Bald Guys On The Bench
Bald Guys On The Bench
Super Bowl Fever and NBA Shakeups
Recorded February 5th, 2025
Ever wonder how a game of NFL could get more competitive? Picture this: the losers from the championship games battling it out in a Pro Bowl replacement. We kick things off with this wild idea as we gear up for the Super Bowl, sharing our excitement mixed with a pinch of sadness as the NFL season draws to a close. Join us as Graham revels about his new electric bike while Scott entertains with tales from his son's birthday and a visit from his mom, adding a personal touch to our sports banter.
Switching gears, we dive into the surprising NBA trade news that has everyone talking: Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. We break down the financial reasons behind the Mavericks' daring choice, considering the influence of new ownership's betting background. Plus, we chat about the potential NBA expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle, drawing some interesting parallels with international ventures in other sports leagues. We ponder over the Lakers' strategic masterstroke, questioning the long-term game plans of both franchises in this high-stakes trading game.
As we inch closer to the Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and the Chiefs, we immerse ourselves in the betting frenzy. From exploring the allure of prop bets and pondering player performances to the emotional rollercoaster of supporting our teams, we cover it all. We throw in a dash of humor as we debate Mahomes' refereeing luck compared to Brady's. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Super Bowl chat without the mouth-watering traditions of buffalo chicken dip and jalapeno poppers. Here's to hoping for a thrilling, fair game that will be remembered for years to come!
#baldguysonthebench #graboneandcrackone #superbowl #eagles #kcchiefs #nba #nbatrades #anthonydavis #lukadoncic #lakers #mavs
Welcome to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast, with your hosts Graham Cohen and Scott Wasco.
Scott:What's up everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench. I'm here with my boy, graham. It's Wednesday before the Super Bowl, it's exciting times, but then it's depressing times because only one more game left. Graham, what's going on over there in the 702 area code? What's cracking?
Graham:I know Folks it's that time, you know, super Bowl's in four days. Look, we've got a big show tonight. We're going to talk about Super Bowl bets. We're going to talk about the big game and we're just going to try to live it up for the last NFL game of the season and just cherish it as much as we can, because after this it's on to hockey and basketball until that other game with the stick and a ball and all those Dominicans play. So you know I'm excited for it. Work's been good for me, my work has been good. My electric bike came in, so I'm excited to pick that up. But other than that, you know what we like to do when talking about sports. Scott, it's time to grab one and crack one. Brother, let's go.
Scott:Finally, you're getting later and later in that.
Graham:Yeah, well, you know, I co-host.
Scott:I can do whatever the fuck I want. You can, but you know, as you were saying, the fun thing about the NFL yeah, there's only one more game left, but it is a year-round thing, you know, Free agency.
Announcer:Oh, for sure.
Scott:Draft and before we even get into it, we're already having some drama. Super Bowl week, you know, a certain someone wants a trade. There's a lot of things going on, but it is Wednesday night, we're recording this and I feel like the weekend was a long time ago, but there was no football. Pro Bowl, I mean. If you bet the over in that, hopefully you won.
Graham:Because there was a shit ton of points scored in that thing. I'm sure the over was like 150.
Scott:I read something earlier and I agree with it dude the teams that lose in the championship games, aka the Redskins and the Bills.
Graham:Make them play dude instead of the stupid-ass Pro Bowl At least we get an entertaining game, yeah, I don't know, but you know, as they say, if you're not first, you're last. I mean I, I get it. I mean, look, it's kind of like for fantasy football there's always that. Third place consolation game yeah, you know what I mean so totally get it. I'd love to see it.
Scott:It's an extra week of football.
Graham:Right Giving incentive to the players.
Scott:Call it the John Madden trophy? I don't know Call it anything.
Graham:I mean, look, since they changed up the format of the Pro Bowl, are more people watching it? Are they watching the skills challenges? No, were they watching the tug?
Scott:of war. I did watch the Bosa brothers what are they called? The speed walking competition reminded myself of me at Augusta when I was trying to throw my chair on 18. But speaking of Augusta, your boy got the email today from the PGA of America for pre-registering. And what has two thumbs and pre-registered for the Masters? This guy.
Graham:What has two thumbs. And is bitter and says who?
Scott:The guy on the other side of the country. But anyhow, Graham, how was your weekend? I know it's Wednesday, but it is what it is Weekend was good, just worked, relaxed.
Graham:The weather started to finally warm up a little bit. It's been mid-70s, which is nice around here, and because of that, now that it's getting warmer out, more people are coming out to play golf, so gotta love that Work is busier, which is nice. Other than that, just been chilling. How was yours?
Scott:It was good. As you know, Kellen's birthday was Friday. My mom came into town, hung out with us for a couple of days. Your boy got a little sick didn't want to get her sick and had a party for him Saturday night. And after everybody went to bed, you and I were on the phone and, dude, the notification came across my phone when I'm talking to you and you're like no chance, this is real. And, if anybody is not aware, the trade that sent the NBA world not only the NBA world, but the sports world into a frenzy. And you're like no chance. And I sent it to Jerry and Jerry's like no way, Good try. And I'm like, dude, it's done deal. Couldn't believe it, dude, when we were talking.
Graham:Yeah, when we were talking, and you said it to me, I'm like there is no chance. I was like, dude, that's fake news, bro, there's no way that's possible. And I'm like all right. Then something came up on bleacher report and I was like the bleacher report get hacked. And I was like hold on a second. Then I went on. Then I turned the tv on.
Scott:I was like, oh, I had to go on twitter, twitter to make sure it was real. I mean, even after seeing it all over the place, I still didn't think it was real and I'm not a huge NBA fan, but I know the name 25-year-old kid I mean.
Graham:Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Dallas skip on picking?
Announcer:the dude that's in Atlanta for Luka. No, what happened, was they?
Graham:actually it was a trade. They picked Trey Young and then they traded with Atlanta.
Scott:Yeah, I couldn't think of his name yeah, yeah, incredible. I couldn't think of his name, yeah, yeah, incredible.
