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The Smashmouth Giants, Bumbling Chargers, Stumbling Packers, Week 1 Overreactions, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
Briefed in the Sports Talk edition of Monday, 14 September 2026
What was discussed
Giants defeat Cowboys in Week 13:40
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Giants looked like a professional football team and played a great game, putting their quarterback in positions to succeed.
- Cousin Salassertion
The Cowboys were totally unprepared, blew assignments, and had no adjustments from the coaching staff.
Bengals beat Buccaneers despite turnovers14:16
- Cousin Salassertion
The Bengals got fortunate breaks because the Buccaneers made stupid plays and were super sloppy.
- Bill Simmonsopinion
This might be an overreaction game because Tampa is a little better and could have won if not for turnovers.
Bills defeat Texans behind Josh Allen20:08
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Texans' defense was the most disappointing unit, and they have to be great for the team to go far.
- Cousin Salassertion
Josh Allen had a classic game with multiple superhero plays, and the Texans' late sack and fumble cost them.
Vikings rally past Packers after blown lead25:29
- Cousin Salassertion
This was an abominable loss for the Packers, with insane penalties and no adjustments from LaFleur.
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Vikings blitzed 78% of the time and picked up pressure, exposing the Packers' offensive line.
Cardinals upset Chargers in Week 134:09
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Chargers had egregious coaching mistakes, bad missed assignments, and couldn't get stops.
- Cousin Salassertion
The Cardinals rallied behind Brissett and played with a chip on their shoulder, making this a potential overreaction game.
Ravens dominate Colts with Derrick Henry44:27
- Bill Simmonsopinion
Derrick Henry is physically dominant at 32 and could be the greatest older athlete if he maintains this for three more years.
- Cousin Salassertion
Daniel Jones looked like he was recovering from a major injury, with no rushing production and a punchless offense.
Bears offense explodes against Panthers48:02
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Bears' offense was so good they might be the best NFC North team, even though the defense gave up 478 yards.
- Cousin Salspeculation
Ben Johnson might sell out the defense to break the points record, and the Bears need 34 points a game to do it.
Lions survive Saints in overtime thriller50:12
- Bill Simmonsopinion
The Lions struggle unless they score 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Gibbs' 35 touches are unsustainable.
- Cousin Salassertion
The Saints ran the worst two-point conversion play of the year, and their secondary will be bad until players return.
Eagles and Commanders play low-scoring slog52:18
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Eagles' offense isn't fixed, and Washington's receivers never seemed open, with McLaurin struggling.
- Cousin Salopinion
Nobody has a good time during an Eagles game, and both fan bases are bummed out.
Raiders defeat Dolphins in low-quality game55:34
- Bill Simmonsassertion
Malik Willis throws interceptions because none of the receivers can get open, and he throws into traffic.
- Cousin Salassertion
The broadcast featured Chris Myers, and the receivers on both sides were the worst in a non-strike season.
Steelers and Falcons play offensively inept game57:07
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Steelers' offense was punchless, and Rodgers made decisions based on not wanting to get hit.
- Cousin Salopinion
The game felt worse than the stats, and the Steelers' rushing attack was not explosive.
Jets defeat Titans in low-yardage affair58:44
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Jets had an easy win but didn't get a turnover, extending their streak to 18 games without one.
- Cousin Salspeculation
Robert Saleh could be a first coach fired if the Jets start 0-9, and his nickname is Successful Semen Saleh.
Regrettable NFL futures bets discussed37:21
- Cousin Salassertion
Deshaun Watson for Offensive Rookie of the Year is dead, and Brock Bowers' 1,000+ yards bet is in jeopardy due to injury.
- Bill Simmonsassertion
The Cardinals starting 0-5 bet is in trouble after they won, and the Rams' Super Team hype was a bad sign.
Guess the Lines Week 2 predictions1:08:21
- Cousin Salassertion
The Bills should be favored against the Lions, and the Texans-Bengals game is a semi-must-win for Houston.
- Bill Simmonsopinion
The Bears-Vikings line should be higher due to the Bears' offense, and the Chargers-Raiders game is tricky.
Parent Corner: college housing and dog adoption1:28:20
- Cousin Salassertion
His wife is worried about the college housing location and a neighborhood tweaker, but he thinks it builds character.
- Bill Simmonsopinion
Getting a rescue dog is the right thing to do, but puppies are harder to train and could cause divorce.
Every episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, briefed the morning after, with up to nine more shows in one daily email.
Free for 30 days. No card needed. $4.99 a month after.
More from The Bill Simmons Podcast
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- The Broken Chargers, Mahomes 3.0, Zombie Deshaun, the Masked Backup, First Coach Fired, and Guess the Lines With Cousin Sal
- Apex Josh Allen, the Goofy NFC North, Week 2 Picks, and Bill’s Breakup Letter to the Clippers | With Tom Pelissero and Joe House
Automated summaries of what was said on each show — not claims by DailyDossier and not independently verified.