Bald Guys On The Bench
Bald Guys On The Bench
Uninterrupted Playoff Bliss, Surprising NFL Contenders, and College Football Showdowns
Recorded January 8th, 2025
What if you could experience five whole days of uninterrupted playoff football bliss? Join us on the latest episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench Podcast as Graham Cohen and Scott Wasco embark on a journey filled with exhilarating college football semifinals and nail-biting NFL playoff games. Graham opens up with a personal story about his return to Los Angeles for a memorial service, reconnecting with old friends amidst the chaos of wildfires, while Scott shares his excitement over the Ravens' latest triumph and the frigid East Coast weather that comes with it. Through moments of nostalgia and shared passion for the game, our camaraderie shines through as we embrace the thrill of this sports-packed week.
We're diving headfirst into the college football semifinals, where speculation runs wild over matchups like Penn State versus Notre Dame and Ohio State against Texas. As we navigate the potential surprises and outcomes, we find ourselves caught up in lively debates over which games will captivate audiences and drive TV ratings. Our discussion is peppered with light-hearted critiques and personal biases, as we anticipate how recent games have set the stage for this electrifying college football showdown. As we reminisce about last year's championship, we can't help but build excitement for the games that lie ahead.
The NFL playoff season has been nothing short of surprising, with unexpected contenders and coaching changes shaking up the landscape. From the Steelers' struggles in the wildcard round to Sam Darnold's unexpected rise, we're dissecting the strategic decisions and challenges teams face. We explore the ripple effects of the coaching carousel and speculate on where key figures like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick might land. As we look forward to what's next for the Bald Guys on the Bench community, we’re excited to share our Patreon plans and merchandise updates, all while playfully teasing Raiders fans about their early vacation. Join us as we continue to celebrate our love for football and the shared experiences that bring us all together.
#baldguysonthebench #graboneandcrackone #nfl #cfp #nflplayoffs #pennstate #nortedame #texaslonghorns #ohiost
Welcome to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast, with your hosts Graham Cohen and Scott Wasco.
Graham:What's up everyone? Welcome back to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench. We're about to have some fun tonight. Scott, kick it off. How are we doing tonight? Everyone? Welcome back to another episode of the Bald guys on the bench. We're about to have some fun tonight. Scott, kick it off. How are we doing tonight, brother, dude fun.
Scott:I think that's an understatement, bro. Do you realize what we have? For the first time ever, we have five days of playoff football upon us, starting tomorrow. Let's go I mean college football semifinals right into the NFL playoffs Saturday, sunday and Monday. Ain't mad at that If you like sports and you like playoffs playoffs You're talking about playoffs, I mean playoffs. Let's grab it and crack it, bro. Before we get into it, let's go, grab one and crack let's go baby guy oh so you know, like we always start off.
Scott:graham, how was your weekend? What'd you do? I mean, I kind of know what you did, but fill our listeners in Well, I mean we are BFFs.
Graham:I would hope you know what we did Weekend was. You know it was good. I drove back to Los Angeles on Sunday and stayed a couple days. Back to Los Angeles on Sunday and stayed a couple days. The friend that I talked about about a month and a half ago that passed away from the motorcycle accident. The family decided to finally have his little memorial service for him, so went back and did that, saw some old friends that I haven't seen in a while, which was nice to meet up with them. But then also one of the best parts was I got to hang out with our boys, minor and Jeff. That's in our fantasy league and it was the first time the three of us actually got to hang out together in person in like a year and a half. Nice, bro. One that was sick, but two it's like we didn't skip a beat.
Scott:That's how you know who true friends are Exactly.
Graham:And I even got to hang out with him. Yeah, you did Sunday night Got a little FaceTime, baby. Yeah, jeff, and.
Scott:I got to talk about the Metropolitans, how I screwed him in fantasy football and you know had a good old time.
Graham:And how I quote unquote cheated with my trade in the middle of the night.
Scott:Which that wasn't in the middle of the night, it wasn't. I mean because Tom's on the East Coast, you're on the West Coast. I mean whatever, whatever. Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, you know.
Graham:Facts, facts. But yeah, just you know. Drove back on Tuesday, got to Vegas at a decent hour and you know, between all the messages that my mom was sending me, like get out of town, get out of town. I'm like what is going on? And she's like aren't you looking at your phone or the news? And I was like no, I'm driving.
Announcer:I just got up. I'm like what's up?
Graham:I know I'm like what's up and she's like there's fires, the place is burning down, get out of there. And I was like what? And lo and behold, but I mean between the air quality but then really traffic. You know I got out of there about noon and praise the Lord that I did, because you know traffic just gets real bad the later that you do. But then also with people, you know, evacuating and all that drama, and it's just, you know, looking on it now, a day past, and seeing all the fires and everything that's happening over there, I mean all you can do is just say prayers, you know, hope for the best for these families.
Scott:This is pretty much what it is. It's brutal. I mean the Kings hockey game was canceled tonight. They're already talking about the Rams Vikings game Monday night. You know being moved to Arizona, I think. And yeah, you know being moved to Arizona, I think. And you know I was talking about it with TP earlier. I'll never forget my first year of being a Chargers season ticket holder. It was literally the Chargers first Monday night game in years and years and years against the Dolphins and there were fires down in San Diego and they moved the game to Arizona. And I'll never forget being so bitter, obviously because I was fired up about the Monday night game. But then it's like you know, put shit in perspective and watching these people losing their houses and you know it's your house, dude.
