After a truly hideous, miserable Thursday Night Football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears, both franchises are left with questions at the QB position. For Chicago, Caleb Williams has issues holding onto the football for too long and oftentimes overlooks the easy play for the dramatic one. Can the Bears organization rely on him to execute their offense regardless of who is hired as head coach? Meanwhile for Seattle, Geno Smith has been good but not great all season long. Is it time to move on from his inconsistency? And if so, is there even a quarterback out there worth trading for? Jason Fitz, Charles Robinson & Frank Schwab answer these questions and more in their breakdown of the game.

In this week’s QB Room, C Rob looks at the quarterback situation in Minnesota with Sam Darnold & J.J. McCarthy. Will the Vikings franchise Sam Darnold and punt on McCarthy in light of his unexpected success this season? Or should they let Darnold walk away and fully commit to McCarthy while he’s still on his rookie contract?

To wrap, the trio react to Aaron Rodgers’ comments about the Jets needing to be “professional” and discuss if it’s fair for him to call out the Jets when he mishandled the preseason and minicamps.

(0:50) Seahawks @ Bears recap

(24:23) What should Minnesota do at QB next season?

(47:52) Aaron Rodgers comments on Jets 'professionalism'

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

As we enter the penultimate week of the NFL season, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald are back to break down all the action from a festive—but somewhat underwhelming—set of Christmas games before deep diving on the most interesting matchups to look forward to this weekend. The duo kicks things off by revisiting the Kansas City Chiefs' dominant win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where despite some strong production value, the game got blown open as the Chiefs appeared to be entering postseason mode. The show then pivots to a tough reality check for the Houston Texans, who were completely outclassed by the Baltimore Ravens. While CJ Stroud did his best, the Texans’ glaring weakness in the trenches is hard to ignore, and Nate has some strong thoughts on their offensive line struggles.

Next, Nate and Charles deep dive on the Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals matchup—a defensive hoss fight that features some of the league's top talent, including Ja'Marr Chase and Patrick Surtain II, and preview an intriguing Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings game where defensive adjustments will likely determine the outcome.

As the episode rounds out, the guys tackle a high-stakes game for the Atlanta Falcons, who need a win against the Washington Commanders to keep their playoff hopes alive, and a double slop watch featuring the Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The duo wrap up with a mailbag question, as Nate and Charles dissect the complexities of motion in the NFL and why some teams choose not to use it very often.

(2:55) - Chiefs beat Steelers 29-10

(11:35) - Ravens beat Texans 31-2

(23:05) - Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals

(33:05) - Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

(49:00) - Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders

(59:50) - Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

(1:03:30) - Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(1:07:20) - Mailbag question of the week

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this episode of Inside Coverage, hosts Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab dive into every game from Week 16 of NFL action, starting with the shocking upset of the Philadelphia Eagles by the Washington Commanders. The loss, coupled with the continued success of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, has put Philly in a tough spot, and the pressure is mounting on Jalen Hurts and company, while Jayden Daniels showed why he is the consensus Rookie of the Year. The conversation then shifts to the Minnesota Vikings' win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks’ inability to find consistent quarterback play leaves them stuck in the middle of the NFC West, and Fitz is skeptical about Seattle’s chances of making a deep playoff run. Fitz and Frank also dissect the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Baltimore Ravens, where the Ravens made a major statement and showed what they can be at their best, and Frank notes that Pittsburgh’s lack of playmakers outside of Pickens has been a major weakness.

Later, the dynamic duo cover the rest of Saturday and Sunday's games, including the Houston Texans' mounting injuries, the Las Vegas Raiders' victory, Michael Penix Jr's first start and much more. The show concludes with a preview of the Monday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints, where both hosts are in agreement that the Packers are poised for a dominant performance.

