Mark Madden and his co-host Tim Benz discuss the recent Granlund trade and express their disappointment with the move. They believe that the Penguins did not improve with this trade and may have just swapped out sub-mediocre players for a more expensive one. Plus, thoughts on the NFL Combine, Jalen Carter, and more.
Mar 02, 2023•33 min•Ep. 57
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman discuss the Pitt men's basketball team's recent ranking, their chances of entering the tournament, and their upcoming game against Notre Dame. They dive into Pittsburgh Penguins updates and the team's chances in the playoffs. Plus, thoughts on the NFL roughing-the-passer review and the MLB pitch clock.
Feb 28, 2023•33 min•Ep. 56
Mark Madden and Tim Benz dive into the XFL's live betting opportunities due to its tricked-up scoring situations. They then discuss the potential of the XFL and USFL leagues, questioning why players would choose to play for low wages and risk injuries for a league that may not lead to a long-term career. Plus, Steelers updates and insights on Lamar Jackson's contract situation.
Feb 23, 2023•37 min•Ep. 55
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman discuss the Daytona 500, XFL, Tiger Woods, and other sports news from the past weekend. And after another deflating loss to the Islanders, the Penguins have no clear path forward this season.
Feb 21, 2023•27 min•Ep. 54
Mark Madden and Tim Benz ask whether Pitt's basketball team could make the NCAA tournament and speculate on how the Pirates will handle the Bryan Reynolds situation. Plus, an update on the Penguins and the impending trade deadline.
Feb 16, 2023•35 min•Ep. 53
Mark Madden and Tim Benz dive into the JuJu Smith-Schuster social media silliness. And how will Kenny Pickett and the Steelers compete in an AFC stacked with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow?
Feb 15, 2023•32 min•Ep. 52
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman preview Super Bowl LVII featuring Eagles v Chiefs. They look back to great moments in Super Bowl history and weigh the stakes of this Sunday's game for each team -- what will their legacies ultimately look like? You'll also hear their takes on the gambling habits of sports stars like Phil Mickelson, John Daly, Michael Jordan, and Pete Rose.
Feb 09, 2023•35 min•Ep. 51
Mark Madden laments a poor NHL All-Star Weekend and checks in on the Penguins with Tom Opferman. Plus, a discussion about the top three Super Bowl snacks and thoughts on Mitch Trubisky's future.
Feb 07, 2023•31 min•Ep. 50
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman chat about Tom Brady's second retirement and his legacy. Despite Brady's pile of Super Bowl trophies, they question whether he's the GOAT. And the guys ramp up their anticipation for a new movie, "Cocaine Bear."
Feb 02, 2023•29 min•Ep. 49
Mark Madden and Tim Benz dig into some Super Bowl news and updates, including comments about Patrick Mahomes' talent compared to other great QBs. How would Kenny Pickett match up against today's playoff-ready quarterbacks, like Joe Burrow? Plus, a recap of NFL Championship weekend.
Jan 31, 2023•33 min•Ep. 48
Mark Madden and Tim Benz speculate about the futures of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. They also offer their NFL picks for Conference Championship Weekend. Can Mahomes overcome his ankle injury to finally beat the Bengals? And Brock Purdy faces the challenge of his young career against the Eagles.
Jan 26, 2023•34 min•Ep. 47
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman take an early look at Steelers' free agency & trade options. The team has some serious weaknesses and Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan will need a solid strategy to improve the roster.
Jan 24, 2023•28 min•Ep. 46
Mark Madden and Tim Benz preview NFL Divisional Round matchups. The Chiefs, they say, have earned the right to be heavy favorites against the Jags. The Eagles-Giants spread, on the other hand, is probably too large. Plus, 49ers v Cowboys and Bills v Bengals. And as always, comments on the latest Steelers developments.
Jan 19, 2023•29 min•Ep. 45
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman say that the Pirates should take a swing at Trevor Bauer in spite of the inevitable PR blowback. Should the Steelers try to nab WR Jordan Addison? Plus, a recap of a wild and crazy Wild Card Weekend and a look ahead to the Divisional Round.
Jan 18, 2023•30 min•Ep. 44
Mark Madden and Tim Benz break down the Steelers' QB situation and whether Trubisky should've played more this year. They also preview all of this weekend's Super Wild Card matchups.
