Welcome back to another episode of the Bump N Run Podcast! With the regular season just around the corner, this episode dives into everything to watch heading into the new year, from preseason takeaways and roster headlines to division winners, playoff predictions, NFL honors, and Super Bowl 61 picks and more.
The show opens with training camp and preseason observations, including excitement around the Patriots’ revamped offense with Drake Maye building chemistry with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, the Cowboys showing more physicality on defense while Joe Milton flashes as a backup quarterback, and the Eagles working through a new offensive system with questions along the offensive line, receiver health, and young defensive playmakers like Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Jihaad Campbell.
Before jumping into the full preview, the episode touches on some of the latest NFL headlines, including the unusual situation of recently cut NFL players attempting to return to college football through the transfer portal, LSU reportedly adding players who were recently on NFL rosters, the Patriots trading Kayshon Boutte to the Texans after Houston lost Jayden Higgins to injury, and the latest NFL Rivalries uniforms being released for the AFC South and NFC North.
From there, it’s all season preview. The guys debate the best “worst to first” candidates, with the Saints and Lions emerging as the most realistic options. The Saints’ young offense under Tyler Shough and Kellen Moore gets plenty of attention, while the Lions are discussed as a potential rebound team after a disappointing year in a crowded NFC North.
The episode also features breakout player picks, including Josh Downs stepping into a bigger role with the Colts, Jihaad Campbell taking on a major responsibility in Philadelphia’s defense, and Isaiah Likely potentially becoming a key weapon in the Giants’ offense. Bold predictions follow, with calls for the Saints or Panthers to claim the NFC South, the Buccaneers potentially falling off, and the Cowboys’ wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens both putting up monster seasons.
The heart of the episode focuses on division winners, playoff seeding, and Super Bowl predictions. The playoff picture leads to several potential blockbuster matchups, including rematches between division rivals and possible conference championship showdowns featuring Patriots-Bills, Chiefs-Bills, Rams-Seahawks, and Eagles-Rams.
Super Bowl 61 picks bring some major predictions, including Patriots vs. Rams, Eagles vs. Chiefs Part III, and Bills vs. Rams. The Rams are heavily discussed as one of the league’s biggest “all-in” teams, while questions remain about whether they can live up to the hype with a loaded roster and a brutal schedule.
The NFL Honors segment covers picks for MVP, OPOY, DPOY, OROY, DROY, Comeback Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Names discussed include Matthew Stafford, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, George Pickens, Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Carter, Jeremiah Love, Carnell Tate, Ruben Bain Jr., David Bailey, Patrick Mahomes, John Harbaugh, Joe Brady, and Robert Saleh.
The episode wraps with key season storylines, including whether the Patriots offense can rebound from a Super Bowl loss, whether the Rams can handle sky-high expectations, whether Jalen Hurts can silence criticism in a new Eagles offense, and how the Browns quarterback situation could unfold with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The first “Don’t Be Surprised If” segment of the year closes the show with predictions about the Jaguars having one of the NFL’s top offenses, a Super Bowl hangover hitting one or both teams from last year, and the Seahawks making another serious run in the NFC.
Don’t forget to join the season-long Pigskin Pick’em and Survivor Pool through ESPN Fantasy, and follow the show on social media @bumpnrun_pod & stay locked in all season long!
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