(1:30) - Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders

(9:00) - Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks

(21:25) - Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

(28:00) - Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

(31:10) - New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

(34:30) - Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

(39:15) - Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

(41:25) - Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts

(43:45) - Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets

(46:05) - Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

(49:20) - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

(51:05) - Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders

(58:45) - San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins

(1:00:00) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

(1:04:00) - MNF preview

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

Week 16's biggest fireworks were in the NFC East, where the Philadelphia Eagles' 10-game win streak was put to a halt by Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. The Eagles have looked unstoppable since early October, but a Jalen Hurts concussion sent the team scrambling to find an offensive identity under backup QB Kenny Pickett. Despite five turnovers, the Daniels-led Commanders came back late to get a statement December win against a division rival.

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald close the book on Week 16 with this Sunday's edition of the fifth quarter: the five games that intrigued them the most. In addition to the Commanders-Eagles tilt, the guys discuss the Minnesota Vikings staying atop the NFC leaderboards with a win in Seattle, Michael Penix's first start with a solid 34-7 win for the Atlanta Falcons over the New York Giants and close out with the two Saturday games: the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs taking home big conference wins with two games left in the regular season.

Closing out the show, the guys hand their game balls out to a pair of offensive masterpiece performers in Minnesota's Justin Jefferson and the Colts' Jonathan Taylor.

(1:35) - Commanders defeat Eagles after Hurts goes down

(8:25) - Vikings retain tie atop NFC North after win over Seattle

(16:15) - Penix's debut in Falcons win over Giants

(22:10) - Ravens even up season series against Steelers

(27:35) - Chiefs get to 14 wins

(31:15) - Game Balls

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

In this week’s action-packed episode of Football 301, hosts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald deep dive into the best matchups of Week 16, including a full breakdown of the weekend’s slop watch games and heavyweight matchups. First, Tice and McDonald open with a report on the New York Jets, whose dysfunction continues to spiral, especially with owner Woody Johnson reportedly nixing a trade for Jerry Jeudy because of his Madden ratings. The conversation takes a turn as C Mac reflects on the bizarre, unhinged decisions Johnson has been making for years and how the team’s dysfunction has only worsened over time.

From there, the guys shift to some of Week 16's most intriguing games, including the New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons on slop watch, where Charles questions why Kirk Cousins wasn’t benched sooner, and Tice outlines what to watch for with Michael Penix Jr. in his first NFL start. Nate also mentions a New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills matchup that promises an intriguing duel between rookie QB Drake Maye and Josh Allen before the duo turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens automatic hoss fight. With George Pickens out, the Steelers' offense looks in peril – will they be able to keep up with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ stout run defense? The Washington Commanders are taking on the Philadelphia Eagles, where they will look to improve upon their woes from the last matchup.

Finally, McDonald and Tice wrap up with their analysis of Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes' ankle injury could spell trouble for KC, and a Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks clash that promises explosiveness as both teams deal with key injuries. Finally, Nate and Charles wrap up with two mailbag questions, including thoughts on Jaxon Dart as a potential NFL prospect.

(2:20) - Woody Johnson & the Jets' dysfunction

(10:00) - New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons

(23:10) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

(32:55) - Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Commanders

(41:00) - Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs

(55:00) - Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks

(1:07:30) - Mailbag questions of the week

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this week’s episode of Inside Coverage, Frank Schwab and Jori Epstein deep dive into the Atlanta Falcons' decision to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Jori, though not shocked by Penix's start, is taken aback by the team's decision to market it as a permanent change. The duo discusses what we can expect from Penix in his first NFL action and debates whether Cousins, struggling after his Achilles injury, will find a starting role next season (plus some potential landing spots that make sense). In other news, Jori heads to Philly this week to examine the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive defense, highlighted by the rise of linebacker Zach Baun, who’s making a name for himself after an offseason transformation.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to a common theme in the NFL: process vs. results. Frank and Jori analyze some key quarterback decisions by process alone: Deshaun Watson’s rumored return next year and Anthony Richardson’s stagnant development in Indianapolis. Jori and Frank analyze the Indianapolis Colts' decision-making process in drafting Richardson and whether it was a case of bad process or just bad luck. They also discuss the potential of Deshaun Watson bouncing back in Cleveland, reflecting on the Browns' investment and whether his struggles were a product of poor decision-making or something more complex. Frank and Jori also break down the Dallas Cowboys' hot streak and whether head coach Mike McCarthy’s job is safe after recent wins.

