Ep. 242: Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness

Ep. 269: Roster quality entering year 3: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our evaluation of the current 49ers roster by identifying the team’s very best, core players. How are we feeling about our incumbent Tier 1 players after another season?(17:28) Which players make their debut in the top tier?(24:46) And what are our major takeaways after going through the entire roster?(37:24) All that, plus thoughts on a boring Super Bowl(2:23), the absurdity of franchising kickers, and looking ahead to the primary focuses for this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Ep. 240: PFF’s Zac Robinson on Garoppolo, the West Coast system, and evaluating QBs: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Smart Football Month rolls on as Zac Robinson from Pro Football Focus joins us to discuss all things quarterback. Just how tough is it for a quarterback to pick up the West Coast system? (11:41) What does Jimmy Garoppolo need to do to improve in year two? (21:24) And what should you be looking for when trying to evaluate quarterback play? All that, plus Reuben Foster is suspended, the five most important players for 2018, and cat murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

63 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 272: The optimal 49ers free agent plan: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, free agency is nearly upon us and it’s time to lay out our preferred plan of attack. Which player options should the 49ers pick up?(9:34) Are we in or out on some recent additions to the free-agent market?(17:10) And most importantly, which positions should the 49ers be focused on when the dollars start flying next week?(26:57) All that, plus one offseason signing is already in the books, quick combine thoughts, and we hope your birthday is boomin’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

70 min listen

Ep. 229: “Now we turn our attention to the NFL draft.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to turn our attention to the NFL draft. What will we be looking for when evaluating draft prospects? (14:16) Why is positional value so important when talking about the draft? (30:08) And what are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2018 class? (46:05) All that, plus John Lynch confirms the worst-kept secret in football (2:07), quick thoughts on the 49ers’ latest free agent additions (5:42), and bachelor party shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 317: State of the 49ers roster entering 2020: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we break out our roster model to take a look at the current state of the 49ers roster as we approach the new league year. How do we go about grouping players into tiers and what do those tiers represent? Which players do we feel like are the core pieces that the 49ers roster is built around? And which positions could use a bit of love this offseason? All that, plus which tier to put Jimmy in (and other players we disagreed on), why McGlinchey fell, and which pending free agents we’d bring back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

72 min listen

Ep. 232: “Shanahan prefers guys who can separate.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a look at day-two-or-later draft prospects who’ve caught our eye on offense. Will the 49ers really be looking at big, contested-catch wide receivers or does Kyle Shanahan have a different type? (8:53) In a deep draft class, which running backs stand out as fits in the 49ers offense? (32:30) And which player would give the 49ers a pair of top-end athletes at the tight end position? (50:04). All that, plus what we’re looking for in later-round prospects, the abundance of big wideouts in this draft class, and the general lack of intriguing prospects in this TE class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Ep. 221: "This is how a draft class turns things around.": On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our deep-dive evaluation of the 49ers roster continues. Are there any transitional players set to hit free agency who should be brought back for another season? (15:58) How is the 2017 draft class looking after one season? (34:56) And Solomon Thomas is a foundational player, but at what position? (42:59) All that, plus clarifying some questions on the tier breakdown from last week (7:38), the transitional players we’d rather move on from sooner rather than later (33:23), and what to do with Jimmie Ward (54:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

65 min listen

Ep. 243: Questions that will define the 49ers season: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, football is right around the corner and it’s season preview time! Will Jimmy Garoppolo be able to sustain his excellent play over a full season? (9:19) Does the pass coverage take a significant step forward? (19:47) Will the 49ers be able to generate more edge pressure this season? (27:56) All that, plus record predictions, superlatives, and a fond farewell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

85 min listen

Ep. 224: “This crop of free-agent pass catchers doesn’t excite us.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our free-agent positional previews move on to pass catchers. If the 49ers splurge at the top of the market, does Allen Robinson or Sammy Watkins make more sense? (19:54) Which running back could bring a pass-catching element the 49ers lack out of the backfield below top dollar? (37:22) And which players provide the upside worth considering in the bargain bin? (48:35) All that, plus Jimmy GQ gets paid (1:51), Reuben Foster’s long-term viability (4:54), and Daniel Kilgore gets an extension (7:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

