Steelers DEFEAT Ravens to clinch AFC North & No. 4 seed in NFL Playoffs

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff reacts to a wild black Monday in the NFL that saw Pete Carroll, Jonathan Gannon, and Kevin Stefanski and Raheem Morris all get fired. John dives into what's next for these teams and if any of them made the wrong decision. Later, John talks about Matt Ryan likely headed towards taking a job with the Falcons organization and how that could impact his job at CBS. Finally, John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. 03:37 - Black Monday in the NFL 21:49 - Matt Ryan and the Falcons 28:56 - Zoned In 35:48 - Mailbag Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff is reacting LIVE immediately following Week 18 Sunday Night Football as Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. John kicks off by reacting to Aaron Rodgers’ late-game heroics and how the Steelers pulled off one of the luckiest wins he’s ever seen despite limited weapons, clinching the AFC North and the AFC #4 seed. John then looks ahead to Pittsburgh hosting the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. John reacts to the Ravens’ devastating loss, discusses the future of John Harbaugh, shuts down Lamar Jackson trade rumors, and breaks down where Baltimore goes from here. John then reacts to the Atlanta Falcons firing Raheem Morris and GM Tony Fontenot, discusses rumors of Philip Rivers potentially entering the NFL head coaching ranks, and breaks down the Colts retaining Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen. John also reacts to the Raiders securing the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, discusses why the Chiefs owning the #9 pick could help reload the dynasty, and wraps up with early thoughts on the NFL Wild Card playoff matchups. John will react to the biggest plays of the day, breaking news from around the NFL and college football, and much more! 03:37 - Ravens-Steelers Reaction 29:42 - Falcons fire HC Raheem Morris & GM Terry Fontenot 34:05 - Phillip Rivers NFL HC option? 38:08 - Colts GM & HC returning in 2026 40:03 - Raiders Hold #1 Pick for 2026 NFL Draft 41:11 - Chiefs can reload dynasty with 9th pick 44:14 - NFL Wild Card Playoff schedule Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to break down the final week of the NFL season. They start with the observation that the extended 17 game season has resulted in some terrible games featuring a ton of backup quarterbacks  in the final week of the NFL season (2:45). They preview the playoff field starting with the Patriots hosting the Chargers and they both agree the Chargers are a very live underdog that could upset the #2 seed Pats. Colin argues that he likes the Jaguars to win as a home underdog against the Bills and they agree the Jags can absolutely make it to the Super Bowl (11:15).  Colin predicts the Texans will be the winner in the Wild Card round regardless of whether they face the Ravens or Steelers and they both believe the Texans are the team nobody wants to play (13:15). They discuss whether the bye will be advantageous for the Broncos, but highlight that the collegiate atmosphere at Mile High Stadium is a massive home field advantage compared to other teams (16:45).  They pivot to the NFC and start with the Rams being a heavy favorite at Carolina and John argues the Rams defense has lost some of their early season mojo and both worry the Rams could be vulnerable on the road (24:45). They preview the 49ers at Eagles and Colin argues the Niners struggle offensively against good defenses like the Eagles, and that they’ll struggle to overcome all of their injuries (31:30). They move to the Bears hosting the Packers and while Colin likes the Bears to win, John argues that the Bears defense could sink them in the postseason (37:30). Outside of the playoff picture, they discuss reports that Pete Caroll & Kevin Stefanski are going to be fired, and identify the top head coaching candidates available (47:30). They preview the College Football Playoff semi-final games, starting with Miami vs. Ole Miss & they agree that the Hurricanes will bully their way to victory (58:15). They both take Indiana to beat Oregon for a second time and Colin argues Indiana is one of the best coached college football teams he’s ever seen and give their evaluations of quarterback Fernando Mendoza (1:06:00).  Finally they discuss another banner year for Sam Darnold with the Seahawks and why as a #1 seed, the Seahawks are going to be a brutally tough out in the playoffs (1:15:00). (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff reacts LIVE to the NFL Week 18 matchup between Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks vs. Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers with the NFC West division title on the line. John will also react to the earlier matchup between Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers vs. Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the NFC South divisional title up for grabs. John will react to the biggest plays of the day, breaking news from around the NFL and college football, and much more! 03:56 - Seahawks-49ers 45:54 - Panthers-Buccaneers Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John answers all of your questions from around the NFL. Is Sean McVay the best coach in the NFL, should the Packers look for a new DC and could you see the Ravens trading Lamar? John dives into all that and more!  Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff and Jackson Groff react LIVE following the conclusion of Ole Miss-Georgia at the Sugar Bowl in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal. John and Jackson will react to each quarterfinal matchup including Indiana's dominant win vs. Alabama in the Rose Bowl, Oregon's impressive shut out performance vs. Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, and Miami's upset win over the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. John and Jackson will also react to the biggest plays of the quarterfinal, breaking news around college football, and much more! 02:46 - Ole Miss-Georgia 27:13 - Miami-Ohio State 37:18 - Alabama-Indiana 47:31 - HRB CFP Semifinal Picks 58:11 - HRB Natty Picks  1:02:53 - Fixing the CFB Playoff schedule Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to break down the college football playoff. They start with Indiana’s blowout of Alabama and Colin explains why Curt Cignetti’s coaching has produced a Hoosier team that’s great in every facet of the game (2:00). They also break down what makes Fernando Mendoza such a great quarterback (9:45). They move to Oregon dominating Texas Tech and Colin highlights the talent discrepancy between the two teams and they agree that this young Oregon roster is going to be even better next year (18:15). They recap Miami’s thumping of Ohio State and Colin predicts the Hurricanes will meet Indiana in the championship game. They credit Mario Cristobal’s recruiting prowess for building a physically imposing roster full of NFL talent (25:45). They preview the semifinal round and make their predictions for those games (37:00). Finally, they discuss USC’s  loss to TCU and Colin argues Lincoln Riley should be on the hot seat next season for failing to develop a defense during his tenure (38:00).  (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.) Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!  #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John is joined by betting guru, Stuckey from The Action Network to break down the upcoming weekend in both college football and the NFL. They dive into the biggest matchups, key storylines, and deliver their expert insight on where the value is for bettors. From College footballs slate of massive playoff games to Saturday and Sunday’s NFL action that will determine who makes the playoffs and who doesn't, they’ve got you covered with sharp analysis and some of the best bets to make this weekend. #Volume  All lines provided by Hard Rock BetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff reacts LIVE following the Week 17 Monday Night Football matchup between Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams vs. Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons. John kicks off by reacting to the Falcons improbable win against the Rams on MNF. John discusses what this does to Matthew Stafford's NFL MVP chances as the team squanders an opportunity to remain in play for the NFC number 1 overall seed.  John then previews the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Week 18 Saturday matchup that will determine the NFC West divisional title winner. John wraps up by previewing the final Sunday Night Football regular season matchup between Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.  Finally, John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. 03:50 - Rams-Falcons Reaction 17:59 - Seahawks-49ers Preview 26:46 - Steelers-Ravens Preview Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff reacts LIVE following the Week 17 Sunday Night Football matchup between Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears vs. Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers. John kicks off by reacting to another game of the year candidate as the 49ers outlast the Bears on SNF in Week 17. John discusses how it the 49ers control their own destiny for the NFC's number 1 overall seed if they can defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. John also discusses Brock Purdy's back to back career performances and head coach Kyle Shanahan's Coach of the Year consideration. John then dives into the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns to set up a win or go home matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. John debates whether head coach Mike Tomlin or QB Aaron Rodgers should return in 2026 if the team misses the NFL playoffs. John then dives into the NFC South as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both lost in Week 17 to the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, respectively, and how their Week 18 win or go home game for the NFC South title could forecast them exiting early in the playoffs. John flips the script and discusses the AFC South, which feature two of the hottest teams in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans, and how he wouldn't be surprised if either of those teams ended up in the AFC Championship game. John then applauds the Las Vegas Raiders for losing to the New York Giants in Week 17, setting the team up to have the number 1 pick in the NFL Draft heading into their Week 18 game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. John wraps up by reacting to a report from Jay Glazer regarding the Atlanta Falcons' interest in bringing back former QB Matt Ryan for a front office role. 03:45 - Bears-49ers Reaction 30:45 - Steelers-Browns 35:24 - Eagles-Bills 38:58 - Seahawks-Panthers | Bucs-Dolphins | NFC South 41:07 - Jaguars-Colts | Texans-Chargers | AFC South 43:39 - Giants-Raiders 46:17 - HRB MNF Picks  46:56 - Falcons want Matt Ryan in front office Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet Use promo code “3ANDOUT20” on https://nicokick.com/zone for 20% off at checkout! Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #VolumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.