams to spend. Let's see. We are going to move on to the AFC East. AFC East. This one. This one gets pretty interesting up at the top. Because we got New England, Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: obviously. They had a dynasty. They just ran through this division for so many years when Brady and Velichek were there. but the last year, Patriots came or not, sorry, but the last few years, the Bull the Bills, they have been kind of the team to beat in this league ever since Brady. Was gone. Josh Allen came in. the Bills have really been the team to beat. And once again, this year you're seeing that they have the best odds to win. So Buffalo Bills are at minus 130. This is the first team that's hitting the minus for our odds to win their division. And then the Patriots are second at plus 130. And then there's a huge jump when we get down to the bottom two, which are the Jets coming in as the third best odds at plus two thousand. And then the Dolphins. are at plus four thousand. So huge jump. Huge, huge jump. we're just gonna get into who Taylor thinks is gonna win this division, who he thinks gonna end up at two, three, four as well. Go ahead, Taylor. Taylor: You s you you start this division. I won't see if I copy you. You start this one. Lucas computer: You want me to start? All right. Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: Well, I think starting off with number one, I believe the New England Patriots are gonna come out on top of this division again. so I do like their plus one thirty odds to win this division. I think they get a slight advantage in this division, I think, over the Bills just because Bills a little bit new culture this year. They still like Joe Brady's still been a part of that team for a long time with Josh Allen. But I think they get a slight edge, especially to start the year. and then they added some weapons this year like AJ Brown. They got Dobbs on offense as well. Henderson I think's gonna be a beast this year in his second year as well. Drake May could have been an NFL MVP last year. So I think he takes another another jump this year as well. So I think with all those moves, I'm picking the Patriots to end up number one. in this division. And then number two, obviously gonna go with the Bills. These this could easily flip flop, depending how the year goes with everything, but I think the Bills at two, they still can run into the get into the playoffs. I think I think it's gonna be close. I don't think either one of these teams is just gonna run away at the division. so we'll be tight. Just need to see some things from the Bills to start this year. I know I had them ranked pretty low in my power rankings. still top ten but not Not as far up there as most people would. I know Taylor just hates that I just not high in the Bills this year. I do enjoy the Bills. I like watching the Bills play. I love Josh Allen watching him play, it's fun to watch. but I just think they're gonna end up two once again. And I think maybe after this year they get over that little hump and get to where they want to be. maybe Joe Brady gets them going. But it's gonna be a little bit late, in my opinion. So we'll see what happens. And then at number Three. I'm just kind of jumping past all these odds, not using these odds at all for my picks. I'm going with the Dolphins. I think the Miami Dolphins are going number three in this division. I cannot trust the Jets. They didn't even get an interception last year on defense. So why would I try to pick them for the top three in this division? No idea. So they also got trade-aways sauce Gardner last year, their best cornerback. So if they wanted to get some interceptions this year, did not help their chances with that. But I like the Dolphins. I like Jeff Hafley. I think him stepping in there is gonna be awesome to see. And then Malik Willis. I'm excited to see him play. Hope he balls out this year for them as well. but I think those matchups I think the Dolphins playing the Jets, I could see the Dolphins winning those those matchups with them. So that's why I have them at three. and then Jets obviously four. But yeah, I won't get too much into the Dolphins and Jets. I don't know how many people wanna listen listen to those two teams who have very bad odds to win even get to the playoffs, let alone win their division Taylor: Yes. Lucas computer: or anything like that. So we'll see. See what kind of happens with those. Taylor: Is your dad is your dad still a Dolphins fan? Lucas computer: He is. What's up, Pops? I know you know you're been sad with these Dolphins this last how many years. He's actually in Hawaii right now, so he's he's not listening to this. He's enjoying he's enjoying his time. I'm sure he doesn't want to hear my takes on the Dolphins this year. but I do have some other people. Taylor: Shout out Dale. Lucas computer: Yeah. Big Pete, I know Pete Pete Hoffmeister out there. Shout out. Dolphins fan. I'm sorry that you gotta be put through all this misery. But he's also a Duke fan, so there he's not a lot of misery going on in for his fandom, but enough about the Dolphins, enough about the Jets. Taylor, who did you pick for your top four here? Taylor: quick fun fact, the Dolphins have the worst odds to make the playoffs in the AFC. So that's a that's a bold pick, but you know to pick them last in the division. So I like I like it though, going out on a limb. Lucas computer: Who's who's the second worst odds in that? Taylor: The Jets. Lucas computer: Yeah, that's what I thought. Taylor: Yeah. But anyways, so that's just a interesting division as Lucas went through all the odds already to see. Two pretty big favorites for even just the conference in general and then the probably the worst two teams in the conference. So it's it's interesting division. But my picks are kinda going with chalk here again, but it's just I don't even look at the odds before this, but just kinda came out this way again that I'm gonna go with the Bills. Lucas computer: This guy just he does he can't think for himself, that's all. He's just who's got the best odds? I'm just gonna I'm gonna pick them. He doesn't have any hot takes on this. Taylor: Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. but anyways, Lucas is gonna be wrong, so my picks will be right. But yeah, w we're gonna go with the Bills, number one, just to win the division. They're just Josh Allen's so good and I just don't see them losing that division again. But the DJ Moore edition, they're they're gonna do some good things on offense and James Cook was one of the best running backs last year. Kincaid a a good looking young tight end. And then Joe Brady step is stepping in and changing the culture a little bit. And I think he's gonna do some good things. Just get some new energy in there. And I think they're gonna take back the division from the Patriots, who I picked to be number two. And as Lucas said, they got that good good new wide receiver duo there for Drake May to help him maybe get over the hump and win N V P this year. So it'll be fun to see what he does in year three. And if he gets even even better from what he did last year, that'd be pretty amazing. But he's got such a beautiful deep ball. He's he's another fun one to watch. Patriots Bills matchup, those are must see T V for probably the next five, ten years now with Allen versus Drake May. Those are be a lot of fun to watch, especially this year with the Bills in that new stadium and trying to get back to being the division champions. And number three, I s went with the Jets because I'm not gonna hate on Geno Smith coming back home to New York. It's a b a big pickup for the Jets this year, getting Geno Smith to come back there. Lucas computer: Yeah, we'll s we'll see about that. But Taylor: But yeah, I I yeah, they got Garrett Wilson, they drafted that Cooper, I can't remember his first name right now, Omar Cooper maybe from Indiana at the end of the first round, and they got Lucas computer: Yeah. Yep. Yep. Taylor: Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon, a young athletic tight end. And they got David Bailey early in the draft as well. So they got three first round picks coming in, so some good young talent. I think They're gonna they can't be much worse than last year. And as you said, no interceptions. So and Aaron Glenn being the defensive guy he is, it's gotta get a little bit better. So I think I think they're ready for that tiny little bit of improvement. And they could still be bad and maybe get Arch Manning next year and look forward to the future. But we'll save that for a later podcast as well. But then then we go with the Dolphins finishing last. They just