Scott:You know, get your shit out and go, you know, oh for sure. But anyhow, uh, you know, I'm glad you had a good weekend with your boys. You know, obviously it was not on best terms, you know, but it was cool for, yeah, you guys ought to be there together and, you know, a little closure Agreed Not that closure is what you wanted, but it was a celebration of life. Yes, and you got to see Jeff and got to see Minor and do your thing and have a good old time, but my weekend was my weekend. It's cold as shit here on the East coast. Good God, almighty, don't weigh me but they're just colder than whatever.
Scott:Uh, you know it started off Saturday night, my weekend, and the Ravens laid the wood to the Browns. You know, leaving the episode last week, we were talking about the Steelers and the bangles, or no? No, yeah, steelers and the bangles. And if Steelers lost charge, one charge got the five seed. And you know Steelers were getting the wood laid to them and came back and made it a game. You know not that I'm rooting against your team, but I'm rooting for my team. You know I'd much rather go play the Texans, but you know that's how it kicked off on Saturday and I don't know. Sunday came around, watched the Chargers and that was that. But before we even get into all that, let's talk about something that started last night, that's been in the making for a while and I guess was, I don't know, pushed off a little bit because the place burnt down or something. Remember that shit last year? And that is the TGL League. Right Yesterday during the day, tp texted me and before I even get into this, time out Happy birthday, tp.
Graham:Wow Scott. I don't know how old you know before I even get into this time out. Happy birthday TP. Wow Scott.
Scott:I don't know how old you are, but happy birthday, bro. One of the only reasons I still have Facebook is to tell me when it's somebody's birthday. And his wife took him, blindfolded him, took the whole fam to Topgolf, got to hit some golf balls he had no idea where it was going. So you know, oh nice, Hope you had a great day, Uh, which I know you did. But anyhow, yesterday TP texted me and goes dude, what do you think about this TGL league? You know, I kind of knew the format. I've seen the videos of this massive, massive.
Scott:You're playing golf indoors, right, You've got these teams, you've got teams of four, but only three can play. They made up these crazy holes. You know, I didn't know what to think about it. I hoped for the best and the only thing that I really wanted to happen actually happened a little bit, and that is something that hasn't happened on TNT over the years, with the match and this and that, and that is the guys talking a little trash to each other. You know, love it. I have, like it's me, you and our boys out playing golf talking trash. You know, don't be a robot and you know what I'm saying. Just have fun, oh, 100% with the boys.
Scott:Right, you know, and a couple weeks ago they had like a media day I think it's the SoFi Center or something down in Florida is what it's called yeah, and people were talking about it and how massive it is the screen and literally how the players actually got to hit off of grass, real grass, right, and if you hit it in the rough.
Scott:There was real rough. There was a real bunker in there when you got close to the green and I didn't know what to expect. I had a big thing at the club last night. So I got home a little later and started watching it a little late and, dude, it was three on three and the first nine holes I believe it was the first nine holes it was a three-person alternate shot and each hole's worth a point. And don't quote me you got to throw a hammer. Okay, if somebody you were playing against, you got to throw a hammer to instantly make that hole worth two points. And I was like this is cool.
Scott:After the front nine I think it was Ricky's team, team New York was getting boat raced. And then after the front nine, it's only a 15-hole match and so after the front nine it was literally three individual matches. So how did they do this? You know, ricky and Shane Lowry played against each other, I think, on one and 13. And then the other match was 11 and 14. The other one was 12 and 15, but, dude, it really impressed me. I couldn't believe it.
Scott:And you know I'm as traditional as it comes with the sport of golf, right, and you know, you know something, as I was thinking about it today, I'm like dude, I don't even have a clue what tgl stands for. I know tiger and rory, you know this was their dream to kind of not go against live, but it was something in the golf world to entertain fans, right and so, right, you and I were talking earlier tgl. What do we think? It was tiger golf league, right, right. And so I was literally had to look it up and it stands for tomorrow's golf league and oh wow, it was legit, dude.
Scott:I mean, a couple of weeks Last night started at nine o'clock, which was a little late to get good ratings and stuff. A couple of weeks you got Tiger versus Rory, which is going to be legit. But then it came out today, dude. Last night TGL drew 920,000 viewers at 9 o'clock. That's crazy. The lead game on ESPN2, pittsburgh and Duke college basketball only drew 751,000. That's insane. You want to talk about a strong start to this league. It's pretty good yeah.
Graham:I mean.
Scott:Dude, the coolest part, you know, were the holes. The holes were insane, like they had all these crazy. It was just nuts, you know, give it a chance, give it a shot Around. The greens was super cool because they were hitting real chip shots. They were hitting real bunker shots. It's not into a simulator, but it was legit, dude, it impressed me, not going to lie.
Graham:Dude the screen itself. I mean you're?
Announcer:hitting wisdom.
Graham:Yeah, it's like they said. It's 24 times the size of a regular simulator screen.
Scott:Anybody that's ever hit balls in a simulator or, you know, had the experience of doing that. You're talking about Wyndham Clark, you're talking about Ludwig. You're talking about Shane Lowry, fitzpatrick, ricky Fowler these are all amazing golfers and the ball comes off the face really fast. And if you're a normal simulator, when you hit the shot, before you even look up, the ball's already hit the screen. Right Watching this, last night night, there was a second, second and a half after they hit the ball that you could hear it hitting the screen. That's how, I mean, legit, it was super cool. You know, let's see what happens. I like I said I didn't know what to expect, didn't know what to think of it, but it was sick, dude. I mean I don't even know what to say. Yeah, I just I can't wait.
Scott:Next week I think they start, and it was on espn, they had tiger. I think they had 1600 fans in attendance. You know, that's super cool. Wow, you can sit there right on top of these guys. And the coolest part to me was there's a shot clock. You know, you ain't got time to look at all this shit from 100 different angles, like they were playing holes in like three minutes, like let's go, it was hey, save the walking, bro, it's I mean it's not, as it's a sharp idea, yeah I love it.
