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The Underdog NFL Show

The Underdog NFL Show

Written by: Underdog Podcasts
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Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines talk all things NFL football year round, covering the sport with a unique blend of insight and humor -- along some help from their contacts from around the football world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026
Football (American) Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 278: NFL Draft 2026
    Apr 23 2026

    The episode serves as a wide-ranging preview of the 2026 NFL Draft, with Chris and Mario focusing on what could happen as they role through a 2026 first round mock draft.


    They start by setting the stage for draft week, discussing timing, excitement, and how the event functions as a turning point for franchises. From there, they briefly detour into pop culture—reviewing Project Hail Mary—before pivoting fully into football.


    A major portion of the show explores how modern drafts are shaped by uncertainty. The hosts emphasize how late rumors, smokescreens, and media narratives can dramatically shift perceptions in the final 24–48 hours. They also highlight how teams balance “safe” prospects versus high-upside swings, especially at the top of the draft where mistakes are costly.


    Another key theme is roster-building philosophy. The discussion repeatedly returns to how different teams should approach their picks depending on where they are competitively—whether they need stability, star power, or long-term upside. They also touch on positional value trends, including how recent success at certain positions (like versatile offensive weapons or defensive disruptors) is influencing how teams think.


    They spend time analyzing potential trade scenarios, noting that while many teams want to move up or down, deals only happen when incentives align. The conversation underscores how difficult it is to justify major trade-ups given the cost, particularly for non-quarterback positions.


    The hosts also discuss the explosion of draft betting markets, pointing out how “oddsmakers” now offer an unprecedented number of props, which both reflects and amplifies uncertainty around the draft.


    Overall, the episode is less about predicting exact outcomes and more about understanding the decision-making dynamics—how teams evaluate talent, manage risk, and navigate chaos leading into one of the most unpredictable nights on the NFL calendar.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Episode 277: NFL Offseason Spectacular
    Mar 12 2026

    0:13 — Show Introduction & Free Agency Overview

    Hosts introduce the episode and set the stage for a rapid-fire breakdown of NFL free-agency moves and offseason storylines across the league.


    0:50 — Arizona Cardinals Moves

    Discussion of Arizona potentially releasing Kyler Murray, new additions like Isaac Seumalo and Gardner Minshew, and speculation about a possible Marvin Harrison Jr. trade while evaluating the team’s outlook and odds from oddsmakers.


    6:00 — Atlanta Falcons Offseason Decisions

    Breakdown of Atlanta’s additions (including Jahan Dotson and specialists), Kyle Pitts on the franchise tag, and debate about the team’s quarterback situation and roster direction.


    8:46 — Baltimore Ravens Trade Drama

    Hosts examine the Ravens backing out of a Maxx Crosby trade and pivoting to Trey Hendrickson, along with reactions around the league and implications for the team’s championship chances.


    12:27 — Buffalo Bills Offensive Additions

    Discussion of the Bills trading for DJ Moore and adding Bradley Chubb, focusing on Moore’s role in the offense and whether the team has truly found a top receiving option for Josh Allen.


    18:46 — Carolina Panthers Big Spending

    Analysis of Carolina’s large deal for Jalen Phillips, other roster additions, and whether the moves represent meaningful progress or a risky investment in upside.


    21:07 — Chicago Bears Transactions

    Bears signings, the surprise retirement of Drew Dalman, and the team’s offensive line adjustments lead to a discussion about long-term roster planning.


    25:13 — Cincinnati Bengals Quiet Offseason

    The Bengals’ limited activity, including replacing Trey Hendrickson, and brief off-field chatter surrounding Joe Burrow.


    25:58 — Cleveland Browns Strategy Debate

    A series of offensive line additions sparks discussion on whether Cleveland is rebuilding, treading water, or unintentionally tanking.


    28:53 — Dallas Cowboys Moves & Pickens Situation

    Cowboys acquire Rashan Gary and franchise-tag George Pickens, prompting debate about roster strategy and potential contract drama.


    32:01 — Denver Broncos Standing Pat

    Denver’s lack of outside signings leads to discussion about relying on internal improvement and the upcoming draft to strengthen the roster.


    32:52 — Detroit Lions Roster Changes

    Trade of David Montgomery and additions like Cade Mays and Isaiah Pacheco highlight Detroit’s effort to manage salary cap space while maintaining competitiveness.


    34:21 — Green Bay Packers Direction

    The hosts discuss roster turnover, the addition of Zaire Franklin, and whether Green Bay may be overrated entering next season according to oddsmakers.


    35:43 — Houston Texans Building Around Defense

    Texans add Reed Blankenship and other contributors while focusing on strengthening key areas to support their developing roster.


    37:30 — Indianapolis Colts Commit to Daniel Jones

    Conversation about the Colts keeping Alec Pierce and committing to Daniel Jones, including differing opinions on the long-term viability of the move.


    40:17 — Jacksonville Jaguars Minimal Activity

    Jaguars largely retain internal players, prompting a quick segment on the team’s quiet offseason approach.


    40:45 — Kansas City Chiefs Add Kenneth Walker

    Chiefs sign Kenneth Walker and bring back Travis Kelce, sparking discussion about offensive evolution and potential draft strategy.


    44:45 — Las Vegas Raiders Aggressive Additions

    Raiders add Tyler Linderbaum, Quay Walker, and Nakobe Dean, with the hosts debating how the influx of defensive talent reshapes the roster.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 276: A Look Back at Super Bowl LX
    Feb 12 2026

    00:13 – Cold Open & Super Bowl Disappointment

    Chris and Mario admit the game lacked intrigue, comparing it to last year’s lopsided halftime. They discuss the Patriots' offensive struggles and Seattle’s dominant defensive tone.


    01:07 – Super Bowl: Seahawks vs Patriots

    High-level breakdown of Seattle’s defensive pressure, Patriots protection issues, Drake May’s uneven performance, Sam Darnold’s steadiness, and key defensive plays that shaped the flow.


    06:31 – Treveyon Henderson Prop Sweat

    Chris recounts betting the rushing over and surviving a late-game yardage swing, highlighting how game script killed run volume.


    10:34 – Standout Performances

    Praise for Christian Gonzalez, Craig Woodson’s rookie impact, Milton Williams’ interior presence, and debate over Kenneth Walker’s MVP moment negated by penalty.


    16:10 – Commercials & Halftime Reactions

    They critique AI-heavy ads, the Brad Pitt Netflix trailer buzz, and nostalgic de-aging spots that missed the mark.


    19:14 – Early Super Bowl Odds & Team Outlooks

    Using oddsmakers’ futures board, they debate Seahawks/Rams at the top, skepticism around Bills hype, Patriots’ standing, and surprise bottom-tier teams like the Dolphins and Cardinals.


    22:59 – Bears vs Jaguars Futures Debate

    Deep dive into Caleb Williams’ troubling completion numbers, postseason inconsistency, Ben Johnson’s scheme questions, Trevor Lawrence’s trajectory, and Jacksonville’s ceiling.


    39:59 – Receiver Trade Speculation

    Hypothetical trade talk: Brian Thomas Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., and even A.J. Brown scenarios, plus Bills’ need for a true WR1.


    52:00 – Veteran QB Carousel

    Discussion of potential availability: Kyler Murray, Tua, Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, and deeper backup names. Debate on value vs projection.


    53:35 – James Pearce Jr. Arrest & Fallout

    Detailed reaction to domestic dispute allegations, police pursuit, felony charges, and likely career consequences. The conversation turns to accountability, character evaluation, and Falcons implications.


    59:23 – Offseason Preview

    Show closes with plans for free agency, draft coverage, and offseason consistency.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr
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