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00:00Live right here on the early line on sports grid
00:02It is a football Friday, which means now after a recap of Thursday night
00:08It's ramifications for playoff pictures and the entirety of the league
00:12We set the stage for the Sunday slate in a week number 12 a lot of focus
00:17Of course with an AFC North divisional duel on that division and thus the AFC playoff picture now time to turn
00:25To the other conference and a huge one in the NFC a rivalry renewed
00:31Inside Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon in Green Bay, Wisconsin
00:36Will it be the frozen tundra like we saw last night in Cleveland?
00:40We'll take a look at the forecast in just a moment
00:43But right now the Green Bay Packers a full field goal favorite at home
00:48Against the San Francisco 49ers
00:51Joe the Niners entered this year as the very short favorites to win the NFC pretty much a toss-up in terms of who was going
00:58to be that Super Bowl favorite between the Niners and the Chiefs
01:02It has not been a good season for San Francisco at an even
01:06505 and five and a costly divisional defeat last week at home
01:10Against the Seattle Seahawks one of the reasons the Niners have struggled so much this season is
01:16Because of the injuries both
01:18Offensively and now on the defensive side of the football that have been rearing their ugly
01:25Head Brock Purdy was limited at practice on a Thursday still expected to play
01:30But you can tell the odds makers are a little bit spooked
01:34But all by all that San Francisco is dealing with entering this game against the Green Bay team
01:39yes survived with a blocked field goal last week in Chicago, but still is seven and
01:46Three Joe this game is important just from the numbers perspective as well
01:51It would be the first time the 49ers have been booked as an underdog since the end of the 2022 season
01:58Well, the injuries are just starting to pile up and that's the problem here
02:01I mean there are questions as far as whether Purdy was even gonna play this week because he wasn't practicing
02:08He's got the the shoulder injury and and we know Nick Bosa has health concerns on the defensive side of the ball
02:15You know, they've got all sorts of issues, by the way, then in the red zone
02:20They have one of the worst red zone offenses, which is so unlike
02:24The 49ers in Shadahan. They're one of the worst fourth quarter teams in the NFL
02:30We've seen them blow a ton of early leads late in games
02:35And I'm sorry Christian McCaffrey is not going to be your savior here
02:40We also offensive line issues now Kittle didn't play last week, I mean you just go down the list
02:47It's like how much can this team?
02:49How much can they go through here? And how much more can we expect?
02:52You know Ben at this point week 12 of the NFL season you are what your record says you are
02:58Are you not you're a five and five football team. That's what the 49ers are
03:03They should not be a favorite in Lambeau against this Green Bay Packers team and it's where you cut it
03:09It would just be Green Bay or pass because I have no idea what we're gonna get from the 49ers or who we're gonna get
03:15playing for the 49ers
03:17And Joe, you're right. That is the story your record is what it says
03:22It is about your football team, but there's a lot of factors that can contribute to that record
03:27It's not a full health San Francisco team that has just been so underwhelming based on expectation
03:34But that's part of a season
03:35Maybe San Francisco will look back on 2024 and say what did you expect us to do with all of the injury bugs that we have?
03:43Seen Christian McCaffrey had not played until week number 10
03:47Brandon Iuke who was paid in the offseason out for the remainder of this year Debo Samuel has missed time
03:52George Kittle has missed multiple games
03:55We have seen of course Juwan Jennings even be on the sideline
03:59Ricky Pearsall did not get off to the start of his rookie season that anybody
04:03Anticipated after being shot in an attempted robbery before the year got underway and now Joe
04:08It's not just the offensive woes because with Christian McCaffrey back
04:12He was like, all right, here we go. Even without IU Pearsall is healthy. Juwan Jennings is healthy Debo
04:17Samuel is here. They're gonna be ready to go offensively
04:20They've gone under in both of their first two games with McCaffrey
04:24Which is notable because in their first four wins of the year, they played to the overscoring at least 30 points
04:31But now Joe, it's defensively Nick Bosa dealing with an oblique or hip injury. However, they want to categorize it
04:38He was on the sideline for most of the second half as Seattle started to make a comeback
04:43Last week in Santa Clara there without Drake Greenlaw still working his way back from a season-ending injury
04:50Late last year Javon Hargrave one of the menaces in the interior out
04:54Tarverius or dealing with personal issues. He is out right now
04:59Tallin Oahu Funga one of their store safeties. He is out right now
05:03There are so many issues for the San Francisco team
05:06So yeah, Joe when you look at it, the Packers should be a favorite
05:10But Green Bay has not been a great favorite with Jordan love under center just four and seven against the spread
05:17If the Packers are the right side to win this game outright can Green Bay cover as a field goal favorite at home
05:25Absolutely, then I don't see any reason why Green Bay cannot win this game and when it
05:31Rather easily here. It is a desperate spot. I think for the 49ers
05:36So I do think guys are gonna give it a go. But again, so what I mean at this point
05:42I'm looking for Green Bay to bounce back. I think Green Bay who was lucky to get that win against
05:49Chicago there last week again. How did we keep winning games without really there being any?
05:55major offensive
05:56Contributions from Jordan love but hey, Matt LaFleur certainly has pulled the right strings in the past
06:03I think that this is a game where
06:06Clearly the Packers unfortunately forget about what it says on paper Ben Packers are the better team
06:11It's why they're the favorite there at home. I would back the Packers
06:15And right now Green Bay would be a playoff team the NFC much better at least
06:20Record-wise than those around the AFC as we showed you that wild-card race Green Bay would be in the third and final
06:27wild-card spot
06:27But it's seven and three the Packers near a five dollar odds on favorite to make the postseason
06:34Are they going to contend in the division?