Scott:I mean, we'll see what happens and we'll see what the ratings are next week when it's night not at nine o'clock eastern time, because I think it's at seven next week and, like I said, a couple weeks from now it's going to be Tiger's team versus Rory's team Pretty legit, you know. Yeah, I don't know. Let's see what happens. I'm all about it. I don't know. Don't quote me on this, but last night, I guarantee you I don't know. You can look it up if you want. I guarantee you they had more viewers than Liv did their first event, and this isn't a shot.
Graham:It's not, but it is. It is, but it isn't.
Scott:But I mean, I don't know it was legit. So, anyhow, let's get right in college football semi-finals. Let's do it penn state, notre dame tomorrow night. After notre dame. I mean, can you believe what they did to Georgia, dude, sheesh? Yes, you can believe what Penn State did to Boise State, but I mean Notre Dame and that's not a shot. I'm just saying no, it's going to be a matchup. Man, it's going to be a matchup. I agree, the line's not much. I think Notre Dame's favored by a point or something. Yeah, line's not much. I think Notre Dame's favored by a point or something.
Graham:Yeah, it's not much.
Announcer:Not much If.
Graham:I was going to take a gander. I think it's only go-go gadget betting. Wait for it. Yeah, a point and a half. A point and a half.
Scott:Where's that game being?
Announcer:played yeah.
Scott:Notre Dame. It's in Miami, right the Orange Bowl.
Announcer:Yeah, okay, yeah.
Scott:All right, which is good, because we all know what's going on across the country. Because they're talking about crazy weather in Texas and Dallas for the Ohio State Longhorns game and, like it's crazy the weather you got hot and, goddang, zero humidity. In California, everything's burning down and the whole rest of the damn world is getting ready to have another snowstorm. It's wild, but you know going to be good.
Graham:Five days of playoff football in a row, you know going to be good, you know, five days of playoff football in a row. I know, say it again.
Scott:It's like, wow, this is sick.
Graham:Yeah, it's so great. If it goes the way we want it to go, I mean it's going to be invisible. If it doesn't, I mean it won't be, it's just.
Scott:It is what it is what it is. I mean Penn state playing Notre Dame. The next Friday night, we got Ohio state playing Texas and, good God, I mean Ohio state Oregon. I mean that game was over before it even got dang started. Right, we talked about that last week, but geez, louise, I mean Two good matchups.
Graham:Prove yourself, texas. That's all I gotta say. Is prove yourself, I mean.
Scott:They got their hands full, bro, even though it's basically a home game for them.
Graham:Yeah, it is almost a home game, but still, yeah, it's Ohio State will still travel. I get that. But I mean, look, it's going to be so many Longhorn fans there. I mean hopefully that can be enough a distraction for Ohio State's in-game performance. I doubt it. But look, texas is like oh, we're the big bad Longhorns, we're joining the SEC. We're badasses. Well, man, we're the big bad Longhorns, we're joining the SEC. We're badasses. Well man, up and protect the conference you represent. Now, am I being a hater just because I'm a Penn State guy and Ohio State can take a long walk over Shore Bridge? Hell yeah, I ain't trying to see them win. Fuck a tree nut or whatever damn nuts they're called in their mouths, whatever you know, um, the real question is is yours going to step up?
Graham:Is the running game going to step up? Can the defense handle what the wide receivers are going to do from Ohio state? It's going to be a good matchup. Do I know why the spread is what it is?
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:It's because Ohio state has looked amazing these last two games and thanks Michigan for, should I say, awakening the beast of Ohio State. So thanks Scott, thanks Dave Portnoy, thanks Michigan Jackasses.
Scott:But hey, as you say that, though Michigan gave the world the blueprint, bro, how do you beat them Run the ball? Michigan gave the world the blueprint, bro. How do you beat them Run the ball?
Graham:Yeah, but didn't they look better after that fact?
Scott:Ohio State.
Graham:No, I'm just saying like, yeah, you can what play great defense and stop them on the outside.
Scott:Oh, gee, that's a tough call.
Announcer:Run the ball yeah.
Graham:But I mean, Texas has a good run game.
Scott:They have great corners too, so it's going to be a dog fight. I mean, I'm hoping the world, in my opinion, does not want to see this. And that is Penn state and Ohio state and the national championship game. Of course not but we're biased ratings. I mean I think if you're going by the TV networks, they want to see Notre Dame and Ohio State. Of course, Notre Dame alone versus doesn't matter, the ratings will be.
Graham:Yeah, I was going to say I'm sure they wouldn't object to Texas either. Yeah, exactly.
Scott:But, dude, we're lucky. The only bad thing is we only got three college football games left in the season, you know, but there are going to be three really good games.
Announcer:Yes.
Graham:Yes, yeah, I'm excited for it. Hopefully it goes the way that I would like let's go Penn State, let's go Notre Dame, or in the it's like myself Texas. Let's go Texas, yeah, dame, or in the black myself. Texas, let's go Texas.
Scott:Yeah, but as we're, you know, talking college football semi-finals going on in the national championship game, I do have to bring this up, dude. A year ago tonight, a year ago, harbaugh stood on that stage and took the natty, and you know what's crazy about this? Who you bitch? You know what's crazy. Do you know where that game was played? The same place the Chargers are playing this coming week. Wow, last time Harbaugh was there he was pulling it down. Pulling it down Anyhow, I love it.