they lost a lot of talent. And then They didn't really do a whole lot in free agency to be aggressive. And then no Tyree Kill this year, no Jalen Waddles. They don't really have any proven pass catchers. And I I don't even know who their starting tight end would be. So they got Devon A Chan and that's about it on offense, which is it's a pretty electric option to have. A Chan. And I think he's due Lucas computer: Is Taylor: for a big year for sure. But what are you gonna say? Lucas computer: Is is Waller still there? Darren Waller? Taylor: that's a good question. I'm gonna have to look that real quick. Lucas computer: Tight end. I know he just kinda came out of retirement to come play with them last year, but Taylor: Yeah, I couldn't remember if he resigned or not. But yeah, then I think it's gonna be fun watching Malik Willis getting his opportunity to be the starter. And it's not it's Greg Dolchich came there from Denver, I believe. So I don't know where Waller ended up at. Maybe he went back to retirement. But Lucas computer: He's like, you know what, this team's not very good. Not coming back here. Taylor: Yeah, I think with Malik running some maybe some little options with Achan, he could be somewhat of a interesting run game to watch and maybe something to look forward for Dolphins fans. But other than that, I can't think of anything too hopeful for y'all. And I mean it's always kind of fun to watch some young guys get a chance to place and maybe you'll be surprised by their they drafted I think two at least two wide receivers, if not three, so a lot of lot of new guys getting chance to To make an impact down there. And they're a team that's set up for the future as well. They made some moves to get future draft picks. So they're not trying to win a whole lot this year. But I'm excited for Halfley to to be the man down there and see what he can do with the defense and just a good culture guy. So maybe they'll have some promising things to look forward to. But I think this year's gonna be a little rough down there in Miami, so that's why I picked them to be last. And if we look at our predictions again, Lucas has better odds, of course, because I just go with chalk, so you know, not too exciting. But my picks would be plus two two sixty-five, which seems pretty low, which is kind of crazy for picking all the exact placements. But that's what happens when you have two heavy favorites and two teams that are not gonna finish first or second. It doesn't help your odds very much. And Lucas's would be you would plus five fifty. So about three hundred points better than mine. So look at you going out on a limb there. Lucas computer: Yeah, I'm hitting that. I'm hitting that. As soon as we get off this, I'm hitting that bet. these odds are all from Taylor: Well enjoy the loss, so Lucas computer: Yeah, I'm pretty good at losing bets too, so if you guys wanna win bets, probably listen to Taylor. Don't don't go for them high odds that I'm always going for. But you know, you gotta gotta shoot your shot. So I am. I do want to mention these odds are all from FanDuel. DraftKings will have a little bit different ones. just kinda depends where you make your bets. ESPN bets I don't go on, so I'm not sure what those are on, but DraftKings is probably pretty similar to ESPN bet, so we'll see. But Yeah, all these are from FanDuel. I will say I'm probably pretty high on the Delphins just because of Jeff Halfley being there and Malik Willis. I'm just hoping that those guys can just get some success down there. It's not gonna be a ton. Like you said, there's not many good players on that team around them. So we'll see kind of what what happens. But I'm excited to kind of watch some of their games, see how they do this year, how they can adjust to things. And then Jets, shout out Braylon Allen. I'm apologizing because Taylor: Mm, yeah. Lucas computer: I'm sorry, I think your jets are gonna be very bad again this year, but you're a monster, so I hope you do well. But other than that, they also did my boy A Rod a a disservice there. A little did him dirty, but we'll move on. We'll we'll stop talking jets and dolphins here. We're gonna get into Taylor: You keep you you kinda answered my question I was gonna ask you, like what first year head coach you're looking forward to seeing more is Brady or Halfley, but you already mentioned how much you're excited to see Halfly and that's probably just 'cause we got to watch him the last couple of years in Green Bay and have a a good fun defense with good culture and whatnot. So I I would agree with that as well. But Joe Brady will be interesting to see too, and I think I think both of them are gonna be good coaches for a while. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I agree with that. I think they're both gonna be gonna be there for I don't wanna say like long term, but I think they're gonna be there for at least a few years here to try to turn things around. Brady, I think I mean he comes into a better situation, but I think him he's just like he's gotta get them over the hump. He's gotta get them to a like AFC championship game or or bust really for them. especially with Josh Allen at at the helm. So we'll see what they do. Yeah. Taylor: A lot more pressure early on for sure. That's a good point. Lucas computer: Yeah, like halfly he's gonna have a lot more time to get some solid six like solid players around and then get some success. But it's gonna be just establish the culture this year for the Dolphins and hopefully build off of it. Hopefully they make some moves for that team this year because they need they need some new new players in there. I know that there's a lot of young guys in there. We'll see what happens, but definitely gotta get some new guys in there. but we're gonna move on to Taylor: I signed two two at well. So that's exciting. Lucas computer: You go get yourself a wide receiver three. Possibly gonna be your wide receiver one. We'll see. But I'm Taylor: Yeah. Fast. Lucas computer: just they're trying to be all speed, which that could be fun to watch. Playing in the warm weather, you guys could play fast pretty much all year round. It'd be fun to see. And lastly, we're gonna get into the NFC West. Taylor: I yes, he was. Lucas computer: So my gosh, I'm sorry. AFC West. NFC will be next week. Our AFC West odds. This one gets a little interesting. Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: We have the Chiefs coming in at number one. Best odds. This this gets really tight up at the top. These top three are pretty tight, but the Chiefs, the books, the sports books, I think the Chiefs are gonna come back and get up on top of this division again. They're at plus one seventy-five. The Chargers are at plus one ninety coming in second. And the team that won the division last year got to the AFC Championship game, probably With a healthy quarterback in the end, probably could have been in the Super Bowl last year, competing for a Super Bowl. That's Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos come in at plus two ten. So they have them at the third best odds to win the division that they won last year. Returning their defense, adding weapons on offense, getting their quarterback back in his third year. It's just strange. Strange to us. We'll get into it a little bit more as you get closer here. But and then we have the Raiders coming in at plus. fifteen hundred. So it's gonna be quite a spread for the Raiders there. Maybe Kirk Cousins, Kirk O'Chains, maybe he'll get the team run and get them up there. Well we'll see. you want me to go first on this Taylor? Taylor: Yeah, might as well. We'll go two and two that way. Lucas computer: Yeah, that sounds good. So for me, I am not trusting the sportsbooks on this right now. I'm not trusting the Chiefs to come out on top of this division. I'm going with the Broncos. I think they repeat. I think they got Waddle on offense now as well. They got Colton Sutton as well on offense. So like those two guys on both ends of the field, I think can be huge for them. Nick's coming back. he broke. Was it he broke his ankle? Is that what happened? Taylor: Maybe technically fractured, but all the same. So yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: Or fractured. Yeah. but he'll be back ready to go as well. He had a really solid year last year. was pretty exciting to watch as well. That defense was just suffocating last year, so the bringing most of those guys back. I don't see why this team can't repeat. so I have the Broncos at number one. Number two, this is where we mix it up even more again. So it's gonna be I got the Chiefs coming in at number two. I'm a little worried