Ballinesian | Ep 187 - NFL Christmas takeover, Puka's wild week, Tua benched, Raiders must LOSE to Giants, Chargers host Texans with AFC West in reach

BALLINESIAN PODCAST ON THE POLYTICKIN NETWORKMerry Christmas, happy holidays and welcome to the Ballinesian Podcast. We are Samoans talking sports; a Charger and Raiders fan breaking down the latest in the NFL. Including the league bullying their way onto our TVs on Christmas Day, sorry NBA.Lots to get to this week, here's the list, listen to it twice, and tell us if Puka's trippin or nice:Patreon shenanigansPuka Nacua livestreams with Adin Ross and it ends like most expected. Nacua also called out the refs for making up calls so they could get on TV. He doubled down after the Rams lost to the Seahawks on TNF following a wild 2-pt conversion call.Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has been benched for the last two games of 2025, what does this mean for Tua and the Dolphins? Does he stay on as the starter next year? As the backup?? Should he ask for a trade? To the Raiders?? We discuss.The Raiders (2-13) host the New York Giants (2-13) in an extremely important matchup that will decide which of these teams will get their hands on the No. 1 overall pick in the next NFL Draft. Sure, the players and coaches want to win every game but... don't win this one. Executive decision. Raiders will end up winning by 3 TDs.The Chargers (11-4) hope to avenge last year's playoff demise against the Houston Texans and their league-recognized defense. If LAC can get a win this week against Houston, next week's regular season finale in Denver would be for the AFC West division championship. Crazy to think Herbert and that offense are still alive after the injuries that have sidelined major contributors for most of the year. Sign of unreached future potential?Thanks for tuning in on Christmas week and a very happy and joyful holiday season for you and yours! Send in your comments, hot takes, topic suggestions, shout outs and favorite book suggestions to Ballinesian on Instagram or TikTok, or email to [email protected]. Merry Chrysler to all, and to all a good night.