Scott:We got a lot of NFL shit to talk about Week 18, coaches getting fired. You know Black Monday wasn't as bad as it normally is, but let's jump right in, dude. You know the Ravens win early Saturday, clench the division. You guys have to play against the Bengals to try to get that five seed and we kind of mentioned it earlier you guys came out flat, dude. I read something the other day the Steelers went the entire season, bro, without scoring a first drive touchdown.
Scott:Yeah, the entire season. You made it a game with. You were down. What two. With hardly any time left. Russ doesn't run out of bounds. I'm texting you, I'm going. What in the shit is going on, dude? You guys lost your last four games what kind of? And now you're going to play? The only positive thing I would say right now, after losing four games and going into the wildcard round, is that you're playing a team you know so much about Right at like 10, you would feel better about going to play them than the Bills Facts, especially with homeboy out, zay Flowers. They haven't announced that yet, but it doesn't look like he's going to play.
Graham:All I can say is best case scenario, it's a get right game. I mean, look, our last seven games were brutal. I mean strength of schedule, hardest it's almost ever been for any team. If someone wants to, you know, challenge that, go ahead, I'm. I'm here waiting. But that being said, did we look good in those last seven games? Not particularly, um. And obviously, look, everyone always says every coach says, oh, next man up. But, as we've said in previous podcasts, you can say that as long as you want, but when you have key guys out, shit, shit matters. You know what I mean. Having the right people there matters, and especially on the back end when you're playing against teams that love to throw the ball. You know it's just, it is what it is. I mean tomlin's presser after the bangles game was well. We did hold Joe Burrow to one throwing touchdown. You know he's averaged three. The last how many games?
Graham:I was just like yeah, okay, I mean, I guess if you want to look at it that way, but it's just like the Steelers have to play perfect ball to win games. You know they haven't really been generating too many turnovers. The defense hasn't really looked that great. I even hate to say this, tj's been a little silent these last half of the season.
Scott:It's not hard to do that when you got eight guys blocking TJ.
Graham:Yeah, no, I mean I agree and like I said, the teams that we played. You know what I mean I get that.
Scott:Pickens has done nothing mia and I mean, like I said last week to you, you and I had as many yards as pickens did saturday night, with one less catch. Right, he had a ton of drops. Then he's trying to fight the home crowd while the game's still going on All right, you can't have talent like that, just acting like a jackass. Oh, I'm sorry.
Graham:Antonio Brown. Bro, there's been a lot of you know, that's the thing. Just listening to these other pundits and not even pundits, just people flapping their mouths on these YouTube analysts and shit, and it's just like they make valid points. It's just like, dude. Think of our main receivers. We had the last 10 years Plaxico Well, that's a little more than 10, but still Plaxico AB Pickens, now Clay you know Chase Claypool there's always been. You know they'll have amazing seasons, even Juju They'll have amazing seasons. But then when they have to be by themselves and be the guy, it's tough. They ain't it?
Graham:It's tough and I mean Antonio Brown's, the only person that you know can stand on his shoulders and be like hey, I was that guy. Yeah, you were.
Scott:And then you got hit by Fontes Perfect, and then yeah, but he also, I mean he also had Juju.
Announcer:Yeah, no, I mean yes, I get that.
Graham:I'm just saying look, would it help Pickens mature? Yes, I get that. I'm just saying, look, would it help Pickens mature and also his stats if he had a legitimate number one on the other side? A thousand percent.
Scott:You're supposed to be that guy, bro. I don't know how you mature when you're trying to fight the home crowd.
Graham:I mean I don't disagree with you.
Scott:I mean at all, something I read before we even got on the air tonight. Okay, and you and I were talking about it and tomlin said it in his presser is justin field's gonna see some action. You action this week against the— 100%. And something I read Steelers, with Justin Fields as a starting quarterback 4-2 record, 2-0 versus playoff teams. Steelers' last seven games with Russell Wilson 2-5 record, 0-3 versus playoff teams.
Graham:It's like can I just have a little bit from each of those quarterbacks to make one quarterback? If I could give Justin Fields Russell's arm accuracy.
Graham:Go ahead, bro. Yeah, you give him that accuracy. I'd be like come on down, you're the next contestant on. The Price is Right, aka the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I don't know. Look, going into this game, like I said, the familiarity that we're going against the Ravens is the only thing that makes me feel like all right, we know what we're getting into. It is what it is, spread I'm not too concerned about.
Graham:I mean, look, if we would have won and we would have gone to the Texans, I would have been like dude, this is a game that we should win and, to be honest, I think I would be more upset if we lost to the Texans than if we lose to the Ravens. Yeah.
Scott:You know what I?
Graham:mean yeah, so I just. But then also, it's like if we do beat the Ravens, I mean I'd be happier if we beat the. You know what I mean? It's the double-edged sword of how these matchups go. I mean I think that it's going to be a tough game. I think it's going to be closer to the spread. I still won't bet it because, as I've always said in the past I don't bet my team, but I just, I'm just, you know what.
Graham:I'll just end it with this, as long as we look better than what we have these last six weeks, that's all I care about. Yeah, I agree.
Scott:Hey, and let's face the facts here. You know, nobody expected the Steelers to be where they are going into the season. I think the win total was over eight and a half the same as the Chargers. Nobody expected the Chargers to be where they are right now, and really nobody thought the Donkeys were going to be where they are right now, and really nobody thought the Donkeys were going to be where they are right now.
Graham:Agreed. I mean, bro, I was laying a bit thinking about it the Pittsburgh Steelers were 10-3. Yeah, and then finished 10-7. I mean, I know For a month ago, we haven't won two games in December in how long?
Scott:Been a minute.