about weapons on offense. I don't know if Kelsey Can still produce how he used to in his prime. And then Kenneth Walker, I think they're gonna try to ride him quite a bit, especially starting out this year with Mahomes still coming back from that ACL. so we'll see. We'll see what kind of happens there. And then at number three, I have the Chargers. I got the Chargers coming in at number three. I don't know what they all added offensively, to be honest with you, but defensively, I think they'll still be pretty solid. But yeah, like I don't know how the Chargers win this division. So I'm really thinking they're gonna be number three this year. Herbert, we don't know what Justin Herbert's doing in training camp. He's got his girl there. They're smooching on the sidelines. We don't know what's going on with Herbert. Does this guy want to play football or not? All right. That's not me talking. That's Taylor: I mean, I I can't blame you know, but Lucas computer: Yeah, this guy. What what's this guy doing over here? We're trying to play we're trying to win football games. This guy's over here smooching with his girl in front of everybody. He don't care. He's not he's not focused on ball. We gotta be focused on ball. Goodness. Taylor: that's funny. He's got another month to get ready for it. So he's he's gotta focus on the new fiance first. Can't blame him. Lucas computer: True. True. Well, we'll see. We'll see what happens to them Chargers. I can't believe Harbaugh's letting this happen. I mean, he's gotta be this guy's gotta be locked in on ball. I don't know what he's doing, but he'll get figured out. But yeah, I got the Chargers anyway at number three. And then coming in at number four, we got the Las Vegas Raiders. Not much to say about them. We'll see what they can do. I think their defense will be pretty solid this year. I think they'll give people some fits, which would be kind of fun to watch. Offensively, we'll see. Genty's still there if Cousins can sling that rock like he could a couple years ago. We'll see what happens there. But that'll be an interesting team to follow this year. I know I got some bets featured up for them. But yeah, that's my one through four. I got the Broncos coming in at number one, the Chiefs coming in at number two, Chargers at three, and the Raiders at four. But I'm gonna let Taylor go into his, see where we defer on this. Go ahead, Taylor. Taylor: Maybe a bit surprising, but I did not follow the chalk this time. So I I went with the Broncos to win the division. So pick the third best odds to win the division. That's kinda crazy for me, after how the first three divisions went. But I'm with you. I don't know how the Broncos are third to win the division. I know their schedule may be a little bit hard, but it's hard every year in the NFL. And they're just so good on defense. They got two of the better guys with Nick Bonito and Pat Sertan on defense. Well, that's a Crazy one-two combo off for for that side of the ball. And then you got two good running backs, two good receivers that you mentioned. And Bo Nicks going into year three. So I think I think he's due for a for a a solid season for sure. And I've I just like that a lot. A plus two ten for them to win the division. And for second place, I'm gonna go with the Los Angeles Chargers. I think Mike McDaniel is gonna be a big impact there for the run game, for everything on offense. He's just a fun fun coordinator to watch him scheme up his guys and use that speed of Keaton Mitchell and Videl and O'Marion Hampton in the backfield. That's three good running backs and McDaniel loves using running backs. So I I'm excited to see what he can do there. And Herbert Herbert's good. I he's a he just is always he's good and then he has those bad weeks. So he's just gotta get that good consistency down. and just really perform all year long if he's not too distracted on the sideline as as Lucas mentioned. But I definitely have them as my second favorite team or my second place team in that division because I just can't pick the Chiefs. Like it's anti Chiefs down here in the South. There's too many Chiefs fans in Arkansas and I'm just sick of hearing about him. But I'm gonna hear about him for the next in the next decade. 'Cause Pat Pat's not leaving any time soon. And as long as he's there, they'll probably be p favorites to win the division every year no matter How bad they looked the year before, how little they do to help the offense in the offseason besides Kenneth Walker. Still have the same weapons. Can Rasheed Rice even stay on the field? That's a a question every year. And I just I just don't understand how they're favored to win the division. But that's what do I know? I'm just I'm just Taylor, so I I don't know what I'm talking about. But but we'd love to see the Chiefs struggle again. So that's why I picked them to be third place. But anyways, that's my Chiefs rant for the day. and then fourth place would be the Raiders. As we know the Raiders they were a little rough last year and they got that first overall pick with Mendoza and they brought Kirk Cousins in, so the quarterback play is should be a little bit better for sure. With no more Geno Smith there. And yeah. Kirk seems fired up. He's fighting with Max Crosby in training camp. So I I wish there was a video of that. I did not see video of that. So that's unfortunate, but that Lucas computer: Yeah, why where's where's the social media team? We need to see Kirk and Crosby just going at it, swinging helmets at each other. Nothing. I'm sure. Taylor: Yeah. Yeah. Pr pr pretty wild sounding fight. Lucas computer: I'm sure there was no cameras. No cameras visible out there. Nobody pulled out their phone to capture that for us. Wild. Just wild. Taylor: But yeah, Kirk Kirk seemed fired up, so we'll see what Kirk can do and see how long he keeps that starting job. So maybe they'll be a little bit better than last year, but I don't see the playoffs in their future, and they were the third worst odds to make the playoffs on the AFC, right ahead of the Jets and the Dolphins. And as I did the last couple divisions, if you follow my bet, it would be plus eight hundred. And Lucas has the lower odds of plus seven fifty this time. So look at me going out on a limb, taking the bigger odds and and I'll be right again. So Lucas computer: About time. About time. Taylor: we'll see how the year ends up. But I like I like my picks there. But Lucas computer: Nice. Taylor: any anything major you wanna point out in this division real quick, Lucas? Lucas computer: let's see. just looking at this, I think I think the Raiders odds could be a little bit better on this. Taylor: So you're a big you're a big Raiders fan this year, huh? Lucas computer: I'm big on the Raiders. I don't know why. I think it's just like the pieces that they brought in. Like we we talked about all the guys that they brought in in the off season. They keep Crosby Taylor: Yeah, that's true. Lucas computer: as well. And then I think you got a veteran quarterback there who's now two years removed from that Achilles, so I think he's gonna look a lot better this year too. Genty, I think he could have a breakout season as well over there. So we'll see. It's gonna be interesting. I think I think they can make a little run. this year. This is a tough division for them to win a lot of games in, but I think with the rest of their schedule they could compete with those those other teams that they're gonna have in their schedule. But yeah, I think I'm pretty high on the Raiders this year. We'll see. We'll see what happens. But yeah. Taylor: Yeah, it's tough to have to play those three teams twice a year. Like that's that's that's hard. But Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: we'll see what Mike McDonald can do in his first year as a head coach. That'll be that'll be interesting to to keep an eye out for. Lucas computer: Cool. Well, with that being said, that is it for the AFC West. Don't have too much to chat about with that. We'll see if the Chiefs are still the Chiefs this year. But we have the Chargers and Broncos looming right there. We'll see if the Chargers can finally break through. One quick thing I want to mention actually. I'm seeing a lot of talk about like Justin Herbert and Jordan Love are getting like compared. Like they have their stats are very similar, just eerily similar. But Jordan Love's getting a lot of flack for not winning in the playoffs. but he's been getting to the playoffs every year. Herbert. Taylor: He's got one win. Lucas computer: Yeah, got one, right? but there's a lot of flack for like Jordan Love should be getting to Super Bowls and winning all these games Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: and stuff like that. but that's it's not the same not the same story over there for the Targers. Like Herbert, he just there's excuse after excuse for him. Like other things going on. Everyone's like, the coaching's not good. his players around him aren't very good and just kind of throwing out those Taylor: Injuries. Lucas computer: yeah, and just like like throwing out those excuses for him. like the Packers have had injuries on that team. Every year that love's been there. Sometimes it has been Jordan Love that's been injured. Still putting out the same stats, right? So I just want to throw that out there because if we're gonna talk down on one guy, let's let's make sure we're doing it to everybody if we're gonna do that. So but we could also just be uplifting these guys instead, right? You actually you don't need excuses. That's that's Taylor: That doesn't get clicks. Come on. Lucas computer: true. Can't be nice and positive all the time. It'd be stupid. But Taylor: that's funny. Lucas computer: Anyway, but I just want to throw out there. We'll be talking Packers. We'll be talking NFC in the next episode. So that'll be kind of fun to get into. but other than that, I'm looking forward to this division. This is gonna be this is gonna be a fight in this one, which be kind of fun to see. The Chiefs has just been rolling through these guys the last how many years, so it'd be fun to watch them compete against them. Taylor: One one last quick thing will be the the Chiefs with their pretty pretty new looking defense with losing both their cornerbacks and or two defensive backs and they're both on the Rams now. So they they're gonna have some new pieces back there with that man Sor Delane was what was one of their first round picks. He's supposed to be a pretty good cornerback when he gets fully right and healthy. I believe he blew out his knee last year with the ACL so that made him fall a little bit in the draft, but the Chiefs scooped him up and hoping he can be be a guy for them. But it It'll be interesting to see you that the defense when you get a bunch of changes. So hopeful hopefully they suck, but we'll see what happens. So Lucas computer: Yeah, not big Chiefs fans over here, if you can tell. But we'll see. We'll see what happens. I'm excited for this this division as well. With that being said, what which one of these divisions are you excited about the most? Other let's say other than AFC North, we kind of mentioned that you and I both really like watching that division, falling that division every year. But this year, is there any like division that kind of stands out that you're like, hey, I might actually tune in and watch more of these these games in this division? Taylor: Well, me being the football fanatic that I am, I'll watch any football game. But I think Lucas computer: Generally. Taylor: my my favorite favorite games for this for the AFC will definitely be the Patriots and Bills, as I said. That's that's must must watch T V, especially with how good the Patriots were last year kind of out of nowhere. And we'll see if they can do it again this year. And then Josh Allen, he's always he's always must watch when he's on TV. And then my other one that I that I'm really looking forward to is the Broncos and Chiefs. Just so hopefully the Broncos can continue looking good and put the Chiefs in third place in the division like I predicted. But that those are always fun, aggressive physical matchups with both of them always having pretty solid defenses and good quarterback play now and good head coaches with Sean Payton and Andy Reid going way back in the day, been around for a long time. Those would be good matchups for sure to watch. But those those are my two, huh? What what about you? Lucas computer: Yeah, I think I mean I talked about the Dolphins quite a bit, but I don't know how fun the Dolphins are gonna be to watch this year. but I am just in I'm gonna be intrigued for the first few games to see how they're how they're matching up with teams. other than that, I'd I'd say like this AFC South is actually interesting to me because are the Colts gonna be what they were last year? Are the Jags gonna do what they did last year? Is that Texans defense gonna be as stout as they were last year? So there's a lot of questions. For those teams. there's also a lot of hopes for those teams to be successful this year again. So I think that'll be interesting. And then like the Titans are just kind of interesting because can Sala just kind of focus on the defense and get those boys buzzing? Like with the Jets, they were a pretty solid defense still with him up there when he was head coach. So if he can have this Titans defense kind of flying around and doing like what a Robert Sala defense does and looks like, I think they could be interesting to watch. And be it's exciting to see Cam Ward take a jump as well this second year. But that's just an interesting league. So I could see those top three teams, I could see any of those three winning this division. so I'll probably tune into more of those this year. Other than that, yeah, go ahead. Taylor: Do you think any team has a chance to go from worst to first in the division? And the teams that finished last last year were the Jets, Browns, Titans, and Raiders. So any hot takes there? Any bold predictions? Lucas computer: I don't think I can take any of those teams to do a complete one eighty and and Taylor: do you? Lucas computer: take the top, but you know Yeah, Taylor: I thought you maybe picked the Raiders there, but Lucas computer: I was hype I've been hyping up the Raiders. We'll see. Maybe they can they can make a jump, but then you look at the Broncos, the Chargers, the the Chiefs coming back with Mahomes this year, so we'll see. I think Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: some of those teams maybe fight for third, but I couldn't see them getting out there. Like if I could see like the Colts dropping. And the Titans slide up to third or something like that, but Taylor: If i if he made me pick one, I would probably say the Browns, just 'cause they're unknown at quarterback. But if Deshaun Watson looks somewhat of a decent quarterback, then and maybe their defense balls out and he's got some decent weapons around him with that Samson and Judkins and the the running backs and Harold Fannon tight end and some Denzel Boston I think they drafted him and Jerry Judy. Like it I mean, I'm not betting that I would never pick that. But if you if you Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: made me made me pick one, that would probably be the one I would go with. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. It'll be interesting what what the Browns look like this year. And we're gonna get into their QB battle a little bit more too in a little bit, but yeah, that's a pretty good pick. Just going with them to I don't know about winning that division, but they're gonna compete with those teams for sure, I think. As long as they can solidify the Q B position and then there's weapons around the QB as well on offense. So we'll kinda see what happens. But other than that, we are about to get into our Playoff pictures. Each one of us has come up with our playoff pictures. Obviously, if you're following along, our divisional winners will be those top four teams in playoffs. but then to see who we think is gonna slide in there and make it a close race and get into those wild card positions and then who we are leaving out, who we think is just gonna miss the playoffs. But before we get into that, I just want to quickly go through and show our conference odds for the entire AFC. So who has the best odds to come out on top of this conference? And then who has the worst odds? And there's a couple teams not even on this graphic because they are so low. I'll have Taylor tell you who those who those teams are, what their odds are at at the bottom of this. But Taylor: when we talked about the AFC East, y'all heard us talk about the Jets and the Dolphins having the worst odds to make the playoffs. So that would in fact leave them as the last two teams not even on the graphic for AFC Championship winners. Which they were like plus fifteen hundred or fifteen thousand, something like that. So those those two teams are the way down there. So if you want to take those, go for it, but we do not recommend that. But Lucas computer: Yeah, that'd be definitely fifteen thousand. Cause right now at the bottom, the Cleveland Browns are on the bottom of this at plus Taylor: Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Lucas computer: looks like ten thousand. Plus ten thousand. So if you're gonna put five bucks on the Browns to win AFC championship, feel free. You could be a big winner. But you could also be just throwing Taylor: Go to Sean Watson. Lucas computer: yeah, you just be throwing away that money. So you do you. I'm not gonna tell you how to bet. Bet responsibly, but I'm not gonna tell you how to bet. Unless you want to Taylor: Do you do you have a a favorite pick for the AFC championship winner or you wanna save that for a future podcast? Lucas computer: My favorite pick, why are they going? Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: It'd be my playoff picture. You'll see. You'll see. it'll probably change. It'll change in Taylor: okay, okay. Well, the one scene Yeah, okay. Lucas computer: in a couple weeks, probably, but you know, Taylor: All right. Lucas computer: but I'm just gonna quickly run down this list. The best odds to win the AFC Championship are the Buffalo Bills at plus five hundred, and then we have the Ravens plus five fifty, so that's very tight at the top. And it goes Texans, Chiefs, Patriots, Chargers, Bengals, Broncos, Jags, Colts, Steelers, Titans. Raiders, Browns, and it goes Jets, Delphins at the end. Is that what it was? Right. Yeah, so I think one big thing that stands out to me is the Broncos just in the FC Championship game last year. What are they on this list? Two, four, six. They're eighth right now. Eighth best odds Taylor: Praising. Lucas computer: to win this AFC championship. That is kind of absurd after pretty much returning the entire team and getting some more weapons on offense. So like how do they have the eighth best odds? How do the Bengals jump them from what they did last year till now? How do the Chargers jump them? I mean the Chiefs I understand because they're the Chiefs, but what's your take on that, Taylor? Why do you think they drop down so low? Taylor: I honestly don't really know. I I mean I usually think Vegas is is pretty smart, but this one is a little questionable. So yeah. And I'm looking at the strength of schedule and it's pretty close between the Chiefs, Broncos and Chargers just because that division is pretty good. So when you play those other two teams that I mentioned twice a year, it's gonna make your strength of schedule pretty pretty hard. But yeah, like they're they're right there with each other in the strength of schedule. So I'm really not sure. I just think Vegas likes the Chiefs too much and I will continue to not like the Chiefs that much. So I just Lucas computer: There you go. Taylor: yeah, I really I really don't get it. The Bengals one is the most baffling. I really don't understand that one. But the other ones Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah that Taylor: I could maybe see the reason, but definitely not with the Bengals. So a little preview, I'm definitely Lucas computer: Yeah, I have no idea. Taylor: gonna go with the Broncos to win the AFC at plus one thousand. Sign me up for that. Lucas computer: Yeah, looking at those, that's that's definitely the best odds. We're gonna get into our futures right before the season as well. Probably just make one episode Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: on futures and bets that we're excited for and looking forward to why we think those are gonna happen. But yeah, I think the the Broncos are the hit here. Like that's a pretty I don't wanna call it safe, but that's just a good bet to throw down for this for the best odds. otherwise you can pick one of those top teams. Taylor: Yeah. The the the Broncos are eleventh in strength schedule and the Chiefs are twelfth. So they're literally right there with each other. So that's that Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: can't be the reason. So Lucas computer: Yeah, we have we have no idea. Maybe we're gonna become a Chiefs hate podcast. We'll see. We'll see what happens. See how the year plays out. But yeah, it's be interesting. Interesting with these odds just looking at these. Makes sense. Those cut top three at the top there, the the Bills, the Ravens, the Texans. All playoff teams last year. All teams that I well, sorry, the Ravens were not last year. but bringing back everybody. Ravens are healthy this year. Yeah. Taylor: They're really close. They're really close. Lucas computer: Very close. I think the Ravens, like a Ravens, Texans playoff matchup would have been really fun last year. But yeah. I think maybe we'll get that this year. That'd be sweet to see. But yeah, just looking at those, it just makes sense why those teams are at the top. Patriots at five, that makes sense. The Chargers are a little suspect being that high, my opinion, but yeah, it's a big one is just the Broncos. Like we don't know why the Broncos are down so far. And I'm not even A big Broncos fan. I just think that's a really good football team. So I'm just surprised to see them that far down. But and they were our picks to win that division. And there's two teams in their division above them. So we'll see. We'll see what happens in this. Anything else to add to this championship odds here, Taylor? Taylor: not really. You broke it down pretty good there. And yeah, all the stuff we said earlier when we broke down each division applies to these teams too in the grand scheme of things. So yeah, Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Taylor: I think we're good to go with that. Lucas computer: Cool. Yeah, we wanted to throw this up there. Give a nice visual to see kind of where these teams actually end up in the grand scheme of things, not just their division. But yeah, obviously if they win their division, they get in. So that's where we kind of put more focus on just winning that division, trying to get in. But there's their odds to win the entire thing. We're gonna get into our playoff pictures now. Some of these teams will be kind of obvious, but these are also kind of where we put them. record wise where we think they were gonna end up amongst everybody. So you wanna do mine or yours first, see? Taylor: Let me go first. Why not? Lucas computer: Alrighty. We are gonna pop up Taylor's playoff predictions. Da da da da da. Taylor: yeah, that looks beautiful, man. Those are really good predictions. Lucas computer: All right, Taylor, you wanna explain? Yeah, go ahead, go all you Taylor: But let's just start off. Yeah. Sorry, didn't we cut you off? But first off, we'll go with the Broncos getting the number one seed again this year. Maybe that's why Vegas doesn't like so much this year, 'cause it is hard to be the number one team back to back years. But I think if any team can do it, it would be the Broncos with all the talent they have on both sides of the ball. And then two, we go with the Bills, three Ravens, four Texans. And then my wild card teams would be the Patriots at five, the Chargers at six, and Steelers at seven. And my two just missed bubble teams would be the Chiefs and the Bengals. So I think those teams have a little bit too many question marks for me right now at this point in the year with the defensive side of the ball. I think both offenses are gonna be all right, but the defenses worry me there. So that's why I have those as my bubble teams. What do you got for your playoff picture, Lucas? Lucas computer: For my playoff picture, I have the number one seed being the New England Patriots. And then at number two, I have the Ravens at three. I have the Texans at four. I have the Broncos at five. Starting out our wild card is the Bills, and then I have six, the Steelers, and then seven sneaking in are the Chiefs. And my two teams that are just missing the playoffs, I have the Chargers and the Bengals, two teams that I chose as coming in at third for their divisions. so with just a quick breakdown, kinda why I chose all this. I think the Patriots, the Patriots can get a lot of wins this year again. I think they're just gonna kind of feed off the momentum and just like that frustration of getting to the Super Bowl and losing. so I think they come out hot, they're coming out firing. And then Ravens, I think they can Really get a lot of wins from not just their division, but just overall just not quite having as tough of a schedule. there are some teams on there that are tough, but I think they can kind of prevail this year. Last year they were losing to a lot of those teams. And then the Texans at three, Broncos at four. These are pretty interchangeable up in here, but I think just those divisions, like the Texans for sure, I think they can win a lot of games in their divisions. The Broncos are gonna be competing a lot, but that defense, I think they're Just kind of hold their own against all those really good