The Underdog NFL Show

Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines talk all things NFL football year round, covering the sport with a unique blend of insight and humor -- along some help from their contacts from around the football world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Underdog NFL Show is a news podcast hosted by Underdog Podcasts, with 292 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Underdog Podcasts hosts The Underdog NFL Show, a news show with 292 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Underdog NFL Show

  291: A Bad Week to be a Quarterback

  Sep 24, 20261h 4m

  The Underdog NFL Show previews the full NFL Week 3 slate as Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines work through every matchup, major injuries and several early-season questions. Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury, Detroit’s defense, and Philadelphia’s offensive-line problems are major themes. The episode also touches on Zach Ertz, MLB labor, and Justin Verlander before closing with Eagles-Bears. 0:13 Opening: Week 2 takeaways, Carolina’s surprising start and the NFL injury picture. 2:06 Giants/Jaxson Dart: season-ending knee surgery, Jameis Winston, New York’s offense and defensive injuries. 8:48 Lions: Detroit’s depleted secondary, Avonte Maddox and concerns about the defense. 11:22 Zach Ertz and MLB: Ertz’s return to Philadelphia, baseball labor concerns and Justin Verlander’s farewell. 16:04 Falcons-Packers: Michael Penix Jr.’s return, Green Bay’s run game and offensive-line issues. 18:21 Panthers-Browns: Carolina’s momentum, Deshaun Watson, Denzel Boston and Cleveland’s offense. 22:15 Bengals-Steelers: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s start and Pittsburgh’s problems with Aaron Rodgers. 23:08 NFL scoring: how the extremely rare one-point safety can happen. 26:03 Texans-Colts: C.J. Stroud, Houston’s receivers, Nico Collins and Indianapolis’ offense. 30:03 Chiefs-Dolphins: Kansas City with Kenneth Walker III and Miami’s struggles. 31:07 Chargers-Bills: Justin Herbert, Buffalo’s offense and Los Angeles’ difficult start. 33:17 Patriots-Jaguars: Drake Maye, Jacksonville’s offense and an AFC measuring-stick game. 34:43 Jets-Lions: the Aaron Glenn reunion, Detroit’s offense and questions about both defenses. 37:57 Seahawks-Commanders: Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury, Washington’s outlook and Seattle’s form. 41:13 Titans-Giants: Cam Ward, Jameis Winston and both offenses. 49:06 Cardinals-49ers: Arizona’s passing game, Trey McBride, San Francisco and Philadelphia roster needs. 53:33 Vikings-Buccaneers: Kyler Murray’s return and Minnesota’s quarterback situation. 54:42 Ravens-Cowboys: Baltimore’s offense, Dallas’ Week 2 showing and the matchup. 56:06 Raiders-Saints: Kirk Cousins, Tyler Shough, Brock Bowers and both offenses. 57:42 Rams-Broncos: Aaron Donald’s return, Denver’s injured backfield and both defenses. 59:56 Eagles-Bears: Caleb Williams’ hamstring, Chicago’s backup-QB situation and Philadelphia’s offensive line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Underdog NFL Show

