Week 1 Slate of Games

Best Week 1 Matchups Around the NFL

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Amazon changing Thursday Night Football

Wednesday Night Football

Patriots crazy hard schedule

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the NFL officially releasing the full schedule and breaks down the biggest takeaways from the 2026 slate. Which teams got favorable draws, who got buried with tough stretches, and what stood out most from the schedule release?

John also dives into the Week 1 lineup, highlighting the best matchups around the league and the games fans should already have circled on the calendar.

Plus, a look at the changing NFL media landscape as Amazon continues to reshape Thursday Night Football and Netflix expands its NFL strategy with more special event games. What do these streaming moves mean for the future of how fans consume football?

And could Wednesday NFL games become a real thing? John discusses the possibility and whether the league is pushing the limits of the weekly football calendar.

All that and much more on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet

#Volume

On this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the NFL officially releasing the full schedule and breaks down the biggest takeaways from the 2026 slate. Which teams got favorable draws, who got buried with tough stretches, and what stood out most from the schedule release?
John also dives into the Week 1 lineup, highlighting the best matchups around the league and the games fans should already have circled on the calendar.
Plus, a look at the changing NFL media landscape as Amazon continues to reshape&nbsp;Thursday Night Football&nbsp;and Netflix expands its NFL strategy with more special event games. What do these streaming moves mean for the future of how fans consume football?
And could Wednesday NFL games become a real thing? John discusses the possibility and whether the league is pushing the limits of the weekly football calendar.
All that and much more on this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778664077332000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0xrs-UTBkcg5_JBONXDRii">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778664077332000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mNU0KlP4oila9UzWeDSvb">Hard Rock Bet</a>
#Volume

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Founded by Colin Cowherd - The Volume is your home for sports podcasts that make you think, make you laugh, and hopefully make you some money.

The Volume

NFL Schedule Release REACTION: Patriots Face Nightmare Schedule, Rams DOMINATE Primetime, Week 1 Primetime Lookaheads, TNF Bigger than MNF?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/84e2d0cd-bf2e-43f0-9fee-b44b009360e1/transcript

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff opens up the mailbag to answer your biggest football questions and dive into some of the hottest debates around the NFL and college football.

Why are NFL teams willing to give up home games for international matchups, and what does the league really gain from expanding globally? John breaks down the business side of the NFL’s international push and why owners continue to buy in.

He also discusses whether Andy Reid and Sean Payton have lost some of their offensive edge, examining how the league has evolved and whether even the best play-callers eventually get caught by changing trends.

Plus, would an NFL Draft Lottery actually work? John looks at the pros, cons, and whether the league could ever seriously consider changing the current draft format.

And in the college football world, can Auburn realistically become a powerhouse program again? John talks about what it would take for the Tigers to return to national relevance in today’s NIL and transfer portal era.

All that and much more on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet

#Volume

On this episode of 3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff opens up the mailbag to answer your biggest football questions and dive into some of the hottest debates around the NFL and college football.
Why are NFL teams willing to give up home games for international matchups, and what does the league really gain from expanding globally? John breaks down the business side of the NFL&rsquo;s international push and why owners continue to buy in.
He also discusses whether Andy Reid and Sean Payton have lost some of their offensive edge, examining how the league has evolved and whether even the best play-callers eventually get caught by changing trends.
Plus, would an NFL Draft Lottery actually work? John looks at the pros, cons, and whether the league could ever seriously consider changing the current draft format.
And in the college football world, can Auburn realistically become a powerhouse program again? John talks about what it would take for the Tigers to return to national relevance in today&rsquo;s NIL and transfer portal era.
All that and much more on this episode of 3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778664077332000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0xrs-UTBkcg5_JBONXDRii">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778664077332000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mNU0KlP4oila9UzWeDSvb">Hard Rock Bet</a>
#Volume

NFL Offseason Mailbag: Andy Reid & Sean Payton LOSING their edge? Streaming taking over the NFL? Should I DATE my coworker?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/75e84e1a-0b13-4bcd-939d-b44a008d16b7/transcript

NBA Draft lottery

Cowboys-Giants get Week 1 SNF

JJ McCarthy vs Kyler Murray Vikings QB Competi

Toyota

Mailbag

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the idea of an NFL Draft Lottery and whether the league should consider changing the current draft order system. Would it help competitive balance, or create even more problems for struggling franchises?