06:36Probably not is Green Bay's outlook if they make the postseason still rather strong
06:41Yeah, I would say so but the story Joe on the 49ers yesterday the playoff price was plus 176
06:48Again, I think you could make an argument their best path to the postseason is that NFC West crown?
06:54But the issue for San Francisco at an even five hundred five and five
06:58They are also just one in three in the NFC West
07:02Those divisional tiebreakers could be very costly for the 49ers when all is said and done
07:09Not the season we expected in San Francisco the railroad underdog in Lambeau on Sunday
07:15We continue our Sunday slate preview up next so far Sunday night
07:20Sunday night football to cap off the week 12 Sunday slate is going to be a good one
07:26And stop me if you've heard this before
07:29impactful for the playoff standings
07:31Within the NFC Joe we just talked about the 49ers on the road in Lambeau against the Packers
07:36The Niners one of three teams in the NFC West and a jumbled mess all at even five hundred
07:43five and five by the way another divisional duel for another five and five team the Seahawks against the only winning team in the
07:50Division the Cardinals who are six and four at this moment that third and final five and five even five hundred team
07:57It's the LA Rams at five and five a victory last week and a needed one after coughing up a good
08:04Opportunity against the Dolphins a week prior the Rams now a
08:10underdog on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles at home in
08:15Sofa this number has moved ever so slightly in the last few days when you look at that price
08:21Right now trying to track down the updated number two and a half in favor of Philadelphia
08:26It was a field goal earlier in the week that flat number of three total 48 and a half Joe
08:32Philadelphia has won six straight games. The Rams have won three of their last four
08:38What do you see for Sunday night in Los Angeles?
08:42Yeah, I don't see a home field advantage
08:45Anywhere Ben I don't think anybody else should either you're gonna see a whole lot of Philadelphia Eagle fans in those stands and here lies
08:53The problem is that you've got an LA Rams team that we've talked about it now over the last couple of weeks
08:59Which team shows up?
09:01There's the team that showed up against New England and and took advantage of Cooper cup and Akua
09:08And Matt Stafford throwing four touchdown passes
09:11Does that team show up or the one that we had the week prior where they couldn't get out of their own way and even throw
09:17Any touchdown passes? The problem is you're taking on an Eagles team that outside of that
09:23ridiculous
09:25Fumble return touchdown there for the Jags. They've gone now bad one eight games
09:31Keeping teams to 18 or fewer points
09:34Opposing quarterbacks have about a 78 passer rating, which is the fourth worst this season
09:40They're giving up the second fewest passing yards
09:43this is a defense that has gotten better and better like we thought it would under Vic Fangio and
09:49They were here a year ago and they held the ball for almost 40 minutes
09:54That's the thing with Philly is Philly will be very happy holding on to the ball with 13 14 15 play drives and
10:03Burying that young defense of the Rams. I just don't see the Rams
10:08Going in there and not and playing from behind and thinking good things are gonna happen here. They're a favorite on the road
10:14I don't love that
10:16But there is no way I could look at the Rams and think they're gonna have a shot against this defense
10:20Which is getting better and better and better and they're gonna play from behind Ben you and I both know it that makes them
10:29One-dimensional and it makes that Vic Fangio defense extremely dangerous
10:33Yep, Joe, you are correct six consecutive wins for Philadelphia
10:37The defense has only allowed 18 points at its most in this six game win streak
10:45The Jags did score 23, but based on a bad call
10:49That should have been Saquon Barkley down by contact
10:52We did see Jacksonville's defense find a score with a scoop and score the Rams meanwhile
10:59As an underdog in the last two years Joe not bad covering numbers seven six and one against the spread
11:05Profitable right if you were to bet on LA covering a spread but outright
11:10Which is what the Rams desperately need at this moment to stay in the playoff picture
11:15Only four outright victories Philadelphia in this six-game win streak has covered four times
11:21three times as a
11:22Favorite if you want some hope for the Rams the three covers for the birds as a favorite in this six-game win streak
11:29All against divisional foes the Giants the Cowboys and of course Thursday night last week against the commanders, but Joe again
11:36Optimistic pictures for LA. It was last Sunday in Foxboro Matthew Stafford
11:42295 yards four touchdowns more than a buck 20 and a score to Puka to Kua more than a hundred and two receiving scores
11:49For Cooper Cup, that is LA Ram football that you hope to carry over for Stafford against this great bird secondary
11:58Yeah, but that was against the number 30th ranked past defense in the NFL
12:02You are now taking on one of the top five past defenses in the NFL and that is going to be the problem here
12:09I don't see him having a ton of success running
12:12It's gonna be Stafford or bust and I think that's when bad things happen for this Rams team, unfortunately
12:20And that is the issue, right? Can LA do enough offensively to stay in this game?
