3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to talk football.
They start with their reactions to the NFL schedule and discuss the 49ers incredibly brutal travel schedule and Colin argues it may be punishment from the league (3:15) and also how the addition of international games and new holiday games has created more tough scheduling (11:00). Colin also pushes back on the idea that the Bears have the toughest schedule (15:45).
They move to Aaron Rodgers finally signing a one year deal with the Steelers and debate what type of season to expect from the veteran (27:30).
They pivot to college football looking to expand to a 24 team playoff and Colin explains why it will encourage teams to schedule better opponents during the season and will create a better regular season even if it creates more blowouts in the playoff (38:30). They also push back on the fan backlash to more NFLgames being broadcast on streaming services (49:00).
Finally, they examine the terrible quality of the games on the Sunday Night Football schedule and debate whether the NFL’s partnership with NBC could be nearing its end soon (1:00:00).
(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)
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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
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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
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John Middlekauff previews the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink and dives into his favorite bets heading into major championship weekend. John breaks down why Cameron Young is his pick to win the PGA Championship, and what a potential Scottie vs Rory Sunday showdown could mean for golf. John also discusses the pressure surrounding Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm after disappointing Masters performances and the ongoing LIV Golf uncertainty hanging over both stars heading into the second major of the year. John reacts to the PGA Championship pairings, gives his favorite best bets for the weekend, and answers mailbag questions about the best PGA Tour courses to watch on TV, driver struggles for amateur golfers, Jon Rahm’s future, and the PGA Tour leaving Hawaii.
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.
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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
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