The Herd with Colin Cowherd

<p>On this episode of <em>3 &amp; Out</em>, John Middlekauff reacts to Bijan Robinson landing a massive new contract, breaking down what the extension means for the Falcons, the running back market, and why elite talent at the position is once again being rewarded.</p> <p>Next, John reacts to the&nbsp;NFL quarterback tier rankings, discussing where the league's biggest stars stack up, which quarterbacks are climbing, and which ones still have something to prove heading into the season. From MVP candidates to young signal-callers on the rise, John explains what separates each tier.</p> <p>Plus, John talks about the story of Dan Lanning driving 13 hours for a job opportunity, highlighting the relentless work ethic and persistence that helped shape one of college football's top coaches. It's a conversation about ambition, networking, and the sacrifices required to make it in the profession.</p> <p>To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, where John answers your questions on the NFL's biggest storylines, roster construction, quarterback play, coaching philosophies, and much more.</p> <p>From blockbuster contracts and quarterback debates to coaching journeys and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of <em>3 &amp; Out</em>.</p> <p>Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785888253210000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qGcyaQuYJCzlvMQ7QwBAE">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram for the latest.&nbsp;</p> <p>All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785888253210000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FBZCA9XcA91Vjhx56QUZt">Hard Rock Bet</a></p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Can the Tennessee Titans make a playoff run under new coach Robert Saleh and young QB Cam Ward? Today we tackle the biggest AFC South questions in a special episode sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/SHARPORSQUARE and use SHARPORSQUARE at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.</p> <p>Are the Jacksonville Jaguars the new stars of the AFC South, or will Trevor Lawrence lower their ceiling? And has the window already closed on the snakebitten Indianapolis Colts? NFL betting experts Chad Millman and Simon Hunter dive into one of the least discussed divisions in the league as they continue off their annual eight-part division-by-division NFL previews. The Colts were all-in last season before their wheels fell off. Will quarterback Daniel Jones return healthier and more effective? Expectations are high in Jacksonville, but is coach Liam Coen hamstrung by his personnel and his team's erratic drafting? Our duo dives into whether the Houston Texans are more smoke than fire as they look to develop an offense that has sputtered recently. Our hosts analyze how professional sports bettors are handing the AFC South, and provide picks and predictions for the upcoming season. Plus, we get some exotic division best bets that will leave everyone ready for an exciting season across the AFC. #Volume</p> <p>0:03:00 - START</p> <p>0:13:00 - HOUSTON TEXANS PREVIEW&nbsp;</p> <p>0:25:00 - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS PREVIEW</p> <p>0:32:00 - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PREVIEW</p> <p>0:44:30 - TENNESSEE TITANS PREVIEW</p> <p>-- All lines provided by <a href="hardrock.bet">Hard Rock Bet</a></p> <p>Subscribe to Sharp or Square for gambling advice, best bets, and predictions from sports betting experts Chad Millman and Simon Hunter.</p> <p>Follow on all platforms:</p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sharporsquare/">https://www.instagram.com/sharporsquare/</a></p> <p>https://x.com/SharporSquare_</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Nick Wright reacts to LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, including what the expectations are for the team, ring chasing allegations, and what it means for the GOAT's legacy. Then, Nick discusses how the 76ers will share the ball with a stacked roster of LeBron, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe. Later, Nick breaks down what is next for the teams like the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors now that they missed out on LeBron. #Volume</p> <p>All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785888253210000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FBZCA9XcA91Vjhx56QUZt">Hard Rock Bet</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Colin discusses why the Dodgers are making baseball better and why people need to get over it</p> <p>Where should Dak Prescott rank of the top QB tiers list?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Guest: Mike Sando</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Fat Joe and Jadakiss are joined by founder and CEO of Fanatics Michael Rubin live from Fanatics Fest. Michael extends a standing invitation to his yearly star-studded "White Party" to Jada and talks how Knicks fans celebrated their NBA title run harder than any other fanbase, the story behind his close friendship with Meek Mill, and why trading cards have become such big business.</p> <p>Joe and Jada is now <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/82669081">STREAMING ON NETFLIX</a>!</p> <p>Merch is here! <a href="https://joeandjadashow.com/">https://joeandjadashow.com/</a></p> <p>All lines provided by <a href="hardrock.bet">Hard Rock Bet</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>On this episode of&nbsp;<em>3 &amp; Out</em>, John Middlekauff dives into whether&nbsp;NFL coaches really have favorite players&nbsp;and how those relationships can influence playing time, roster decisions, and the development of young talent.</p> <p>John also breaks down the latest quarterback situation in Minnesota. With&nbsp;Kyler Murray expected to be the starter, what does that mean for&nbsp;J.J. McCarthy?</p> <p>Plus, John discusses&nbsp;Lamar Jackson's evolution under center, examining how Baltimore continues to expand its offense and why Lamar's development as a traditional pocket passer has become one of the most underrated parts of his game.</p> <p>The conversation also explores the unique relationship between&nbsp;quarterbacks and their head coaches, why the best partnerships consistently produce winning football, and what separates successful QB-coach duos from the rest of the league.</p> <p>John also checks in on the&nbsp;49ers' injury situation, discussing whether San Francisco can overcome another wave of health concerns, before reacting to reports that&nbsp;Deshaun Watson is seeking a new contract from the Browns&nbsp;and what that could mean for Cleveland's future.</p> <p>To wrap things up, John shares another edition of&nbsp;Dad Diaries, offering a funny look at life away from football, before opening up the&nbsp;Middlekauff Mailbag to answer your questions from around the NFL.</p> <p>From quarterback battles and contract drama to coaching dynamics and front-office insight, it's all covered on this episode of&nbsp;<em>3 &amp; Out</em>.</p> <p>Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785888253210000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qGcyaQuYJCzlvMQ7QwBAE">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;</p> <p>All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785888253210000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FBZCA9XcA91Vjhx56QUZt">Hard Rock Bet</a></p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Jason reacts to big NBA storylines over the weekend including Rich Paul's &rsquo;Game Over&rsquo; podcast and the consequences it could have on the Philadelphia 76ers, Max Kellerman calling for Joel Embiid to be traded, Tony Allen calling out LeBron James&rsquo;s defense, following up on the Spike Eskin episode, and the Golden State Warriors continuing to fail Steph Curry &mdash; this time by passing on Jaylen Brown before the Boston Celtics traded him to the Sixers.</p> <p>All lines presented by <a href="https://www.hardrock.bet">Hard Rock Bet</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Safe doesn't have to mean boring. Alfredo Brown, Pat Fitzmaurice and Derek Brown break down six of the safest fantasy football draft picks for the 2026 season. Whether you're looking for reliable weekly production or players who can outperform their ADP while minimizing risk, these are the high-floor stars you can confidently build around. The crew discusses why Tetairoa McMillan is already one of fantasy's safest young receivers, whether Derrick Henry can continue defying Father Time, why David Montgomery could dominate touches in Houston, Terry McLaurin's outlook under a new offensive coordinator, Jared Goff's incredible year-to-year consistency, and why Travis Kelce remains a dependable fantasy tight end despite his age. If you're trying to avoid early-round mistakes while maximizing weekly consistency, this episode is packed with actionable draft advice.

