| Team | Projected Record |
|---|---|
| 🏈 NFC North | |
| Chicago Bears | 9-8 |
| Detroit Lions | 12-5 |
| Green Bay Packers | 12-5 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7-10 |
| 🏈 AFC North | |
| Baltimore Ravens | 12-5 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 10-7 |
| Cleveland Browns | 7-10 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-7 |
Elite Sports Talk - Episode 7 - August 31, 2025
Listen to this episode on Spotify
Host Charlie B, the host of Elite Sports Talk, began the
episode discussing the start of the NFL season (four days away), college
football, and Euro basketball.
International Basketball Highlights Charlie B started his
day watching Euro basketball, specifically Nikola Jokic and Team Serbia play
Team Latvia. Serbia ultimately won and remained undefeated in their summer
warm-up and group play games. Jokic delivered an outstanding performance,
recording 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Charlie B noted that whenever
Jokic rested, Latvia, led by Kristaps Porzingis (who played very well), would
narrow Serbia's lead, but Serbia always managed to pull away. Charlie B likened
watching Jokic's consistent excellence to watching Michael Jordan play in his
prime.
NFL Kickoff: NFC North and AFC North Previews With the
NFL season nearing its start, Charlie B provided detailed projections and
analyses for teams in the NFC North and AFC North divisions.
• Chicago Bears (NFC North)
◦ This season marks Caleb
Williams' second year as quarterback. The team boasts a new offensive system
under Head Coach Ben Johnson, known for his "potent offenses" during
his time in Detroit. Declan Doyle, formerly the Denver Broncos' tight end
coach, is the offensive coordinator, and Dennis Allen, previously the New
Orleans Saints' head coach and a long-time defensive coordinator, is now the
Bears' Defensive Coordinator.
◦ The Bears have surrounded
Williams with significant talent, including running back DeAndre Swift (who
previously played under Ben Johnson in Detroit), wide receivers DJ Moore (in
his second year with the Bears), second-year player Rome Odunze (who has
started building chemistry with Williams), and rookie Luther Burden III. The
tight end group features Cole Kmet (an "underrated tight end") and
rookie Coulston Lovelin, who is expected to be one of the best young tight ends
this season. The offensive line has also been revamped.
◦ A major challenge for Chicago
is its "tough division," as the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and
Minnesota Vikings all made the playoffs and won over 11 games last season.
Charlie B emphasized the defense's need to perform well, especially the
defensive backs, and stressed the importance of winning division games.
◦ Prediction: 9-8 record,
finishing third in the division. Charlie B felt he was "a little
generous" with some of the wins in his schedule rundown.
• Minnesota Vikings (NFC North)
◦ J.J. McCarthy is entering his
first season as the starting quarterback. The team's receiving corps includes Justin
Jefferson, whom Charlie B considers the "best wide out in the National
Football League," although he is currently nursing a hamstring injury.
Veteran Adam Thielen was reacquired from Carolina and, despite being 35,
"looked just as dominant" last year. Rookie wide receiver Jordan
Addison is suspended for the first four games. T.J. Hockenson, a "top five
tight end," is returning from injury, and Charlie B expects him to receive
a "boatload of targets" due to the other receivers' situations.
◦ The offensive line is
considered one of the "better offensive lines in the league,"
featuring Christian Darrisaw, Brian O'Neill, Donovan Jackson, and offseason
additions Ryan Kelly and Will Fry. The defensive line includes Jonathan Allen,
Harrison Phillips, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Greenard, with Andrew Van
Ginkel and veteran safety Harrison Smith also highlighted. Kevin O'Connell
remains Head Coach, Wes Phillips is OC, and Brian Flores is DC.
◦ Prediction: 7-10 record,
placing fourth in the division. This prediction accounts for McCarthy's first
season and the need for him to build chemistry with his receivers.
• Baltimore Ravens (AFC North)
◦ Led by Lamar Jackson, whom
Charlie B believes is "probably the best quarterback in the National
Football League" due to his skill set. The offense is further boosted by Derrick
Henry, now in his second year with Baltimore, creating a "hell of a
threat" for opposing defenses. The receiving corps was also strengthened
by the addition of veteran DeAndre Hopkins. The coaching staff remains
unchanged, with Todd Monkin as OC and Zach Orr as DC.
◦ Charlie B noted their
"talented offense and defense". Their schedule includes tough
rematches against the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as games
against Houston and Pittsburgh.
◦ Prediction: 12-5 record, with a
strong 5-1 conference record, suggesting they will be even more dominant than
last year.
• Cincinnati Bengals (AFC North)
◦ The Bengals were successful in
re-signing key players like Trey Hendrickson (who led the league in sacks for
the past two years consecutively), T. Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase to new deals.
They changed defensive coordinators, moving on from Lou Anarumo to Al Golden,
who was Notre Dame's defensive coordinator. Dan Pitcher remains OC and Zach
Taylor is the Head Coach.