Scott:I mean the Broncos win total in Vegas was over five and a half Right, but yeah, we got Steelers at Ravens. Well, first off, we got Chargers at Texans. It was funny. I saw somebody post it and was like you know, the Masters is always a tradition like no other and they put it into the Texans the last. Like eight times they've made the playoffs. They're the first game on Saturday. So, yeah, hilarious Chargers play at the Texans early game on Saturday, then Steelers at Ravens Saturday night. I don't know man. Like I said all year long on this podcast, I'm stoked where the Chargers are. I can't even believe that we got the 5 seed hardball's first season. And if we lose to the Texans, am I going to be pissed? Of course I'm going to be pissed, dude, it's the playoffs. But am I going to be crushed?
Graham:No, Playing with house money.
Scott:Exactly, exactly. So I think Denver dude is dude, is gonna give the bills a game. I don't know why, I don't know what the weather looks like up in buffalo, but I mean denver's d is legit. I just I don't know. I mean, am I saying they're going to win? No, am I saying it's going to be closer than what Vegas says? I say yes. I mean I think it's eight and a half. Yeah, I don't know what do I?
Graham:know it's just tough to project what a rookie quarterback is going to do in the playoffs. I agree, I mean, I know Denver has a good defense. You know they're going to want to run the ball. The Bills' defense against the run has been a little suspect these last couple of weeks, but still, you still have to throw the ball in this league to win. You do, you, do you do so? You know? I just I feel like the Bills will be creative in the offensive plays that they put out there. I think it will be close. I mean, if I was to do anything, I'd put it in a tease and then tease it up for the Broncos and take the Broncos plus 16 or something and feel comfortable with that. But other than that, I got no idea.
Scott:None, I mean I'm just thinking gut, not being fanball, I'm thinking Ravens, chargers, bills, advance, which sets up the divisional matchups of pretty good matchups, dude, oh for sure. Bills hosting the Ravens. Is that any good Chiefs hosting the Ravens? Is that any good Chiefs hosting the Chargers? In conference, I mean in division it's hard to beat a team three times in a row.
Scott:That it is hey that's why I'm just saying it, not saying not looking past the Texans at all. No, of course, but it's hard to beat a team three times in a row, yeah, but dude.
Graham:And if the clouds opened up and the universe shined down on us, pittsburgh wins, the Chargers wins and the Broncos wins, meaning the Pittsburgh Steelers would come to SoFi and I'd actually be able to go to the first ever home game for the Chargers.
Scott:That would be sick.
Graham:Yeah it would. That would be sick. Rob would fly back. We'd drive back for that right oh.
Scott:This? How do you do? Do you have wooden balls? Does a whale shit in the ocean? Whale's poop. So real quick. We haven't even gotten in the NFC yet, but we know the matchups Packers at Eagles, washington at Tampa, vikings at Rams Out of all 14 teams that have made the playoffs and I already know the answer that I'm going to ask you the team in the AFC that shocked you the most to make the playoffs and the team in the NFC that shocked you the most to make the playoffs. I mean, they're pretty easy.
Graham:Well, I mean it started a season.
Announcer:Well, I mean, it started a season, yeah, I mean well yeah it's the Broncos and the Vikings.
Scott:Wow, you shocked me on the NFC, even though I agree with exactly what you said. It's not the Vikings making the playoffs, it's how they dominated, I mean how do? You not put Washington in that sentence when they won four games last year?
Graham:I mean tomato, tomato. I mean either or I just I can tell you why. One I had more confidence in Jaden Daniels as a rookie quarterback. I felt that how JJ McCarthy played at Michigan.
Scott:He wasn't asked to do a lot, how that was going to translate that's what I'm saying, but then he goes down you didn't know what to expect.
Graham:You know what I mean.
Announcer:Yeah, it's not a knock on McCarthy.
Graham:It's just like you don't know how his play style will work with the new offense and what they're doing up there. So I mean, obviously they have pieces and he gets hurt.
Announcer:He got Jefferson, he got all those.
Graham:I get it, yeah. So I mean, look, Sam Darnold, say what you want about him. Sam Darnold, say what you want about him. I mean, obviously he's comeback player of the year. I mean, sign still delivered, lock it up. But can you call somebody? He wasn't drafted fourth overall because he was a bum.
Scott:Right. Can you call somebody comeback player of the year if they weren't injured?
Graham:Okay then, who was injured and came back? Who would you give it to?
Scott:I don't know, I'm just throwing you that question. Obviously what Sam Darnold did last year up in San Francisco under Shanahan.
Graham:Yeah, but didn't they give Flacco comeback? Player of the year last?
Scott:year Did they? I'm pretty sure they did.
Graham:I don't know. I'm pretty sure they did.
Scott:I don't know. I mean, hey, let's call a spade a spade, it doesn't matter. I'm not taking anything away from what Sam Darnold has done this year, except for what happened week 18, when he couldn't hit the ocean from the beach Right but anyhow.
Graham:I mean, yeah, you could go either way. I don't know. I guess I just kind of glossed over washington and just thought about, you know, with sam donald, but I mean just also because their division was so much harder.
Scott:You know what I mean, like you think I mean, like the afc west, the nfC North has three teams in the playoffs. Say that again folks, yeah, and who saw that shit happening? Not a one. Speaking of as we wrap up week 18, for the first time in NFL history, bro say that. For the first time in NFL history, 15 teams finished the season with 10 plus wins.
Graham:Can you believe that's a record?
Scott:Yeah, that's what first time in NFL history means. Well, you're a quick one there, graham Dude. What Fifteen teams.
Graham:So basically, not a lot of mediocrity. Either you were good or you were shit.
Scott:Well, and it all comes down to this who gets lucky in the draft with a quarterback?