Graham:I don't know. But also back then, you know, I mean it was a good move for both teams because both guys with what their potential was, it seemed like a pretty even move. But I mean what Luka's done in the past five years, being an All-NBA player all five years, you know what one would think would be a face of a franchise. It's just one of those head-scratching moves that it really comes down to ownership.
Scott:Didn't Dallas, didn't they play in the finals last year?
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:And pretty sure he single-handedly took them to the finals in the west. Well, you can't say single-handedly definitely helped, but dude.
Graham:I mean, you ever heard of a guy, uh you know, called uh kairi?
Scott:yeah, I mean, the crazy thing to me is just the reactions from everybody in the sports world, especially athletes that aren't in the NBA, from Dallas. You know the Colt Knows podcast. I listened to it today. He's bitter Betty about it. And you know that world number one golfer, scotty Scheffler he had a statement today from the waste management. He goes. He's sad and confused over the AD Luca trade. Yeah, I mean, it's a bit challenging losing Luca. I think this is one of the first times I've ever been genuinely sad with a move that has been made in Dallas. We were spoiled with Dirk for so long. Dirk, in my opinion, is like the greatest sportsman ever. He's a great guy and great for the city. Everybody expected Luka to be that guy. He ain't wrong.
Graham:Yeah right, I'll say this. The one thing that I was surprised that I did hear about after the fact was, because of the fan outrage, a lot of well, I can't say a lot. I don't know what the numbers are, but I did hear that upper management agreed to refund season ticket holders.
Scott:Wow.
Graham:Yeah, that's insane In its own breath and you know, the more that I heard about it, it's kind of like it's just such an interesting dynamic of how the league is changing now, especially with teams getting new owners. How the league is I don't want to say progressing, we'll say I mean, look, the organization that bought the Mavs have a betting background behind them and I've heard rumblings that said, one of the reasons why they got rid of Luka is just because one what they would have to pay him for his super max, which would have been 350 million dollars for five years, which, folks, if you break that math down, is like what? 68?
Graham:million dollars or something here yeah, like a shit ton of money, um, and then on top of that with and what they're trying to say and cover their skin with, which is, oh well, you know his health and his availability and you know how he comes into training camp, and all that bs, that's a lot of balarkey, to be honest. But I I really think it's more of the fact that they didn't want to pay him and if they're not going to have the cornerstone piece of their franchise there, not going to have the cornerstone piece of their franchise there, if the league's going to have a team in Las Vegas, the NBA just can't add one team.
Graham:They have to add two teams and they have to do one to each conference. So if they're not going to add a team, who would move? You think maybe a team that?
Scott:has an ownership group that uh is big into betting and has dallas has a background.
Graham:Leaving dallas is not. It is not an original, you know, 12 team in the league type of team. I I mean like I get what you're saying, but the league has to move someone because they're not going to add two teams. You know they also want to move a team back to seattle. So what are they going to do? Are they going to move new orleans? Are they going to move? You know so it's either they add two teams or one team's going to have to move. It's kind of like, you know, with the nfl. I just saw something today that the that the rams in 2026 are going to be the first team to play in Australia.
Scott:And don't even get me started on that who? I literally just saw this an hour ago. In Australia you have two shits about whatever.
Graham:Considering the game would be a day ahead. The only advantage is we would get to watch that game on Saturday.
Scott:Welcome to Sunday morning football on Saturday night in the US.
Graham:Yeah, like. So you know, there's just so much to go around with this trade. But really the biggest head-scratcher of the whole thing was the fact that so many people believe that Rob Palenka, gm of the lakers, fleeced the own, the gm of the mavericks, because to only get back ad, to only get a first round pick 2029 not the 80 is in 2029, is not that that's not enough, because he's an all-nba player as well, but a 30 year old versus a 25, or actually I think he's 31 year-NBA player as well, but a 30-year-old versus a 25-year-old Actually.
Scott:I think he's a 31-year-old versus a 25-year-old.
Graham:It's just like you should have got more pieces. I mean, I heard that in their preliminary talks they wanted to get at least two more first-round picks, but I don't think the Lakers even had to get them. But I also, I only think you can give out first round picks for like up to seven years, so most of those picks are already gone, and then, on top of that, they would have had to have given up.
Graham:Uh, the guy that they the kid that they got in the first round from kentucky, or no, not kentucky, tennessee, sorry, uh, that kid. So the fact that palenka worked his magic and just swindled them down to what they got, you got to say to yourself how does the Mavs GM keep his job? Or was the ownership that willing to be like you know what? This is what we're going to do and we don't care, because it really was more a business decision than an emotional decision. Really is what it comes down to, because you know, I was listening to a podcast by bj armstrong and I doubt you would know who he is, scott. He was a player on the chicago bulls during the first three years of jordan's career he's 31 title.
Graham:He was one of their point guards davis is 31, yeah um on his podcast he brought up basically saying that a move like this not only is it unprecedented, because you don't move franchise pieces Like that's, it's unheard of to do it, number one but for it to happen on a Saturday night, almost at like 10 pm or on East Coast time, it would have been like 1 am.
Scott:It was like 12.15 my time.
Graham:Right For it to happen like that. That has to be an owner's conversation, owner talking to owner, or ownership group talking to Lakers. And then it trickling down. Because, look, when the GM for the Mavericks made the call and they had the press conference, jason Kidd, their head coach, had literally no idea. Jason Kidd, their head coach, had literally no idea.
Graham:When the head coach of both teams have no idea, when the players involved have no idea, aka Luka, aka AD, aka, how does LeBron feel in all of this? I mean, you do moves like that. It's not his team anymore. It's crazy, it's really not. And the craziest part is Luka and LeBron are the same type of player, like they need the ball in their hands. You know what I mean. It doesn't make sense on paper why they do it, unless they're thinking about getting Luka as their next franchise piece and they're just going to do whatever they're going to do with LeBron. I mean it doesn't surprise me what the Lakers did, but it also surprises me in the same sense that you know, for as much as they wanted to bring LeBron there, they brought him there. They did get the championship with him, even though everyone says, oh, it's in the COVID year, you know blah, blah, blah, but I mean he still delivered. But that being said, now it's just like, bro, you're 40 years old.
