Friday Four-Pack 10.10.25

RIP Mr. Thursday Night. It's Red Sox Offseason Season. Another massive 'L' for Sports Radio WEEI. NFL Week 6 Picks and MutStack Notes.

Editor’s Note from Editor/Owner of MutStack.com, Dave Portnoy

0-3 Mr. Thursday Night, including betting on a guy who didn’t even sniff the field and losing the total basically in the 1st half. Disgusting picks from a disgusting man. Remove Mr. Thursday Night from your profile.

I went ahead and removed Mr. Thursday Night from my X.com profile. It hurt like hell to have to do it. We were on a heater since September, going 11-3 on TNF. But that all came crashing down last night.

I feel awful. I’m gutted for the #BeauxBoys. I made you all - including the Picks Central Crew - believe in the UDFA Beaux Collins and his chance to play in the absence of Darius Slayton. When the Giants activated Lil Jordan Humphry late afternoon Thursday, I didn’t give it much thought. Turns out he was the no-name WR to get all the snaps. Beaux played three plays - all three ended up as rushing TDs for the Giants. Good teammate in the running game, but absolutely pathetic play for over 13.5 yards. I have to be better in that spot, no excuse.

As for the game, I didn’t think the Giants could win outright. But they did because of their talented young QB, Jaxson Dart.

“I’m happy we won because we haven’t been competitive in so long,” texted a Giants fan and new coworker late Thursday Night.

As a fan, winning a championship is the best feeling—easy #1 ranking. But somewhere in the next three or four best feelings or moments as a fan, is the realization that the NFL team that you root for every Sunday has an actual, good quarterback.

Everything changes. Food tastes better. You look better in the mirror. Getting out of bed doesn’t take every ounce of your will. Life. Is. Better.

Every game your team plays, you feel like you have a chance. The talking-head national TV shows actually acknowledge your team. It’s glorious because your team doesn’t matter unless it has a Top 15 quarterback. Sorry, it’s just reality.

Look, I lived it. When Tom Brady was at the helm, every game meant something. When you go from that to idiot Patriots fans pining for Bailey Zappe, it sobers you up pretty quick to the reality that you’re no longer a have, you’re a have-not; at least by NFL standards.

After Thursday Night, I’m guessing Giants fans were shot out of their beds like a cannon, ready to attack the day. “We have a quarterback!”

The few remaining Patriots fans who didn’t think their team had a legit QB1 finally had the epiphany Sunday night in the team’s thrilling win over the Bills. Maye was awesome. His second half 13 of 14 included two or three plays that only the best quarterbacks in the NFL can make. The Patriots won’t sweep the rest of their schedule and they probably won’t win a Super Bowl…this season. But be honest, Pats fans - after what he did on Sunday Night in Buffalo, you can envision Maye hosting a Lombardi high into the air and confetti raining down from the rafters.

That’s how I feel, at least. Drake Maye could be the next Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the team I root for. If you’re a Giants fan thinking that Jaxson Dart could be the guy who takes you to your first NFC Title game since 2012, I get it.

And that’s what sports are all about. It’s about those great feelings, like your team winning. Or your quarterback being good. Or your ace pitcher coming up big in the playoffs. Or the first time your dad takes you to a game. That’s sports! We need to focus on that.

We shouldn’t stay focused on things like, for example, how many yards Beaux Collins had in a football game. Or harp on the fact that Jalen Hurts sucked and missed a wide-open pass to Devonta Smith for a TD, and the receiver fell two yards short of going over 50.5 yards. Not important. Your boss called you disgusting because you gave out three atrocious NFL plays? That’s okay, because you’ll get your chance at redemption next Thursday, Steelers at Bengals. Hey, that’s another great part about sports and life - redemption arcs!

Hopefully, I’ll get to start mine next week.

Meanwhile, it’s Red Sox Offseason Season. We had another blowout in the Boston sports radio game. Dan Hurley’s new book is fantastic, plus NFL Week 6 picks.

All ahead in this week’s Four-Pack.

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We had a good run. But let’s focus on the positives.

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On the Boston Red Sox offseason…

I’m nervous about the approach this offseason. Give me four minutes to explain.