12:26You see Jalen hurts at minus 130 to hit painters now the numbers starting to catch up
12:32I'm still not sure it's enough our number 20 football Friday
12:37Welcome to our number two live right here on the early line
12:41It's a football Friday to get you set for a football weekend on
12:47Sports grid in this second hour
12:49We preview and break down every single game around the NFL Sunday slate a slightly smaller
12:55Sunday slate as six teams have a by during week 12 the most we have seen on the by this year
13:02So far in the National Football League
13:05But later on in the second half hour of this second full hour
13:09Mike blew it will join on a football Friday would not be a football Friday without the blue man himself
13:15Gerwin airy and I that's Ben Stevens continue to break down
13:19The Sunday slate here on this football Friday throughout the entirety of our number two
13:25Lot of very important games this week here in the week 12 slate man
13:30Not to mention week 13 and college football that will get to also
13:35extremely important games I
13:38Mean, let's move our number three a lot of college football breakdown. We'll talk a little college basketball
13:44NBA Cup on this Friday. We've got a big one between Duke and Arizona
13:49It is now officially feast week in college basketball
13:52But Joe, I I don't know if I'm gonna say never have been more excited
13:56I am perhaps as excited as I have been for a college football game in the last five years
14:03maybe the last decade for noon Eastern Time tomorrow in Columbus, Ohio and the top five tilt between, Ohio State and
14:11Indiana you and I will have a couple of updates throughout the first hour and a half or so the opening half of that
14:18game and boy, I
14:20Cannot wait that comes our way in our third hour here to kick off our two
14:25We look at week number 12 Joe a lot of focus on the NFC West
14:29We're gonna talk about all four teams in the division in the first three games
14:33For the Sunday slate that we preview the Niners a road dog because of injury
14:39Uncertainty in Green Bay the Rams a home dog
14:42against the streaking Eagles who have won sixth straight on
14:46Sunday night and then a matchup of two teams within this division in
14:51Seattle the Seahawks who pulled off the upset last week in San Francisco against the Niners now five and five the only team in the
14:59division above
15:01500 that's Arizona four-game win streak for the cards a by last week and a slight and I mean
15:09Ever so slight road favorite on the spread but a virtual pick'em in the Pacific Northwest on Sunday
15:17Afternoon a huge game with huge significance within the NFC West and Joe you see it even money
15:25Minus 108 on both sides on that money line not even money, but even for both sides on the money line
15:30It's a pick'em in the Pacific Northwest Joe who gets a win
15:35Yeah. Well, I mean listen the the Seattle team has been getting healthier, right? They got back
15:41DK Metcalf
15:43they got back a couple of
15:45Defensive linemen as well, but you've got Arizona matter. There's one four straight three of those four wins
15:52Coming against teams who have had well, shall we say health and maybe offensive concerns teams like the Bears the Dolphins and the Jets
16:02But they're still just two and two straight up on the road here Ben and the Arizona
16:07Defenses may be the most impressive thing that we've seen because they're starting to get better
16:11We always knew offensively they were gonna be just fine with those weapons in Kyler Murray. The question was
16:18Defensively could they could they improve here very young defense and they've been doing that
16:24Do we trust Geno Smith here? Um, I don't know
16:28I'm I do think
16:31Arizona as a favorite tells you everything you need to know about what the market thinks of this of this Arizona team
16:38But I don't know 12th man and all feels like this is put up a shut-up time for Seattle in their new head coach
16:44I lean Seattle, but in all likelihood, I think we're getting way more points
16:51Than anything else the over 47 and a half is not a bad look for me
16:56So I see it slightly differently because I actually like Arizona in this matchup Joe and one of the reasons I like
17:03Arizona to win on the road in Seattle is a Cardinals defense that has been so much on the upswing and
17:10Improved with Jonathan Gannon the head coach in this four-game win streak in three of four wins
17:1715 points or less for the opposition just 15 combined points in
17:23Arizona's last two victories now Seattle really gets it done
17:27Offensively, but still I look at Arizona as the team
17:31I kind of like in this matchup and and frankly Joe when you look at the Cardinals with Jonathan Gannon as an underdog
17:38They're not necessarily an underdog here. They have been
17:42Sensational. In fact, they have won five of their last six four of those five outright as a dog
17:48There are two other victories this year
17:51Both as either a point favorite or in a pick'em against the Rams week number two
17:57In a pick'em game in a divisional duel and against the Bears at home a couple of weeks ago
18:03But a really big game Joe and it is kind of crazy to say the Cardinals and the Seahawks in week number 12
18:10Probably the most impactful game for the NFC West of any that we have featured earlier in the year
18:16San Francisco, I believe entering that short week Thursday night game against Seattle
18:22I bet on them along with our producer extraordinaire Joe Friso to win the NFC West
18:26It felt like they would write the ship. They were such a strong divisional favorite entering the year
18:31They would make good on that price. They are no longer the favorites. It's plus 340
18:37In fact, it's Arizona at a minus 115 price, Seattle
18:42You can see the numbers still a large an uphill climb for the Seahawks in
18:47The spots despite it being a pick'em in the Northwest Joe when all is said and done
18:52What are you making of the NFC West right now?
18:56Well, it's interesting man, because you've got it feels like a Cardinals team that don't forget went oh and six against the division
19:04Last year they didn't win a damn game against any of those teams and yet we've already seen them beat the 49ers
19:11We've seen them play one of the tougher schedules in the NFL and here they are putting together a win streak
19:19Like you said getting better on the defensive side of the ball
19:23Uh, I mean, they've also have been pretty good coming after their bye week. They've also won some games
19:29So you got the tougher schedule for the Cardinals? They're proving it along the way
19:34young team with a lot of weapons
19:36There's nothing not to like about Arizona and given what we just been talking about with the 49ers
19:43Why not the Cardinals here man?
19:45what am I go from oh and six last year in a division is sweeping the division this year very possible with the Cardinals a
19:53Perfect two and oh right now. They hammered the Rams by 31. That's good for Arizona
19:59This is divisional game number three against Seattle and the Cardinals also beat the Niners in Santa Clara
20:05Outright as a touchdown underdog earlier in the season
20:09I would agree Joe unless something really changes for the 49ers in those
20:15Injuries on either side of the football get a lot better in very quickly
20:20That's not going to be great. I would also say though for the Rams and the Seahawks their best playoff path is
20:27The division and the thing working against San Francisco once again is the fact they are one in three in the division
20:34The Seahawks are one and two the Rams are two and one you're going to play a lot of divisional games down the stretch
20:41So you got to win those just to improve the overall record and to have a shot at a playoff
20:47Spot Joe first loss of the year last week for Kansas City in Buffalo
20:51They now head to Carolina as a double digit
20:55Favorite KC laying ten and a half on the road in Charlotte against the Panthers now listen
21:00It is a bounce-back spot
21:01But the Chiefs have not been great at covering big numbers or winning decisively in their nine victories this year
21:08Can they here in week number 12?