Graham:Yeah, you can still play for a year or two, but are you going to stay on the team? Like what's the deal? I mean, at this point, I couldn't tell you if LeBron's going to be on the Lakers next year, point I couldn't tell you if LeBron's going to be on the Lakers next year. I really couldn't, and it also kills their playoff chances this year they literally have no one.
Scott:The Lakers. All their defensive presence went. The Lakers have nobody. Yeah for the Lakers.
Graham:Yeah, I mean their two best defensive guys left. So it's like, alright, well, what are we going to do? And they already needed set her anyway. So I mean they might still make some other moves, but it's more or less just going to be pieces to fill out, the roster type of a thing. So I mean, you know whether or not lebron knew? Who knows? He says he didn't, he probably didn't, it's, it's crazy and look.
Graham:the biggest thing about this is it puts notice on everybody in the NBA, because if there was two people, you thought there is no chance that are safe. Luka is by far the number one player, without a doubt. Like he ain't going nowhere.
Scott:Him and Steph.
Graham:Well, yeah him. But even for younger players I'd say Shai Alexander on OKC is not going anywhere. Him and Steph Well, yeah him. But even for younger players I'd say Shai Alexander on OKC is not going anywhere. Maybe another piece or two here and there, giannis, but that's a whole other story, but it's just like for everyone now.
Graham:it's just mainly because of the fact that the players had no idea. I mean, look, if you saw the press conference that Luka had with the Lakers, and the reporters are asking him so what's your thoughts on what the Mavs said was part of the reason of why they let you go about your conditioning?
Scott:And he's just like yeah what do you want me to tell you, dude? He just bought a house. They said Just finished the house.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:I don't know. I'm sure he still will keep it. But, dude, the worst part about it is and this is going to sound ridiculous what I'm about to say, because he's still going to be filthy rich. Oh, the tax part. The tax Bro. He can't get the Supermax now in LA. In LA, because he didn't have the five years. So because of that now he can only get like $250, which, okay, don't get me wrong, $250 is $250. Right, but there's no state tax in Texas. Wow, so you're taking an extra 15%, 20% out for the state in California out of that money on top of the federal.
Announcer:Granted, he's still look, yeah, he's not going to cry over his bills, no.
Graham:I mean, he's still getting 75 after taxes, signs still delivered, maybe more like 100, and having no problem living life. You know what I mean. It is what it is, but will he embrace living in LA? I'm sure he will. You know what I mean. Like it is what it is, but will he embrace living in LA? I'm sure he will. But I mean, look, everyone says in every sport, do you want to play in the mid-market or do you want to go to the big boys? Are you playing for the Lakers, are you playing for the Knicks, are you playing for the Dodgers, are you playing for the Red Sox, the Mets, or do you want to play for the Pirates? Do you want to play for? I mean, in baseball? The only team that really, I mean I think breaks out of that mold is St Louis.
Graham:Because they just had those years.
Announcer:Yeah, but St.
Graham:Louis had that 10 years in the 2000s. They were just like untouchable.
Scott:It's wild, dude. It's wild, so I mean. But you know, as we move on from that, that was Saturday night. You know, super Bowl week starts on Monday and what happens Monday when everybody arrives to New Orleans, you know press row and this and that Great timing by the Cleveland Brown, miles Garrett Throws it out there on the gram and on Twitter Asking for a trade Oof. I you know can't blame the guy I mean I.
Graham:You know, you took the words right out of my mouth. I would just say I ain't mad at it. Not because I don't want him in the division, but it's just like he was there with Joe Thomas Right and folks. If you know, you know, I mean that's all that needs to be said. First ballot Hall of Famer was a nine-time All-Pro.
Scott:I mean, he saw the writing on the wall. Dude the Deshaun Watson, they got nothing, you know, and he's aging.
Graham:Oh, he gutted him.
Scott:You know he's 29, I think they're going to have to get a quarterback.
Scott:Is it going to be Kirk Cousins? Is it going to be you know, whatever? But the writing's on the wall. He's trying to get out of there and I don't blame him. And like he said dude, this was a great quote. He said I didn't come to Cleveland to just go to Canton, quote. He said I didn't come to Cleveland to just go to Canton. I went to Cleveland because I wanted to win. It's not about stats. And when I said he didn't come to Cleveland, he was drafted there.
Announcer:He goes.
Scott:I'm not staying in Cleveland for stats to go to Canton. Yeah, can't say I disagree with the guy.
Graham:I mean the guy's a game wrecker.
Scott:You know you've got to play him the last X amount of years, twice a season, Every year.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:I mean, okay, let me ask you this question. I just want to gauge your thought on this. If he continues at the pace of what you think he'll do if he stayed with Cleveland, is he Hall of Famer? Yeah, I think so. I mean I would agree. I mean I'm not saying first ballot, but I mean I would think he would get in.
Scott:I just the guy wrecks games. I mean he's one of those guys that you've got to.
Graham:He's an exceptional player.
Scott:He's one of those guys. You've got a game playing around, you know.
Graham:Now, in today's market, based on what we've seen hell in the last year to two years, and what players have basically been traded for, which is pretty much peanuts, which shocked the hell out of me what do you think the Browns can get Now? Granted, the Browns don't want to get rid of him, so they can hold a King's ransom. The question is is the team going to pay?
Scott:He's under control for two more years. I think his cap hits around 30. If he doesn't get traded, he might sit. In my mind. The way I'm thinking about this is he's got the Browns by the balls.
Graham:Yes and no.
Scott:Nobody's going to give two number ones.