<p>Colin Cowherd returns and defends the Dodgers for acquiring back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. As fans continue to complain that &ldquo;Los Angeles is buying championships&rdquo;, Colin argues they&rsquo;re just a better run organization than most of the MLB franchises.</p> <p>After joining the 76ers, LeBron James and Philadelphia will reportedly have the maximum amount of prime-time TV games. Colin points out LeBron remains the face of the NBA despite entering year 24 at 41 years old.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p data-start="109" data-end="286">It's a loaded Middlekauff Mailbag on this episode of <em data-start="185" data-end="194">3 &amp; Out</em> as John answers your questions on everything happening across the NFL and college football.</p> <p data-start="288" data-end="582">John kicks things off by discussing the latest 49ers injuries and what they could mean for one of the NFC's perennial contenders. He also tackles bigger-picture questions about San Francisco's roster, long-term outlook, and whether the team has what it takes to make another Super Bowl run.</p> <p data-start="584" data-end="819">The mailbag also dives into the Minnesota Vikings, the Dallas Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs, as John shares his perspective on some of the league's biggest storylines heading into the season.</p> <p data-start="821" data-end="1033">Plus, drawing from his experience as a former NFL front office executive, John explains how teams think behind the scenes when evaluating players, managing injuries, and building championship-caliber rosters.</p> <p data-start="1035" data-end="1227">The conversation also covers Jalen Hurts, Tony Romo, why NFL injuries seem to be more prevalent than ever, and what separates successful franchises from the league's bad teams.</p> <p data-start="1229" data-end="1438">To wrap things up, John answers several college football questions, including advice for players preparing for life after college football and how to navigate the transition to the next stage of their careers.</p> <p data-start="1440" data-end="1607" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">From front-office insight and quarterback debates to team-building philosophy and fan questions, it's all covered in this Massive Middlekauff Mailbag on <em data-start="1597" data-end="1606">3 &amp; Out</em>.</p> <p>Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785799177908000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2v4JAKmY0p-cwffG59FN5y">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;</p> <p>All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785799177908000&amp;usg=AOvVaw38G-2ceCWhwQGgGDhjWXxH">Hard Rock Bet</a></p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>All lines provided by <a href="https://www.hardrock.bet/">Hard Rock Bet.</a> &nbsp;</p> <p>Nick Wright answers listener questions during a mailbag segment. Who belongs in the conversation for the GOAT of GOATs? Nick breaks down who has the best cases among Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi, new Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, American swimmer Michael Phelps, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, and other legends. Later, one listener makes the case for how LeBron James could one day run for president. #Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Matt Modi is joined by Andrew Erickson and Scott Bogman to break down their favorite fantasy football WR targets across every stage of your draft. From early-round stars like Zay Flowers and Jaylen Waddle to mid-round breakout candidates including Parker Washington and Marvin Harrison Jr., plus late-round sleepers like Trey Harris, Jayden Higgins and Antonio Williams, the crew identifies the receivers who could dramatically outperform their ADP this season. Whether you're searching for WR1 upside, undervalued draft values or deep sleepers that can win your fantasy league, this episode has you covered.

