Loathing, Unadulterated Loathing: NFL Week 3 Recap & College Football Chaos | Far End of the Bench Podcast Episode 249
Loathing, Unadulterated Loathing: NFL Week 3 Recap & College Football Chaos | Far End of the Bench Podcast Episode 249
Week 3 Was Brutal for Bengals and Broncos Fans
The Cincinnati Bengals were treated worse than a two-dollar steak, and the Denver Broncos lost their second straight game without ever trailing in the fourth quarter. That’s a rough weekend for both fan bases.
Thankfully, #RivalryWeek is here to shake things up. Monday Night Football brings the Bengals to Denver, and co-hosts Jimmy Pallotto and Niko Bryant are on opposite sides of the matchup. One team is missing its starting quarterback, and the other is still searching for a win, perfect fuel for friendly on-air trash talk.
NFL Week 3 Recap
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Cincinnati Bengals Collapse: The offensive line struggled to protect the pocket, and the defense couldn’t slow anyone down.
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Denver Broncos Late-Game Curse: Two losses, zero time spent trailing late—an almost unbelievable stat.
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Around the League: Surprise wins, fantasy football heartbreakers, and highlight-reel plays that shook up NFL standings.
Monday Night Football: Bengals at Broncos Preview
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Key Storylines: Denver is desperate for a second win, while Cincinnati must survive without star quarterback Joe Burrow.
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Matchups to Watch: Can Denver’s pass rush exploit the Bengals’ shaky line? How will a backup QB handle the Mile High crowd?
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Predictions: Player of the Week, Benchwarmers picks, and a few bold calls that could look wild by Tuesday morning.
Player & Benchwarmers of the Week
Every episode, we spotlight the standout performer and the biggest letdown from the weekend. Here are our Week 3 picks:
- Jimmy’s Player of the Week: Isaiah Rodgers – Minnesota Vikings
Rodgers locked down the secondary and swung momentum with a crucial interception. - Niko’s Player of the Week: Fernando Mendoza – Indiana Hoosiers
Mendoza impressed under pressure, leading Indiana to a statement win and flashing dual-threat skills. - Jimmy’s Benchwarmers Pick: Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens
Henry, now wearing purple and black, has already fumbled three times in three games, a shocking stat for one of the NFL’s most reliable power backs. - Niko’s Benchwarmers Pick: Michael Penix Jr. – Atlanta Falcons
Penix’s sophomore NFL campaign hit a wall when he was benched in his second year as the Falcons’ quarterback, raising significant questions about Atlanta’s future under center.
2025 Pick ’Em – Week 3
The weekly Far End of the Bench Pick ’Em is heating up, and the scoreboard shows it. Based on the Week 3 graphic:
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Records So Far:
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Jimmy: 10-2
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Niko: 11-1
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Jimmy’s Picks:
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Commanders over Falcons
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Jaguars over 49ers
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Packers over Cowboys
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Panthers vs. Patriots Over 42.5 total points
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Niko’s Picks:
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Bills over Saints
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Lions over Browns
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Bears over Raiders
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Houston over Titans
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Jimmy is chasing, Niko is holding a slim lead, and bragging rights are on the line all season long. Check back each week to see who stays hot and who cools off.
College Football Headlines
Saturday action matters just as much as Sunday football.
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Coaching Carousel: Oklahoma State parts ways with Mike Gundy—who could be next on the hot seat?
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Marquee Games:
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Georgia vs. Alabama between the hedges.
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Penn State hosts Oregon in a full #WhiteOut showdown.
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Playoff Picture: It’s early, but these results will shape the College Football Playoff race.
Behind the Mic
Rivalry week in the Far End of the Bench studio means plenty of side-eye and maybe a friendly wager. Jimmy and Niko keep it fun, even when their teams don’t.
Join the Conversation
Listen to the full episode above, follow us on social media during Monday Night Football, and let us know: are you backing the backup-QB Bengals or the win-hungry Broncos?
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Jimmy Pallotto
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.
Thank You, Sir! May I Have Another?! — Rise of the Roadrunners