Scott:I mean, if you want to win this year according to draft Kings um, washington has the number one odds. They have the most cap space. Washington I forget who's second chargers are like fourth right, but I saw some bills. Washington I forget whose second Chargers are like fourth Right, but I saw some Bills. Offensive lineman was begging for him to go to Buffalo. I mean Washington makes a lot of sense. You could trade away Payne my finger hurts to Cleveland. Give them your first round pick this year, which is what? 29? Around that area. But I don't know man, when and I was reading this when the Bears traded the Raiders for Khalil Mack, when Khalil Mack was 27, the Bears gave up two number ones and Khalil Mack in his Raider days was Miles Garrett, but Khalil Mack was two years younger than what Garrett is right now.
Scott:It's tough.
Graham:I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. I mean, I personally believe it has to be at least one. It has to be, if I mean, if not a first especially because he's under control for two years. Right, cause the thing is, I mean I don't think the money is that big of an issue per se.
Scott:I mean it is but it isn't just because also the salary cap is going. It's got to be a team with some space, aka washington right now.
Graham:the question is does he have no trade clause, like, does he have any say on where he would want it, where you know no idea? So it's just like that. It's like okay, yeah, you want to get traded, but do you think if cleveland doesn't want to get rid of you, they would only get rid of you to get the best offer anyway, so then they could just trade you to a shit team anyway?
Announcer:Yeah, I don't know.
Graham:I mean I'll look it up while you're talking and the thing is, it's like if they don't get like, if they don't take quarterback, because I think they picked two Bro.
Scott:Not two. They're a little farther down the line. Three.
Graham:Two or three. Yeah, I mean dude Actually no, you're close.
Announcer:I think they are two.
Graham:The thought of them potentially getting Abdul Carter at the two or three spot. He's going to Tennessee. You think Tennessee's going to take him.
Scott:And then that GM is getting fired.
Graham:Right, but what quarterback are you taking number one? I mean, you don't well.
Announcer:Exactly None of them.
Graham:Bro, I was watching clips on YouTube last night. I was watching these throwing drills from Cam Ward and then Shador Sanders and in the caption do you know what it says? He's like wow, you notice the velocity of the ball speed from Cam Ward to Shador Sanders? Pretty eye-opening. Like you watch it and it's just like bro yeah. Shador, your passes are on point, but it got there like a second later. Like this is the NFL, like you got to hit routes on time and I mean, hey, congratulations, you broke Colorado's all-time passing record, congratulations.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:Like I just, I mean I feel you, I mean, look, the Deshaun Watson just screwed the Cleveland Browns, I mean in such a way that it's just like. It's like they have to blow it up again. And they had like, didn't they seem, the last couple of years they were just pieces away.
Scott:I mean they thought Deshaun Watson would have been the reason Dude Joe Flacco took them to the playoffs.
Announcer:Yeah, yeah.
Scott:It's going to be an interesting chip to fall and I guess if they hold on to him past June 1st and I guess if they hold on to him past June 1st he's less of a dead cap hit than if they trade him before June 1st.
Graham:If they're trading him. It's before this draft, Maybe. You would think so, because they're trying to get picks Just based off the picks and that plus with the quality of defense alignment that are in this year's draft. You know what I mean? I don't know. It's a sticky situation Also. I wouldn't call it sticky, but hey, the LA Rams are like guess what folks? Who wants Cooper Cup?
Scott:I get it. I totally understand. Are you surprised?
Graham:That cap hit.
Scott:But let's don't forget when did they win the Super Bowl? Two years ago, three years ago, three. Do you remember the season Homeboy had Didn't he have the greatest season in wide receiver history. He was triple crown.
Graham:He was the Jamar Chase of this year, three years ago.
Scott:How fast we forget.
Graham:I know, For a slot guy.
Scott:I mean, yeah, he's older. The Rams are going to have to eat a lot of that salary. They're going to have to they will.
Graham:I mean, my thing is this Once he finally came back healthy, I was kind of more surprised, granted the emergence of Puka. I get it, but towards the end, and obviously a lot of this is just because prop bets that we had during the season, but it's just like he was only getting what? 5 for 50? Dude.
Scott:Not only that but as you're talking, I'm going to look something up. It wasn't even his catches, it was targets, okay, targets. He was getting nothing. Final week we can't say final week of the season, because they didn't have to win Dude box score. Rams Cooper Cup three targets against the Jets Okay, three, one, two. Three targets against the Jets Okay, three, one, two, three. That's three more than me and you Against the Cardinals in a must-win game. Three targets, you know how many Puka got? 13?, 14. Yeah, the win against the Vikings in the playoffs One. That's insane.
Graham:I'm sorry what they do.
Scott:something One they knew they were trading them, they didn't want them to get hurt. Against the Eagles, I don't know. Against the Eagles, oh, seven.
Graham:So you're telling me, indoors against Jeez, Louise, dude the Vikings. He gets one Outdoors when it's snowing.
Scott:I was going to say snowing. He gets seven Dude.
Graham:Make that make sense? I don't know sense? I don't know.
Scott:I don't know man. I could see Cooper Cup going somewhere and I could see him going to Pittsburgh.
Announcer:Wouldn't object to that.
Scott:If he could stay healthy. I mean, obviously that's been the main question mark For him the last couple years. Oh, for sure, but you know, I don't know. Solid guy, solid contributor, if he stays healthy, difference maker, yeah, but I exactly Anyhow moving right along. You know what starts tomorrow bro.
Graham:Yes, sir, the let's get wasted tour.
Scott:We always call the Masters, a tradition unlike any other. Well, the other tradition is Super Bowl week waste management. Always the same week, always the same week.
Graham:Why? I mean, I get it, but why, Dude, we were there? I was there. The one year that I went was actually the year that the Super Bowl was in Arizona too. That place was popping.
Scott:When the Giants beat the Patriots? Wow, that was a long-ass time ago, ain't it? Jeez, louise, right? But yeah, it's beating the Patriots Wow, that's a long-ass time ago, ain't it, jeez, louise, right? But yeah, it starts tomorrow. They got you know, last year was the perfect storm, with the shitty weather and everybody getting hammered and people falling down hills and shit. Well, I guess they put some new rules in effect going into this year and I don't know what they are Maddie and I were talking about on the other day but to, how do you police that crowd? I mean, they're still going to get hammered and you know, it's a fun event.