The episode closes with a discussion on Frank's NFL power rankings, with Frank placing the Eagles at the top and Jori arguing for the Buffalo Bills at number one, and the hosts' picks for Thursday Night Football as the Denver Broncos head to Southern California to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

(2:45) - Kirk Cousins benched in Atlanta

(21:20) - Rise of Zach Baun in Philly

(31:35) - Process vs. results: Anthony Richardson

(38:00) - Process vs. results: Deshaun Watson

(46:10) - Process vs. results: Mike McCarthy

(55:00) - Frank's power rankings corner

(1:01:55) - TNF picks

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

In this jam-packed episode of Football 301, hosts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon break down each top NFL contender's biggest concern that could send them home early in January.

The Buffalo Bills kick things off, fresh off a big win. The offense is as dynamic as ever, while the defense—specifically the run defense—might be their Achilles' heel, especially when facing a physical team like the Baltimore Ravens. From there, the conversation turns to the Philadelphia Eagles, where Jalen Hurts' consistency in the passing game is a concern. The Kansas City Chiefs also come under the microscope, where a lack of downfield explosiveness and pass protection problems have made Patrick Mahomes and company more efficient than flashy.

Next, the Detroit Lions’ injury woes have raised major red flags, but their high-powered offense may still be enough to overcome these setbacks. The Minnesota Vikings continue to live and die by big plays, while the Ravens have quietly improved their defense, but one wrinkle in their pass coverage continues to be a weakness. Along the way, the guys hit on other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans, each with their own set of glaring questions heading into the postseason. Will Baker Mayfield’s hot streak last in Tampa Bay? Can the Texans offense improve enough to compete in January? The duo wrap up with some quick-hit thoughts on the other likely playoff teams.

(2:10) - Buffalo Bills

(9:10) - Philadelphia Eagles

(16:20) - Kansas City Chiefs

(26:25) - Detroit Lions

(32:15) - Baltimore Ravens

(38:05) - Minnesota Vikings

(47:50) - Pittsburgh Steelers

(53:00) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(57:40) - Houston Texans

(1:02:40) - Lightning round

Subscribe to Football 301 on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46gILkF

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3A4mYAD

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this week's episode of Inside Coverage, Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab give their instant reactions and takeaways from Week 15 of NFL action. The guys kick things off discussing the polarization in the league this year, with a massive gap between the top-tier teams and those struggling at the bottom. The conversation shifts to what turned out to be the game of the week: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions. Fitz and Frank are in awe of Josh Allen’s incredible rise to MVP-caliber play. Frank lists the few quarterbacks in NFL history who have played at Allen’s current level, comparing him to the likes of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. But as impressive as the Bills are, the Lions defense is starting to show cracks. Can Dan Campbell’s squad continue to ride high with a shaky defense, or will this expose them in the postseason? Fitz is convinced that the Bills are now the team to beat in the AFC, even if that means taking down the mighty Kansas City Chiefs.

Fitz & Frank also highlight the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles against the dominant Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers rolling on primetime against the Seattle Seahawks.

Later, the duo cover every other matchup from Sunday's slate of games. Fitz is particularly concerned with Tua Tagovailoa’s erratic play, while Frank gives props to Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams showing their connection is still very much alive. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stun the Los Angeles Chargers, with Baker Mayfield leading the charge, and Mike McCarthy is quietly earning his job back in Dallas. The duo wrap up with predictions for the Monday Night Football double header.

(00:50) - NFL is extremely polarized this year

(5:00) - Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions

(20:45) - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles

(26:55) - Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks

(33:00) - Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

(36:40) - Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns

(40:15) - Miami Dolphins @ Houston Texans

(45:20) - New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars

(47:10) - Washington Commanders @ New Orleans Saints

(50:35) - Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants

(52:40) - Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans

(54:20) - New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals

(55:40) - Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

(59:10) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Chargers

(1:01:40) - MNF picks

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3AbfhJc

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ymFp3f

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”