The NFL's Make-or-Break Quarterbacks and a WNBA Renaissance

Bill Simmons kicked off this episode with a simple observation: in any given NFL season, only about eight teams have a realistic shot at the Super Bowl. He had six locked in—the Rams, Seahawks, Texans, Ravens, Broncos, and Eagles—and needed Todd McShay to help him fill the last two spots. What followed was a deep dive into which quarterbacks are at genuine inflection points, a sprawling preview of a historically deep college football draft class, and a conversation with Diana Taurasi about how the WNBA has transformed from a grind-it-out league into something genuinely thrilling to watch.

The Quarterback Crossroads

McShay identified four quarterbacks entering make-or-break seasons, starting with CJ Stroud. After a historic rookie year—4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions—Stroud has regressed over the past two seasons. McShay described the situation bluntly: the Texans have built one of the best rosters in football, top to bottom, and they don't need Stroud to be heroic. "Just drive us from Boston to New York City and just don't get a speeding ticket and don't hit any other cars," Simmons said, summing up the ask. The running game has improved, the defense is elite, and the wide receivers are healthier. Stroud just needs to be competent.