teams and then just gotta go out and win. So Bills, Steelers, and Chiefs coming at the end. I think the Bills, they're gonna be very close to the Patriots trying to win that division, but just not getting quite enough wins against these other teams. and then Steelers, Chiefs, I think they're just gonna sneak into the playoffs this year, finishing up second in their divisions. but yeah, I think we're gonna see, as much as Taylor does not want to see it, I think the Chiefs are gonna fight their way back and get in. Not too many people high in the Chiefs right now to sneak into these playoffs or get in the playoffs, so we'll see. That's just people talking. Taylor: I'ma I'ma validate your point real quick about the Ravens having an easy schedule. According to the sharp football analytics, the Ravens have the fifth easiest schedule in football. But the Bengals Lucas computer: There you Taylor: have the second easiest schedule. So that's help me pick them to be my bubble team as well. But anyways, love looking Lucas computer: Thanks. Taylor: at the strength of the schedule, it's fun to look at that. Lucas computer: See, I knew that. So that's why I had this the Ravens at two. Just Taylor: I like it. Lucas computer: off the top of my head, just knowing they didn't finish up as well as they would have liked to last year. Probably not going to be as tough as a schedule this year, but yeah, stats are just fun to look at and get you excited for the upcoming season. Especially when your team is that has a pretty weak schedule. You gotta look forward to Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: that. But so that just wraps up our playoff predictions. So once again, Taylor has Number one seed, the Broncos two, the Bills, Ravens three, Texans, four, Patriots five, Chargers six, Steelers seven. And then he has the Chiefs, Bengals missing out this year yet again. For myself, I have the Patriots at one, Ravens at two, Texans at three, Broncos at four, Bills at five, Steelers at six, Chiefs at seven, and I have the Chargers and Bengals just missing out. So Those are our playoff predictions. We've gone through the odds for all these teams, but that's just overall our breakdown of the AFC conference this year. So Taylor: I AFC's pretty wide open this year, so it's gonna be a fun conference to watch. Be some good matchups. Lucas computer: Yeah, just looking at like just looking at all those teams on that list for the AFC, it's there's quite a few. Quite a few that you could easily see just getting into the playoffs. Like there's like that top half, you could see all those teams getting into the playoffs. and then you can see a lot of those teams just getting a top four seed, like winning their division, being a top four seed, getting to the AFC championship. there's just like there's just a few teams at the bottom that no one really expects to get in, which would be Delphins, Jets Browns, Titans, Raiders, Taylor: The writers. Lucas computer: like yeah. So but the rest of these teams Taylor: Yeah, there's there's pretty much like twelve teams going for the seven playoff spots. So that's gonna be some good good drama and good football to watch. Lucas computer: Yeah, yeah, I agree. So it'll be interesting. It's pretty wide open. there's no clear cut favorite. Like in the past we've had the Chiefs are usually one of the favorites up there all the time. The Bills have kind of been in Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: that running, but just haven't actually done it. and then the Patriots had their dynastic run, so it's exciting. It's like to have an open AFC this year. So we're looking forward to that. That wraps up our talk about the AFC. We're gonna just quickly go into what's happening. In the league this week, which is preseason week one. We got some games coming up later this week that we're kind of looking forward to. We're just gonna headline some of these games that are happening, mostly because of the quarterback battles that are still going on. So we're just gonna kind of touch on those. get some graphics for you. The Browns love giving out their graphics. We're gonna share their graphics Taylor: Mm-hmm. Lucas computer: with you guys quick. but just some games to watch. So number one. Game to watch. I shouldn't say it's not number one, but our first game to watch this weekend will be the Packers versus Steelers on August thirteenth. And we're just excited about this game because it's just historic. Like this two historic franchises, and now we have Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy playing against their former team, Jordan Love going to Pittsburgh, seeing his predecessor again. So obviously none of these guys are probably gonna play in this game, but it's just kind of a cool game that's coming up. Two really awesome franchises, historic franchises. that I'm just kinda looking forward to just kinda Taylor: And that's the that's Lucas computer: what's it? Taylor: sorry, you keep going. Lucas computer: I was just gonna say it. I'm just excited to like tune in to like the first, like pre game, the first quarter, kinda see all the interactions with everybody. I think that'll be kind of fun. But other than that, anything to add for this game, Taylor? Taylor: No, I was gonna say that's just the first one on the schedule this week coming up on Thursday at six o'clock and it's gonna be on NFL Network. So easy to watch along live to check out the first game of the preseason week one, technically. So but Lucas computer: Yes, sir. Taylor: yeah, you you said it perfectly, Mc I always love when the Rogers and love can chat it up a little bit. It's always fun watching that interaction. So for sure. Lucas computer: you know, you know, Aaron, he's such an awful teammate. Guys just don't want to talk to him after they see him when he leaves the team. But I just just love love the Taylor: Hot take. Lucas computer: narratives out there for some players, some guys that just end up being proven wrong all the time. But yeah, I'm excited for that game just because of you know, we follow the Packers, obviously we're big Packer fans. but also seeing the Steelers as well. We've been following the Steelers quite a bit too. I know Taylor used to love watching the Steelers We when we were in high school, that was one of his favorite teams to watch too, with Big Ben and all those guys too. So we're yeah. Taylor: Mm-hmm. Troy Palomalu and James Harrison on defense. Those those are fun defenses to watch back in the day. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. So it like we've been following those two teams for a long time, follow even more now with Rodgers being there. Now McCarthy's there. So I'm sure we're gonna follow, continue to follow them. So we're just looking forward to that matchup. But other games to watch this week. We have the Cardinals, Raiders, same day. It's also on August thirteenth this Thursday. the I think the most exciting part is this is we should see Carson Beck playing again. It's gonna be Beck versus Mendoza. Hopefully he should be out there as well getting some reps. Hopefully getting a lot of reps so we can see those two compete. If you recall, this is these are two starting quarterbacks for the national championship game last year. So this is a exciting little rematch. I know it's preseason. It's not doesn't mean a whole lot, but I think for these two guys, it's gonna be fun for them to go out there and just compete. They need to they're still trying to prove themselves in this league. So I think it's gonna be fun to watch. What's your takeaway a little bit in this Taylor? we got Cardinals Raiders. Taylor: Have the Raiders said I mean those is gonna start Lucas computer: I haven't heard anything. I'm just expecting he's gonna get a lot of reps. Taylor: I'd imagine yeah. Lucas computer: Maybe Cousins comes in and gets a little bit like the first drive, maybe or two. but yeah, like they're pretty set on Cousins, so I'm assuming I'm assuming Mendoza's gonna be in there. But yeah, I think this could be a really fun matchup, is just one that I wanted to headline Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: because Beck versus Mendoza again. This should be really cool. And Carson Beck was slinging that thing last week, so Taylor: But yeah, I was just curious 'cause I I didn't hear that officially yet or not, but I it makes sense that he would get the start. But my biggest takeaway is taking the Cardinals plus one ten as the underdogs with Carson Beck looking good last week. So well Lucas computer: yeah, let's go. Taylor: the few preseason bets I will make 'cause th that that'll be a a good one too, with as you said, the the