NFL 2026 Wild Card Weekend Mon Jan 12, 2026 Podcast.
We discuss Wild Card Weekend. North Carolina and Myers Park High School native Drake Maye advances in the playoffs with the Patriots. The Panthers went down in an exciting game. Anne’s $100 Super Bowl bet on the Packers failed. The Indiana Hoosiers will play for the national title against Miami on Jan 19th in Miami. Anne, it was a busy sports week since last time we talked.
Let’s start with this:
Of all the teams and players that were eliminated, who were you saddest to lose from your viewing experience?
For me, it’s the Panthers. Just an extra buzz in the state when they are still in it. They gave us a great ride in that last game. Overall, this was a season where my relationship grew with the team. I can name more players. I like the guys enough to root for them. I haven’t been there since Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen. (by the way, Olsen shouted out his assistant middle school coach as a great on the broadcast.
I hated to root against Harbaugh.
Who were you most excited to have them win, so that you get to watch them again?
I think the Bills because of how much fun it is to watch Josh Allen. Except for the Panthers, I cheered the loudest from my recliner on a couple of Niner plays. I like 49ers Christian McCaffrey.
I have a few discussion topics before we start getting into the games:
Coaches who don’t like each other: There’s some animosity between Packers Coach Matt LaFleur and Bears Ben Johnson. I think he said “F the Packers.” Anne, is that enough that you’re salty in the handshake? What might make you salty?
Dislike a coach? Dirty play, poor host, cheating like listening in the lockerroom, Recruiting your players, Still not sure it shows up in the handshake.
Celtics coach Red Auerbach was said to have turned up the heat in the Lakers locker room during the finals in June. Would you be that kind of coach / host?
Let’s go over our first round picks competition and talk about the games if we want. Loser of this contest between you and I has to buy the $50 gift card for our bracket challenge winner.
Rams at Panthers Sat at 4:30 with the Rams favored by 10.5 points.
Anne Rams, Bill Panthers
Final score: Rams beat Panthers 34-31. Bill wins pick because Panthers only lose by 3.
Bill 1-0 vs. Anne in picks.
Bill’s notes:
Didn’t like going for it on 4th down on first possession on own side of the field. Pass play that went nowhere.
Young interception.
Punt fumble 2:44 in the half.
Interesting that Rams didn’t kick it to end half up 10 and getting the ball back to start 2nd.
Panthers run on first play.
Electric run by Young with 37 seconds left in the half.
2:42 in 3rd. Panthers go to 0-2 on 4th down.
Rams 4th and 1with 11:20 and they get it. (game of 4th down conversions?)
Panthers block a kick and go on to score TD.
Great catch by Rams tight end to take lead back. Panthers don’t pick up any yards with 38 seconds left and three timeouts.
Packers at Bears Sat 8PM with Packers favored by 1.5 points.
Anne Bears, Bill Packers
Bears come back from 18 down to win 31-27.
Anne wins the pick. Each of us are 1-1.
I heard the Bears coach say that they showed the film of the Patriots come back over the Falcons in the Super Bowl. Knowing it can be done is worth a lot.
Bills at Jaguars Sun at 1PM with Bills favored by 1.5.
Anne Bills, Bill Bills
Bills win and we both go to 2-1 on our picks.
Jags get turnover in the 2nd when a Bills player runs into another Bills player and causes a fumble.
Jags don’t take 3 and go for it. Lawrence’s knee ruled down on the challenge. Bills go over 90 yards on the drive for a TD. Allen throws hand into a helmet and hurts leg on TD score. (If I were Jags I’d have thought, just take these free points they gave me.)
Back foot Josh Allen long pass on final drive.
Huge Tush Push 4th Down Pick Up.
1 min 2 seconds. I say put it in even though Romo and Nance want to wait.
Josh Allen: threw hand into a helmet, someone landed on his head, twisted his knee at the goalline
San Francisco at Philly at 4:30 on Sunday with Eagles favored by 3.5.
Anne Eagles, Bill San Francisco
49ers win 23-19 and Bill wins the pick. Bill goes to 3-1 against the spread on his pick and Anne goes to 2-2.
Purdy throws two picks. The Eagles have no turnovers and they still lose.
You had the amazing trick play throw and catch from Jauan Jennings to McCaffrey for a TD.
Feel like the 49ers can convert the biggest plays with the call and the players.
49ers are extremely beat up, which is nothing new.
