First Take

First Take resumes with more on the Knicks-Pistons battle. With a win tonight, would the Knicks prove they're on the Pistons level? (0:00) Then, Perk comes in with a banger!! Darius Acuff Jr. is the best guard Coach Cal has ever coached??? Better than D Rose and John Wall?? (12:40) And, Perk lists his top 5 NBA box office stars! (30:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a showdown in the Garden! The Pistons and Knicks face off in a matchup that could determine the 1 seed in the East! And, LeBron declares the Lakers can still compete for the title if healthy! (0:00) Then, Stephen A. has an issue with Darryn Peterson missing another second half. (21:40) And, future NBA commissioner Draymond Green??? (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with 2nd half of the NBA season storylines we're looking forward to the most! (0:00) Then, is franchise tagging George Pickens the right move for the Cowboys? (17:50) Next, Mad Dog is mad at Bryce Harper, Kansas State, and his missing Pebble Beach invitation!! (27:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live with Giannis questions... Would he fit well with Luka in the City of Angels? (0:00) Then, tomorrow night, the Knicks aim to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the mighty Pistons. Mad Dog gives us the keys to victory in this budding Eastern conference rivalry! (12:45) Next, how much would the Chiefs improve with Tyreek Hill? (20:25) And, with 1/3 of the league tanking, should Adam Silver embrace the suck rather than run from it? (36:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the NBA's future. With LeBron, Steph and KD on the brink of retirement, does the NBA need to quickly find a new face of the league? (0:00) Next, KD and the Rockets stumbled heading into the All-Star break. Can they return to form and make noise in the West? (19:30) Then, Stephen A.'s top 5 NBA title contenders. (25:30) Finally, No. 9 overall basketball recruit Dylan Mingo commits live! (34:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Eastern Conference favorites. Will the Pistons and Knicks face off in the ECF, or can James Harden finally get the Cavs over the hump? (0:00) Next, Stephen A. thinks Wemby can carry the Spurs deep into the playoffs. (27:00) Finally, are the Celtics real threats in the East if Jayson Tatum returns? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the young Americans being crowned ASG champs after taking down a European god squad and a group of aging legends. Should we brace for an American takeover after years of overseas dominance? (0:00) Then, CP3 quietly called it quits over the weekend, officially putting an end to his unfortunate retirement tour. Did the Point God deserve a better send off? (16:30) Next, breaking news!! The Dolphins released Tyreek Hill. Is a Chiefs reunion imminent? (33:40) Finally, who is the next face of the league: Ant or Wemby? (36:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live with a new and improved All-Star game!! The US vs. World format proved successful as players tried, LeBron skied, and Kawhi turned the tide! Wemby and Ant led the way, and may have started a "face of the league" off. Is this All-Star game rendition here to stay? (0:00) Then, LeBron seems ready for life without the NBA, but is the NBA ready for life without LeBron? Who can we look at as the league's torch carrier after King James calls it quits? (34:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with western conference dominance. The Thunder have stumbled a tad, mainly because of injuries to key players, but still head into the all-star break with the NBA's best record. Would you take them or the field to make it to the finals out of the west? (0:00) Then, Stephen A., David Dennis JR., and Shump discuss the new USA vs. World All-Star Game format. (10:40) Next, which NBA team was the biggest disappointment in the 1st half of the season? (25:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live with the ageless king. LeBron gave us a triple-double to go along with a win vs. the Mavs heading into the all-star break. Should we prepare for a second half surge from the Lakers? Plus, Windy, Shump, and Stephen A. solve tanking! (0:00) Then, Trinidad Chambliss won his case and is eligible for another CFB season. He'll have another season to prove himself to the draft experts! (25:10) Next, which current QB bust is primed to break out like Sam Darnold? (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the loaded 2024 QB class: Williams, Daniels, Maye and a few more still trying to prove themselves. Mina Kimes picks her favorite. (0:00) Then, the Jazz pulled their starters going into the 4th quarter of a close game. Other teams like the Nets and Pacers are preparing to go into MEGAtank mode after the All-Star break. Has the NBA's tanking issue officially gone TOO far? (12:30) Next, a bad Super Bowl