Scott:It's. It's the one event on the tour that's not like every other event. Oh no, it's. I've never been because I'm bougie and I'm not going unless I get a box on 16. I'm not getting there three o'clock in the morning to go speed walk and try to get a seat do. I want to go? Absolutely, but I want to experience it for real.
Graham:You're telling me, with all your connections, you haven't found a way. Come on bro.
Scott:I will.
Graham:I will, don't worry, I'm telling you how. About by your dude? That would be a nice little early birthday present for us. You know, your 50th. Get it locked and loaded for that year.
Scott:That would be sick.
Graham:I like it. That would be sick. That would be sick. I mean, look, when it comes to the PGA Tour, there's five events. There's all four majors, the people, okay.
Graham:Let me rephrase that Let me rephrase that I'll re-write this statement, let me back it up a little bit Beep, beep, beep, beep, right this statement, let me back, back it up a little bit for the casual fan someone that's not, you know, watching golf every day because you're in the pro shop and you know you got your finger on the pulse type of situation for myself, which I mean I obviously pay a lot of attention. I don't watch as much golf as you do, but I still feel like I'm aware of what's going on To me personally just off the top of my head. Besides the majors, the Phoenix Open is like the next thing, that one I care to watch and two would care to go to. I mean, what other tournaments really, that one I care to watch and two would care to go to? I mean, what other tournaments really? I mean that you're just like, oh, I wish I got tickets to go there, that's not a major.
Announcer:The fifth major the players.
Graham:All right, Jack's.
Scott:Memorial. As a fan, though, I understand what you're saying the waste management. Like I was saying, it's the one event on the PGA Tour that's different than anything and everything you and I have grown up playing, watching. It's rowdy, it's rowdy and the players embrace it. It's the best. They're throwing shit out on the grandstands on 16. I mean, I was watching today. Colt knows to them we're doing a live Instagram thing and jelly rolls hitting tee shots on 16 and he hit it like 40 yards. You might even be able to made better contact than that, Dude. No promises, but you know I would probably bet it on you. But anyhow, kicks off tomorrow. I'm looking at a big week for my boy One there, one there and I think 19.
Graham:I think it's time, bro are we uh putting a little?
Scott:in there, done it right now talk romano a little earlier today. You know he's got good history there, dude. He lost in a playoff that one year and yeah, yeah gave him a sponsor's exemption when he was still an amateur laid up on the 15th hole and Brando Chambly ripped our boy Scovern for letting him lay up. I like a big week from our boy Fowler and Romano Not going out and saying he's going to win, but I'm liking top 20 little bet, top 10 bet.
Graham:He's got some good numbers Love it Plus 225 to make top 20.
Scott:Your boy's already got it locked and loaded.
Graham:I think I might have to put that in right now.
Scott:Also got a free bet from DraftKings for being a degenerate and made another bet earlier. And you know top 20 bet Took Scotty Scheffler. Duh, that's real going out on a limb. Sam Burns.
Announcer:What is that? Minus 600.
Scott:Scotty top 20., sam Burns top 20., billy Horschel top 20. And Andrew Novak top 20.
Graham:What about Straka? Dude's been on fire.
Scott:Until he wasn't. But I agree he is. But I got it at plus 2764.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:Oh, you parlayed that, I'll parlay the top 20.
Graham:Then did another one. Didn't think about that.
Scott:Yeah, I don't know if mgm will let you do it, because hard rock will not let you parlay finishes. Um, then I did another one, just for fun and shits and giggles. Uh, your boy, you just mentioned straka top 20. Justin th top 20. Justin Thomas top 20. Matsuyama top 20. Fowler top 20. Jordan Spieth top 20. Let's go. Two bucks wins, two hundo, love it. I like the Justin Thomas win bet. He's hot Came in second. In Palm Springs, similar golf course, basically in the desert. We'll call it playing in a dome, you know, not a lot of weather, but anyhow it's waste management. The fun thing is it entertains us before the Super Bowl, keeps our minds occupied. Let's go. Let's go Fowler, let's go. Romano, do some work. I agree, couldn't be happier. So, graham, you know what time it is right.
Scott:Yes, sir, it's time to jump into the big game coming at.
Graham:You live from New Orleans you want to talk about the game itself first. You want to talk about the bets first all the above.
Scott:I mean we got we're 40 minutes in. We got 20 minutes to just talk. The talk don't matter. As you can see, in our notes there's nothing written down except for the current line is chiefs minus one and a half and the total 48 and a half.
Graham:The floor is yours, sir all right, I say we do the bets and then how it will affect the game, then we'll talk about it with the game. Let's say we go that way or that's how I like to go about it.
Announcer:Now.
Scott:Oh folks, we just got a gram sigh.
Graham:We started with a gram sigh. You know you put me on to this sports betting station on Sirius the Vissen. I've been listening to a lot of that recently just to get some other opinions on bets. That I may hearing is even if you want to go the other way, how do you bet against Patrick Mahomes? I mean, based on the spread and based off all the Super Bowls that he's been in the playoff games he has won or is like 8-0 in covering their spread for the game, so that, on top of it, it's just like if we already think the Chiefs are getting the calls, why would we be taking Philadelphia, even though personally and I told you this after the conference championship games I like the Eagles, I'm still going to bet the Eagles money line. But why do I feel like a Homer when everyone's just like you know, mahomes hasn't lost?
Scott:His worst game as a pro was probably the Super Bowl against Tampa, when the Chiefs O-line was destroyed by injuries and Tampa did what Did the same thing the Giants did against Tom Brady Pressured him up the middle. If anybody that's listening right now listened to our episode last week. Graham sounds like me last week and, like I said in the episode, I'm probably going to change my mind 12 times between now and the kickoff. And I have Right. We sound like the opposite person right now.
Graham:I want to take Philadelphia and it has nothing to do with the three-peat and all that other stuff. I think on paper Philadelphia has a better team. Don't think it's fast, marginally. So you know, thinking about it and what we said last week and what we're saying now look the two weeks up until the Super Bowl, opinions change. It's so back and forth. But, like we said, how do you bet against Mahomes? It's like what people said against Brady in the Super Bowls and obviously he only lost. You know, people said against Brady in the Super Bowls and obviously he only lost. With the miraculous of what the Giants, did I get that?
