The Tony Kornheiser Show “The check is in the mail”
Jan 16, 2026
Jason La Canfora, a National NFL reporter, discusses John Harbaugh's recent hiring as head coach of the Giants and analyzes playoff expectations. He highlights the Giants' compelling pitch to Harbaugh and the complexities of roster fit, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones. Jeff Ma, a sports bettor, shares insights on NFL and college games, giving his betting picks, including Seattle and Miami. The banter flows as they navigate potential playoff matchups and the intricacies of sports betting strategies.
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Episode notes
Immediate Turnaround Is Not Guaranteed
- Tony and Jason caution that a bad recent record means Harbaugh won't inherit instant contending status.
- They note the NFC East remains imperfect and Harbaugh must fix personnel and defense to compete.
Favor Seattle If You Fear 49ers' Wear And Tear
- Jason La Canfora recommends backing Seattle over the 49ers in the playoff due to SF's injuries and rest issues.
- He predicts a low-scoring Seahawks win and cautions against expecting a San Francisco rout.
Trust Road Defenses In Tight Playoff Spots
- Jason and Jeff advise leaning to teams with stronger defenses on the road, like Houston over Cleveland.
- They stress ball security for quarterbacks and expect rock-fight, low-scoring outcomes.