How AI and Analytics Are Changing Quarterback Evaluation and NFL Outcomes
- Jan 8, 2026
- 1:07:55
- Full Episode
ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode recorded on 12/31/2025, Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, and Adi Wyner examine how AI-driven metrics, model calibration, and Bayesian approaches inform quarterback evaluation, team upsets, and the evolving limits of sports analytics. Eric Bradlow talks about how modern analytics reshape the way quarterbacks are evaluated beyond traditional stats. Shane Jensen discusses the role of coaching, team context, and patience in quarterback development. Adi Wyner explains how Bayesian thinking and model uncertainty change how analysts interpret surprising results.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Sports is a game of numbers. Wharton experts Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner team up to tackle the world of sports, from current events to longstanding issues such as: What sports streaks are the most impressive? How do you rank the best players? Can athletes be compared across sports? Moneyball Highlights explains how decision-makers in the game can avoid the common mistakes and embrace the data. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
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Brief Summary
The episode discusses sports statistics, standout players, coaching impacts, and the evolving role of analytics in sports.
Key points
- End of Year Reflections. The hosts reflect on a year filled with advancements in statistics and sports.
- Drake May's Impact on the Patriots. Shane shares his excitement about Drake May's performance and the Patriots' surprising success.
- Betting Odds and Team Strength. Discussion on the discrepancies between betting odds and statistical models for NFL teams.
- MVP Debate: May vs. Stafford. The MVP race is heating up between Drake May and Matthew Stafford, with stats on both sides.
- Sam Darnold's Surprising Success. Sam Darnold is now one of six quarterbacks to win 13 games two seasons in a row.
- 81% Chance for Underdogs. A surprising statistic reveals the probability of underdogs advancing in college football.
Episode highlights
- End of Year ReflectionsThe hosts reflect on a year filled with advancements in statistics and sports.“It's been a great year of interesting things in statistics and data science.”0:33Jan 8, 2026
- Drake May's Impact on the PatriotsShane shares his excitement about Drake May's performance and the Patriots' surprising success.“I'm absolutely over the moon with Drake May and the Patriots this season.”5:38Jan 8, 2026
- Betting Odds and Team StrengthDiscussion on the discrepancies between betting odds and statistical models for NFL teams.“They should have a better betting odds than given the strength model predicts.”15:50Jan 8, 2026
- MVP Debate: May vs. StaffordThe MVP race is heating up between Drake May and Matthew Stafford, with stats on both sides.“I think Drake May would win the MVP this year.”20:22Jan 8, 2026
- Sam Darnold's Surprising SuccessSam Darnold is now one of six quarterbacks to win 13 games two seasons in a row.“Sam Darnold is now one of six quarterbacks to win 13 games two seasons in a row.”26:23Jan 8, 2026
- 81% Chance for UnderdogsA surprising statistic reveals the probability of underdogs advancing in college football.“There's an 81% chance, which again, if you asked most people...”37:37Jan 8, 2026
- Avalanche's Historic PaceThe Colorado Avalanche are on track to break the points record this season.“Isn’t that nuts?”47:14Jan 8, 2026
- Jokic's MVP PotentialNikola Jokic's stats could position him among the greatest in NBA history.“Is this one of the greatest players in NBA history?”52:14Jan 8, 2026





