Brandon CarneyJan 6, 2026
Carney made a full playoff bracket, picking the Bears, Niners, Rams, Patriots, Jaguars and Texans in the wild card round, then Seahawks and Rams in the NFC divisional, Broncos and Patriots in the AFC, with the Rams beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl. They also gave award picks including Stafford for MVP and Vrabel for Coach of the Year.
Said on air, transcribed by us · Bran Coverage with BenchwarmerBran (podcast)Hear the original
What Brandon Carney said
I'm gonna pick the Rams to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
- Where it was said
- Bran Coverage with BenchwarmerBran (podcast)
- The episode
- Black Monday Reactions, Playoff Predictions, & Award Picks - Podcast for 1/6
- The original
- Hear the original
- Read it wrong?
- Tell us and we will look
- SaidJan 6
- GradedAug 13–Oct 9
Box score, by kind
HitCloseMissWaiting| Group | Hits | Close | Misses | Waiting | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Bowl and All-Pro Calls | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Game Outcome Picks | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Conference Champions | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Award Picks | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Super Bowl Picks | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Coach Award Picks | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| All | 15 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Game calls show that game’s closing betting line under their grade: a dated fact from nflverse, for context and never part of a grade. MissedTakes takes no bets and earns nothing from any sportsbook.
How each call scored
20 checkable claims — 9 game outcome picks, 6 award picks, 2 conference champions, 1 coach award pick, 1 pro bowl and all-pro call and 1 super bowl pick — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call.
It names 17 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
All 20 have settled, averaging 80.8 out of 100, against 11.1 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Each call is scored 0 to 100 against what happened, on its own, by the published methodology. The naive guess is what knowing nothing would have scored on the same calls; the gap, weighted by how hard the call was, is the skill.
Pro Bowl and All-Pro Calls1 missShow ▸Hide ▾
Trent Williams to make Protector of the Year
“And so the fact that Trent Williams is in this convo, I'm gonna give it to him.”
Joe Thuney woncalled Trent Williams0Miss0 − 0 naive = 0 × 1 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- protector_of_the_year
- naive:
- we hold no 2024 winner, so the naive pick scored 0
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Trent Williams
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Joe Thuney
- correct:
- no
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Game Outcome Picks7 hits · 1 close call · 1 missShow ▸Hide ▾
Los Angeles Rams to beat Panthers
“I just can't see them going down like this, the Rams. No. I I can't either.”
100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Closing line (Jan 10): Rams by 10 · favorite pick, Rams about 4 in 5 (81%).
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- LAR
- score:
- 34-31
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- LAR
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- CAR
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Chicago Bears to beat Packers
“The seven seed Packers at the two seed Chicago Bears on Saturday. Who we got? Packers Bears. I like Bears. Me too.”
100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 1 difficulty = 0 skill
Closing line (Jan 10): Packers by 2.5 · underdog pick, Bears 45%.
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- CHI
- score:
- 27-31
- skill:
- 0
- they picked:
- CHI
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- the naive pick:
- CHI
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
New England Patriots to beat Jags
“But I'm gonna take the Patriots because, again, of that coaching”
66.67Close66.67 − 22.92 naive = 43.75 × 1 difficulty = +43.75 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- note:
- these two never played, so the pick is graded on the parts of it that happened
- skill:
- 43.75
- they picked:
- NE
- season:
- 2025
- ceiling:
- 66.67
- accuracy:
- 66.67
- baseline:
- 22.92
- opponent:
- JAX
- difficulty:
- 1
- the naive guess:
- 14 of 32 clubs reached the postseason, 8 won a game there
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- right opponent:
- no
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- picked won aplayoff game:
- yes
- picked reached the playoffs:
- yes
- opponent reached the playoffs:
- yes
San Francisco 49ers to beat Eagles
“I'm gonna go with the Niners. ... And I think that's going to materialize in the Eagles losing to the Niners”
100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Closing line (Jan 11): Eagles by 6 · underdog pick, 49ers 30%.
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- SF
- score:
- 23-19
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- SF
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- PHI
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- 100Hit
100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- LAR
- score:
- 20-17
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- LAR
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- CHI
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- 100Hit
100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Closing line (Jan 12): Texans by 3 · favorite pick, Texans 58%.
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- HOU
- score:
- 30-6
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- HOU
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- PIT
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Jacksonville Jaguars to beat Bills
“I am absolutely going with Jacksonville against the Bills.”
0Miss0 − 0 naive = 0 × 1 difficulty = 0 skill
Closing line (Jan 11): Jaguars by 1.5 · a toss-up, Bills 47%, Jaguars 53%.
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- BUF
- score:
- 27-24
- skill:
- 0
- they picked:
- JAX
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- JAX
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- 100Hit
100 − 100 naive = 0 × 1 difficulty = 0 skill
Closing line (Jan 11): Patriots by 3.5 · favorite pick, Patriots 64%.
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- NE
- score:
- 3-16
- skill:
- 0
- they picked:
- NE
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- the naive pick:
- NE
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- 100Hit
100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- won:
- DEN
- score:
- 18-15
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- DEN
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- the naive pick:
- HOU
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Conference Champions1 hit · 1 close callShow ▸Hide ▾
New England Patriots to reach the Super Bowl
“And give me New England. I will pick the boys. I'll pick the boys to go to the bowl.”
NE and SEA wonpicked NE100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- skill:
- 100
- they picked:
- NE
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- champions:
- NE, SEA
- difficulty:
- 1
- the naive guess:
- last season's conference champions
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- reached the Super Bowl:
- yes
- lost the conference final:
- no
Los Angeles Rams to reach the Super Bowl
“I'm taking the Rams over the Seahawks to get to the Super Bowl.”