rookie quarterbacks and it's always fun to watch that. But yeah, it'll be inter see if Beck can keep it up and play good again for two weeks in a row. And Lucas computer: Yeah. Taylor: yeah. Excited to see what Mendoza can do. And yeah, I agree with what you said. But and Lucas computer: We'll see. Yeah, should be a fun, fun night. Taylor: and two first year head coaches as well with McDonald and Lucas computer: Mm-hmm. Taylor: LaFleur. Lucas computer: Yeah. Let's see what else we got in here. We have ooh, the this is the one we're gonna get into. Let's get into this one Taylor: Mm. Lucas computer: last. We're gonna we're gonna talk Browns Bears in a second here. But we have a lot of a lot of charts to kind of show up for the for the Browns. So we're gonna talk about Panthers Bills. And I think the only highlight for the Panthers Bills game, that's August fifteenth, but it's Saturday. Haynes King. We should be able to watch Haynes King ball out again, Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: kind of see what he's got. he's just kind of a fun guy to watch. He runs around, lowers his shoulder. He's a big physical dude playing quarterback and not afraid to just kind of throw his head in there and be a football guy. So that'll be interesting to see. Like we mentioned before, ACC player of the year last year. So anytime you can see somebody like that pop up in preseason, it's usually pretty fun to watch. anything else to add for that Panthers Bills game, T. Taylor: Yeah, it's it's hard to add much t to these preseason games, so I really don't have a whole lot, but I'm sure Josh Allen will not be playing. But it's again another first time head coach making his coaching debut with Joe Brady. So it's always some some kind Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, that's true. Taylor: of storyline to follow along with. Lucas computer: Yeah, that'll be exciting kind of see see how he moves on the f on the sideline, you know. But like Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: you said, there's just not much not much to see other than like these young guys that you're not sure if they're gonna start or not this year. Just kinda fighting for spots. But yeah, it's Haynes King. See him ball out once again. Another game we have on Saturday, August fifteenth, is the Vikings versus Giants. And the only big storyline here is to see we haven't heard much about Kyler Murray. And JJ McCarthy. So we're kind of curious to see who's getting the reps in this first preseason game, kind of see what's going on there. so yeah, I'm just I want to see this QB battle because it seems like they're kind of keeping everything close to the chest and not sharing too much on what's happening. So haven't seen my videos. Most teams are posting videos in training camp season trying to get people excited. Just haven't really seen that with the Vikings. So I don't know what's what's your take Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: on this? Taylor: I've heard mixed reviews on the quarterback play so far where Kyler has a good day or a good good drive and then J J McCarthy will have a good day and and good couple reps and stuff like that. So I think this is truly probably the most open quarterback competition we have right now, in in my opinion. I think it's a lot more open than the Browns competition, as we'll get into later or next. But yeah, I think I think Kyler's Kyler Kyler will get the start to for this first week, just 'cause he's the veteran and New to the offense, so he probably needs a couple more reps. But I know Kevin O'Connell hasn't announced yet as people are are waiting to see who he says, but he has till Saturday, so I'm sure he'll wait till like Thursday or Friday to say who will be the starter. But it's definitely a be a fun fun battle to watch as I think both quarterbacks could be pretty pretty good quarterbacks in that offense and keep the Vikings competitive. So Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah, we'll kinda see we'll see what happens. Anything on the giant side do you think we'll see you think Dart will get any reps or anything like that? Taylor: I don't think week one. I think he'll probably wait till week two or three to give him a couple of possessions. But he showed a lot in his rookie year, so I think they're not too worried about what he's got. And neighbors Lucas computer: True. Taylor: still coming back from injury and scatterboo, all these guys are coming back from injuries. So but Harbaugh making his New York debut, so not a first year head Lucas computer: Yeah, that's gonna be Taylor: coach, but at least his New York debut. Lucas computer: Yeah, it yeah it'll be interesting to see how just how that team runs with him there. I think like we saw him with the Ravens, like that team, didn't matter who was playing for that team, it just was like the same system, same team every time you watch. So we'll see we'll see what this Giants team, new look Giants look like. not gonna get too much out of the preseason game, but yeah, I think that'd be interesting to see Harbaugh in that Giants blue but Taylor: It'll be weird weird to see that for sure. Lucas computer: Yeah, yeah. I mean he's been with the Ravens most of our life. So going to see this will be Taylor: Yeah, like eighteen years, I think, yeah. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. So that'll be interesting to interesting to watch. But the big thing is that quarterback battle. We'll see what happens with McCarthy and Murray. the last game we're gonna touch on is the Browns versus the Bears. And the big talk here. Taylor: Dubersh. Lucas computer: No, we're not talking about Caleb Williams. No, we're not talking about anything with the Bears. This is a anti Bears podcast. Other than we're gonna be talking we'll be we'll be talking some sauce about the bears this year. But we're gonna talk about Deshaun Watson and Shadur Sanders and these guys We've we've been seeing some stats coming out and ESPN Cleveland continues to post how these guys are doing in practice. we're kind of seeing the first graphic we showed, it was very tight. Like the Watson and Sanders are both getting seemed like first team reps and it was very equal. it's changed a decent amount. So pop this first one. This is from last week, August fifth. So we're gonna have three of these to pop up. but on this graphic, this one was a huge difference than the first graphic that we pulled up because Deshaun Watson threw for 17 or he threw 17 for 20. So only three incompletions and he threw seven touchdowns in practice the other day. And if you remember the first graphic we popped up on the last episode, I think there was two total touchdowns thrown amongst all their quarterbacks. Three, four quarterbacks that got reps, two touchdowns thrown. And Watson just went out and threw seven in this practice. Comparing him to Shadur Sanders. Shadur threw for eleven for sixteen. And then he threw two touchdowns and had one interception. So drastic difference in the touchdown department. A little bit more reps for Watson, it seems, in the past game. but yeah, just he threw seven touchdowns on 17 completions. That's very impressive. Any any other takes on this, Taylor, looking at this graphic? Taylor: it looks like Taylor Green is out of the quarterback competition. Lucas computer: Taylor Green had zero passing attempts in practice, so key. Taylor: I I did say he'd be better as a wide receiver probably, so b maybe that's in his future coming up. But Lucas computer: Yeah, we're hoping we're hoping he can he can get some reps somewhere. Not a quarterback. That's not happening. Taylor: Yeah. Watson just has some good good positive momentum, it seems like, and as you'll show in the next couple graphics as well. But yeah. Not much else to add. Lucas computer: Yeah. And then Taylor: You broke it down really good there. Lucas computer: Yeah. So other than that, Dylan Gabriel went four for six and he threw two touchdowns. So not many reps. Taylor: Yeah. Can't forget him, my bad. Sorry. Lucas computer: Yeah, but maybe he maybe he just had some like goal line situation red zone situations that he's throwing two touchdowns for four completions. Who knows? Taylor: Playing against a third string defense. Lucas computer: Yeah, that too. He's just he's just kind of there, not getting as many reps as the other two guys. So it's definitely down to two guys. we have another graphic for three days later in camp. And on this one, Gabriel did have some more attempts in this one. He threw five for twelve, no touchdowns, no picks. Deshaun Watson threw twenty-three for thirty-four, so he got a lot of passing attempts. Threw four