About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out, we react to the first set of games from Fanatics Flag Football. What stood out, how competitive is the product, and what could this mean for the future of the sport? We also take a closer look at Mark Davis and the Raiders, discussing what the long-term outlook of the franchise could be and how ownership decisions may shape their future. Plus, we break down the latest from March Madness, including key takeaways, surprises, and what to watch as the tournament continues. On the NFL side, we dive into the Baltimore Ravens’ over/under outlook, evaluating expectations for the season and where they stack up in the AFC. We also discuss the NFL schedule, what to look for, and how it can impact teams heading into the season. Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode summary
Sunday night, I’m fresh out of a scorching infrared sauna and fired up to talk ball—Brady in flag football, Burrow’s spin move, the Raiders’ future, March Madness chaos with NIL, and some hard truths on quarterback contracts.
What did Brady’s flag game show? He flat-out misses the grind, and seeing him slide from pressure and drop a dime reminded me why loving your craft matters—passion keeps you working when others quit.
So is the NFL’s flag push worth it? I get the global growth play, but watching Burrow whirl in space while elite athletes swipe at flags made my stomach drop; owners should push for non‑NFL replacements in these showcases because the injury risk isn’t theoretical.
What’s the real story with Mark Davis and the Raiders? Vegas turned a dump-to-palace move into a money machine, and with no heirs, a succession plan plus deeper-pocketed partners—and yes, Brady’s group—can finally fund big signing bonuses and first-class operations the franchise couldn’t cover back in the Khalil Mack days.
How big is the NFL money wave? Remember Al Davis buying ten percent in the sixties for what felt like a leap—now you’re staring at valuations near the stratosphere; it’s proof you never know which bet becomes a rocket ship.
What’s changed in March Madness with NIL and the portal? Big wallets and instant movement tilted the bracket toward favorites, the High Point kind of “mid” now buys like a high major, and the little darlings get poached before the next run—think Cincinnati then versus Cincinnati now, or how fast Indiana flipped with cash and transfers.
Is it all money, no chemistry? Not quite—basketball still needs cohesion; St. John’s looked connected, and that matters, but the macro game has shifted for good and the players hold the leverage.
Do I buy the top over‑under hype on that AFC contender? I’m cautious with new staff changes, and if Burrow stays upright, I still lean Bengals in the division.
Eighteen games with a mandatory rest week? That’s a nonstarter; if you add a game, give teams two byes, don’t bench stars by rule.
What’s up with Minnesota’s QB room? A veteran flyer makes sense, J.J.’s status is fluid, and the injury risk is real—but the larger lesson is stop paying non-elite quarterbacks like superheroes.
You can win with the Love‑Purdy‑Dak tier at the right number, but bloated, hope-and-a-prayer deals wreck staffs; smarter lanes are midrange contracts like the Darnold or Baker types, not the Daniel Jones-style overpay.
Bottom line, owners aren’t tape grinders and bad QB deals get everyone fired—so be sure before you hit send; The Volume.