67 min listen

Ep. 219: “Saving San Francisco.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to start looking back on the season that was. How do the storylines from before the season compare to today? (27:16) Who took home our end-of-season awards? (37:38) And how did our preseason predictions fare (spoiler: it wasn’t great)? (57:33) All that, plus what we learned from a Week 17 win over backups (1:57), two players land on the PFF All-Pro second team (9:48), and early returns from the Jimmy Garoppolo nickname tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Scheme Month: Shanahan's Run Game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Scheme Month comes to a close with a look at Shanahan’s run game. What really drove the success of the 49ers’ run game last season? How can the 49ers adjust their base outside zone scheme to account for any potential defense they might face? And what was different about their run game in 2019? All that, plus George Kittle’s new contract, why the lack of depth at center is concerning, and John Lynch’s margaritas. by Better Rivals: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast

62 min listen

Ep. 238: “Are you concerned about Garoppolo’s deep ball?”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have officially ended our holdout and reported to (dis)organized podcasting activities. Will Jimmy Garoppolo ever complete another deep ball? (9:38) How will things shake out with the linebacker corps? (22:04) And how will the 49ers overcome the lack of quality edge rushers to get after the quarterback? (28:20) All that, plus the importance of tackles and centers in Shanahan’s offense (37:49), breakout players (50:00), and more as we open up the mailbag to answer your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

76 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 284: Rewatching the 1994 NFC Championship Game: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we hop in our DeLorean and take a look back at the 1994 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and Cowboys. Why was this game so important?(7:50) What stands out most re-watching it 25 years later?(19:27) And what turning points could’ve drastically altered the way we view this game today?(39:14) All that, plus the players who would best translate to today’s game, John Madden the GOAT, and minicamp updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

69 min listen

Ep. 222: “These are really the players you build your roster around.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our three-part roster evaluation and turn our eyes to the offseason. Which two defenders are core players that the 49ers will build around for years to come? (11:09) Which aspects of Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance stood out most this season and what do they tell us about what’s to come? (27:06) And what did this roster exercise tell us about the coming offseason? (46:13) All that, plus a quick recap of our roster tiers, positions of focus for the offseason, and the official Jimmy Garoppolo nickname. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

68 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 282: Mailbag Time!: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we open up the mailbag to answer all of your 49ers questions as we try to get through the dead of the offseason. How do things shake out in the secondary?(6:30) What was our favorite move of the offseason?(30:00) And seriously, what is going on with all of the injuries in recent seasons?(45:32) All that, plus the team signs another Stanford player, hyped players primed to disappoint, and Game of Thrones thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

80 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 289: It’s a pre-preseason mailbag!: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, 49ers football is nearly upon us and we’re breaking open the mailbag to celebrate! Which players are we irrationally excited about? (17:00) How are we feeling about the secondary considering the reports out of camp? (27:07) And who will ultimately break through the logjam at wide receiver? (36:11) All that, plus a new Bar Fight segment, Tom Brady’s contract, and surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

66 min listen

Ep. 217: “HOSS.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals, Gucci Garop propels the 49ers to three straight wins for the first time since 2014! What staple Patriots concept did Garoppolo and the 49ers use to kickstart the game-winning drive? (1:52) How did the Titans manage to bother Garoppolo in the pocket so frequently? (11:01) And which matchups were key in the 49ers doing just enough defensively to come away with the win? (26:10) All that, plus our first repeat Spotlight Player of the Week (37:47), San Francisco gets a Pro Bowler (42:39), and what to watch this week against the Jaguars (50:29)? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

75 min listen

Risky Players to Draft & Avoid w/ Matt Camp (Ep. 105): In fantasy drafts, there are high risk players worth taking a shot on (19:11), and then there are high risk players you should simply just avoid altogether (43:35). We're naming players on both sides of the spectrum with Matt Camp of Bleacher Report. Befo by FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

65 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 275: Drafting upgrades at cornerback: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put the microscope on this draft’s cornerback class. What type of players are the 49ers looking for at the position? (10:18) Who are the best cornerbacks in this class and where do we expect them to come off the board? (23:09) And who are some names to keep an eye on later in the draft if they don’t go corner in round one? (37:04) All that, plus some NFL rule changes, Jimmy watching tape with Mike, and we all need a cheeseburger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