  290: Week 2 NFL Games

  Sep 17, 20261h 4m

  The Underdog NFL Show returns for Week 2 with Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines working through the full NFL slate after a chaotic opening weekend. They revisit the biggest Week 1 takeaways, injuries, quarterback questions and offensive-line concerns while previewing every matchup. The episode closes with a look at several Week 2 specials. 0:13 Opening: Week 1 surprises and the challenge of getting through the full NFL slate. 2:19 Lions-Bills: Detroit’s secondary, Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload, Jameson Williams and Buffalo’s opener. 7:20 Panthers-Falcons: Atlanta’s quarterback issues, Bijan Robinson, Bryce Young and Carolina’s defense. 10:27 Bengals-Texans: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, C.J. Stroud and Houston’s defense. 12:26 Browns-Buccaneers: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland’s offensive line, Quinshon Judkins and Baker Mayfield. 15:43 Packers-Jets: Green Bay’s Week 1 collapse, New York’s outlook and Tennessee’s long-term QB situation. 17:47 Vikings-Bears: Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson and Chicago’s offense. 24:45 Saints-Ravens: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and New Orleans’ run defense. 26:38 Eagles-Titans: Philadelphia’s interior offensive line, Landon Dickerson, Saquon Barkley and Tennessee. 31:47 Steelers-Patriots: Drake Maye, New England’s depleted weapons and Pittsburgh’s outlook. 35:31 Jaguars-Broncos: Bo Nix, Denver’s offense, Jacksonville’s ceiling and the Drew Brees-Broncos story. 42:30 Raiders-Chargers: Justin Herbert, Mike McDaniel, the Chargers’ offense and Fernando Mendoza’s timeline. 50:29 Dolphins-49ers: Miami’s roster concerns, San Francisco’s Australia trip and the Rams’ Week 1 context. 52:56 Seahawks-Cardinals: Drew Lock, Seattle’s offense and Arizona’s early-season test. 54:09 Commanders-Cowboys: Dallas’ Week 1 issues, Washington’s defensive scheme and Jalen Hurts’ middle-field success. 56:23 Week 1 stats: passing, rushing, receiving, sacks and tackle leaders. 1:00:06 Colts-Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, Kenneth Walker III, Daniel Jones and Kansas City’s outlook. 1:00:40 Giants-Rams: Jackson Dart, New York’s young core and Los Angeles’ reset after Australia. 1:01:17 Betting specials: Week 2 boosted parlays and the Giants-Rams prop package Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Underdog NFL Show

  289: Drake Maye - Top 10 Quarterback

  Sep 9, 20261h 8m

  The Underdog NFL Show previews the complete NFL Week 1 slate, with Chris Horwedel and Mario Hines breaking down every matchup, roster question, and early-season pressure point. The episode opens with online privacy before moving into Patriots-Seahawks and the NFL’s Australia game. Christian McCaffrey, Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Stroud, and Drake May become major discussion points. The show closes with the remaining Sunday and Monday matchups. 0:13 Intro, Mario’s Future Chefs photo, online privacy, data-removal services and spam calls. 9:27 Patriots-Seahawks: Super Bowl rematch, New England’s offseason, Seattle’s line and Sam Darnold. 15:57 49ers-Rams in Melbourne: travel, Aaron Donald and Christian McCaffrey’s workload and career trends. 24:09 Falcons-Steelers: Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh’s offense, Atlanta’s secondary and Mike Tomlin. 31:34 Ravens-Colts: Daniel Jones’ Achilles return and Baltimore’s new era. 32:45 Bills-Texans: C.J. Stroud’s contract expectations, Houston’s offense and Buffalo’s outlook. 40:27 Bears-Panthers: Caleb Williams, Drake May comparisons and Carolina. 44:52 Drake Maye QB-ranking debate against Hurts, Love, Goff, Burrow, Mahomes, Herbert, Stafford, and others. 54:44 Jets-Titans: Geno Smith, Cam Ward and Tennessee. 55:45 Browns-Jaguars: Cleveland’s QB situation and Jacksonville’s offense. 55:59 Saints-Lions: New Orleans’ roster and Detroit. 56:32 Buccaneers-Bengals: Baker Mayfield’s deal, Joe Burrow and Cincinnati. 57:26 Cardinals-Chargers: Arizona and Mike McDaniel’s Chargers offense. 58:40 Packers-Vikings: Kyler Murray, Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s QB situation. 1:01:30 Dolphins-Raiders: Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza and Miami’s rebuild. 1:04:04 Eagles-Commanders: Philadelphia’s defense, Washington’s line and Jayden Daniels. 1:05:05 Cowboys-Giants: Malik Nabers, New York’s defense and Dallas. 1:08:25 Broncos-Chiefs: Denver’s expectations and Kansas City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Underdog NFL Show