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On the Summer 2025 Boston Sports Radio Ratings…

It should come as no surprise that, since Dave acquired MutStack.com as part of my employment agreement, subscriptions have increased by 30%. So I realize we have new readers. Welcome. Some background—

For a long time, we had legit Boston Sports Radio Wars. Sports Radio WEEI vs. 98.5 The Sports Hub. WEEI (where I worked) was the incumbent station while The Sports Hub was the newcomer, launching in 2009. It quickly became a strong competitor to WEEI. You had WFAN vs. ESPN NY for a while in New York. WIP vs. The Fanatic in Philly. Same sort of thing.

In particular, the two morning shows, Toucher & Rich and Kirk & Callahan, played into the battle by playing each other’s sound on their respective shows, battling fiercely for every ratings point, and celebrating their victories over one another. It’s a much longer story that might make a good book or documentary someday, but I’m just trying to provide some background.

When I started this newsletter in 2023, I wanted to write in detail about the ratings because-

1. I know people really are about it.
2. I can do it better than anyone else.

So, once a quarter, I compare the two stations, complete with my own opinion and some usually off-the-record commentary from people around the two stations.

Here’s the issue - it’s not really a war anymore - it’s a one-sided blowout in favor of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

In a Summer Book where the Red Sox were good - and WEEI broadcasts the Red Sox games- the station saw ratings decline by over 30%.

The Hub was #1 Men25-54, while WEEI lagged badly behind in 9th.

“The one thing that WEEI couldn’t afford happened - their morning drive collapsed,” one radio insider told MutStack.com.

And after writing about Felger and Mazz and their 30% decline in ratings from the Spring of 2024 to the Spring of 2025, the massive decline in the audience for The Greg Hill Show feels like the big story of the summer. They’re down almost 60% from last year. And it’s not a big story because there’ll be changes - Greg is as much a sales guy for the station as he is a host. You can tie much of their advertising back to Greg and his charitable foundation. “Mornings is just known as the favored child that is always going to get whatever they want,” said one person close to WEEI. They need Greg more than he needs them, to be honest.

It’s a big story because in terrestrial radio, morning drive really does drive the rest of the station. And if Greg is going to be 6th in the ratings rather than 2nd, then WEEI has no chance.

Not that they really do anyway. The Sports Hub was first, first, and first in AM, Mid-day, and PM Drive. WEEI was sixth, seventh, and fifteenth. 👀👀 Some other assorted thoughts-

🎙️ That Toucher and Hardy number is massive. Fred is just a much better radio host than Greg, and it’s playing out in the ratings.

🎙️ Greg is also being hurt by the success of his longtime co-host Danielle Murr, who’s now on WZLX mornings, and they beat Greg pretty good in September. I think just about doubled them up, in fact.

🎙️ Big drop for Jones and Keefe, which I’m sure is being spun as tied to Greg’s drop in the mornings. Still a much better show than Gresh and Fauria, though that bar was set pretty low. I still think these two might end up in the afternoon drive in 2026. Speaking of -

🎙️WEEI Afternoons continues to be an embarrassing name for an afternoon drive show in a major market - one that puts up embarrassing ratings and produces embarrassing content. Wednesday at 5:30, middle Boston’s afternoon commute, the Bill Belichick/UNC news is red hot - these effing idiots play some quiz game. A TERRIBLE quiz game. Fireable offense, if Mike Thomas or Ken Laird actually
listened to their own station.

🎙️ Yes, Felger and Mazz losing August to WZLX was noteworthy. But my sources say they beat WEEI 12.0 to 1.9 in September. Yes, their consistently negative takes have probably created some listener fatigue. But when your other option as a listener is Andy Hart, Fitzy, and Ted Johnson…does it matter? Right now, no. Maybe it will matter more if and when they have some real competition. Or it could matter if Beasley Media starts some belt-tightening, but I haven't heard that’s the case, at least not right now.

🎙️ According to Boston.com, Red Sox pregame was 17th (1.7). I fully expect a new pre- and post-game host, as well as possibly a new format, next season.

Overall, another book that suggests there is only one sports radio station in Boston that really matters in 2025.

As for WEEI's changes in the short term…I got nothing. Will ask around and include in next week’s MutStack notes. As always, your opinions on Boston sports radio and everything else are welcome with open arms in the comments.

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On your Week 6 MutStack NFL Picks…

Week 5 Results: 1-2 | ATD Elic Ayomanor ❌
On the Season: 7-8 | ATD bets 1 for 5

The Michael Carter prop was stupid. I should never have played it. I’d play that CLE/MIN UNDER again and again. Blah season for the picks through five weeks. Odds as of Friday morning from DraftKings.