60 min listen

Ep. 218: “It’s a Christmas miracle!”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, WE ARE NEVER GOING TO LOSE A GAME AGAIN! How did Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo attack the NFL’s best defense to pull off a Christmas miracle? (0:54) Why weren’t the Jaguars able to find the same success against the same defensive scheme? (28:08) And which rookie shines in this week’s spotlight? (39:32) All that, plus a Better Rivals draft crush update (44:30), a Garoppolo nickname tournament (48:02), and what to watch for in an exciting season finale against the Rams (53:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

82 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 280: 49ers 2019 draft review by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

64 min listen

Hitman on NFL betting, Super Bowl LVII: Hitman, a professional NFL bettor, joins the show for a wide ranging conversation. Highlights include: His evolution as a professional bettor (8:50). Getting bets down, then and now (12:12). His process for betting NFL spreads and totals (19:50). ... by The Football Analytics Show by The Power Rank and Ed Feng

68 min listen

Ep. 214: “A whole new hope.”: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, JIMMY GAROPPOLO IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME! But for reals: How did the 49ers defense fare against Russell Wilson & Co.? (1:45) Why did the offense struggle to find any semblance of consistency? (18:23) And is there really anything we can take away from Garoppolo’s brief appearance? (30:30) All that, plus Eric Reid’s standout game (35:48), updates on the newest 49ers (38:22), and what we’ll be watching in Chicago (48:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

74 min listen

Ep. 245: How hard will the Rams hit the plexiglass?: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, (preseason) football is back! Jeff Deeney from Pro Football Focus joins to discuss which players helped themselves, and which hurt themselves, in the first preseason game (:56). Then Joe McAtee, editor of Turf Show Times, joins the show to answer the key questions that will define the Rams 2018 season (21:38). All that plus a Harry Potter-themed roster quiz, and a Phillips over McVay TAEK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

79 min listen

Gold Diggers: Fantasy Preview and Best Bets vs. Lions: Michelle Magdziuk and Rob "Stats" Guerrera preview the 49ers game each week from a fantasy and gambling perspective: Has the spread for this game been driven up too high? Which 49ers should you start this week? (Hint: All of them) Best player props for Week 1 vs. Lions The one player to fade in the game this week Season long over/unders Nuke Block of the Week: One narrative, opinion, or player you want out of your life completely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

47 min listen

The Shanaplan: Can the 49ers go on a Warriors-like run?: Kyle Posey and Rob "Stats" Guerrera look at two big topics: First, which year was more flukey: 2019 or 2020? Then, can the 49ers have a period of sustained success like the Warriors are on right now? Which season was the fluke: 2019 or 2020? (:52) Why last year's season changes our view of 2019 and 2020 (7:49) Can the 49ers go on a run like the Warriors? (11:48) How often do teams make 6 of 8 conference title games? (15:30) What would Shanahan's legacy be if the 49ers could pull that off? (16:52) How good would Trey Lance have to be to get to 6 of 8 title games? (19:00) Chris Simms ranks Jimmy Garoppolo as the 20th best QB (23:31) The 49ers have two things you need to dominate a conference for a half-decade (24:53) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

40 min listen

Rest of Season Strategy + Listener Mailbag w/ Matt Harmon (Ep. 814): Ryan, Yates, and Matt Harmon (Yahoo Sports) go over some rest-of-season strategies that could help you win a title this fantasy football season. by FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

66 min listen

How Much Do We Risk? | Double Gameweek 35: How Much Do We Risk? | Double Gameweek 35 by Who Got The Assist? FPL Podcast

80 min listen

Better Rivals Ep. 268: The dwindling core: On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we continue our evaluation of the 49ers roster by looking at Tier 2 and Tier 3 players in our roster model. Which players do we think are on their way out in the near future? Which players do we expect to play a significant role on the next good 49ers team? And what happened to the core of the roster we thought we had last year? All that, plus coaching news, Super Bowl predictions, and the AAF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices by The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

59 min listen

Benjamin Robinson on predicting the 2023 NFL draft: Benjamin Robinson, who uses wisdom of crowds to predict the NFL draft at Grinding the Mocks, joins the show for a wide ranging conversation. Highlights include: New research on predicting the NFL draft (6:56). NFL big boards (10:00). When to use... by The Football Analytics Show by The Power Rank and Ed Feng

55 min listen

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Ep. 242: Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness

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