THE SIDELINE
PODCAST

Texas controlled the first half against Ole Miss before Manning threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. The Longhorns still escaped because the running game carried the final scoring drive, but that is not a dependable formula against the best teams in the SEC. If Texas expects to remain in the College Football Playoff race, Manning has to become a quarterback the offense can trust after halftime.

Seattle made Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense look mediocre, while Denver is beginning to look more dangerous as Bo Nix uses his legs. Mark believes the Broncos are the better team right now. Zack and Scott still take Kansas City in a close, low-scoring game, but nobody treats the Chiefs as an automatic pick anymore.

The Browns are 5-2, tied for the division lead and getting three and a half points in Pittsburgh. Their defense is better than its reputation, while the Steelers offense has not convinced anyone at the table. All three hosts take Cleveland, even after a Browns-Titans game that was much closer than it should have been.