21:11Yeah, be careful
21:13That's all I'll say with this Chiefs team expecting them to win by margin. It has not been a profitable endeavor
21:20Looking to do that. I do think maybe a Kansas City team total might not be a bad look here
21:27I think 26 and a half points. I could see them putting 28 30 points on this on this, Carolina team
21:35But it's the defense of Kansas City that worries me. They've been getting worse each week here been worse
21:42And that's a little bit concerning Joe because the offense has not been great
21:46KC has been a six and a half point favorite or more five times
21:51Just wanted four against the numbers more from the Sunday
21:55We continue our preview of the NFL week 12 Sunday slate live right here at a football Friday on the early line on
22:02Sports grid a compelling game on Sunday in
22:06Chicago, of course the Bears after firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron last week had a little bit of offensive life on
22:14Sunday against Green Bay and should have had a victory if it wasn't for their head coach holding them back
22:20Always in a big bit of Green Bay's Carl Brooks
22:24Deflecting and blocking a game winning potential field goal. Try from Cairo
22:30Santos the Bears did lose they have now dropped a bunch of games in a row
22:36But Joe here the Bears are for a second consecutive week
22:40Welcoming in a divisional foe this time
22:43It's the Minnesota Vikings and the Bears are a home underdog at Soldier Field
22:49Once again getting three and a half points Joe, we got a joked about this last week
22:54We did not expect the firing of an offensive coordinator to provide the interim bump that the dismissal of a head coach can
23:02But it kind of did will it carry over for a second consecutive week in the Windy City? I
23:10Don't listen I like what I saw with him
23:13I mean Thomas Brown now calling for Caleb Williams
23:16He averaged I believe close to six and a half yards per pass play there in that game
23:22I thought he did really really well. I thought the Reeds were good. I thought the play-action was good
23:29There was nothing that I saw in that game to lead me to believe. Oh boy, you know, no Shane Waldron's gone
23:36Oh, what are we gonna do? Even the offensive line was a little bit better there DJ Moore had what?
23:43Seven receptions in his first first time with the new play caller
23:47So yeah, I think there is absolutely a lot to be positive with and on the flip side
23:53I'm sorry, then if it wasn't for
23:5613 penalties for 91 yards and seven free first downs, which is what the Tennessee Titans
24:03Gave Minnesota and Sam Donald in that game. They don't win that game
24:08They had a touchdown call back Tennessee because of a penalty
24:12There was nothing impressive about what I saw again on the road with Minnesota last week against Tennessee
24:19I am NOT banking on them going to Chicago here with an opportunity to do the same thing plus lay more than a field goal
24:27I don't think so
24:28I think the Bears are very much alive and well, and I do think that they've got an opportunity to win this game outright
24:36So the Vikings are an 8-2 football team
24:39they have covered in seven of those eight victories the only non cover and a sloppy and ugly game on the road in
24:46Jacksonville now two weekends ago. Not only have the Vikings covered in seven of eight wins
24:51They've also got under in seven of eight wins and for Chicago now on this four game skid
24:59Under in all four, but Joe the four wins for the Bears this year
25:03They started four and two either came at home or in London. So not a true road game
25:10In fact, they have covered twice as an underdog this year that being Chicago both have come at home or
25:19In London, so not a true road game Joe. I'm a little bit worried about Chicago
25:26We'll talk about the Bears and that moneyline price. I think both of us later on in our week 12 Sunday pick six
25:32I
25:34Don't know how much left the Bears have in the tank because again
25:38It was the dismissal of an offensive coordinator
25:41But Matt Eber Fluser is still making coaching decisions that actively holds back
25:46His football team instead of putting the foot on the gas in
25:50Driving deeper down the field so that in a city known as windy
25:55Cairo Santos could have drilled a 34 yarder and not a
26:0046 yarder that the Packers noticed they could get a hand on
26:05Because of the low ball flight the Bears ended up losing a game. They probably should have won against Green Bay
26:11So again, I'm a little bit scared of Matt Eber Fluser and the Bears
26:16But I was very optimistic based on Caleb Williams performance, especially in the fourth quarter
26:22Especially on that final possession against Green Bay in his first game with new offensive play caller
26:28Thomas Brown the other NFC North team in action on Sunday
26:33That's perhaps the best team in the National Football League the Detroit Lions the Lions a seven and a half point road favorite in
26:41Indianapolis against Anthony Richardson and the Colts you see that total 50 and a hug Joe
26:47What's your breakdown of this matchup in Indy?
26:51That's too many points
26:53Call me crazy here
26:55Both of these teams have played similar strength of schedules so far this season
27:01And this is without a doubt been the top of the market for Detroit to be laying more than a touchdown on the road
27:09Against a capable Indy team with a wild-carded quarterback again in Anthony Richardson
27:15Who is unlike anything else the Lions defensively have had to go up against we saw what they did against the the Jets?
