Heed the Call NFL Podcast with Dan Hanzus & Marc Sessler NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview & Picks!
Jan 9, 2026
Conor Orr, an NFL reporter and analyst, joins to break down Wild Card Weekend. He shares tactical insights and previews key matchups, including the intriguing rivalry of Packers vs. Bears and the explosive potential of the Bills against the Jaguars. The group even conducts a playful Super Bowl prediction experiment. They also tackle the recent firing of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, exploring implications in the coaching landscape. With predictions for all games, anticipation runs high for this playoff showdown!
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Transcript
Episode notes
Use The Double-Down Sparingly
- The hosts changed lock rules for playoffs and added an "88-mile double down" allowing one double-or-nothing pick for the postseason.
- Use the double-down strategically since a wrong double costs double in standings.
Rams' Personnel And Health Edge
- The Rams present matchup advantages: 13-personnel usage, healthy tight ends, and returning receivers amplify their red-zone threat.
- Hosts view the Rams as clear favorites and doubt Carolina can keep the game within single digits.
Trenches And Jordan Love Decide Rivalry
- The Packers-Bears game hinges on trenches and availability, notably Micah Parsons' absence weakening Green Bay's run defense.
- Jordan Love's potential for an explosive day makes this a razor-close divisional tilt.