touchdowns, no interceptions. Sanders. was sixteen for twenty, no touchdowns, no picks. So kind of similar to the last one. Like Sanders, he has a lot of completions compared to incompletions. Like he's seems like he's being accurate with the ball, but not doing much. Like he's not throwing many touchdowns. He's not really throwing any interceptions either. So I don't know if he's just being real cautious with the ball. What are your what's your take on this going three days later after Watson threw seven touchdowns? Taylor: You didn't give me a Taylor Green update. Is he still zero for zero? Lucas computer: Yeah, Stan Green still not getting reps at quarterback. Maybe he's a receiver now. Taylor: anyway, sorry, that's my biggest takeaway. Sorry, I I keep forgetting about that. But yeah, I've as I said earlier, it just seems like Watson's got that good momentum going right now. He's getting some good numbers and a a lot of reps. Thirty four attempts compared to Sanders twenty, that's a pretty big big difference. So again, we don't know the exact breakdown and I know they're switching between first and second team reps and so on and so forth, but Watson's getting some good run as quarterback and he's he's put up some good solid numbers. Lucas computer: Yeah. Yeah. I think yeah, just looking at that, it looks like Watson had a lot more first team reps these last two practices. and if he's throwing four touchdowns and then seven touchdowns, getting first team reps, that's pretty impressive. like those corners are very solid. Taylor: And no interceptions. Lucas computer: Yeah. Like those corners are very solid on defense for Cleveland. So just seeing that. ESP and Cleveland, I don't know why you gotta do Tannin Green like this. Just throwing him on this graphic when he's not even getting attempts. We don't need to be doing that. But maybe if he has some receptions or some rushes, we could throw those on there. But let's check out the last the last graphic. There he is again. We got Salem Green has Taylor: Whoa shocked. Lucas computer: not no attempts once again. Let's just can we just take this guy off the graphic. ESPN Cleveland. My goodness. Taylor: Poor guy. Poor guy. Lucas computer: But anyway, this is from August 10th today. We have a little update. Taylor, you want to talk about this a little bit? There's a quite a change, it seems like, from last week. Like Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: last week it seemed like Watson had a lot of reps and this week seems a little different. Taylor: I think from the the tweet from ESPN Cleveland mentioned that Sanders got more of the first team reps today and he showed out pretty well. Sixteen of twenty-three with three touchdowns and no interceptions for him. Watson was fifteen of twenty-two with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And Dylan Gabriel was five of eight with no touchdowns and no interceptions. And Talon Green, zero for zero with no touchdowns or no interceptions. But back to the top two, the ones that people care about. Is that it just yeah, it's a good day for Sanders for sure. Like that's that's some good good showing for him and Watson. They're very similar numbers, like just the one touchdown difference is is the main thing and that may be that one less attempt that Watson had. He maybe could have the exact same numbers if they gave Watson one more rip. But I wish you could see like more yardage wise or like where these plays were taking place and stuff like that, but that's all stuff we don't know. We're just glad we have some numbers to see what the the battle is looking like. But what about you? Any any big takeaway from that? Lucas computer: Yeah, I think they're doing a good job of just keeping people interested in this battle, kind of showing what's going on in practice. you don't know if this is seven on seven, if this is full eleven on eleven, like what Taylor: Yeah yeah. Lucas computer: this is, like two minute drill, like all these different types of drills that they could be doing this in. But yeah, I think it's I don't know if they just went with, Hey, Watson's our guy last week, like he was getting all the first team reps now. This week they're treating it as Sanders is the is the number one guy this week, so Just kinda s they're feeling it out, it seems like they're taking their time with this. there's I think it's gonna be interesting for the preseason game to see what happens, who's starting, who gets more reps and all that. I don't know if like I'm assuming Gabriel's gonna get some in the fourth quarter possibly, but other than that, I Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: think it's just gonna split. Like I think Sanders and Watson are just gonna split and get equal amount of drives pro possibly to see what they can do. But yeah. It's interesting. Taylor: Yeah, I'm excited to see who they announce to be the starting quarterback for a Saturday. But again, not till Saturday, so we probably have to make it through Thursday, Friday, if not even till Saturday morning to hear who will be the starting quarterback. But I'm definitely very curious to see what happens. Lucas computer: Yeah. Other than that, like we're gonna have some actual stats from the game so we can get yards and all that good stuff in there. Taylor: Yeah. Lucas computer: we'll just see kind of and we'll actually get to kind of watch these guys play and see what what they look like. So stats can tell you a lot of things, but actually seeing it with your eyes and seeing them play is a completely different ball game. So we'll see. I'm excited to see this quarterback battle. I'm just glad that we have something to talk about here in preseason. We have a quarterback battle and we have stats to talk about and just to kinda push any narrative that we want for which quarterback we think is doing better. So yeah, it's interesting. Taylor: Hoop. Lucas computer: Other than that, this is a long, long show today. Getting into all the AFC talk, quarterback battles. Hoping you guys can enjoy some preseason football this weekend. We got it starting up on Thursday. I think is it Thursday? Taylor: Any preseason bets this week? Lucas computer: Ooh, I don't know. Yeah, they Taylor: Br Brown's minus one point five? Lucas computer: Who was that? Taylor: Browns minus one point five. I think they're gonna have the best quarterback play going on in that game. So I can see that one being a good one. So my Lucas computer: True. And you get to you get to bet against the bears, so that's that's a good bet. Taylor: My my two picks that I don't recommend 'cause it's preseason would be the Browns and then what I said earlier was the Cardinals. Yeah, that's right, 'cause Carson Beck getting some more runs. So I'm I'm gonna stick with the promising quarterback play that I know is gonna be happening. So but quick hitters there. Lucas computer: Yeah. There you go. All you all you betters, get out there, hit home. Whoever the best quarterback is on that field, make sure he's gonna get more than one quarter in the game. But that responsibly as well. I don't throw that out there enough. Make sure you guys are not not being irresponsible with these bets. If you got a gambling addiction, please call the hotline and get that figured out. But if you're just a chill person, just having fun with it. Makes you more interested in the game, feel free. Go out there, throw some bets down, have a little fun with it. Makes the games a little more exciting too. Get to cheer for somebody. But take Taylor's picks. He wins more than I do. So he's he's the guy. He's the guy to go to for these. But Taylor: Not always, but Lucas computer: can't win all. You're not gonna get rich off sports gambling, but Taylor: So far cliques to courts is two and So let's roll. Lucas computer: Exactly. So if you wanna you wanna be right every time, just follow us, follow our bets. We'll get you right. Get you set up. Other than that, we're gonna wrap this up. Thank you all for listening. Please like, comment, follow, subscribe, wherever you're listening to this on. If you're on YouTube, what's up YouTube? Give us a subscriber on there. Hit the notification button so you can get all the updates on when our videos come up. We're also posting shorts and reels and all that good stuff. Just little clips, insider episodes, and just trying to give you guys the best sports show that you can possibly listen to. Trying to get as much information out there as possible. So like I said, like, comment, subscribe, follow us. We appreciate all the support. We got some more news coming up next week. We will be in touch. Thanks for listening. Catch you on the next one. Taylor: Say