Aug 28, 2026 · 1h 45m
NFL contenders face questions beyond quarterback play
The NFL Contenders Preview w/ Nate Tice
The preview tests which contenders have the roster depth, line play, and defensive answers to survive the postseason.
- 1Rams, Seahawks, and Ravens separate themselves through defensive construction, but each carries meaningful offensive or depth concerns.
- 2Kansas City may be underrated if its offensive line reset holds, though receiver uncertainty still shapes its ceiling.
- 3Dallas emerges as a surprising contender while San Francisco, Houston, and Buffalo face distinct playoff risks.
Don't miss
Nate Tice argues that Dallas belongs among the strongest contenders despite finishing last in defense the previous season.
The brief
Nate Tice joins Ryen Russillo for a wide-ranging contender audit, comparing playoff tiers and asking which teams are built to survive January rather than merely win in September.
The Rams, Seahawks, and Ravens offer contrasting defensive blueprints, but their ceilings depend on offensive-line stability, receiving depth, and whether their run games hold up.
The conversation repeatedly returns to trench play: Houston’s defense cannot erase its rushing and line concerns, while Kansas City’s reset could make the Chiefs undervalued.
Tice makes the case for Dallas as a top-five or six team despite last season’s last-place defense, citing optimism around its coaching and roster direction.
The football preview gives way to Life Advice, where the hosts debate a date’s moving request, a bad bench-press day, and dreams shaped by podcast listening.