Graham:This is a completely different situation.
Scott:Yes.
Graham:I get that. And look, you know, adam and I was like oh, everyone always used to say Tom got the calls, yeah, but the Tom got Dude, hold on, hold on.
Scott:Breaking news and I hold on, hold on Breaking news and I know you don't care. The Metropolitans just signed the polar bear.
Graham:Let's go the final chip has fallen. Oh, you didn't even think they were going to sign him, did you?
Scott:After yes, he always wanted to be a Met Dude. Our lineup, let's go. A little protection for Soto let's go. Let's go, sorry.
Graham:Expectations.
Scott:Sorry, I had to just throw that out there real quick. It's been on every. Met's fan's mind for a while. You know his dumbass agent, scott Boris, should have let him sign the extension last year in season, because homeboy would have gotten a lot more money. But you know, thanks, scott Boris, for saving Graham's uncle a little bit more money. But anyhow, sorry to interrupt you right there.
Graham:No, no, that's cool, let's pumped, let's go.
Scott:Matt, let's go.
Graham:Still gonna finish second place to the dodgers and their all-star lineup, but whatever, uh, continue on um, yeah, I mean, just get back to what I was saying, where it's just like you know. It was like oh, tom brady got all the calls, yes, but to be I never thought I'd actually be defending Brady in my life here, so let me just hold on. I got to breathe for a second. Most of the stuff that Tom Brady got was obviously the rough and the passer calls. But I almost think now that, with how the rules are, I feel like mahomes gets more passing, you know, not passing fair and smack myself uh, rough in the passer calls. I, I, just, I, I that and just with look it comes back to.
Graham:I think I brought this up last week. If there's legal ways to bend the rules, is it unfair to take advantage of them? That silence says it all. So is it okay to basically skirt the out of bounds line to bait someone to hit you? I mean, the rules are hard enough for defensive players anyway. They don't want to get fined. But now you're going to act like you're going out of bounds and then just stop right there, just so you can get hit.
Scott:Well, I can tell you this After all the scrutiny the NFL has faced this week and the questions and this, and that those calls ain't happening in the Super Bowl.
Graham:Okay, I'll take that one further. And if they do, what do you say to that? Exactly Speechless, roger Goodell is like oh there's no, we got no issues. We got no issues, bro. What's that saying? If everyone believes it's true? If it walks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck and it looks like a duck, is it a donkey? No, it's a duck. So I mean I just so. All that being said, I like the Eagles. I've said that from the beginning. I think they have a better team. I think they got a nasty taste in their mouth after the Super Bowl a few years ago, look, which also came down to the end. It came down to one play. It came to a I mean, I almost was going to say a phantom call, but it wasn't. Was it technically holding? Yes, was the technically holding? Yes, was the receiver dumb and wore the wrong color gloves? 100% Defensive, back Defensive back, sorry.
Graham:Like that doesn't happen. Eagles win that. So like I, just it's one of those. When it comes down to it, there's so many things, especially with the Super Bowl, that you can bet on where it is so 50-50, where it's just like with this, these games. I guess my question is does it seem like a 50-50 pick, or just does it seem that the bias of Mahomes and the Chiefs make it not 50-50?
Scott:Like we always say, it's gambling.
Graham:No, I mean like even if you take the money part out of it anyway, just like who you think is going to win it's just like it doesn't.
Graham:They're basically even and obviously it's going to come down to the game plan what happens If a missed assignment happens. Obviously I get all that. I mean, look last year against the 49ers, greenlaw doesn't go down, the 49ers are winning Possibly, but if my aunt had balls, you know, so you got to play the game. So it's just like it's really going to come down to like what actually happens how the Eagles can move the ball.
Scott:The Eagles are going to slow the game down by running it.
Graham:Yes, but here's the thing. They slow the game down by running the ball, but you keep on forgetting. Hasn't Saquon broke one for a tutty for like 60 yards in the last? How many games that?
Announcer:ain't happening Like every playoff game.
Graham:No, it's not.
Scott:That's why I bet under 25 and a half longest rushing attempt for Saquon.
Graham:Under 25 attempts or under 25 rushing yards no under longest rush under 25 and a half yards.
Scott:Okay that's what I thought you were going to say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, but they're going to slow the game down, they're going to try to run it, they're going to try to milk the clock. Don't forget the Eagles' defense is solid.
Graham:Yeah, they're top three in the league for a reason.
Scott:And the Chiefs' O-line isn't that great. The dude on the right side of the line I false start. Every goddamn play I line up in the backfield. Every play you know he's going to get dominated by. I hope I don't know, dude. I last week on the episode I was saying Chiefs, chiefs, chiefs. I'm saying right now, dude Eagles win by a touchdown and that's why I bet them alternate line minus six and a half.
Graham:I just I agree, I want to take all part of that action. I think when you made that point earlier in the week and you said the minus 6.5, I was like wow, that's really going out there. But, as I was saying earlier, do you have, based on what all the other I don't want to say smart bettors out there and what people are saying? How do you go against, like I guess, what I'm trying to ask when are we at the point where we buck the trend?
Scott:Big money hasn't even started coming in yet. The big money starts coming in tomorrow, if you look at the trends. Okay, yeah, tomorrow, and we'll see what happens. Are they going to move the line a little bit? Who knows? Who knows what's going to happen? All I know is, as of right now, the biggest reported wagers at sportsbooks as of right now, $800,000 on Eagles' money line plus $110,000. $750,000 on Eagles' money line plus $110,000. $750,000 on Eagles' money line plus $110,000. $320,000 on Chiefs' money line minus $130,000. $300,000 on Eagles' first half plus a half a point and $200,000 on Eagles' money line plus $105,000. Yeah, Moneyline plus 105. Yeah, I mean, you see, pat Riley said it's okay if the chiefs win the quote the three Pete.