27:24They're on the road. He looked more if he brings that style of game and that kind of competency to this game
27:31They're gonna be in for a fight Detroit. They're not going to drop 50 points on every team the market
27:37This is the sell-high point here on Detroit
27:41I think they win it, but I am NOT banking on them winning it by more than a touchdown. So yeah at home
27:48Shane Steichen, I'll take the seven and a half points here
27:52And so Joe that's kind of where I feel as well, I believe Detroit wins this football game
27:58I believe the Lions are the best team in the National Football League
28:01Detroit is the best cover team in the NFL as well covering an 8 of 9 wins
28:0745 and 19 against the spread with Dan Campbell 18 and 7 ATS as a
28:14Favorite since the start of last season every trend says the Lions win this game comfortably
28:19And maybe they do but even winning by a touchdown is a non
28:23Cover in Indianapolis has also been a great cover team as an underdog
28:29six and two
28:31ATS this year as an underdog and in terms of points Joe at
28:36Fifty and a half in four of those six covers as a dog
28:41Three in which Anthony Richardson started the game those totals have gone over
28:47I do think we will see some points
28:49I think Anthony Richardson showed off his maturity and his resolve last week to beat the New York Jets as we both kind of
28:56Predicted that Indianapolis would on the road in MetLife. I think it's a really good and compelling game on Sunday
29:03Maybe a little bit under the radar
29:04I think we'll be seeing that game a lot on red zone and I think you guys will be breaking it down on in
29:10Game live
29:12I'm sure way next is it time for Tommy cutlets to shine once again in the garden state the pride of
29:21Joycey out there on Sunday in East Rutherford
29:25Against the Tampa Bay
29:27Buccaneers, of course, it has been the story this week in the National Football League the benching of Daniel Jones not for the five million
29:34Dollar back of quarterback acquisition this summer in drew lock
29:38But rather Tommy DeVito who of course last year started six games
29:42It gave the Giants and really all of the NFL
29:46Quite a spark going three and three straight up in that span
29:51Could he do it again?
29:52Against the Buccaneers fresh off a buy in some really good news
29:56Joe for a Tampa team that much like our conversation about San Francisco
30:00We'll look back on this season and probably perhaps to find by injuries
30:05But some good news is Mike Evans was a full participant at practice yesterday as he recovers from that hamstring
30:13Injury, so Joe tell me what happens
30:16Will the cutlet sandwich be eaten by the Buccaneers or will Tommy cutlets?
30:21Maybe keep the Giants a little bit more competitive than that expected
30:25You
30:27Yet know
30:29Tommy cutlets, we've seen this before then and Tommy cutlets
30:34Yeah, no, I think they only average about 12 points a game in games that he has started before. I mean, let's be realistic
30:42The Giants have basically punted on the season why in the world you would go to the third string guy
30:49Instead of the guy you actually gave a contract to Andrew Locke in order to be able to be the backup is
30:55Baffling to me. I think they're they're more interested in
30:59Placating the fan base of the Giants who love Tommy cutlets then they are actually in winning
31:05Games and both of these teams coming off a buy which is great
31:09We also know that both of these guys coming off of buys
31:14Tend to have their defenses ready to go here and I have no doubt that Todd Bowles in the cold weather
31:20There will have his D ready to go against Tommy cutlets and quite honestly same situation here
31:26I don't necessarily trust Baker Mayfield either in MetLife wind
31:31cold
31:33Conditions are the fact that Evans is back is great
31:36But it's a hamstring injury in 30 degrees any he could run two plays Ben and be back out
31:42So to me, I think forget about the side. The whole world is gonna bet Tampa
31:47I do think the under is the way to look at this game and I take it even further and I would look to go
31:52Under the Tampa team total here because I don't think this is going to be some sort of high scoring game
31:58You're not lighting up the New York Giants defense in this one
32:03The Giants under in seven of ten games this year
32:07The Giants were a favorite in Munich against the Panthers, of course lost that game in
32:12overtime five consecutive losses for the Giants, but that snapped a
32:1724 game streak for New York booked as an underdog
32:2111 12 and 1 against the spread in that span the boss
32:26Had a five game over streak that was snapped and their most recent game against San Francisco
32:32Much more competitive than we expected
32:34That game under the Buccaneers have been an underdog in four straight now lay in five and a half on the road
32:42We shall see what Tommy DeVito provides for the New York Giants on
32:48Sunday in MetLife. Let's go Sunday in Landover NFC East divisional duel and the commanders are a
32:5510 10 and a half point double-digit favorite at home against the Dallas Cowboys
33:02Washington off the minibuy and of course the loss last week on a short week Thursday night on the road against Philadelphia total
33:0944 and a half Joe it is a hefty spread in favor of Washington
33:14Will they cover against a dreadful Dallas team?
33:19This is a this game is huge for one Dan Quinn, is it not I mean he was the Cowboys DC
33:27Over the last couple of years prior to getting this head coaching gig. I think he'll have
33:32He'll have his guys ready to go. They've also lost two straight, but they've got extra rest
33:38And had a chance to reset following that Thursday night football game against Philly
33:45Jayden Daniels also had a chance to heal those ribs a little bit. I think it's a mismatch
33:51I wouldn't mind laying the double digits here with Washington
33:55But I'm also probably fading the Dallas team total in this game as well
34:00I think it's just gonna be ugly as ugly gets
34:04Dan Quinn pointing to the other side and saying ha ha ha Mike Zimmer ain't me brother
34:09And I think they try to add up some points that total of 45 and a half now
34:15Listen Dallas has lost five straight games. They've been an underdog in all five
34:19They have not covered a number and Joe frankly on Monday night at home against the Texans
34:24If you thought the Cowboys would even be competitive with Cooper rush
34:28I think that really kind of faded out the window as well
34:32My
34:36Football Friday would not live up to its name unless Mike Bluett joined us in the second part of our second hour
34:42So that's exactly the case here on this football Friday on the early line. He is Mike Bluett
34:49I am Ben Stevens German area off to the right as
34:52Well blue before we dive into the Sunday slate in the matchups that we have
34:56Of course, we must look back on a Thursday night and given your Steelers
35:01Allegiances you can take this whatever way you would like to go
35:05What is your takeaway blew it from Thursday night football in the land and a snapping of the five-game win streak?