The Side
CHIEFS -2.5 VS. LIONS (-105)
Hand up - this is an auto bet for me. Patrick Mahomes laying a FG or less or as an underdog, he’s 29-12-1 ATS in his career. Per Action Network, when his opponent is coming off a win by more than 10 pts, he is 15-4 ATS in his career. I know Xavier Worthy is beat up. I know they just had a bad loss on Monday night. But the play is the play. The Lions come in #2 DVOA on defense, but have played Jake Browning, Joe Flacco, and Caleb Williams in three of their five games. LT Taylor Decker and S Kerby Joseph didn’t practice on Thursday and seem unlikely. Like fading Goff outside, even if it looks like a warm Sunday night in KC.

The Total
CHARGERS AT DOLPHINS UNDER 44.5 (-118)
From FTN, Dolphins games have averaged 114 total plays through the first five weeks- that’s the lowest in the NFL. Their defense stinks (Dead Last DVOA), so a good offense can still find a way to put up points. But in come the LA Chargers and a running back group led by Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal. Even if the Chargers want to pass, they’re down two starting offensive lineman. Now they have to travel across the country for a 1 PM game. Oh, and it’s going to hot hot hot in Miami Sunday afternoon. UNDER.

The Prop
JAKE FERGUSON O48.5 YARDS REC (-114)
The Panthers have allowed the second-most yards per game to opposing tight ends, and Dak/Ferguson have been on fire. In a game that could be a shootout, Ferg should be heavily involved.

The ATD Play
Cam Ward +650

I’ll post any additional plays on Sunday on X.com.

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On your Weekly MutStack Notes…

🏀 Dan Hurley’s new book, Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes to Be Great, is excellent. Admittedly, I read it at a good time in my life. As I wrote here a few weeks ago, I have long dealt with low self-esteem and self-doubt. Turns out the greatest college basketball coach in the country has the same sort of issues. His ability to be so open about his own inner demons while also expressing confidence in his own ability to be a better coach, husband, and person makes me want to be better. It’s also hilarious, from Jim Calhoun calling him a punk to how much he hates certain officials. The stuff with his dad and brother is excellent. The same goes for the connection with his wife and his two boys. Great read. Quick read. Strongest of MutStack recommendations here.

🏈 I don’t really care if the AD or the School President or even Michael Jordan go on record to say Bill Belichick is safe and will be back next season - I’d make it no better than a coin flip he’s on the UNC sideline in 2026. I believe Ollie Connolly. Hulu doc cancelled. Parents are clearly pissed. Boosters, too, that’s how these stories leak out. Team looks like it stinks. We have like seven months until UNC Spring Practice...a lot can happen between now and then. There are paths to him being back, sure, but would you bet on it given all the smoke???

From there…coach somewhere else? Media? Maybe. What a wild finish to a Hall of Fame, all-time career.

🏇🏻 Miss Watermelon made her debut for Dave’s Go Go Greys Stable last Friday, finishing 7th in a field of 12. I thought she had a sneaky trip. Broke slow from the gate, had to use energy from there to get to the rail, then inside home. It would be a horse I’d make a trip note for next time, especially after hearing from a few clockers that she had trained well for her debut. Add to your stable mail.

🏇🏻 Go Go Greys went international this week, with Dave buying three horses from the Tattersall Sale in Europe. Quite the stable he’s building, love to see it.

⛳ Kirk vs. Riggs. Next Wednesday. 9 AM at Granite Links in Quincy. See you there.

🏒 I thought the Bruins were tanking? They’re 2-0. Are they actually good?

🏀 I’m resigned to the fact that Jayson Tatum is going to try to come back and play this year after tearing his Achilles just five months ago. I love watching him play and wish he would sit for the year, if we’re being honest. Hopefully, he has some smart people around him helping him guide his eventual return.

⚾ Was sad to hear about the passing of former Red Sox left fielder Mike Greenwell. I was eight years old when Greenwell had that amazing 1988, losing out on the MVP to Jose Canseco and the 40/40 season. That was the year I fell in love with the Red Sox, when they made their crazy run under manager Joe Morgan. He had a sweet swing, could play the Green Monster, and had an edge to the way he played. Plenty of kids on Bus 2 in Pepperell would have called Greenwell their favorite player on the Red Sox. He had been battling cancer and was just 62—condolences to his friends and family.

And with that, we have for sure said it all.

Good luck with all your bets this weekend. Sorry about Beaux Collins.

Thanks for reading. And watching.