Ryan Clark didn’t hold back on Monday after ESPN’s playoff predictions became the target of a viral Cardi B moment-and let’s just say, the timing couldn’t have been worse for the analysts involved.
After the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 28-16 in the AFC Divisional Round, Cardi B-who’s been publicly dating Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs-took to social media to have some fun at the expense of ESPN’s pregame panel. In a video that quickly made the rounds, Cardi shouted, “What are you talking about? Nothing!”-a not-so-subtle jab at the analysts who had unanimously picked Houston to win.
That group included Ryan Clark, Mina Kimes, Marcus Spears, and Dan Orlovsky. The clip of their predictions had been posted by SportsCenter ahead of the game, and after the Patriots’ win, it became prime meme material.
On Monday’s episode of NFL Live, the crew addressed the moment. Orlovsky questioned the whole idea of making predictions public in the first place, while Kimes, ever the good sport, found a silver lining: “Cardi B knows I exist.
This is a win in my book. I'm taking the W.”
Clark, however, took a more critical view-not of Cardi B, but of how the clip was promoted. “I feel like we got set up,” he said.
“When you put it on social, everybody see it. At least make people search for it.
We just alley-ooping it to people to dunk on it. Luckily it's Cardi B and she's famous and awesome and I like her.”
Spears, laughing along with the rest, added his own tongue-in-cheek take: “It’s fun, but like dancing and Cardi B don’t know one of our names.”
Kimes later doubled down on Twitter, quote-tweeting Cardi’s video with: “Getting dunked on by Cardi B… an honor and a privilege tbh.”
While the ESPN crew took the moment in stride, the bigger story is what’s happening on the field. The Patriots are headed to their first AFC Championship Game since 2019, and they’ll face the Denver Broncos this Sunday. It’s a major milestone for a franchise that has quietly rebuilt itself into a contender-and Stefon Diggs has been a big part of that resurgence.
Off the field, Cardi B has been just as vocal in her support. After the Patriots’ win over the Texans, she posted a throwback photo with Diggs from December 28, celebrating the moment with a heartfelt message: “MY FAMILY… You got this!!! STEP IN THE NAME OF THE LORD… PATSNATION.”
In the photo, Cardi is decked out in a vintage Chanel look straight from the Fall/Winter 1991 runway-hot pink tweed, oversized pearls, and a $41,000 Chanel necklace-bag. It’s a bold fashion statement, and a reminder that when it comes to game-day style, Cardi B doesn’t miss.
That image came from New England’s Week 17 blowout win over the Jets, a 42-10 statement victory that clinched the AFC East title. It was also one of the final games before the couple welcomed their first child in November-a milestone moment in what’s been a banner season for both Diggs and the Patriots.
So while the ESPN crew might’ve taken a playful L online, the Patriots-and their star receiver-are still very much in the win column.