<p>Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of &ldquo;3 and Out&rdquo; to talk all things football.</p> <p>They start with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan being in a serious car accident and the controversy surrounding why he wasn&rsquo;t checked for a DUI (4:30), and then discuss the outlook for the 49ers 2026 season (11:00).&nbsp;</p> <p>They move to Shedeur Sanders heading into his second season and Colin argues that Deion is getting in the way of Shedeur&rsquo;s success, but they both believe Shedeur will see significant playing time this year (15:00).</p> <p>They head to the NFC East and preview the Cowboys and John believes Caleb Downs could transform the defense and picks them to win the division, and they react to Jerry Jones saying he&rsquo;d be willing to make a splash trade midseason (25:00).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>They pivot to Bill Belichick&rsquo;s &ldquo;friends and family&rdquo; staff at North Carolina and Colin argues he&rsquo;s not even trying to hire the best of the best (36:45).</p> <p>Finally, they debate the expectations for Indiana football after the departure of #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and whether head coach Curt Cignetti can keep the success rolling (49:00).&nbsp;</p> <p>All lines provided by<a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCtcSOAkfG6kQjVoUA6cTTsg"> @hardrockbet</a></p> <p>(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)</p> <p>Follow<a href="https://twitter.com/ColinCowherd/header_photo"> Colin</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports"> The Volume</a> on Twitter for the latest content and updates!</p> <p>&nbsp;#Volume&nbsp;</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Jason gives his NFL predictions for the season</p> <p>He ranks his top 10 NFL QBs</p> <p>Plus, Fox Sports NFL analyst Eric Mangini joins the show to tell JMac why he&rsquo;s down on the Texans this season and why he&rsquo;s buying the Cowboys as a real threat in the NFC.</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

How should you approach a 2026 fantasy football Superflex league? The Fantasy Pros crew puts that question to the test with a full redraft Superflex PPR mock draft featuring Ryan Wormeli, Scott Bogman, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Andrew Erickson. The mock features three starting wide receivers, seven bench spots, no kickers or defenses, and a Superflex lineup, creating a fascinating battle between early quarterback strategy, zero RB builds, elite tight ends, and waiting on positional value. One of the biggest storylines is the quarterback rush: eight QBs go in the first round, forcing the analysts to adapt on the fly and raising a major 2026 fantasy football question: should you aggressively draft quarterbacks in Superflex, or let your league mates chase the position while you scoop up elite skill-position talent?

<p>Jason is joined by Spike Eskin of the Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast to do a deep dive on the Philadelphia 76ers, reacting to LeBron James signing with the team after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, exploring the fit with Joel Embiid and possible trade options, how Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe will play together, how good this team is relative to the rest of the NBA, and more.</p> <p>All lines presented by <a href="https://www.hardrock.bet">Hard Rock Bet</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Former NFL stars Jarvis Landry and Leonard Fournette discuss Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers&rsquo; contract situation, explaining why they expect him to be a Buccaneer for the rest of his career. Landry and Fournette also discuss the Las Vegas Raiders' decision to have Fernando Mendoza sit behind Kirk Cousins for the entire season, analyzing whether this developmental approach is the RIGHT approach for the rookie QB. Lenny and Juice also react to reports that Jacksonville Jaguars sophomore star Travis Hunter will be playing both sides of the ball this season. Chosen Anderson joins the show to talk about his INCREDIBLE NFL journey and why the New York Jets continue to remain DYSFUNCTIONAL, discusses his time with veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and his experiences with the Carolina Panthers, and reflects on how he's navigated his career going undrafted.<br><br>All lines provided by <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCtcSOAkfG6kQjVoUA6cTTsg">&nbsp;@hardrockbet&nbsp;</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Daniel Cormier IS BACK to talk all things UFC and MMA, this time addressing Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland BEEFING ONLINE and calling for a rematch of that championship fight. DC gives his take on why this fight will happen, but CANNOT be sold again on "bad blood" between the two after they both supposedly squashed their beef in Strickland's decision win over Khamzat. And DC reveals that him and Khamzat spoke recently, with Chimaev speaking on a potential rematch with Sean being his priority. Plus, hear why Cormier says he HAS TO BELIEVE Sean because of his history in the sport. #Volume</p> <p>All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1784675939731000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1JrJ2h_MnY-Xr6uwJfEgsD">Hard Rock Bet</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>JMac shares some shocking predictions for his 2026 NFL Playoff teams: Why the Broncos are out in the AFC and why the Lions are back in the NFC.</p> <p>Kyle Whittingham opens up on Mich / OSU rivalry</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Jason does his first NBA contender rankings of this season after the big free agency and trade moves have finally happened thanks to LeBron James making his decision. He breaks down why the San Antonio Spurs, OKC Thunder, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers are the best four teams, plus where Giannis Antetoknoumpo and the Miami Heat, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers all fit into the equation, along with all 30 NBA teams.</p> <p>All lines presented by <a href="https://www.hardrock.bet">Hard Rock Bet</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>#Volume</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>