Jokic Injured, Avalanche Historic, CFP Chaos & Pick’Em Is Back The Far End of the Bench – Episode 261
Jokic Injured, Avalanche Historic, CFP Chaos & Pick’Em Is Back
The Far End of the Bench – Episode 261
If you don’t stay down and you never quit, come on over here and sit on The Far End of the Bench.
Episode 261 hits at the exact intersection of panic, momentum, and chaos. Denver sports fans are holding their breath, the Colorado Avalanche are steamrolling the NHL, college football is arguing with itself again, and Pick’Em is officially back — with the margin tighter than it’s been all season.
This one has everything.
Nikola Jokic Injury Update: What It Means for the Denver Nuggets
When Nikola Jokic went down, the entire city of Denver froze.
Every worst-case scenario flashed through Nuggets fans’ minds — ACL, Achilles, season over. Instead, the news landed somewhere between relief and reality: Jokic will miss time, but the season is far from dead.
Still, this stretch matters.
The Nuggets are suddenly down multiple starters, and January is loaded with brutal matchups. The gap between playoff seeds in the Western Conference is razor thin. One bad month could mean the play-in. One gritty month could mean survival.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: this team still revolves around Jokic. And these next few weeks might prove just how valuable he actually is.
The silver lining? We may finally see a fully rested Nikola Jokic heading into the stretch run — something the NBA has never truly dealt with before.
Colorado Avalanche Historic Run: NHL’s Best Team Right Now
While Denver basketball fans were panicking, the Colorado Avalanche quietly became the most dominant team in hockey.
This isn’t just a hot streak — it’s a statement.
The Avs have created real separation in the standings, and the additions of Brock Nelson and Martin Nečas have completely stabilized the roster after the shock of the Rantanen trade. The pace is relentless. The goaltending is consistent. The confidence is real.
The biggest concern isn’t another team — it’s the upcoming Olympic break.
Extended time off has derailed hot teams before, especially when star players are logging international minutes instead of resting. But if this Avalanche group picks up where it left off, the Stanley Cup path may run straight through Denver.
College Football Playoff Recap & Quarterfinal Preview
The College Football Playoff is officially underway — and the first round delivered exactly what this format promised: controversy, mismatches, and nonstop debate.
Were there blowouts? Yes.
Was it perfect? No.
Did it matter? Absolutely.
The CFP is still the most powerful product in college sports, and the quarterfinals finally bring matchups worthy of the stage. Whether you love the system or hate it, this is where the playoff starts to feel real.
NFL Pick’Em Week 18: The Race Is On
After a brief break, Pick’Em returns for Week 18, and the standings couldn’t be tighter:
-
Niko: 50–14
-
Jimmy: 47–16–1
Every pick matters now. No coasting. No safe plays.
Week 18 Picks
Niko’s Picks
-
Buccaneers over Panthers
-
Broncos over Chargers
-
Seahawks over 49ers
-
Steelers over Ravens
Jimmy’s Picks
-
Panthers over Buccaneers
-
Bengals over Browns
-
Saints over Falcons
-
Chiefs over Raiders
This is the stretch where legends are made — or mocked forever.
Player of the Week 🏆
Niko’s Player of the Week: Nikola Jokic
56 points. 16 rebounds. 15 assists. On Christmas Day.
Generational.
Jimmy’s Player of the Week: Justin Lamson, QB — Montana State
209 passing yards, 43 rushing yards, 4 total touchdowns in the first-ever Playoff Brawl of the Wild vs Montana.
#ESGGCG
Benchwarmer of the Week 🧊
Niko: NFL on Christmas
Sorry — Christmas belongs to the NBA. Always has.
Jimmy: CFP Selection Committee
While the FCS playoffs delivered elite rivalries and brand-new semifinalists, the CFP continues to fight merit-based logic. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.
Final Thoughts
Episode 261 is what The Far End of the Bench does best — real reactions, real arguments, and real stakes.
Denver is being tested. The Avalanche are surging. College football is arguing. Pick’Em is tightening.
Buckle up — the chaos is just getting started. 🎙️🔥
Co-Host
Jimmy Pallotto - Co-Host, The Far End of the Bench
Born and raised in the heart of Colorado, Jimmy Pallotto is the passionate voice behind The Far End of the Bench. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jimmy brings unparalleled energy, humor, and insight to the podcast, combining his deep-rooted love for the game with a sharp analytical edge. As a proud alumnus of Western Colorado University, where he majored in Communication Arts and Sociology, Jimmy’s background equips him to deliver thoughtful commentary and engage in meaningful discussions with fans and guests alike.
Jimmy’s love for sports extends beyond the mic. By day, he’s shaping young minds as a 7th-grade social studies teacher and multi-sport coach, mentoring athletes in wrestling and football. A dedicated coach and educator, Jimmy instills the same values of teamwork, leadership, and dedication in his students that he shares on the podcast.
When he's not in the classroom or recording episodes, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Carlye, their energetic Border Collie Boomer, and his close-knit family. Whether he's breaking down game-winning plays, sharing hilarious locker room stories, or diving deep into the latest sports controversies, Jimmy’s vibrant personality and authentic voice make him a fan favorite.
Catch Jimmy every week on The Far End of the Bench, where he and his co-host Niko Bryant tackle everything from Colorado sports to national headlines, bringing the sidelines to center stage.
🏈 Playoff Math, Bengals Tears, and Why the Broncos Run the NFL | Episode 260