35:13for your Steelers
35:15so
35:17in a vacuum
35:19obviously you can panic about a team going on the road on a short week against a divisional opponent and
35:26Dropping that game
35:27Even if you're even you know one team's eight and two the other ones two and eight you'd expect it to turn out a certain
35:33Way and the fourth quarter was pretty wild
35:37all things considered with the weather and everything else the the fourth quarter we we entered the fourth quarter 10 to 6 and
35:44It was a 24 19 final with the Steelers throwing a Hail Mary to try to win it
35:50So in a vacuum
35:52Like I said, I'm not panicked about it as a Steelers fan or even projecting the Steelers long-term
35:58But Joe and I spoke the other day on game time decisions and we've talked about this on our weekly show on Sundays
36:05The Steelers still have yet to solve these short yardage and red zone
36:10Situations the Browns had three second half turnovers that the Steelers turned into only seven points
36:17They got stuffed on downs twice last night
36:21They
36:22Stall in the red zone again
36:23They forced Boswell to kick a 58-yard field goal and people are stunned that he missed it
36:29he's missed two kicks this year a 62 and a 58 yard attempt last night in the snow on grass, so
36:36Hardly one that you should count up as a big miss for Boswell
36:40But he's practically the MVP of the team in the way that he's won games for them
36:45So, I think everything regarding red zone and short yardage situations is the concern and it's why people will not
36:53Take them seriously
36:55Until they start to solve those issues and score more touchdowns
36:59It took them eight quarters to score a touchdown
37:02Went before they scored the two in the fourth quarter last night
37:04And the last thing is we've talked about their schedule a lot. I need people to realize that yes
37:10They have a nice little break here for the brand for the Bengals game, and then they play the Browns. However
37:17It will be starting December 15th
37:20The Steelers will play three games in ten days at Philly at Baltimore and Kansas City on Christmas Day
37:29It feels like blowing like if I'm Tom Leonard the Steelers
37:33I just need to split the rest of the games against the AFC North
37:37I'm happy if I do that and then I'm in the playoffs and anything could go from there
37:41So what is your ceiling with this team as a future here?
37:46Are you still are you not buying them for the AFC North?
37:50Do you think they can still contend for a a possible AFC title? What what's the outlook here for this team for you? I?
37:58Think the division is still in play, right? They'll have a one lead even if Baltimore wins this Sunday
38:03so I think the division is still in play and
38:05the
38:07Baltimore's got a bunch of divisional games too. So I think things can get pretty funky
38:12But Baltimore's upside would be greater because of Lamar
38:15I think the Steelers right now look to me like a team that can make the playoffs win a game and then check out because
38:20They'll be up against a better more powerful team
38:23So, of course the I guess the AFC title is in play. You got to be in it to win it
38:29But if they go up against Buffalo
38:32Again you have to go to Buffalo or have to go to Kansas City
38:35it's gonna be too tough for them unless they solve the red zone stuff and putting Justin Fields in as a
38:40Package when there's zero threat to throw the ball is pointless in my opinion
38:45So when you look at this Pittsburgh Steelers team despite five consecutive wins
38:50Entering week number 12 and that short week Thursday night game all four with Russell Wilson
38:55Under center in eight and two record and atop the AFC North
38:59I would say the overall consensus from some was a little bit of a hesitation about how high the ceiling was
39:06For the Pittsburgh Steelers this season who have failed to reach an AFC championship game since 2016 as a Steelers fan
39:14Perhaps a Steelers believer. What exactly do you think the ceiling is for this Pittsburgh team the rest of the way? I
39:22I again, I think it's probably them winning a playoff game and then checking out that the team is clearly
39:30Improved under Russell Wilson, but nine of their eleven games have been one score games
39:36They've come on the right side of the most of those but this is the third one now
39:41that they've lost by one score the Colts game and the
39:45Cowboys game also one score losses field goal losses, basically
39:49So, I don't think it's much more than winning that one playoff game
39:54I think they can get to the divisional round and that's where the dreams could die because like they went to Buffalo last year
40:01They were down 21 to 3 game was over and they tried to punch back
40:05But first half touchdowns in particular are rare with this team and it's it's frustrating to watch again last night in a vacuum
40:12That is not what I'm basing this on
40:14It was a funky game to play the Browns are getting healthier Jameis plate made some big plays now
40:20He gave them opportunities with his two typical turnovers. They had three turnovers in the second half
40:26There's only got seven points out of it. They have to score touchdowns
40:30Jump and they did try a 58-yard field goal that worked out. Well, uh,
40:34Let's uh, let's talk about the current number one seed in the AFC
40:38How about the the Chiefs going on the road?
40:41Looking to write the ship here after losing to the Bills against the Panthers
40:45And I'm not running in the window to lay ten and a half for you
40:49Now people are gonna be really excited
40:51I think to do this, you know, I talked about it a lot when the Chiefs are big favorites
40:55This is where you run into problems
40:57I think there would be an I'm not as big a teaser player as you are Joe
41:01But I think they're an interesting spot for a teaser and I think they look the Panthers
41:07Are on a two-game win streak right now, which seems almost impossible
41:12Then winning the first one got a coach fired then winning the second one got a quarterback benched for the rest of his life
41:18conceivably, so
41:19I just think that
41:23Here's the challenge for me the Panthers scoring points against this, Kansas City defense
41:28I think Spagnuolo could really make the day miserable for Bryce young in that offense
41:33So you look at a Panthers under 15 and a half I could see the Chiefs covering this game definitely
41:39but I would prefer to take them in the second half laying five and a half and
41:45Put them in a teaser if you're gonna play the full game
41:48I think that's where those are the three plays that I like the most and keep in mind for those Kelsey props
41:54He's become a bigger part of the offense that he was to go. That's unquestionable
41:59You'll see his numbers start to increase
42:02game over game
42:04Maybe Patrick Mahoney the offense so spurned from the first loss last week
42:0827 and a half is the team total for Kansas City
42:11But the Chiefs have been a six and a half point favorite or greater five times already this year
42:17That's not overly crazy
42:19but just one and four against the spread the Panthers on a two-game win streak since the for the first time since
42:272022 let's go to an AFC South divisional duel between the Texans and the Titans in H town on
42:34Sunday Houston in a divisional game more than a touchdown favorite against Will Levis and the Titans
42:41How do you see this game playing out in Houston on Sunday afternoon?