Chargers at Pats Sun 8PM with Pats favored by 3.5 pts.
Anne and Bill Pats.
Pats win 16-3. Bill goes to 4-1 against the spread and Anne 3-2.
With the score 0-0, Chargers get an interception inside the Pats 20 and don’t end up scoring. My best guess is Harbaugh knew how hard it was going to be for his team to move the ball.
Pats get off their own 1 with a short pass to Stevenson that he takes all the way to the 50.
Went for it to end the half near the 50? Set up a Pats FG to take a 6-3 lead at half.
It was 6-3 until Pats FG with 3 min to go in third quarter.
Henry catches the game winning TD on a 35 yard pass from Maye with 9:46 to go in 4th.
Herbert did the splits sliding. I think I would be a bad early slider. Anne, how would you do?
Herbert battered. Valiant effort. Chargers didn’t really ever threaten to score except on that one turnover.
Bet Herbert is looking forward to playing football not with a broken hand.
Texans at Pittsburgh Monday night 8:15 with Texans favored by 3.5 pts.
Anne and Bill Steelers
We had a Super Bowl Winner Draft. Let’s bold picks that are still possibilities:
NFL Week 3 Chaos: Eagles’ Wild Finish, Fever Upset Aces and Torg Game Ball Winners
Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! On this episode, we’re looking at Sunday’s NFL Week 3 Games, Looking Ahead to Week 4, and Finishing Up with the WNBA Final Four. Anne, I asked you to come up with some headlines from yesterday’s games. Give me your first one!
NFL Headlines from Sunday, Sept 21, 2025:
1. Eagles vs. Rams: Philly Special Teams Steal a W
A wild comeback game in Philadelphia ended with a special teams touchdown that you’ll have to see to believe. The Eagles were down 26-7 in the third quarter before scoring 26 unanswered points to seal the victory.
Key Stats: Jalen Hurts had 226 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. A.J. Brown led all receivers with 109 yards and a touchdown.
Play of the Game: With the Eagles up 27-26 and time expiring, Rams kicker Joshua Karty attempted a game-winning 44-yard field goal. But Eagles DT Jordan Davis broke through the line, blocked the kick, and then rumbled 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired to secure the 33-26 win.
What the win meant: The Eagles move to 3-0 on the season and look like a true NFC powerhouse. For the Rams, this loss stings and drops them to 2-1, but the late-game drama shouldn’t overshadow the fact they held a commanding lead for much of the game.
2. Bears vs. Cowboys: Caleb Williams is D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S
The young Bears QB put on a show against a tough Dallas defense, cementing his status as a top-tier quarterback and giving Chicago fans plenty to be excited about.
Key Stats: Caleb Williams had a career-high 142.6 passer rating, throwing for multiple touchdowns to a variety of receivers. Rookie WR Luther Burden III had 101 receiving yards on just three catches, including a 65-yard touchdown. The Bears defense also forced four turnovers.
Play of the Game: A 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown from Caleb Williams to rookie WR Luther Burden III in the third quarter, which stretched the lead and showcased the explosive potential of the Chicago offense.
What the win meant: This was a statement win for the Bears, who are now 2-1 and looking like a legitimate playoff contender. For the Cowboys, it’s a significant setback, dropping them to 1-2 and raising questions about their offensive consistency.
3. Jets vs. Buccaneers: New York’s Heartbreak Hotel
The Jets’ quest for their first win came agonizingly close, with a blocked field goal for a touchdown, before a last-second field goal spoiled the party and sent them to 0-3.
Key Stats: The Buccaneers are now 3-0. Baker Mayfield orchestrated a final drive to get into field goal range. Jets pass rusher Will McDonald IV had a blocked field goal touchdown.
Play of the Game: The Jets’ Will McDonald IV blocked a 43-yard Buccaneers field goal attempt with just under two minutes left in the game and returned it for a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Jets a shocking 27-26 lead.
What the win meant: The Buccaneers continue their undefeated season, but not without some serious scares. For the Jets, this loss is a huge blow to their morale and playoff hopes. Being 0-3 makes their path to a winning record incredibly difficult.
4. Packers vs. Browns: A Kick to the Gut for Green Bay
In a defensive battle, the Packers and Browns exchanged blows, with the game coming down to a final field goal attempt that was met with a brutal twist.