◦ In the preseason, the Bengals
played Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase in all three games to ensure a "fast
start," aiming to avoid their historical tendency for slow starts in the
first few weeks of the season. Despite losing linebacker Germaine Pratt,
bringing back Hendrickson was "pivotal" for their defense. Charlie B
noted their defensive backs aren't the "greatest".
◦ Prediction: 10-7 record,
securing a playoff spot and finishing third in their division. Charlie B
predicted a challenging mid-season stretch with four consecutive losses to
Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh.
• Cleveland Browns (AFC North)
◦ Joe Flacco is the Week 1
starter, but Charlie B anticipates that either Dylan Gabriel or Shadeur Sanders
will eventually take over, with Sanders potentially winning the job outright.
Deshaun Watson is not expected to play at all this season. The running back
situation is "interesting," with Jerome Ford as the starter and
promising rookie Dylan Samson potentially splitting carries or even starting if
needed. Quinnshan Jenkins, another draft pick, has not signed due to off-field
allegations and may return to college, with the Browns retaining his rights.
Key offensive players include Jerry Judy (coming off a 1200-yard season) and
David Njoku.
◦ The defense is strong, led by Miles
Garrett (who recently signed a big deal) and Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz
(one of the "better DCs in the league"). Kevin Stefanski, a two-time
coach of the year, remains Head Coach, with Tommy Rees as OC.
◦ Prediction: 7-10 record.
Charlie B acknowledged the Browns would face an "extremely tough" AFC
North division.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North)
◦ The Steelers are led by veteran
quarterback Aaron Rodgers under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, with Arthur Smith as OC
and Terrell Austin as DC. The team acquired significant help on both offense
and defense. Offensive additions include wide receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle.
Aaron Rodgers reportedly reached out to Odell Beckham Jr. and possibly former
Green Bay receiver Romeo Doubs.
◦ The defense features a
"lot of talent," including Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey (acquired via
trade), Patrick Queen, Alex Highsmith, and Joey Porter Jr..
◦ Prediction: 10-7 record,
potentially earning one of the last wild card playoff spots in a very tough
division.
Fantasy Football Picks Charlie B provided his favorite
fantasy football picks across three categories: Favorite Picks, Rookies &
Second-Year Players, and Sleepers, covering quarterbacks, running backs, wide
receivers, and tight ends. He mentioned he publishes his own rankings on his
blog site.
• Favorite Fantasy Picks:
◦ QBs:
▪ Kyler
Murray (Ranked 9th): Highlighted his 2020 season with nearly 4,800 total yards
and 37 combined touchdowns (26 passing, 11 rushing). He believes Murray will
have a "really big year". Advises drafting him if top-tier QBs like
Lamar or Josh Allen are unavailable.
▪ Bo Nix
(Ranked 6th): Praised his 2023 college stats (3,775 passing yards, 29 TDs, 4
rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD). Denver's offense is "loaded" with
weapons like Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Courtland Sutton, and tight end
Nevin Ingram, plus a top-ranked offensive line in pass and run block win rate.
◦ RBs:
▪ Jahmyr
Gibbs (Ranked 2nd): Expected to be heavily utilized, potentially even in the
slot, with a larger percentage of plays featuring both Gibbs and Montgomery on
the field. Last year, he had 52 catches for 517 yards and 4 TDs, plus 1,400
rushing yards and 16 TDs.
▪ DeAndre
Swift (Ranked 15th): Reuniting with Ben Johnson, his former OC in Detroit, who
previously utilized Swift's receiving skills extensively (57 targets/46 catches
in rookie year, 62 catches/452 yards/2 TDs in second year). Charlie B believes
Swift will "outproduce" his 1,000+ scrimmage yards from his year in
Philly. Recommends trying to trade for him due to his current ranking and
expected production.
◦ WRs:
▪ Marvin
Harrison Jr. (Ranked 15th): With Kyler Murray, Charlie B predicts a "Pro
Bowl type year." Last year, he had 62 catches on 116 targets for nearly
900 yards and 8 TDs. Suggests stacking him with Kyler Murray.
▪ Courtland
Sutton (Ranked 20th): Coming off his best season in terms of receptions (81
catches) and second-best in yardage (over 1,000 yards), with 8 touchdowns. He
also threw a touchdown to Bo Nix last year. Sutton has 19 total touchdowns in
the last two years and recently received a new deal. Recommends pairing him
with Bo Nix.
◦ TEs:
▪ Trey
McBride (Ranked 1st): Despite talk around Brock Bowers, Charlie B places
McBride as his top tight end. He led all tight ends in combined receptions over
the last two seasons with 192, surpassing Travis Kelce (190) and Evan Engram
(161). Last year, he had 111 catches on 147 targets for 1,146 yards and 2 TDs
(plus a rushing TD). Charlie B expects his touchdown numbers to
"definitely go up" due to his 6'4", 246 lb frame and ability to
break tackles.
