Episode 407: Snow Games

The Underdog

Introduction 00:00:25 – 00:02:12 Matt jokingly claims he's “too busy” to participate. Chris jokingly prepares for a 30-minute monologue in Matt's absence. A.J. Brown and the Viral Book Trend 00:07:34 – 00:11:22 A.J. Brown was seen reading a book on the Eagles' sideline, which led to a massive 53 million percent increase in sales. The book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, became the #1 bestseller on Amazon overnight. They joke that the author “hit the lottery” without even trying. Matt shares that people in his personal life purchased the book just because of the viral moment. Chris discusses how publicity like this could be a marketing goldmine. Major League Baseball: International Signing Period 00:03:39 – 00:04:15 Discussion on the MLB's international signing period. Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is the most coveted free agent. Chris states that Sasaki will likely sign with either the Dodgers or Padres. Gaming & Pop Culture Discussion 00:02:12 – 00:09:33 Matt shares that he's been playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which was just released on the Nintendo Switch. They discuss the Wii U, a system Matt claims "no one else owned." Chris suggests a Kevin James-voiced Donkey Kong movie, which leads to a Kevin James tangent. Matt mentions a 2006 movie, "Grilled", starring Kevin James and Ray Romano as door-to-door meat salesmen. They discuss the absurd plot, involving mafia entanglements and a young Sofia Vergara. Matt didn't finish the movie, but plans to. A.J. Brown and the Viral Book Trend 00:07:34 – 00:11:22 A.J. Brown was seen reading a book on the Eagles' sideline, which led to a massive 53 million percent increase in sales. The book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, became the #1 bestseller on Amazon overnight. They joke that the author “hit the lottery” without even trying. Matt shares that people in his personal life purchased the book just because of the viral moment. Chris discusses how publicity like this could be a marketing goldmine. Major League Baseball: International Signing Period 00:03:39 – 00:04:15 Discussion on the MLB's international signing period. Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is the most coveted free agent. Chris states that Sasaki will likely sign with either the Dodgers or Padres. Wrexham AFC and English Football Discussion 00:14:27 – 00:17:12 Discussion of Wrexham AFC's rise in English football. Wrexham had a chance to reach first place in their league but lost to a weaker team (Shrewsbury Town). Chris explains why Wrexham needs to make roster moves to keep their promotion hopes alive. Matt jokes about Rob McElhenney starting a fencing and roofing business to fund Wrexham's success. California Wildfires & Insurance Crisis 00:17:44 – 00:21:53 Chris and Matt discuss the devastating wildfires in California. Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson (of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") lost their home. Chris reflects on how California's fire season has become a year-round problem. The discussion shifts to rising insurance costs forcing residents to leave the state. Weird Delivery Guy Incident 00:21:53 – 00:24:09 Chris shares a hilarious Ring doorbell video of a delivery driver struggling with three small steps. The driver dramatically climbs the steps on his hands and knees. Chris says he should immortalize the moment with a statue. Dog Ownership and Neighbor Issues 00:24:30 – 00:29:07 Matt complains about cleaning up after his dog in the backyard before snowfall. Chris shares how his dogs only use one area of the yard, which is both a blessing and a problem. Matt vents about neighbors who don't pick up after their dogs. In retaliation, Matt once placed dog waste on his neighbor's porch as a message. Chris calls it super aggressive. Dental Office Mishap & Open-Concept Dentistry 00:41:03 – 00:44:16 Matt shares a story about showing up to his dentist only to find they moved locations without informing him. Chris and Matt criticize the trend of open-concept dentistry, where patients have no privacy. Matt overheard a woman casually discussing swallowing her own tooth. NFL Divisional Round Game Analysis Chris and Matt break down each game in the upcoming Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. 1. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs 00:30:50 – 00:34:42 Chiefs are favored by 8 points. Matt emphasizes the Texans' defense, which forced four interceptions against Justin Herbert in the Wild Card game. Discussion of C.J. Stroud's performance, noting his return to early-season form. Chris compares Herbert's regular-season (3 INTs in 17 games) vs. playoff game (4 INTs in one game). They analyze the Chiefs' playoff history and Mahomes' dominance. 2. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions 00:35:01 – 00:39:29 Lions favored by 9 points. Matt chooses the Commanders and expresses confidence in them. They discuss Jared Goff's efficiency and Detroit's offensive firepower. Analysis of Washington's inconsistency throughout the season. 3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles 00:39:29 – 00:42:30 Eagles favored by 6 points. Chris is concerned about the matchup but feels better knowing it will be a cold, snowy game. Matt highlights how bad weather benefits the Eagles' run-heavy offense. Discussion of the Eagles' home-field advantage and defensive strengths. Breakdown of Rams' difficulties in bad-weather games. 4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills 00:47:57 – 00:50:45 Bills are 1-point underdogs at home. Chris and Matt agree that this is the best game of the weekend. They discuss how this could be an MVP-deciding matchup between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Chris praises Lamar Jackson's underappreciated career, highlighting how teams missed out when he was available in free agency. Closing Thoughts 00:47:45 – End Chris and Matt discuss game-day weather forecasts. Snowy conditions could heavily impact the Eagles-Rams game. They reflect on how betting odds shift based on weather and game conditions.