Graham:Ain't that a fact? Ain't that a fact? Good luck anyone needing a quarterback this year.
Scott:Boo have fun with Cam Ward and Sanders Shador.
Graham:Sanders, have fun with cam warden sanders, shador sanders and whoever else. I mean. There's guys that they're saying, hey, man, stay another year, you ain't ready with the nio and all that.
Scott:Why wouldn't you? Oh my god, are you kidding?
Graham:me stay With the NIO, and all that. Why wouldn't you oh my God, are you kidding me? Stay? Yours is like I'm staying, don't worry about me bro.
Scott:No, he's gone. I ain't going nowhere. They're saying he might go to Oregon.
Graham:No, that's what I'm saying. Like he'll stay in college. Yeah, he ain't going to the NFL.
Scott:Because it's Archie Manning time in Austin with the Longhorns.
Announcer:Oh yeah, they ready.
Graham:But they ready, he ready, yeah, the fans are ready yeah. How about His dorm room's ready Dude how about the Patriots.
Scott:And what did I tell you Saturday night? How much of a slap in the face would it be for the Bills? How much of a slap in the face would it be for the Bills, who already have the two seed wrapped up, to allow the Patriots to win, just to screw up their first overall pick? And what happened? And not only did it happen, bro, I think, less than 90 minutes after the game, less than 90 minutes after the game they put out.
Graham:The Patriots fired Mayo and put out this massive press release that you know was written on Saturday firing Mayo? Oh for sure it's hypocrite. Much no-transcript. What does it say about them? Or really is that who they really want? You would think that's the answer, I mean, but does he want to go there?
Scott:Like I was talking to you about Monday, I listened to Kraft's press conference after the firing Listen to it and then they played Kraft's press conference announcing Mayo as the head coach. You want to talk about contradicting?
Graham:yourself, dude we didn't give him the pieces for success.
Scott:Well, no shit, sherlock Holmes and how Kraft felt sorry for him and he didn't have the experience. But then his introductory press conference announcing Mayo was like we're going to give him time to get the experience, we're going to give him the pieces.
Graham:Which also is hilarious considering the fact that Vrabel was available last year.
Scott:And it should have been the decision, should have been the person. But you know that happened Sunday. And then you know Black Monday, which we always call. You know, the Monday following week 18. Black Monday, which we always call the Monday following week 18. It was only Ferguson and Jacksonville that got fired, which was crazy. Couldn't believe it. Everybody's like what's going on in Vegas with Antonio Pierce, this and that Right. Then he got fired on Tuesday, but Telesco is still there.
Graham:Well, yeah, because he has to help find a new coach.
Scott:Because that's worked out well in his history.
Graham:Just let Tom do it.
Scott:I mean Mike McCoy, anthony Lynn, brandon Staley Telesco gets shit-canned.
Announcer:I mean.
Scott:And in comes Harbaugh. How's that working out?
Graham:I don't disagree with anything that you're saying.
Scott:So, out of all the teams that are looking for a head coach, we got the Saints. We got the saints we got the bears. Yep, we got the Jaguars, we got the Patriots and we got the jets. What is the job that is most desirable?
Graham:It has to be Chicago. Well, I can't say has to be, because I mean that's going to be a tough division for years to come. I'd say, Chicago is the least desirable because of their owners and how cheap they are.
Scott:What you want to go to Jacksonville. You want to go to the Jets? I'm saying Jacksonville or the Patriots yeah, the Patriots, you got a young quarterback. Jacksonville, you're in a shit division. I mean Chicago, their ownership is awful. They wouldn't pay Harbaugh two years ago. I mean, that's just my opinion, I don't know. But anyhow, we haven't even talked about the NFC matchups. We jumped the gun, which is understandable.
Scott:Matchups, dude Packers at Eagles, Washington at Tampa and Vikings at Rams. What do you see going into the NFC playoffs? Those match-ups, they're all good, they're all solid match-ups. I think the Rams are flying under the radar a little bit. They're as healthy as they've been all year. The Vikings coming off that huge loss to the Lions, Washington at Tampa, and you know it's kind of crazy. Tampa jumped up to the three seed, with them winning and the Rams losing week 18. And then Washington and the Packers going from six to seven because the Packers lost and Washington won. Right, Good matchups, I mean. I agree. I think the Eagles boat race the Packers if, as do I, Jalen hurts gets out of concussion protocol which it's been.
Graham:How long now? It's been a while.
Scott:And don't forget, dude, jordan Love banged up his throwing elbow. Yeah, you know.
Graham:I'm telling you, this line is going to go up down sideways and around before. So folks, take it now.
Scott:I can't believe it hasn't already rocketed up.
Graham:Because at least they're giving me a cash-out option just in case shit changes. I mean, I don't know, it's not going down, it's only going to go up. It shouldn't go down, right, that's what I'm saying. It's not going to go up, it shouldn't go down, right, that's what I'm saying. It's not going to go down, it's only going to go up. The question is does it go from 4.5 to 7.5? I don't think so. I don't think so if Jordan Love doesn't play, he's playing. If he doesn't play, it's going to what?
Scott:oh, I don't even want to talk about what it could go to. Well, I mean, he's going to what? Oh, I don't even want to talk about what it could go to.
Graham:Well, I mean, he's going to okay, do you? How can you start someone that has a questionable throwing hand, a hand that he's throwing with in cold weather?
Scott:Would you throw him out there? Not a hundred percent.
Graham:I mean it's either him, it's Malik Willis, malik Willis Right. Not 100%. I mean it's either him or Malik Willis, malik Willis Right. I mean, only time can tell yeah.