Jan 12, 2023•34 min•Ep. 43
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman discuss options for the Steelers as they head into a long offseason. Should Matt Canada be retained, and what positions should be addressed in the NFL Draft?
Jan 11, 2023•34 min•Ep. 42
Tim Benz and Tom Opferman talk NFL news following MNF and Damar Hamil's life-threatening injury. They also break down Week 18 betting lines and strategies.
Jan 05, 2023•26 min•Ep. 41
Tim Benz and Tom Opferman address the Damar Hamlin injury and how the NFL might respond to this situation at a critical point of the season.
Jan 03, 2023•28 min•Ep. 40
Mark Madden and Tim Benz offer their late-season Steelers report card. Kenny Pickett isn't yet an "A" student, but perhaps he just needs to do his homework. Plus, a preview of NFL Week 17 action.
Dec 29, 2022•35 min•Ep. 39
Mark Madden is not convinced the Steelers are remotely close to being competitive, despite their record. Would Madden rather have Zach Wilson or Kenny Pickett?
Dec 28, 2022•31 min•Ep. 38
Mark and Tim Benz talk about Franco Harris' importance to the Steelers organization. They break down Pittsburgh vs. Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16 and whether Mike Tomlin is trustworthy. And in the age of the portal and NIL -- is college football broken?
Dec 22, 2022•33 min•Ep. 37
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman recount the Immaculate Reception. Plus, a preview of Steelers vs Raiders and a roundup of Christmas pop culture.
Dec 21, 2022•31 min•Ep. 36
On this episode of Mark Madden: Unfiltered, Mark & Tim Benz discuss Alexander Ovechkin's 800th goal and ask how much blame Mike Tomlin deserves for this terrible Steelers team. Plus, comments on the World Cup final and the guys' favorite Christmas movies.
Dec 15, 2022•30 min•Ep. 35
Mark Madden and Tom Opferman size up the Pittsburgh Penguins and their six-game winning streak. Is this team for real or will they repeat the postseason disappointments of the past few years? Plus, comments on Mike Tomlin's treatment of Trubisky and Rudolph, and insights on whether Kenny Pickett is actually improving.
Dec 13, 2022•29 min•Ep. 34
Tim Benz and Tom Opferman break down Penguins betting this week. How will Pittsburgh stack up against the Sabres? They also dive into Steelers betting and NFL picks for Week 14. Plus, a few college basketball updates and betting insights.
Dec 08, 2022•23 min•Ep. 33
Tim Benz and Tom Opferman preview the Steelers v Ravens game in Week 14. Baltimore's Lamar Jackson is out with an injury, so Pittsburgh's defense will prepare for his backup, Tyler Huntley. Given the series' history, this game is likely to come down to the final minutes.
Dec 06, 2022•26 min•Ep. 32
Mark Madden and Tim Benz discuss College Football Playoff scenarios. Should playoff contenders be penalized for losing a conference championship game? Watch out for Kansas St. -- the Wildcats are in a prime position to upset undefeated TCU. They also break down NFL Week 13 betting odds and storylines.
Dec 01, 2022•34 min•Ep. 31
Mark Madden & Tom Opferman ponder Sidney Crosby's odds of bagging NHL MVP. Or, they ask, will voters continue to take his magnificence for granted? They also recap the Steelers' MNF victory over the Colts. Plus, the five worst mistakes made by athletes on a big stage.
Nov 29, 2022•32 min•Ep. 30
Mark Madden and Tim Benz break down NFL Week 12 and college football action. The Steelers take on the Colts, and the guys ponder Diontae Johnson's inability to get open no matter who's covering him. They discuss Hines Ward and James Harrison, who are both candidates for the NFL Hall of Fame. Plus, comments on the World Cup and soccer rules.
Nov 23, 2022•34 min•Ep. 29
Mark Madden & Tom Opferman chat about Hines Ward and James Harrison, who are semi-finalists for the NFL Hall of Fame. The current Steelers could probably use Ward's help because Diontae Johnson can't get open, and the weak defense would benefit from Harrison's toughness. Plus, insights on World Cup action (and controversies) and the Penguins.
Nov 22, 2022•31 min•Ep. 28