John also reacts to the Cowboys and Giants landing the Week 1 Sunday Night Football spotlight and what the matchup says about the NFL’s biggest brands and scheduling priorities.

Plus, the Seahawks are still searching for new ownership, and John breaks down what potential changes at the top could mean for the future of the franchise.

The conversation then shifts to quarterback battles, as J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray become the focus in the Vikings’ QB competition. Who has the edge, and what’s the best path forward for Minnesota?

To wrap things up, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering your questions and covering a wide range of NFL topics.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet

#Volume

On this episode of&nbsp;3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff dives into the idea of an NFL Draft Lottery and whether the league should consider changing the current draft order system. Would it help competitive balance, or create even more problems for struggling franchises?
John also reacts to the Cowboys and Giants landing the Week 1 Sunday Night Football spotlight and what the matchup says about the NFL&rsquo;s biggest brands and scheduling priorities.
Plus, the Seahawks are still searching for new ownership, and John breaks down what potential changes at the top could mean for the future of the franchise.
The conversation then shifts to quarterback battles, as J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray become the focus in the Vikings&rsquo; QB competition. Who has the edge, and what&rsquo;s the best path forward for Minnesota?
To wrap things up, it&rsquo;s the&nbsp;Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering your questions and covering a wide range of NFL topics.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778596756730000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1D6gSkMMSrhBrAtYq4s1J2">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778596756730000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2f1cPxGWdoiuMs_5K7Vxxe">Hard Rock Bet</a>
#Volume

NFL Draft LOTTERY Proposal, Kyler Murray vs. JJ McCarthy, Cowboys-Giants SNF Week 1 + NFL Offseason Mailbag

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2db011ca-af4c-4124-8263-b448009ad5c7/transcript

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff is joined by Jackson Groff for a deep dive into the future of college football and the loaded 2027 quarterback class. The guys discuss the growing pressure surrounding Arch Manning and whether the expectations tied to his name are already shaping the draft conversation years in advance.

They also break down the debate between Dante Moore and Arch Manning, evaluating their skill sets, upside, and who could ultimately emerge as the top quarterback prospect. Plus, a look at other rising 2027 QB names to know, including CJ Carr and John Mateer, and how the next wave of quarterback talent is shaping up across the country.

John and Jackson also discuss Notre Dame’s upcoming schedule, the importance of the USC rivalry, and why those marquee matchups still matter in the changing landscape of college football.

And with NIL continuing to dominate the conversation, the guys react to rumors surrounding a potential NIL salary cap and what it could mean for recruiting, roster building, and the future of the sport.

All that and much more on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 

All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet

#Volume

On this episode of 3 &amp; Out, John Middlekauff is joined by Jackson Groff for a deep dive into the future of college football and the loaded 2027 quarterback class. The guys discuss the growing pressure surrounding Arch Manning and whether the expectations tied to his name are already shaping the draft conversation years in advance.
They also break down the debate between Dante Moore and Arch Manning, evaluating their skill sets, upside, and who could ultimately emerge as the top quarterback prospect. Plus, a look at other rising 2027 QB names to know, including CJ Carr and John Mateer, and how the next wave of quarterback talent is shaping up across the country.
John and Jackson also discuss Notre Dame&rsquo;s upcoming schedule, the importance of the USC rivalry, and why those marquee matchups still matter in the changing landscape of college football.
And with NIL continuing to dominate the conversation, the guys react to rumors surrounding a potential NIL salary cap and what it could mean for recruiting, roster building, and the future of the sport.
All that and much more on this episode of 3 &amp; Out.
Follow John on<a href="https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/TheVolumeSports&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1777667455225000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sEjpp28INA3XSWTscxG9v">&nbsp;Twitter</a>, and Instagram&nbsp;for the latest.&nbsp;
All lines provided by&nbsp;<a href="http://hardrock.bet/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hardrock.bet&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1777667455225000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GYXcdCHLhQWVIxt133NHO">Hard Rock Bet</a>
#Volume

Arch Manning vs Dante Moore, Deep Dive into 2027 QB Class, Rookie OTA Storylines, NFL Rookie Fits & Sleepers 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a7eea179-5ee3-4288-860a-b447009176d7/transcript

NFL Schedule Release REACTION: Patriots Face Nightmare Schedule, Rams DOMINATE Primetime, Week 1 Primetime Lookaheads, TNF Bigger than MNF?

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