THE HERD - Hour 1 - NFL schedule release, Niners have it rough, Chargers went too far
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “THE HERD - Hour 1 - NFL schedule release, Niners have it rough, Chargers went too far” inside PodZeus.
In this hour-long episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus is on the NFL's newly released 2026 schedule, with Cowherd delivering a deep dive into how the league has intentionally structured games to maximize star power, viewership, and competitive narrative. He praises the holiday and international schedules as the best in NFL history, highlighting star quarterback matchups and high-stakes games. Cowherd argues the NFL is no longer giving participation trophies with primetime slots, eliminating games for teams like the Titans, Jets, and Browns who he deems poorly managed. He breaks down team-specific schedules, calling the Chargers' early high-profile games a strategic move to showcase them, while Denver’s brutal early slate may be a punishment for Sean Payton’s outspoken nature. The Niners’ late-season stretch is flagged as especially tough due to aging players and travel. Cowherd also analyzes the Chiefs’ challenging late-season road games against elite quarterbacks, the Bears’ surprisingly favorable schedule, and the Raiders’ potential to be competitive despite a rookie QB. He concludes with a strong endorsement of the Giants as his 'double your win total' pick, citing their soft early schedule and strategic bye placement. The episode also touches on the Steelers' potential trade of T.J. Watt, the NFL’s intentional scheduling, and a critique of the league’s outdated defensive focus.
The NFL’s 2026 schedule is the most intentional and well-structured in league history, especially for holidays and international games.
The Chargers are being strategically showcased with early high-profile games, not punished, despite being expected to be good.
Denver’s brutal early schedule may be a league-level response to Sean Payton’s public criticism of the league office.
The Niners face a punishing late-season stretch with travel, aging players, and tough opponents, making their playoff path difficult.
The Chiefs’ early bye and late-season road games against elite quarterbacks (Allen, Stafford, Burrow) create a uniquely tough schedule.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
NFL Schedule Release: A Masterclass in Intentionality
“The NFL has always been super intentional with their scheduling much more than other leagues. Although I think this is the first time they've ever gotten it right.”
The Chargers: Showcased, Not Punished
Cowherd argues the Chargers’ schedule is designed to showcase them early with easy wins, followed by a tough gauntlet of high-profile games. He suggests the league isn’t punishing them but instead building their brand, especially with Harbaugh and Herbert.
Denver’s Brutal Schedule: Punishment for Payton?
“I believe Sean Payton has irked a few people. He's been outspoken. A little friendly fire sometimes in the league. That feels like they're trying to punish him.”
The Niners’ Late-Season Gauntlet: An Old Team’s Burden
“That is a rough eight-game stretch for an old team that's going to get banged up. It's been like a six-year trend in San Francisco, the way they play physically.”
The Chiefs’ Late-Season Road Grind: A Tough Path
“They face really tough quarterbacks week after week after week and especially tough because it's mid-later in the year when injuries pile up.”
“The NFL has always been super intentional with their scheduling much more than other leagues. Although I think this is the first time they've ever gotten it right.”
“I believe Sean Payton has irked a few people. He's been outspoken. A little friendly fire sometimes in the league. That feels like they're trying to punish him.”
“They face really tough quarterbacks week after week after week and especially tough because it's mid-later in the year when injuries pile up.”
Host
Guest
NFL
organization
Colin Cowherd
person
Chargers
other
Kansas City Chiefs
other
Denver Broncos
other
San Francisco 49ers
other
J-Mac
person
Chicago Bears
other
Sean Payton
person
Giants
other
Joe and Jada - Fetty Wap talks ‘Zavier’ album, NEW chapter in career & music industry’s hard lessons
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 44m • 3/31/2026
3 & Out - NFL Annual League Meeting Reaction + NFL Offseason Mailbag
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 1h 6m • 3/31/2026
Best of The Herd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 34m • 3/31/2026
THE HERD - Hour 3 - Thoughts on who should be the MVP
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 34m • 3/31/2026
THE HERD - Hour 2 - Illinois head coach Brad Underwood stops by The Herd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd • 41m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “THE HERD - Hour 1 - NFL schedule release, Niners have it rough, Chargers went too far” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime