THE HERD - Hour 2 - Looking at the NFL teams without prime time games, what makes NFL dynasties

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus shifts to the NFL's 2026 schedule release, dissecting team schedules, primetime game allocations, and the strategic implications for team success and television exposure. Cowherd and guest Albert Breer analyze the uneven distribution of prime time games, highlighting that five teams—Jets, Titans, Raiders, Cardinals, and Dolphins—will not appear on any primetime broadcast, raising questions about fairness and the NFL’s evolving broadcast strategy. The discussion explores how international games, particularly the Rams’ trip to Australia and the Niners’ subsequent travel burden, create logistical imbalances, with the Rams receiving an extra day of rest while the 49ers face back-to-back games. The episode also examines the philosophical shift in scheduling: from using high-profile windows to prop up games, to now using star matchups to elevate the broadcast windows themselves. This strategy is evident in the high-profile Thanksgiving and Christmas games, which are designed to maximize viewership and value for streaming partners like Netflix and Amazon. The conversation extends to team-building philosophies, with Cowherd critiquing the Steelers’ decision to retain aging veterans over a rebuild, and analyzing the potential of emerging quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy and Caleb Williams. The episode concludes with a sharp critique of Deion Sanders’ attempt to influence the Browns’ coaching decisions regarding his son, calling it an overreach that undermines professional boundaries in football. Key takeaways include: 1) The NFL’s scheduling now prioritizes high-impact games over traditional fairness, especially in prime time; 2) International games create real competitive imbalances that favor some teams over others; 3) The most successful dynasties are built on consistent quarterback superiority and strategic roster construction; 4) Teams with weak ownership or poor management should be excluded from prime time to maintain broadcast quality; 5) Coaches should not be influenced by celebrity parents, especially those without NFL head coaching experience. The episode maintains a positive tone overall, celebrating the NFL’s bold scheduling moves and the potential for new dynasties, while remaining critical of missteps in team management and media overreach.