  285: 2026 AFC North Standings Predictions

  Jul 30, 202619 min

  On this episode of The Underdog NFL Show , Chris Horwedel delivers a complete 2026 AFC North preview, breaking down the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns ahead of a season filled with coaching changes, quarterback questions and major roster turnover. Baltimore enters as the division favorite despite replacing John Harbaugh, changing offensive coordinators and losing several important contributors, including Tyler Linderbaum. Chris examines Lamar Jackson’s health, Derrick Henry’s continued dominance, Zay Flowers’ emergence and the Ravens’ attempt to rebuild their pass rush by adding Trey Hendrickson. The draft brought offensive lineman Vega Ioane, edge rusher Zion Young and receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah “Waffle House” Sarratt. The Bengals remain one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams whenever Joe Burrow is healthy. Chris analyzes Cincinnati’s elite group of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown, along with the offensive line’s responsibility to keep Burrow available. After fielding one of football’s worst defenses, the Bengals responded by adding Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger. Pittsburgh begins a new era after Mike Tomlin’s departure. Mike McCarthy takes over as head coach and reunites with Aaron Rodgers for the quarterback’s final NFL season. The Steelers added Michael Pittman Jr., Rico Dowdle, Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr. and Jaquan Brisker while drafting tackle Max Iheanachor, receiver Germie Bernard and developmental quarterback Drew Allar. Cleveland continues rebuilding around a talented young defense after trading Myles Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse and multiple premium draft picks. Chris reviews the Browns’ crowded quarterback competition involving Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. Cleveland also rebuilt its offensive line and added first-round receiving help with K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston. The episode compares each team’s free-agent additions, departures, draft classes, roster strengths and biggest concerns. Chris also reviews the latest AFC North, conference, Super Bowl and Week 1 markets from oddsmakers before revealing his projected divisional order and the team he believes offers the most interesting value. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Underdog NFL Show

  284: 2026 AFC East Standings Predictions

  Jul 7, 202624 min

  On this episode of The Underdog NFL Show, Chris Horwedel continues the offseason division preview series with a full breakdown of the AFC East. The show covers team-by-team offseason movement, major trades, free-agent additions, key losses, draft picks, division odds, Super Bowl futures, and Chris’ final projected order for the division. The episode opens with the Buffalo Bills, who enter as the AFC East favorites behind Josh Allen. Chris breaks down Buffalo’s trade for DJ Moore, the importance of giving Allen a proven receiver, and the team’s offensive line additions including Austin Corbett, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Connor McGovern. He also looks at the defensive turnover, with major departures including Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, DaQuan Jones, Matt Milano, Taron Johnson, Tre’Davious White, Taylor Rapp, Jordan Poyer, and more. Buffalo’s draft starts with Clemson edge rusher TJ Parker and Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun, reinforcing a defense that lost a lot of experience. Chris explains why the Bills still have the safest floor in the division, but may be more volatile than the odds suggest. The New England Patriots are next, and Chris makes the case that their offseason may be the strongest in the AFC East. After going 14-3 and reaching the Super Bowl, New England adds A.J. Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Eagles, signs Romeo Doubs, brings in Alijah Vera-Tucker, Reggie Gilliam, Dre’Mont Jones, K.J. Britt, Kindle Vildor, and Kevin Byard, and continues building around Drake Maye. The Patriots’ draft starts with Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, followed by Illinois edge Gabe Jacas and Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon. Chris questions why the Patriots are not favored to win the division after adding high-end talent to a roster that already won the AFC East. The New York Jets section focuses on a team trying to become functional again after a 3-14 season and a historically low takeaway total. Chris breaks down the trade for Geno Smith, Breece Hall’s extension, the defensive additions of Joseph Ossai, David Onyemata, T’Vondre Sweat, Demario Davis, Andre Cisco, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, plus the losses of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jermaine Johnson, and Quincy Williams. The Jets’ draft includes No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., corner D’Angelo Ponds, and quarterback Cade Klubnik. Chris likes the idea of the Jets improving, but not enough to threaten Buffalo or New England yet. The Miami Dolphins close the team breakdown, and Chris describes their offseason as a full reset. Miami moves on from Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Alec Ingold, Darren Waller, Bradley Chubb, Kader Kohou, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and other key pieces. Malik Willis arrives as the new quarterback on a three-year deal, De’Von Achane gets extended, and Miami adds players like Tutu Atwell, Jalen Reagor, Jalen Tolbert, Greg Dulcich, David Ojabo, Josh Uche, and others. The Dolphins’ 13-player draft class is led by Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, San Diego State corner Chris Johnson, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, and several offensive skill-position swings. Chris sees real long-term value in the draft, but views Miami as a team at the beginning of a rebuild. The episode ends with Chris’ AFC East prediction: New England Patriots first, Buffalo Bills second, New York Jets third, and Miami Dolphins fourth. He explains why picking against Josh Allen feels risky, but ultimately favors New England’s cleaner offseason, stronger roster-building logic, and more complete identity. Using odds from oddsmakers, Chris highlights Patriots to win the division and the exact order of Patriots, Bills, Jets, Dolphins as his favorite AFC East angles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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