▪ T.J.
Hockenson (Ranked 4th): Had three seasons with 100+ targets and 700+ receiving
yards (two with 900+ yards) before his injury. With Justin Jefferson nursing a
hamstring and Jordan Addison suspended, Hockenson is expected to receive a
"boatload of targets," potentially around 80 receptions.
• Rookies & Second-Year Players:
◦ QBs:
▪ Cam
Ward (Ranked 21st, Miami): Looked "really good" in the offseason and
was the first player drafted. Miami is slowly turning the team around and has
weapons.
▪ J.J.
McCarthy (Ranked 23rd, Vikings): An "unknown whatif factor." In his
last two college seasons, he had 2700+ yards and 22 TDs with low interceptions
(5 and 4).
◦ RBs:
▪ Ashton
Genty (Ranked 6th, Boise State): Described as "incredible to watch,"
he had 261 yards and 29 touchdowns, falling just 17 yards shy of Barry Sanders'
single-season rushing record in college. His yards after contact were more than
the second-leading rusher in all of college football.
▪ Bucky
Irving (Ranked 9th, Buccaneers): Ran for over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns last
year for Tampa Bay, also adding 400+ receiving yards.
◦ WRs:
▪ Rome
Odunze (Ranked 35th, Bears - second year): Expected to perform "levels
better" than last year with Caleb Williams.
▪ Tora
McMillan (Ranked 32nd, Panthers - rookie): Widely known as the "best
receiving option in college football" last year.
◦ TEs:
▪ Tyler
Warren (Ranked 12th, Colts): A "triple threat" who can run, pass, and
catch, described as a potential "staple at tight end for the foreseeable
future".
▪ Brock
Bowers (Ranked 3rd, Raiders): Had an "incredible rookie season" but
Charlie B doubts he will replicate his 153 targets, 112 receptions, 1,200
yards, and 5 TDs due to the Raiders adding more offensive weapons like Amari
Cooper and rookie receivers.
• Sleepers:
◦ QBs:
▪ Bryce
Young (Ranked 24th, Panthers): Showed potential last year with 2,652 total
yards and 21 TDs to 13 turnovers. Expected to benefit from rookie receiver
McMillan and other offensive pieces.
▪ Justin
Fields (Ranked 14th, Jets): Praised for his 2022 season (over 3,000 total
yards, 1,100 rushing, 2,200 passing). Charlie B believes he can improve
significantly in New York under new Head Coach Aaron Glenn, reuniting with
college receiver Garrett Wilson, and with Breece Hall in the backfield. He
compared the potential offense to a "little bit like what the Eagles had
last year".
◦ RBs:
▪ J.K.
Dobbins (Ranked 28th, Broncos): A "dual threat" running back who had
over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs in 13 games last year. Despite being injury-prone,
he is the starter, and Shawn Payton "loves him." The addition of
Darren Sproles to the coaching staff is also seen as a positive.
▪ Cameron
Scataboo (Ranked 35th, Giants - rookie): Showed "Ashton Gentyesque"
production in college, with 2,358 total yards and 25 TDs in his last season. He
also threw touchdowns and has good hands. Expected to eventually split carries
and then take over as the Giants' number one running back.
◦ WRs:
▪ Calvin
Ridley (Ranked 24th, Titans): Was very good in Atlanta (90 catches, 1,400
yards, 9 TDs in 2020) and is the "clear-cut number one receiver" in
Tennessee. Charlie B suggests buying stock in him due to his building chemistry
with Cam Ward.
▪ Christian
Kirk (Ranked 51st, Texans): Expected to be the "clear-cut number two"
receiver for Houston, especially with Tank Dell injured. Despite offensive line
concerns, Kirk could produce.
▪ Dante
Thornton (Unranked, Raiders - rookie): Looked "pretty good" in the
offseason. With Jacob Meyers requesting a trade and Amari Cooper joining,
Thornton could still see "reasonable production" for a rookie,
especially in Dynasty Leagues.
▪ Isaac
TeSLA (Unranked, Lions - rookie): After Tim Patrick's departure, TeSLA is
expected to overtake Khif Raymond as the third receiver for Detroit, adding
another weapon for Jared Goff.
◦ TEs:
▪ Chigoziem
Okonkwo (Ranked 20th, Titans): Another piece from the Tennessee offense to
"buy some pieces from".
▪ Cade
Otton (Ranked 16th, Buccaneers): Was a "top 10 tight end" last season
despite missing three games, ranking eighth in targets (87), tied for 12th in
receptions (59), and tied for 10th in touchdowns (4). He has "really good
chemistry" with Baker Mayfield and is a good "safety valve" as a
backup or potential starter.
Host Information Charlie B will be streaming more content
on Kick, YouTube, Twitch, and Spotify, covering football, and later
transitioning to basketball once the football season ends. He encouraged
listeners to watch, listen, like, comment, and subscribe.