Scott:The game that intrigues me, though, I mean Washington and Tampa. Tampa has looked like world beaters at different times in the season and then goes down 14 to nothing last week Right and gave you a heart attack, right Because of your bets. Rams Vikings how did the Vikings respond after last week?
Graham:The Rams are no slouch people. I do.
Scott:It would suck for Rams fans and season ticket holders for that game to be moved to Arizona because of the fires. Oh, 100 hundred percent, that would absolutely suck.
Graham:Yeah, but I'm to be honest because so far is not a closed stadium. I'm curious what the air quality is going to be like Exactly.
Scott:You ain't wrong, so it's I ain't wrong, so it's.
Announcer:I don't know.
Graham:So if they pay for the tickets, would that just be like transferable? Do they get their refunds, I wonder?
Scott:how that happened. Back in the day, our first year of being season ticket holders for the Chargers at Qualcomm that Monday night game, they credited our accounts and literally they gave anybody that wanted to go to the game in Arizona free tickets.
Graham:Oh, wow, yeah, they ain't doing that.
Scott:But Not in this day of the NFL.
Graham:Yeah, but no, they ain't doing that. But I don't know what do you see happening, but not in this day of the NFL. Yeah, but no, I ain't doing that but I don't know.
Scott:What do you see? Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I know what do you see happening in the NFC. Who are your winners?
Graham:I mean, obviously I like, um, what do I like? I like the Eagles, I like the commanders and I like the Commanders and I like, yeah, commanders on the road, I'm liking. My only thing is they got a tough defensive line. You know what I mean. If they can stop Bucky Irvin from having his day, I just I mean, look, I think both teams are evenly matched, but I, I just, I don't know, I just have this gut feeling that it's the commanders commanders lost to tampa week one of the season, I forget what yeah, by how many, but it was also daniel's first game starting in the NFL.
Scott:Right, right, you know, I don't know. I like the Eagles, I like Tampa to win the game, I want Washington to win the game and I really think the Rams are going to beat the Vikings.
Graham:So do I. That's crazy. You're going to go 14-3 and be the first round out, sheesh.
Scott:And that brings us to something we were talking about last week, dude, is it time for the NFL to change the playoff format? The competition committee Okay, you win your division, You're guaranteed a playoff spot, but you really have a team that's 14-3 playing an away game. I mean, I get it, I understand, I totally get it, I understand, I totally get it. But think about it. If it was based off of record, guess what? We may or may not have seen Saquon Barkley break the all-time NFL rushing record going into last week, because he had something to play for Right.
Graham:You know you're wrong, you ain't wrong.
Scott:Going into last week you would have had the Ravens Steelers Chargers playing for the three, four, five seed.
Graham:Yeah, I mean, it would definitely shake things up, for sure. I mean, and look, as they proposed it, the division winners get in regardless, you're in, and then it's all based off your record. So I mean I like the idea.
Scott:I mean, I will never forget, and this was to benefit the Chargers 2008. The Chargers finished the season eight and eight and the colts were the five seed at 13 and three. Because tennessee won the division at 14 and two and the 13 and three colts had to come to qualcomm on the road wildcard round and sproles goes, walk off in overtime and wins the game Right. You know it's hard to. If there was ever a year to talk about it, it's this year.
Graham:Oh for sure. I mean, when else is there going to be a situation in in that this happens? I mean, I mean it's the thing is, if this doesn't happen, very often it's kind of a moot point and for how it can change things moving forward.
Scott:Could you have imagined the Vikings beating the Lions the other night and the Lions having to go on the road?
Graham:I know, considering they look like the best team all year, that's insane, Right. It's a punishment. All year, that's insane, Right, it's a punishment. I mean, I get it. There's too many things that it could work positively. Just based on how this season went, We'd have to go back and look at the previous years to see how that would have affected situations.
Graham:But as of this year, it's definitely the right play. So I'm curious to see if one, if they even talk about it. But first things first. You can talk about all that and changing the playoff system, and that's great. How about let's do the first thing? Can we check these refs and start getting these calls done by? You know, having calls you can actually replay, or at least having some of these calls be done by the head office, something or more cameras, so they can be like oh yeah, that was definitely a face mask or oh hey, that was definitely, you know, not pass interference, or is pass interference? It's like there's so much other shit that needs to happen before they change that side of it that it's just like if you're going to do one of those options first, I'm taking the other. But that's just like if you're going to do one of those options. First I'm taking the other, but that's just me.
Graham:I mean, we need continuity in the game first we need it to be a loving playing field before we even concern ourselves with who's going where in the playoffs. I don't disagree with you.
Scott:One thing that I do love and love to hear today on the New Heights podcast was all these people going out and claiming the Chiefs laid down for the Broncos to win. So the Bengals didn't get in and Travis Kelsey going shut up, dude, we ain't afraid of nobody.
Announcer:I'll play them in the.
Scott:Walmart parking lot whenever we want. You know what, bengals, if you wanted to get in the playoffs, maybe not lose week one against the Patriots.
Graham:The straw that broke the camel's back right there for the rest of the season, for everyone, I mean that gave the Patriots hope and crushed the Bengals ultimately.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:I don't disagree, I mean I don't disagree. I mean, I don't disagree at all I don't know, man, it's wild, but anyhow, dude, so did you hear the news that came out today with tom brady regarding with Tom Brady Regarding he's going to help in the hiring process About a text message.
Graham:No.
Scott:He sent to good old boy Bill Belichick no, what's that Asking?
Graham:if he was interested to come to the Raiders. You can't make this whole press conference if you're going to the Tar Heels, it'd be like no, no, no, I changed my mind.
