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Sports

Episode 261: The Trade Deadline Approaches

Mario Hines October 24, 2025

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This week on The Underdog NFL Show: 

[00:18] Introduction & Welcome Back

  • Chris returns safely from overseas travel
  • Brief discussion of last week’s unusual recording setup with AirPods and poor WiFi

[01:05] NFL Trade Deadline Deep Dive

  • Trade deadline approaching in less than two weeks
  • Comprehensive review of ESPN’s top 25 potential trade candidates
  • Evan Neal (#25): Former #7 overall pick from Giants; hosts discuss potential reclamation project at guard for Eagles, similar to Mekhi Becton situation
  • Saquon Barkley’s concerning stats: now second in NFL for tackles in backfield, longest run only 18 yards this season (had 22 carries of 18+ yards last year)
  • Roger McCreary (#14): Titans cornerback discussed as steady option for teams needing secondary help
  • Arden Key (#13): Titans edge rusher – hosts skeptical of his value despite athletic profile
  • Chris Olave (#7): Saints receiver as potential fit for Giants opposite Malik Nabers and Daniel Jones
  • Riq Woolen (#4): Seahawks cornerback (6’4″ with 4.3 speed) – doesn’t fit Mike McDonald’s defensive scheme; potential fits include Lions, Eagles, Falcons
  • Breece Hall (#3): Jets running back; team fits include Chargers, Chiefs, Texans despite Hall wanting to stay
  • Jaylen Waddle (#2): Dolphins receiver (10% trade chance); Giants and Steelers best fits
  • Trey Hendrickson (#1): Bengals edge rusher most likely to be traded; Colts identified as intriguing fit

[23:00] Indianapolis Colts Success Story

  • Colts praised as surprise team with best record in league
  • Shane Steichen’s play-calling excellence highlighted
  • Anthony Richardson benching decision discussed as bold move that paid off

[24:22] NBA Scandal Sidebar

  • Chauncey Billups arrest mentioned involving rigged poker games tied to the mafia
  • Comparison to movie plots; discussion of how reality matches fiction
  • Brief mention of other NBA controversies including Kawhi Leonard situation

[27:04] Week 7 NFL Schedule Breakdown

Thursday Night Football [28:04]: Vikings at Chargers (Chargers -3.5 per oddsmakers)

  • Vikings dealing with quarterback issues; consistency concerns mounting
  • Chargers at home with better positioning despite both teams having issues

Sunday Early Games:

[29:56] Bills at Panthers (Panthers +7)

  • Panthers showing legitimate improvement with Bryce Young
  • Rico Dowdle discussion as functional backup running back
  • Ticket prices surprisingly expensive for Panthers home game
  • Young and CJ Stroud playing at similar mediocre levels recently
  • Bills expected to win convincingly by more than touchdown

[32:50] Bears at Ravens (Ravens -6.5)

  • Lamar Jackson’s practice status TBD but expected to play
  • Bears playing legitimate football but not expected to overcome Ravens at home

[33:28] Browns at Patriots (Patriots -7)

  • Shadeur Sanders discussion
  • Sanders not getting any first-team practice snaps despite being backup
  • Stefanski wouldn’t commit to Sanders as #2 over Bailey Zappe
  • Quinchon Johnson’s recent performance analyzed: 25 carries, 3 TDs but only 3.4 YPC against Dolphins
  • Drake May praised as likable with upside as top 10-12 quarterback
  • May compared to Mitch Trubisky in personality (happy, puppy-like demeanor)
  • Rhamondre Stevenson primary back but Henderson only got 2 carries despite being high draft pick

[41:00] Dolphins at Falcons (Falcons -7.5)

  • Michael Penix Jr. described as “okay” – consistent mediocrity expected
  • Suggestion that Raheem Morris may dislike Kirk Cousins
  • Dolphins described as “shell of an NFL team”

[42:30] Giants at Eagles (Eagles -7.5)

  • Strong revenge game narrative after Eagles’ embarrassing blowout loss earlier in season
  • Hosts expect Eagles to dominate convincingly
  • Jalen Hurts in “area code” of Jordan/Kobe revenge mentality

[43:40] Jets at Bengals (Bengals -6)

  • Framed as “former Browns backup quarterbacks battle” with Tyrod Taylor vs Joe Flacco
  • Jets moving to Taylor after Woody Johnson publicly criticized Justin Fields
  • Described as skippable game

[44:32] 49ers at Texans (Texans -2)

  • Brock Purdy vs Mac Jones quarterback situation for 49ers
  • Christian McCaffrey’s return: 24 carries, 129 yards, 2 TDs plus 72 receiving yards
  • McCaffrey’s performance gives hope for Saquon Barkley’s potential recovery
  • Joe Mixon return timeline unclear for Texans
  • Texans reportedly interested in acquiring Breece Hall
  • Discussion of “breaking inertia” with backup quarterback having residual negative effects

[47:15] Buccaneers at Saints (Saints +3.5)

  • Bucs expected to bounce back after disappointing Monday Night loss to Lions
  • Baker Mayfield surprisingly inefficient in Detroit
  • Defense gave up unexpected plays
  • Gibbs praised for Lions’ performance

[48:15] Cowboys at Broncos (Broncos -3)

  • Javonte Williams “revenge game” discussion against former team
  • Williams having career year with Cowboys on one-year deal
  • Extensive free agency speculation for 2025
  • Discussion of Williams as quality second running back, similar evaluation of Isaiah Pacheco
  • Altitude factor in Denver mentioned

[54:16] Titans at Colts (Colts -14.5)

  • Largest spread of week at 14.5 points
  • Colts identified as hosts’ “favorite AFC team”
  • Expected dominant Colts victory

Sunday Night Football [54:25]: Packers at Steelers (Steelers +3)

  • Steelers’ inability to close games highlighted as persistent problem
  • NFC North rivalry dynamics discussed
  • Steelers can’t protect quarterback concerns

Monday Night Football [55:26]: Commanders at Chiefs (Chiefs -12)

  • Marcus Mariota starting for injured Jaden Daniels
  • Second-largest spread of week
  • Daniels’ injury concerns: longest rush only 18 yards this season, on pace for just 2,500 passing yards
  • Question raised about overlooking size concerns too quickly
  • RG3 comparison made regarding Washington’s history of mismanaging franchise QBs
  • Daniels praised for elite pure passing upside even without running
  • Washington’s “win now” moves discussed
  • Team described as “weird” – perhaps anointed too early as contenders

 

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Mario Hines

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