Graham:Yeah, I mean, that was a pretty baller move to to trademark the three Pete, which, by the way, was 30 years ago and then, I guess, 35 years ago.
Scott:now chiefs kingdom are calling it the chief Pete. If they win, oh God, yeah, I don't know. It's going to be a good game. Are the best two teams in the NFL playing in the big one? They are. You can argue. If the lion stayed healthy, the Lions could be there. But they're not. So it is what it is.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:It's not the best team, it's the healthiest team, bro. Yeah.
Scott:I don't know what do you got. You got any fun bets going on? I mean, we've been talking bets for ever with this, of course.
Graham:So I wrote a couple down. You know nothing crazy. Like I'm not one of those guys that bets the coin flip, I'm not betting the color of the Gatorade. Yeah, I'm not betting.
Announcer:I won that one If it's going over the.
Graham:If the national Anthem is going over, who cares?
Scott:One of the greatest bets I ever made in Superbowl history. Patriots Did the Rams beat the. Patriots. No, the Patriots beat the Rams, the Rams beat the Bengals. The Superbowl, where the Patriots beat the Rams, I bet Will the opening kickoff not be a touchback? And it was like plus money. Thanks for playing. Easiest bet I think I've ever made in my life. All I cared about was the Patriots kicking it off to the Rams Because you know Belichick ain't trying to kick it in the end zone. Easiest bet ever.
Graham:I was listening to someone. They're like, yeah, we're going to take the action on, there's going to be a kickoff return. I was like they're not giving you a chance to get a kickoff return. Andy Reid has kicked in the end zone every time. Not going to happen.
Scott:And then Pat McAfee, before he became ESPN, is talking about his opening kickoff for the Colts and how the ball is so hard and this and that, and literally the 15 Super Bowls before the Tampa Bay Chiefs Super Bowl, 15 Super Bowls before the ball wasn't kicked into the end zone and he's like guaranteed win, guaranteed win, yep, touchback. Thanks, pat McAfee, for that loser. And then the thing I sent you last night I don't know if you watched it the team with a bye week in the first round has never covered their 0-10 since 2003 against the team playing in the first round of the playoffs. Wow, which means the Eagles will cover the spread, which means, because of the trends, bet the Chiefs. It's a tough one.
Graham:You could argue If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
Scott:You could argue both sides. Oh for sure, for sure, it's a tough one. You can argue if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. But that being said, you know?
Graham:oh for sure, for sure. Um. So I like the eagles money line. Like there's no point in taking them for the points one and a half, like it's not gonna come down to a you know what I mean. Like look okay obviously I'll lookunt in wood. It can Obviously obviously.
Scott:Until they lose by one. And you're like Right.
Graham:But that being said, I'd rather take the money line plus 100 instead of minus 110. I like the over. I know you said they're going to try to slow the game down but folks, before they went into overtime, when they played three years ago it was what? 35 to 35? So it finished 38-35. So I'm liking that. Probably should have got some of these prop bets earlier in the week. I could have saved a couple of yards here or there. Look, this could be Kelsey's last year, could I?
Graham:mean look if they win again and especially like, for example, if he gets MVP riding off into the sunset. He'd have to have a game to do it, but riding off into the sunset. So, that being said, I've been hearing mixed reactions, but just gut feeling and I could have got it for a couple yards different. But even right now at 60 and a half, at minus 118, I still like the over for his yardage.
Graham:Kelsey's yardage Kelsey's yardage, even his six and a half catches. I like that. Look, I like it too. Plus 115. That's his boy, and if it's his last game, and plus just the, I know what you're going to do. Yeah, you got your other weapons, but that's your guy. Not only that, you know you can.
Scott:Not only that, look what Zach Ertz did to the Eagles defense.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:Yeah, yeah, I think he had 11. So 11 grabs.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:Yeah, that was the easiest prop that last two weeks ago I had over three and a half.
Scott:Appreciate it in the first quarter. Dude, how about this? Love that. How about this? I got it. Plus 3,500. Each team to score two plus rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns Love it. I mean, throw some lottery tickets out there, right? Eagles minus six and a half. Aj Brown 50 plus receiving yards. Kelsey five plus receptions I love it. Love it. Under 25 and a half Barkley longest rush Love that. That'll be one that I won't be mad if I lose, because if he does that means he's breaking one off Right.
Graham:No, it's, it's the. You know. That's why your prop bits. There's different values. I was like you can get a little for this. This one can be a lot more um. How do you feel about goddard?
Scott:I've been hearing a lot of things.
Graham:My next thing I bet him oh plus 290 anytime touchdown score yeah, um, I mean I'm kind of liking his overs for his yards and his receptions. You know he's at 51 and a half minus 110, and then four and a half, dude, he's minus 140. For receptions Like you can't even move for receptions.
Graham:You can't move that and it's just like if you're going to take it, you might as well parlay it with his yards, because minus 140 is not sexy enough to take, unless you're betting. You might as well parlay it with his yards, because minus 140 is not sexy enough to take, unless you're betting heavy. So I'm like eh. The other semi-sneaky one that I like. Over seven and a half receiving yards for Samaj AP Ryan. He has their pass, catching back Hunt's not catching it.
Scott:He only caught one pass two weeks ago.
Graham:Yeah, for what? Like 15 yards? Look, he's only going to get thrown to a couple times, but think about it, the Eagles pass rush. If they get to him, he could have dump-off passes. And look Pacheco, yeah, he could have dump-off passes. And look Pacheco, yeah, he's back. But has he been healthy? Has he been playing like he was prior to his injury? Not at all.
Announcer:No.
Graham:So there's not a lot of confidence in that. I mean that, Samaj P Ryan, that's more of like a feeler out there. I mean I'm not going to go heavy on it, but it's just just something. If you think about it like he's a play that you're not gonna see that until probably the third quarter, the fourth quarter, you're gonna sweat that bet and be like all right, it's the fourth quarter now. Like, sprinkle a little bit, let's go yeah, like let's go. You know that's when it could happen earlier.