Scott:Dude and other GMs have reached out Like you had all this time. No, yeah, Belichick, please, for the love of God, stay where you're at Change college football. I don't know. When I saw that today I was just like come on, man, the guy's already signed a contract. I hope, like all the kids say nowadays, I hope Belichick left Brady on red.
Announcer:Or whatever the hell it is.
Scott:they say I mean, I don't know they're talking about Kingsbury to the Bears. Cliff, you don't go to the Bears when you have it made in Washington calling the plays for the rookie of the year. Quarterback Jaden Daniels and the Redskins have a top five cap space going into next year.
Graham:Stay where you're at Right. No, I agree.
Scott:Why would you do that to yourself? I mean, come on, I don't know, I agree.
Graham:What are?
Scott:you coaching Carousel, dude? I don't know. I agree, what do you coaching carousel do? I don't know man, I don't know what. Who's going where? I mean, like you said earlier, the only thing that really makes a lot of sense is Vrabel going to the Patriots Right. Who wants to go to Chicago? You go to Chicago to get fired.
Graham:I mean, look, first-time coaches want to go anywhere. Right, they do. It's only the desired coaches that have a chance to go where they want to go, aka Ben Johnson.
Scott:Where are you going to go? If you're him, where are you going to go?
Graham:Look, you're going to a team that I mean it's very rare that you go to a team that you want to go to, or that it's a good organization. It's rare that that happens. I mean, look, harbaugh got lucky last year. You know what I mean. You know just picking a good, you know it was the perfect fit for him. And I'm just saying now it's, you know the choices that are available are not the sexiest of choices.
Scott:I mean, if I'm ben johnson, there's like I talked about earlier there's two teams I'm going to either the patriots or the jaguars, right, you got a young quarterback in new england, lots of cap space. Or you go down there and if you believe in, or you go down there and if you believe in Goldilocks Lawrence, you go down to the AFC South and you've got a weak division. They've got some pieces in place down there. Yeah, last place I'm going is Chicago, right, I mean the Saints. They ain't got a quarterback. Derek Carr already said he ain't taking a pay cut, a pay cut. You got the Falcons who are up and coming. Why would he? You got Baker Mayfield in Tampa, I don't know. That's why I was like I mean Chicago is the last place. I'm going Kingsbury, please don't go there.
Announcer:I don't know.
Scott:I don't know, man, but all I know is the regular season's over. I saw a crazy meme the other day talking about Red Zone Channel's over. What, yeah, there's no about Red Zone Channel's over what. Yeah, there's no more Red Zone Channel dude Until next year.
Graham:Well, for this season, yeah, Still that's kind of sad. What are you talking?
Scott:I mean it's sad it made it sound like it's gone forever.
Graham:Scott Hansen, dude I mean yeah, can take a Sunday off for once.
Scott:And take a leak. Yeah, can take a Sunday off for once and take a leak, yeah right, but you know your Steelers are in the tournament, my Chargers are in the tournament. If you would have told us that September 1st, we would have both been like let's go. Facts, Without a doubt.
Graham:And, hey, everything worked out the way I wanted it to last week because the teams had to play the way they needed to play for my bets to work. So I'm all happy, everything worked out. I'm not like I can't, it's you know. Yeah, the teams that needed to play the right teams. Look, you have a good chance to advance. I like our chances against Baltimore.
Scott:Here's a quick question as we get off the air here. I'm going to look it up real quick. What do you think the Steelers' money line is against the Ravens?
Graham:Money line. Yeah, y'all went one and1 this year right? Yeah, I'd say it's probably plus 350. 370. Yeah, because I know they're 9.5, so it has to be more.
Scott:Wow y'all's money line plus 370 is more than the Broncos beating the bills.
Graham:No faith, Trust me, If I had expendable income, I'd say take the money line. But I don't, I don't know. So so I, I, I mean, I couldn't in good conscious, I mean I it, it'd be a Homer bet. You know what I mean, Of course.
Scott:And we always talk about.
Graham:we don't want to do that, but you can do it as a lottery ticket.
Scott:Yeah.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:Right, I could. Maybe I don't know. I've got a few days to try it, to figure it out, so what's your?
Scott:when are we getting on the air next week? I mean wild card round. We got games Saturday, sunday, monday. Are you working Monday? No, so we need to get on during the Monday night game either in LA yeah, we can do that, or in Arizona, wherever that's going to be.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:So as we end tonight, you know, hopefully these Santa Ana winds in Southern California calm the F down and these fires get contained. I mean, like I was telling you earlier, Riviera is in trouble due to being burned down. That's not good.
Graham:The Olympics are there in a couple of years, but you know, I'm sure I think you just go to Pebble.
Scott:Anyhow, graham, get us out of here. Another episode, something. Hey, as we got off the air last week, we were talking about what? Patreon? Well, yes, we got an active account on Patreon. We got some new stickers that we're going to start setting up and sending out to subscribers on Patreon. On Patreon, your boy's going down in the PGA show in Orlando in a couple weeks and already have an appointment with a t-shirt company to try to get some Bald Guys t-shirts for Patreon subscribers. So you know, love it. Like I said last week, show me the money and we'll show you some merch.
Graham:I love it. Yeah, hey 2025 is the year for bald guys on the bench. We out here, yo we out here. Let's go. Scott, as always, it's a pleasure doing the podcast with you. It's always a lot of fun. Good luck to your team, good luck to my team and hey, as the best homie always says, buh-bye.
Scott:Good night friends and hey, as the best homie always says, buh-bye, good night friends. Hey, raiders, how does it feel to be the only team in the AFC West in Cancun watching Buh-bye, buh-bye?
Announcer:This episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast is brought to you by our friends at Northstar Credit Union and Southern Auto, located in Southeast Virginia.
