The Word Podcast: Sports, News, & Stuff · The Word Podcast

NFL "Coldstone Lead Pipe Locks", Official Podcast 2025-26 Pick Em League Announcement, SkylineGate!

·1 hr 50 min·5 clips

The Bengals are predicted to waste another strong Joe Burrow season.

1. The Word Podcast: Sports, News, & Stuff centers this episode on NFL preseason locks, the show’s new pick'em league, and a long regional-food detour. 2. James Mundia and Richard Abernathy host the segment as co-hosts who trade sports opinions, food preferences, and jokes about their own offseason travel. 3. The episode’s main purpose is to turn preseason opinions into safer “Cold Stone dead pipe locks” before the NFL season starts. 4. They open with training-camp visits in Western New York and the Carolinas, tying the Bills and Panthers to their offseason trips. 5. They announce the Word Podcast 2025-26 Pick Em League and say it will use spreads rather than straight-up picks. 6. They frame Cold Stone as the show’s official ice cream sponsor and keep returning to the “cold” theme throughout the setup. 7. A long stretch of the conversation shifts into Skyline chili, Culver’s, and whether regional foods deserve the loyalty they get. 8. One host says he is “anti-Skyline chili,” while the other defends the dish after trying it in Cincinnati. 9. They compare Skyline to spaghetti, chili, cheese, and the sweetness of the sauce, then tie the food to Ohio identity. 10. The hosts also argue over bubble tea, tapioca balls, and why some drinks feel like something to opt out of. 11. Derrick Henry becomes the first football lock, with a specific call for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns in December. 12. They describe Henry as one of the most consistent players in football and note that people take his production for granted. 13. The discussion cites his rushing titles, offensive player of the year honors, first-team All-Pro selections, Heisman Trophy, and more than 11,000 career yards. 14. Richard Abernathy pushes the idea that Henry keeps delivering every year even at age 31. 15. Mike Vrabel and the Patriots become another lock, with the prediction that New England will not make the playoffs. 16. The Patriots segment ties the forecast to the AFC East going through Buffalo and to one host’s discomfort with Vrabel’s coaching vibe. 17. The Bengals segment argues that Joe Burrow will have another strong year, but Cincinnati will waste it because of the offensive line and defense. 18. They mention Chase Brown, the receiving talent, and the idea that Burrow will keep needing shootout wins to cover the roster’s weaknesses. 19. Listeners who like NFL betting talk, AFC East arguments, and food debates will get the most from this episode. 20. Listeners who want a tight, focused football preview without side conversations may skip it.

As heard by us

A loose Chiefs-versus-Bills conversation that folds pop-culture detours into the football talk.

James Mundia and Richard Abernathy spend the opening stretch joking about a short hiatus before settling into training-camp chatter from Western New York and the Carolinas.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Bills, Chiefs, and a Red Lobster bet, with Taylor-Kelce detours.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Word Podcast: Sports, News, & Stuff