Episode 279: Week 16 in the NFL

00:00–06:00: Introduction and Holiday Talk

• Hosts: Chris Horwedel and Greg Crone.
• Topics:
  • Discussion about the holiday season and its hectic nature.
  • Lighthearted conversation about Christmas lists and holiday movies like Red One (Amazon Prime) and Carry On (Netflix).
  • General critique of holiday films and their target audiences.

6:00–16:30: Media and Pop Culture

• Reboots and Remakes:
  • Greg’s thoughts on the Malcolm in the Middle reboot and its purpose in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.
  • Concerns about over-saturation of streaming services and reboot culture (Scrubs and Prison Break mentioned).
  • Nostalgia versus innovation in media.
• Hollywood Commentary:
  • Reflection on the careers of openly gay actors like Wentworth Miller and their impact on Hollywood roles.
  • General discussion about the pressures and oddities of Hollywood.

16:30–49:00: NFL Week 16 Overview

• Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers:
  • Chargers favored by 2.5 points.
  • Discussion on the Broncos’ strong defense and Chargers’ offensive struggles.
• Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs:
  • Chiefs favored by 3 points; Patrick Mahomes’ health update noted.
• Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants:
  • Michael Penix Jr. announced as Falcons’ starting quarterback.
  • Analysis of Kirk Cousins’ future and the team’s financial challenges.
• Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts:
  • Titans’ defense praised; Colts’ inconsistency highlighted.
• Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns:
  • Bengals favored by 7.5 points.
  • Browns’ quarterback changes, including Dorian Thompson-Robinson replacing Jameis Winston, discussed.

• Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears:
  • Lions’ offensive strength contrasted with their injury-plagued defense.
  • Critique of the Bears’ offensive struggles and coaching decisions.
• Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders:
  • Eagles’ dominance and playoff aspirations contrasted with Washington’s struggles to maintain playoff contention.
• Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots:
  • Bills favored by 14 points.
  • Historical context of the rivalry and Buffalo’s playoff position discussed.

• Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Jets:
  • Jets’ surprising victory and the role of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams discussed.
  • Rams’ offensive strengths highlighted.
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks:
  • Impact of Geno Smith’s injury on Seattle’s chances noted.
  • Discussion on quarterback rotations for both teams.

49:00–End: Eagles Commentary and Miscellaneous NFL Insights

• Philadelphia Eagles:
  • Extensive focus on the Eagles’ key players and injury concerns, including Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean.
  • Frustration over Cooper DeGene being used as a punt returner, risking injury.
• League-Wide Observations:
  • Critique of heavy workloads on star players like Saquon Barkley.
  • Concerns about NFL injuries and the toll on player longevity.