42:44Not unlike last night. We can see a lot of funky things will will happen in these divisional games
42:50But Titans just one and against the number Joe and I have the pleasure
42:55of watching a lot of Titans because they're on at one o'clock almost every week and
43:02I
43:03Don't know if everybody realizes the struggles of this team
43:07Offensively and as a team they have the they rank 30th in turnovers
43:13They've turned over over the ball 18 times and as a defense
43:16They rank 31st only taking the ball away seven times in the entire season
43:22Houston takes advantage of that. They have forced 20 turnovers on the season. I think that tells the story of the game
43:29I'm leaning towards second half with Houston, but
43:34Again, I don't see a lot of points in this one. I think I think the under play here
43:39The Titans are a two and eight football team straight up. They are just one and nine
43:44Against the spread they have not covered in any one of their eight losses so far this season more a football Friday
43:53We preview every single game on the NFL Sunday slate any given week here on a football Friday
44:00Only 11 this upcoming Sunday six teams on the by in week number 12
44:06So just two more games outstanding that we have not touched on yet. So for here in this football Friday next Mike Bluett
44:14We head to Miami a South Florida showdown between the Dolphins and the Patriots
44:19The Dolphins have won two consecutive games. They have covered in both of those wins
44:24Is there some hope this year still out there for Miami despite being two games below?
44:31500 they're a full touchdown favorite blue at home against the New England Patriots
44:36How comfortable is this game going to be for the Finns?
44:40Well, even in their salad days the Patriots struggled when they went to Miami
44:46They've been fighting really well in these games
44:49I think Drake may has shown people that he was worthy of a first-round pick
44:53We'll see what the trajectory of his career is, but he's playing well, certainly relative to his counterparts
44:58He's right in the mix with playing as well as Caleb Williams and other guys that have gotten some starts this year
45:06Jaden Daniels obviously had an incredible start, but I
45:11think what
45:13What we should know about Miami we saw this last week Joe and I were watching it live against the Raiders that
45:21Tua really is excellent at certain things
45:25He's maybe not the most well-rounded quarterback
45:28But the way that he is able to operate
45:31The Mike McDaniel offense and quick release and getting the ball out quickly and finding explosive
45:39Finding the explosive plays doesn't mean he has to be the most explosive player
45:43But finding the explosive plays and the ability to get the ball on the hands of these guys quickly
45:48It's something that Tua does really well as well as any quarterback in the league to be honest
45:54And I know people want to bash him for the weaknesses in his game and his health and everything else
45:59but when things are right with the Miami Dolphins offense, they'll they can blow out just about anybody and
46:05You wonder if that happens this week
46:09I'm why I I don't love the flat seven
46:12But I think Miami can win by a touchdown here. Their team total is 27 and a half. So it's pretty high
46:18I don't know that the New England Patriots get to their
46:2218 and a half, but I'd see some of the numbers moving in the marketplace towards the Patriots
46:28But I I I'm gonna lean with the Dolphins here I this is obviously an excellent teaser situation
46:34I think the Dolphins do get the win and I'd be leaning towards their overs on points
46:41Yeah, nobody punches down like Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins that's for sure there and I gotta tell you nobody has been
46:48better
46:50This year against the number especially on the road than the Denver Broncos
46:55Sean Payton's got what seven three and one against the number there for one and one against the number on the road
47:01Taking on a Raiders team in which they already beat but didn't play all that
47:06Well nine touchdowns and one pick in his last four games Bo Nix. Does he get it done here?
47:12Yeah, I failed to mention Bo Nix in the previous preview in the previous game and he's been great. I
47:18think this Raiders team is
47:20Like in on in the midst of falling apart, right
47:23we saw them hang for a little while against the Dolphins and then ultimately it was a blowout and I
47:30Think that's what's fascinating about doing the show that we do on Sunday's show is
47:35When you get a chance to watch these teams consistently the teams that are not as good and end up having bad seasons
47:42They don't get blown out from whistle to whistle
47:44That's not the way the NFL works
47:46but they do play well in the first half and keep games close and then it all slips away in the second half and
47:53That's what's happening with the Raiders or a week in week out here
47:57Six and a half is a lot to lay on a road divisional home dog again this spot
48:01It's yet another one this week
48:04but the way that Denver's defense is playing you have to side with taking the Raiders unders and Denver in a
48:11Second half number as well is what I like here
48:14They've been particularly good at holding teams in the second half and making adjustments at halftime
48:20To both of your points the Broncos have been a great cover team this year Denver with Bo Nix performing above
48:27Expectation it was a win total of just five and a half at three this year a number they have already
48:33Cleared they are four and Oh against the spread that being the Broncos as a favorite this
48:40Season so fluid as we look at the AFC as a whole
48:44We touched on the impact of the Steelers losing last night on the road in Cleveland what it means for the AFC North if it
48:51Might restructure those teams that will host a playoff game to start off the postseason
48:57I want to talk to you now about the wild-card teams because the AFC is not quite the gauntlet
49:02Perhaps that we expected teams like the Jets the Dolphins the Bengals all well below 500 at this moment
49:09The Chargers are in the top spot the Ravens a wild-card team and the Broncos would earn that third and final
49:16Wild-card berth if the season ended today. What do you make of those wild-card teams? Can anybody on the outside?
