The Weirdo NFC West, an NBA Over/Unders Check-in, and Million Dollar Picks With Danny Kelly and Joe House
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is the NFC West considered 'goofy' or 'whacky'?
The division is unpredictable with all four teams having a case to win it, leading to confusion and annoyance.
Why did the Seattle Seahawks struggle this season?
They couldn't block, had injuries, and their defense was learning a new system, leading to inconsistent performance.
What is the identity of the Seattle Seahawks this season?
They are forced into a pass-heavy offense due to poor offensive line play and rely on their offense to make plays while their defense struggles.
What is the identity of the Arizona Cardinals this season?
They are unpredictable and have shown the ability to steal games, but their defense is significantly worse than Seattle's.
What is the identity of the Los Angeles Rams this season?
They are well-coached by McVay, always moving the chains, and have the pieces to be a competitive team if they catch fire.
What is the identity of the San Francisco 49ers this season?
Despite injuries, they are still talented on both sides of the ball with Shanahan calling a strong offense and Purdy playing better than expected.
Why weren't the 49ers in the bidding for Deontay Johnson?
He's considered a knucklehead and not a good blocker, which are requirements for the 49ers' running backs.
Why is the Carolina Panthers team considered one of the worst?
They make every quarterback look like a future Hall of Famer and have a terrible run defense.
Why might the Cleveland Browns be a sleeper team this season?
They have restored health on their offensive line, Chubb is back, and Jameis Winston's presence could rejuvenate the offense.
Why might the Indianapolis Colts be a sleeper team this season?
Flacco's insertion could stabilize the offense, Jonathan Taylor looks good, and they have talent on offense.
Why is Joe Flacco's return to the Colts a concern?
He's immobile and could get injured, potentially leading to Anthony Richardson playing again.
Why is the Denver Broncos' over-under win total dropping?
They have injuries, a tough schedule, and their defense is struggling, making it hard to see them winning many games.
Why is the Memphis Grizzlies' over-under win total dropping?
They have injuries, Ja Morant hasn't been at his level, and the team hasn't been fully healthy, making 45 wins seem ambitious.
Why is the Atlanta Hawks' over-under win total dropping?
They can't defend anyone, have lost to the Wizards twice, and their defense is an abomination, making 36 wins seem high.
Why is the Brooklyn Nets' over-under win total increasing?
They are competitive, Cam Thomas is scoring, and they could have a winning record, making 20 wins seem low.
Why is the Chicago Bulls' over-under win total increasing?
They have professional basketball players on offense, play hard, and have talent, making 30 wins seem possible.
Why is the Cleveland Cavaliers' over-under win total increasing?
They are healthy, have a strong nucleus, and are playing well, making 52 wins seem realistic.
Why is the Denver Nuggets' over-under win total not looking great?
They have one of the worst benches in the NBA, tension between the GM and coach, and personnel decisions that waste Jokic's talent.
Why is the Philadelphia 76ers' over-under win total dropping?
Embiid has had too many injuries, the team is not competitive, and they are not telling us what his knee injury is.
- The NFC West is highly competitive with all four teams having a case to win the division.
- The 49ers are favorites but have faced significant injuries.
- The Rams have shown potential but need to stay healthy.
- The Seahawks and Cardinals have struggled with identity and consistency.
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