The Herd with Colin Cowherd Best of The Herd
Jan 5, 2026
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, a three-time Pro Bowler and football analyst, joins to discuss the playoff landscape and key teams. He highlights the Buffalo Bills as a dangerous playoff contender led by Josh Allen. They dive into Aaron Rodgers' clutch performances and his impact on team morale, while also analyzing the Chicago Bears' inconsistencies under coach Ben Johnson. Matt offers insights on the playoff atmosphere and why the stakes amplify for players during this high-pressure time.
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Rodgers' Late-Season Resurgence
- Colin Cowherd argues Aaron Rodgers' second-half resurgence in Pittsburgh is the season's most impressive performance.
- He frames Rodgers as comeback player of the year despite a weak supporting roster and missed picks since November 9th.
Seattle's Defensive Identity Shift
- Colin and Matt say Seattle's defense transformed it into the Super Bowl favorite after shutting down San Francisco.
- They credit strong personnel moves and a unified locker room around Sam Darnold for that leap.
Quarterback Dependence Deepens Parity Gap
- Colin observes the NFL is extremely quarterback-dependent, creating a sharp quality gap at the league bottom.
- He notes teams without QBs or coaches to elevate players become unwatchable fast.