Key Stats: The Browns’ defense blocked a potential game-winning field goal from the Packers with 27 seconds left. The Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs extended his franchise record to 10 straight games with a touchdown. The Browns’ kicker Andre Szmyt hit a 55-yard walk-off field goal.
Play of the Game: After the blocked field goal, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt calmly nailed a 55-yard field goal as time expired to give the Browns a stunning 13-10 victory.
What the win meant: A massive upset for the Browns, who move to 2-1. This is a tough pill for the Packers to swallow, as they drop to 2-1 after looking like one of the league’s most dominant teams through two weeks.
5. Seahawks vs. Saints: Seattle’s Special Teams Are More Than Just Hot Coffee
The Seahawks put on a clinic in all three phases of the game, with their special teams unit delivering two of the most explosive plays of the day.
Key Stats: The Seahawks’ offense scored on their first seven possessions. Punter Michael Dickson’s first punt came in the fourth quarter. The Saints were held to just 13 points, with their star RB Alvin Kamara only managing 42 rushing yards.
Play of the Game: Rookie Tory Horton’s 95-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, which was not only the longest punt return in Seahawks history, but also helped set the tone for the 44-13 blowout.
What the win meant: The Seahawks are now 2-1 and look like a formidable force in the NFC. For the Saints, this is a painful loss, as they drop to 0-3 and are now in a deep hole to start the season.
NFL Categories Segment: Anne and I pick from a list of categories and share our selection:
Game balls:
Rogers passes Favre for all time TD passes.
Coach Dan Quinn takes the hit, cracks his skin on his nose, bleeds, and pops up to keep coaching.
Eagles Davis blocks game winning field goal attempt and returns for a TD.
A’ja Wilson becomes WNBA first 4 time MVP winner.
Play of the day:
Browns block game winning field goal try by Packers.
I’m in…
Dynamic kickoff. Working great!
I’m out…
On the Eagles. Mostly the tush push.
Best uniforms this week… (or helmets)
Panthers black matte helmets. Stripe across the top. Panther graphic in turquoise. (helmets often silver)
Old school center hiking it on Patriots helmet. Red uniforms. Patriots in the end zone looked like Red Sox font. Reminded me of the 1985 Bears Super Bowl!
Bucs looking like TN. Orange, also the stripe in the top, orange on white.
What were they thinking?
Colts timeout. Titans timeout. Titans delay of game. MIssed Titans field goal.
The Packers quarterback Love INT for Packers w 3 mins to go up 10-3.
Holy Cow Award
Herbert gets away from a potential sack, runs to his left and throws with right hand side arm for a 20-yard touchdown as he’s hit.
What were they thinking…
How many fumbles for Pats? 5 turnovers. Don’t get the last 4th and 2 on a screen pass.
Anne, before we do Colts Corner, I have a new announcement:
“For all our show notes and information on upcoming episodes, visit TheTorg.com. If you’re a brand or business that believes in what we do, we’d love to partner with you to help share your story.”
Colts Corner:
Is this the best start for the Colts in a long time?
The Colts beat the Titans 41-20, improving to 3-0 for the first time since 2009, a season when Peyton Manning led them to the AFC Championship. This is a huge statement win for the team, especially against an AFC South rival.
How much credit does Jonathan Taylor deserve for this 3-0 start?
Jonathan Taylor was the star of the show, running for 102 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. This performance helped him break a 38-year-old franchise record for rushing yards through the first three games of a season, previously held by Eric Dickerson.
We learned that Daniel Jones is off to a fantastic start with the Colts.
Through three games, he has an impressive 111.7 passer rating, has completed over 71% of his passes for over 800 yards, and has thrown three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He’s also been tough under pressure and has made big plays, like his 29-yard cross-body throw against the Titans.
What should we expect in Week 4 against the Rams?
The Colts’ next game is a tough road test against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. With the Rams coming off a devastating comeback loss to the Eagles, they’ll be fired up and looking to prove they’re still a contender.
The Blocked Kick Segment:
Three different games featured a blocked field goal on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Here is the list, ranked from most important to least important in terms of its impact on the final outcome of the game.
1. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Significance: This block was the most important because it directly resulted in a game-winning, walk-off touchdown. After mounting a furious comeback, the Eagles were clinging to a one-point lead as the Rams’ kicker lined up for a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal. Eagles DT Jordan Davis broke through the line, blocked the kick, and then returned it 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired to secure the 33-26 victory. This was the Eagles’ second blocked field goal of the game.
2. Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns
Significance: This block was critical because it prevented the Packers from winning and set up the Browns for their own game-winning kick. With 27 seconds left and the score tied, Packers kicker Brandon McManus lined up for a go-ahead 43-yard field goal. Browns DT Shelby Harris blocked the kick, which allowed the Browns to take over possession and drive into position for a walk-off 55-yard field goal to win the game.
3. New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Significance: The Jets’ blocked field goal was significant because it capped a stunning fourth-quarter comeback and gave them a late lead. With the Jets down by seven points with less than two minutes to play, their special teams unit blocked a Buccaneers field goal attempt and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to take a one-point lead. However, the Jets’ defense couldn’t hold on, and the Buccaneers drove down the field to win the game with a last-second field goal.
Next Week’s Biggest Games:
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
Why it’s a big game: This is a potential AFC Championship preview and a battle of two of the league’s best quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. The Ravens are coming off a big win and are a favorite to win the AFC, and the Chiefs will be looking to re-assert their dominance after a tough Week 3 loss.
2. Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why it’s a big game: This is a battle of two undefeated NFC powerhouses. Both teams had a dramatic, down-to-the-wire win in Week 3, and the winner will get a leg up in the race for the top spot in the conference. The game has a lot of star power and is a rematch of their exciting Week 3 game from last season.
3. Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams
Why it’s a big game: This is a fascinating matchup of two teams with a lot to prove. The Colts are surprisingly 3-0 and will look to validate their hot start against a strong NFC opponent. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking to rebound from a devastating and improbable loss to the Eagles and prove they can still be a top contender.
Bill’s Bets From Week 3 and How He Did:
1-0. Bills in survivor pool to beat Dolphins. Vikings losing to the Falcons last week put me out of one of my two pools.
1-1. Rogers 200 passing yards and 2 TDs was +124. Rogers didn’t get the passing yards.
2-1. Colts moneyline to beat the Titans and Daniel Jones to go 175 yards passing with a 50% profit boost was +126. Win!
2-2. Raiders moneyline to beat the Commanders was +134. Raiders lose.
2-3. Rams +100 to win with 1:48 to go. Lose on blocked kick.
3-3 win. Fever to be at least within 8 and Mitchell to score 15 was -102. Mitchell 34 points.
3-4. Lose. Lynx to beat Mercury and Collier to score 25 was +209. Collier had 18.
3-5. Lose. Cowboys moneyline to beat Bears. +150
4-5. Win. Chargers moneyline to beat Broncos +118
4-6. Cardinals moneyline less than 2 mins to go. -138.
4-7. Loss. Chiefs moneyline, Mahomes 2 TD passes and 200 yards. +210. Mahomes only had one TD pass.
Indiana Fever 89, Las Vegas Aces 73
Why the Fever won: The Fever’s offense was incredibly efficient, shooting 50% from the field compared to the Aces’ 40.8%. Indiana also had a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Aces 28-19 to extend their lead and take control of the game.
Key individual performances: Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell was unstoppable, scoring a playoff-career-high 34 points on 52.2% shooting. For the Aces, the newly-crowned four-time MVP A’ja Wilson was held to just 16 points and shot a terrible 27.3% from the field.
What to watch for in Game 2: The Aces must find a way to contain Kelsey Mitchell and get A’ja Wilson more involved and efficient on offense. The Fever, meanwhile, will need to prove their upset was no fluke and that they can continue their hot shooting.
Minnesota Lynx 82, Phoenix Mercury 69
Why the Lynx won: Despite trailing at halftime, the Lynx used a strong defensive effort in the second half, holding the Mercury to just 22 total points. Minnesota’s dominant fourth quarter, where they outscored Phoenix 23-10, sealed the victory.
Key individual performances: Lynx guard Courtney Williams was instrumental in the win, scoring a game-high 23 points and adding five steals on the night. For the Mercury, leading scorer Satou Sabally was held to just 10 points.
What to watch for in Game 2: Phoenix needs to find its offensive rhythm again after a brutal second half. The Mercury dominated the paint early on but struggled after halftime, so they must make adjustments to find ways to score against the suffocating Lynx defense.
Anne, we’ve got our new announcement:
“For all our show notes and information on upcoming episodes, visit TheTorg.com. If you’re a brand or business that believes in what we do, we’d love to partner with you to help share your story.”