49:24Looking in make their way into that playoff conversation
49:28Yeah, I think
49:30Well make their way into the playoff conversation. That's a little bit tougher
49:34but I would say that a
49:36Chargers as a five seed and the Ravens as a six seed are pretty freaking dangerous and the Broncos
49:42Had a rollercoaster kind of first ten first eight games
49:47But the last couple look pretty good makes it like you said nine touchdowns one pick for Nixon his last four games
49:53Their coach is Sean Payton a Super Bowl winner and their defense is being lauded
50:00Regularly, I'd like to see them do that consistently
50:02I think the Broncos are the type of team as a seven seed right now who have
50:08seven games to prove to us or six games rather to prove to us how
50:14Powerful they can be at the end of the season
50:16I think they're a really interesting team to watch and they may elevate as we get further
50:21But the Ravens as a six seed if the Steelers had to host the Ravens in a playoff game
50:25That would be a hell of a matchup and the Chargers just play the type of football that can win
50:30Late in the season if they can add some more explosivity to the offense
50:34Which we saw more recently, then I think people will start to define the Chargers a lot differently
50:39but they're in the shadow of the Chiefs and they probably will not get that credit until they go out and win a playoff game and
50:45Closed out a playoff game like they've been able to unable to do for the last ten years
50:52Yeah, it has been a struggle as we look at the AFC championship odds
50:56the oddsmakers still see that tier of three the Chiefs the Bills and the Ravens all separated by just a dollar and a
51:04Half we'll go from the AFC to some huge matchups on the Sunday slate in the NFC
51:10with Mike Blewett up next on a football Friday a lot of talk around the
51:14AFC in our previous segment now
51:17We flip conferences and focus on the NFC a football Friday rolls on
51:22With Mike Blewett a rivalry renewed as of late in the NFC
51:27But blew a story of Sunday in Lambeau is going to be the injury
51:32Uncertainty that has been the story of the season for San Francisco
51:36The 49ers currently booked as a full field goal underdog in Lambeau Field
51:42Against the Green Bay Packers if that line holds and we expect it to it would be the first game since the end of
51:502022 the Niners have been booked as an underdog
51:54Getting points, but with the injury questions for San Francisco
51:59Numerous key injuries on the defensive side of the football George Kittle missed last week
52:04He says he'll be ready to go for Sunday Brock Purdy now limited participant in practice this week for the 49ers
52:12Fluid how are you making sense of that three-point number in favor of the pack?
52:16You know really difficult Brock Purdy practiced in limited fashion yesterday as did Nick Bosa and
52:24You're gonna have to know exactly what that looks like. I think before you lay down a number
52:28The Packers lucky to escape last week. I think the concerning thing about the Packers, which I had a lot
52:34I think Joe and I both had the Packers to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl preseason, but
52:41Jordan love leads the league in interceptions. He hasn't even played in every game
52:45The carelessness at times with which he takes care of the ball is starting to become a concern
52:51He's got great talent and the whole team behind them with the support of the extension and everything else
52:57But you can't give this type of team regardless of who's quarterback
53:03Ample opportunities to keep scoring they have Christian McCaffrey on their team
53:08They are not for example, the Steelers that we talked about earlier that lack the punch to get in the end zone now
53:16That actually ironically has been a little bit of a concern here the Niners settling for field goals
53:21We've figured everybody starts to get healthy
53:23Maybe they can start to convert these but going on the road in Lambeau with a banged-up quarterback is not a great spot for them
53:30I think I'll take I
53:33Think this is a tight game and I'm more likely to take the three and it's probably won't move from here much bad
53:40I I think this is assuming that Purdy is in and
53:44I don't see the line moving all that much because if it gets down to two and a half
53:51Or a third three and a half is the number can swing the money will swing wildly
53:57To your point blew it here, by the way, if he throws an interception in this game
54:01He'll be the first quarterback
54:03since Peyton Manning back in
54:062015 with Denver to throw an INT in the first nine games of a season that he's played in
54:13So he's got eight in a row right now is going for nine. So thanks blue and I just had to bet it
54:19Ben and I were talking earlier and we just said listen at this point week 12
54:23You are what your record says you are and and the 49er is from a futurist perspective
54:30What are they bloat? They're a 5-5 team. That's what they are. I can't bet them in any way shape or form. I
54:37Think the market gives them a lot of respect because of as Ben said they haven't been booked as an underdog since 2022
54:43I think I understand why and the Niners have had success after getting off to slow starts
54:50But this is getting a little absurd
54:52They are in last place in their division right now and people are still saying well, I'll just give him a chance
54:58Well, they're at Green Bay at Buffalo the next two weeks. Go home for the Bears and Rams
55:03They still have to play in Miami as well
55:05So I would not would not want to play is for example a nine and eight Niners team in the playoffs
55:12but I think the the bloom is off the rose for me as far as
55:17really trusting them to
55:19Win the NFC or challenge the Lions and maybe even the Packers
55:23I think this is an interesting test for them this weekend, but to your point about Jordan love and the pigs Joe
55:28The Broncos did win the Super Bowl that season. So maybe it's maybe it's good luck for Joe
55:32I knew he was gonna say it Ben. I knew he was gonna bring it up. I knew it
55:39Today the bloom is off the rose
55:41Yeah salad days to describe glory days the dynastic run for the New England Patriots
55:48This guy will give you some great words on a Friday that we know like a day
55:58As we quickly go to so five Sunday night in Los Angeles final 30 seconds of this segment
56:04Mike the Rams snap a six-game win streak for the Eagles and went out, right? I
56:10Think the Rams are really live right now
56:12I love Matt Stafford in a big spot and I as much as the Eagles have
56:19Played a really interesting and winning brand of football with Saquon Barkley. I I love betting on Stafford getting points
56:27Fluid your our American dream. Have a great weekend. We'll see you on Sunday. Go football today