FINAL 2026 season predictions feat. Ben Solak: win total picks, dark-horse MVP + JJ Watt joins the show! | Football 301
Summary
Host J.J. Watt is joined by ESPN’s Ben Solak for a deep dive into NFL betting touts, including win totals for the Patriots, Cowboys, Saints, and Vikings. They analyze award futures, with Solak highlighting Trevor Lawrence as a dark horse MVP pick and discussing Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates like Arvell Reese and CJ Allen. The episode also features brief appearances by former teammate Matt Harmon and covers divisional outlooks, particularly the competitive NFC North.
Topics discussed
Intro: Ben Solak, JJ Watt, and Matt Harmon segments
Gambling angle and Ben Solak's sicko bets
Patriots 2025 schedule and 2026 outlook
Patriots offense vs defense and MVP futures
Cowboys alternate wins and defensive depth
Cowboys defensive power creep and rankings
Cowboys trade for Broderick Jones and Terrence Steele
Cowboys defensive strategy and cover 3 usage
Saints running game struggles and Kellen Moore
Bryce Young and Devon Davenport snaps
Falcons offense and defensive injuries
QB competition and training camp performance
D2 QB story: Mankato State and NIL offers
NFC North division betting and Vikings defense
Vikings offense potential and defensive concerns
Vikings offensive line pressure rates
Lions DB age and NFC North offensive outlook
NFC North top 10 offense potential
MVP dark horse: Trevor Lawrence at +2500
MVP betting strategy and ranked choice voting
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Val Reese and CJ Allen
Defensive Player of the Year and tackle stats
Linebacker bets: Zaire Franklin and Arll Reese
Offensive Player dark horse: Marquise Hampton
Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins situation
Browns offensive design and RPO usage
Mendoza playing time and preseason performance
Cousins arm strength and Trey Tucker weaponization
Transition to player props and Jaden Daniels
Jaden Daniels passing yards under bet
Commanders tempo offense and plays per game
QB scramble tendencies and offensive line changes
Bears offense and Colson Loveland outlook
Bears draft pick and Colson Loveland value
Sicko bets: Hampton and Watson props
Sicko bets: Arch Manning and field goal under
Sicko bets: Super Bowl winner and odds
Sicko bets: Dolphins and Cardinals odds
Sicko bets: Dolphins narrative and injury risk
Wrap up Ben segment and intro JJ Watt
JJ Watt: Kyler Murray under center usage
JJ Watt: Jordan Love processing and cover 0
JJ Watt: Lessons learned as a commentator
JJ Watt: Defensive disguises and production meetings
JJ Watt: Wisconsin recruiting and All-American stats
JJ Watt: Power scheme and being right
JJ Watt: Using momentum against opponents
JJ Watt: NFL scheme standardization and turnover
JJ Watt: Defensive tricks and trap blocks
JJ Watt: Early career struggles and backdoor blocks
JJ Watt: Bengals breakout and Wade Phillips
JJ Watt: Scout team days and learning defense
JJ Watt: Bob Bostad and offensive line coaching
JJ Watt: Wisconsin culture and professional organization
JJ Watt: Wisconsin coaches and player development
JJ Watt: Wisconsin identity and recruiting size
Sponsor break: Toyota Game Day Giveaways
Matt Harmon: Lions offense and roster depth
Matt Harmon: Lions explosive play stats
Matt Harmon: Jared Goff and Jameson Williams
Matt Harmon: Lions run game and Marquise Hampton
Matt Harmon: Lions receiver roles and Tyree Killings
Matt Harmon: Lions auxiliary pieces and Darius Davis
Matt Harmon: Lions run game history and designs
Matt Harmon: Ravens explosive plays and Lamar Jackson
Matt Harmon: Ravens offense optimism and wrap up
Outro: College football, NFL week 1, and subscribe
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