NE and SEA wonpicked LAR50Close50 − 0 naive = 50 × 1 difficulty = +50 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- skill:
- 50
- they picked:
- LAR
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 50
- baseline:
- 0
- champions:
- NE, SEA
- difficulty:
- 1
- the naive guess:
- last season's conference champions
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
- reached the Super Bowl:
- no
- lost the conference final:
- yes
Award Picks6 hitsShow ▸Hide ▾
Christian McCaffrey to win Comeback Player of the Year
“It's Christian McCaffrey. It is. No question.”
Christian McCaffrey won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- comeback_player_of_the_year
- naive:
- the naive pick was Joe Burrow, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Christian McCaffrey
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Christian McCaffrey
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Matthew Stafford to win MVP
“Starting with MVP. I spoiled it already. I think Matthew Stafford gets it.”
Matthew Stafford won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- mvp
- naive:
- the naive pick was Josh Allen, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Matthew Stafford
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Matthew Stafford
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Carson Schwesinger to win Defensive Rookie of the Year
“I'll go with him over that and then Nick Emanuari”
Carson Schwesinger won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- defensive_rookie_of_the_year
- naive:
- the naive pick was Jared Verse, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Carson Schwesinger
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Carson Schwesinger
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Myles Garrett to win Defensive Player of the Year
“Miles Garrett will be your defensive player of the year.”
Myles Garrett won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- defensive_player_of_the_year
- naive:
- the naive pick was Pat Surtain II, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Myles Garrett
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Myles Garrett
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Tetairoa McMillan to win Offensive Rookie of the Year
“I think it's Ted McMillan.”
Tetairoa McMillan won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- offensive_rookie_of_the_year
- naive:
- the naive pick was Jayden Daniels, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Tetairoa McMillan
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Tetairoa McMillan
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Jaxon Smith-Njigba to win Offensive Player of the Year
“I'm gonna go with JSN. ... So I'll I'll go with JSN here, receiving leader in 2025.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- offensive_player_of_the_year
- naive:
- the naive pick was Saquon Barkley, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Super Bowl Picks1 missShow ▸Hide ▾
Los Angeles Rams to win the Super Bowl
“I'm gonna pick the Rams to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.”
SEA won itpicked LAR0Miss0 − 0 naive = 0 × 1 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- skill:
- 0
- they picked:
- LAR
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 0
- champion:
- SEA
- runner up:
- NE
- the naive pick:
- PHI
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Coach Award Picks1 hitShow ▸Hide ▾
Mike Vrabel to win Coach of the Year
“I will go with Mike Vrabel because I think subverting biased.”
Mike Vrabel won100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 1 difficulty = +100 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- award:
- coach_of_the_year
- coach:
- Mike Vrabel
- naive:
- the naive pick was Kevin O'Connell, who won it the year before
- skill:
- 100
- season:
- 2025
- who won:
- Mike Vrabel
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 1
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 0
Who this take is about
Trent Williams, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Christian McCaffrey, Matthew Stafford, Carson Schwesinger, Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett, Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Others on the same people
Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman expects Sean Fresch Jr. to clear waivers and return to the Broncos' practice squad, sees Riley Moss back from concussion for the Week 11 game at Las Vegas, and projects newly acquired Daiyan Henley to begin as the third inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad before likely moving into a starting role.Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman writes that Riley Moss may sit out the preseason finale against Minnesota but should be available for the Week 1 opener at Kansas City; they also suggest undrafted corners Sean Fresch Jr. and Brent Austin are being evaluated for practice squad spots.Chad Jensen · Roster Spot Calls · Jordan Turner · Miss 0
Jensen predicts Daiyan Henley's arrival will cut into Justin Strnad's snaps while Alex Singleton keeps playing virtually every down, and that Denver will return to a three-linebacker rotation after the Week 10 bye. They also expect one of Jordan Turner or Karene Reid — most likely Turner — to be waived to clear a roster spot.John Middlekauff · Draft Bust Calls · Caleb Williams · Miss 0
Middlekauff expects either Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson to win this year's MVP, calling them the two best players in the league. They are pessimistic on the Bears, forecasting six or seven wins and saying they'd bet Caleb Williams doesn't work out as a franchise quarterback. They also see Oklahoma's John Mattier as a first-round pick who'll be in the Heisman mix.
More game outcome picks
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
Sam Monson · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Monson picked every Week 10 game, taking the Giants, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Colts, Texans, Bills, Chiefs, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams, Cowboys, Bengals and Ravens, and also suggested the Chargers' only likely wins the rest of the way come against the Jets and Dolphins.Eva Geitheim · Game Outcome Picks · Washington Commanders · Hit 100
Geitheim picked the Commanders, Lions, Chiefs, Texans, Vikings, Jaguars, Colts, Panthers, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Bengals and Ravens in Week 10.Conor Orr · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Orr picked the Giants, Lions, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Jaguars, Dolphins, Panthers, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Bengals and Chargers in Week 10.Albert Breer · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Breer picked all 14 Week 10 games straight up, favoring the Giants, Lions, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Jaguars, Dolphins, Panthers, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Bengals and Ravens.Mitch Goldich · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Goldich picked the Giants, Lions, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Jaguars, Dolphins, Panthers, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Bengals and Ravens in Week 10.Matt Verderame · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Verderame picked the Giants, Lions, Chiefs, Texans, Packers, Jaguars, Dolphins, Saints, Bills, Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Bengals and Ravens in Week 10.