Scott:A hundred percent but yeah, I got another fun one saquon kelsey, goddard, parlay anytime touchdown yeah then I got. There's a little lottery ticket six parlay hurts anytime touchdown my home's anytime touchdown worthy anytime. Aj brown 64 and a half receiving yards. Juju over 13 and a half and got her over four and a half receptions, love that too, actually. Let me write that one down they all sound good until they're not bro every week, when we talk about our bets, like, oh, these sound amazing.
Graham:And then you're like then monday comes around, what the fuck happened yeah exactly.
Scott:There was something else that sounded really good. Keep going, keep talking, I'll find it for you.
Graham:I guess what it also comes down to. How many bets are you like? Would you sacrifice winning bets to have a team win, a certain team win? Do you care? I mean because I think I've heard you say you've gone back and forth on whether or not you want the Chiefs to win or not.
Scott:I want the Eagles to win. Okay, and that's always been the fact. Okay, you know, the Chiefs are in my division, you know? Obviously, right, I don't want them to win another one, I mean, even if they do good for them. We're watching history, exactly, you know, you can't hate on it, but I don't know, it is what it is, I don't really care. I just want it to be entertaining. I don't want it to come down to what happened a couple years ago, with a stupid flag at the end of the game that changes the outcome. That's the main thing. I want to have fun, watch the game, send the season off and let's get ready for free agency in the draft. I agree, that's my thing.
Graham:I agree. I mean I'm at the point right now where it's just like forsake one. I'd love it If he got one. It helps the mystique of the Chiefs. I mean I would prefer the Eagles. They'd be more annoying if they won.
Graham:But to help Saquon make the Hall of Fame, he would need to win the championship. So I would go that route. So I'm going to take the Eagles. But a perfect scenario would be can I win 75% of my prop bets and the Eagles win? That's a great day. I mean, that's an unbelievable day. What would take it over the top because unfortunately I'll be working is if I can hit on one of the three different boards that I bought Super Bowl squares for. So if I can hit on one of those boards, that would at least cover what I paid for the squares and then won some prop bets and just come out ahead, your boy would be happy. And then, based on whoever won, it is what it is. I mean it's not like I have a huge dog in the fight but, all that being said, I'm rooting for the Eagles.
Announcer:Yeah, of course.
Graham:And it's. But I mean, look, if there's anyone that's going to challenge Tom Brady, peyton Manning, I'm sorry myself Patrick Mahomes getting his fourth Super Bowl, Is it? Yeah, because it's three, it would be three. Yeah, four, he has three, right, they're not at four already? No, they've had three. Yeah, they've got three, yeah. Yeah, this would three. Right, they're not at four already?
Scott:No, they've had three. Yeah, they've got three.
Graham:This would be their third in a row. Yeah, third in a row, but their fourth total. Also no, mahomes is also three for three for MVPs. So it's like if they won again and he wins the MVP, it's like, hey, tom Brady.
Scott:That's what sucks in Virginia he's on your coattails on DraftKings and everything.
Scott:There's no individual betting allowed. Like you can't do MVP bets, you can't do the National Anthem bets, because really, yeah, I don't know why, but I would like to bet MVP Hurts, saquon or Kermit it's going to be one of the three, unless, you know, even if Kelsey has a big game, who's throwing him the passes? Right, you know, but you know real quick, quick. You know, before we exit, this was supposed to be a short episode, but you know, graham and I get rolling. You know it is what it is. Uh, pretty sure we're gonna get on after the game Sunday, right? Is that the plan? Yes, unless you get stuck at work way too long, which I hope doesn't happen. No, but Well, I mean, everyone enjoy the game. It's the last NFL game of the year, unfortunately, but you know, the beauty of the NFL is it's year round and I don't know what to say. But come on, eagles, please, oh Please.
Graham:Oh, since you're a new Eagles fan, you're not going to sing your song. You want me to play it?
Scott:No, as many hate texts as I got last week from Audrey about that. I'm just going to leave that alone because we all know who she's cheering for in the super bowl. Sorry, audrey, my bad, didn't know I was gonna get death threats, fly eagles I don't even know how it goes except e-a-g-l-e-s eagles and on a side note, I hope homegirl that was passed out in the Eagles bathroom last week. I hope she's okay. You know, just throwing that out there.
Scott:Graham, I know you're working. I know it sucks. You're not going to be able to watch the game. Oh, I'm watching, don't worry, it is what it is. It's funny. I think this is literally the third year we've talked about the super bowl on our podcast and we've talked about traditions, super bowl. You know, we all know you love the buffalo chicken dip. You know I have the recipe for the jalapeno poppers that I told you I was gonna get, but sounds like I was going to get, but it sounds like you're going to work, so you're not making them.
Graham:Oh, I still want it.
Scott:So you know everybody, enjoy your friends, enjoy the gathering, be safe and let's have some fun. Dude.
Graham:Please, referees, don't take this game away from us. Yeah, that's. I mean, that's really what it comes down to. I just want to be a good game, careless I'm gonna say careless, I mean a little dog in the fight. But as long as it's a good game, as long as the refs don't get us, and you know, and if my bets go in, you know I'll be super happy, but I'm excited for it.
Graham:It's a much anticipated game. Um, I, I mean I, I think it's a little more and I mean I think this is gonna be one of the better ones over the last couple years. I think there's a lot of intrigue to it and I'm just, I'm just excited to have a good time with it. So I hope it turns out well. I hope it turns out the way I'd like for, you know, like I said, betting and and potentially for the Eagles, but it is what it is. Other than that, scott, it's been a pleasure and, yes, we somehow made it for another hour. But, to be fair, if that Luca trade didn't happen, that would have cut at least 20 minutes.
Scott:That was a lot.
Graham:That was a lot, but hey, that's what happens when two buddies just get on the mic, have a drink and figure it out. So always a pleasure doing the podcast with you, my friend, and as the best homie always says buh-bye.
Scott:Good night, friends. Enjoy the Super Bowl. Please, eagles, don't let Kermit do it again.
Graham: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.