performance and subpar playoff run from Drake Maye has us wondering if the Patriots should be AFC favorites heading into next season. (28:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a party in the pacific northwest! The Seahawks parade was rowdy, and Ernest Jones made sure Darnold's doubters got what they deserved. (0:00) Then, David Dennis Jr. is BEGGING the Knicks for some consistency! (15:20) Next, KD spoke out against European players effort in the All-Star game. Is this the year the NBA's creme de la creme give us an intense battle like 2020? (24:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the Drake Maye dilemma. He racked up the 3rd worst QBR in a playoff run ever (min. 3 starts). The dichotomy of him finishing second in MVP but leaving a terrible taste in our mouths with a mediocre playoffs has Jeff and Stephen A. befuddled! (0:00) Then, the NBA MVP is a prestigious award that should only be bestowed upon players who win games, AND put up big stats. Windy joins to make the case for SGA while Chiney picks Cade! (15:10) Next, Mad Dog is mad about Mike Vrabel's coaching and tanking in the NBA. (33:30) Trivia: Which two QBs finished with a worse QBR than Drake Maye in a single playoff run (Min. 3 playoff starts). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Mad Dog, Chiney and Stephen A. in awe of Victor Wembanyama. Mad Dog compares him to a superstar from 50 years ago, and Stephen A. thinks the NBA is in trouble with all of these player absences. (0:00) Then, what's more likely: Seahawks win one Super Bowl, or start a dynastic run similar to the late 90's Yankees? (19:00) Next, the Knicks are too inconsistent, Pistons don't have enough scoring, Celtics are missing their superstar, Cavs employ James Harden, you don't trust the Raptors. Who is the team to beat in the East?? (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with next year's out of nowhere NFL team. The Seahawks were 60-1 to win it all at the start of the season, and ended up in Disneyland with fresh rings! Could the Cowboys be next year's Seahawks? (0:00) Then, Jayson Tatum was assigned to the Maine Celtics, pointing to a potential return to play soon! If Tatum comes back, are the Celtics favorites in the east over the bully-ball Pistons and high-flying Knicks? (16:00) Next, Chris Canty gives us his Top 5 NFC QBs. (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with The Buzz City Brawl! Punches thrown, four ejections, and incoming suspensions. Perk, M&M and Stephen A. break down everything from the craziest NBA fight in years! (0:00) Then, after a depressing loss to the Thunder with no Luka, LeBron called out his team's effort and roster building. "That's a championship team, we're not." Are the Lakers more of a dark horse contender, or fraudulent first round exit? (24:30) Next, after Drake Maye led his team to the Super Bowl in just his second year, are we ready to say the AFC runs through New England (again)? (41:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes from Disneyland, and we're stock trading! Did Darnold or Maye raise their price this year, and should you sell high on either? (0:00) Then, we're already looking ahead to next season! The Patriots schedule drastically ramps up as they'll have to face numerous playoff teams. Do you expect them to reign supreme in the AFC again? (14:00). Next, a major argument on Sam Darnold's QB tier. Do you have him above Dak? (25:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live from Disneyland with ALL of the Super Bowl storylines. Find out if Stephen A. was surprised by the Seahawks dominance. (0:00) Then, Sam Darnold moved from bust, to champion in a matter of years. Should we look at him as an elite QB from now on? (23:55) And, do the Patriots coaches deserve most of the blame? (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Drake Maye's future. What will the storylines be on Monday if he has another bad game? (0:00) Then, Deion Sanders dishes on Super Bowl picks, college football, and, of course, Shedeur Sanders! (9:50) Next, would Sam Darnold be considered elite with a Super Bowl win? (23:30) And, the crew finally makes their Super Bowl picks. (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take wraps up Super Bowl week from San Francisco. Matthew Stafford took home his first MVP after barely beating out Drake Maye! Did the voters get this one right? (0:00) Then, 3-time Super Bowl champ Emmitt Smith tells us how he prepped for the big game. (23:20) Next, we're still flustered by Tom Brady's comments. How can the GOAT not root for his former team? (41:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a Super Bowl preview. Mina Kimes joins to tell us how the Seahawks can blow out the Patriots, and how Drake Maye can exploit a hobbled Seahawks secondary! (0:00) Then, multisport legend Bo Jackson is PUMPED UP for the big game! (11:40) Next, another year passed without a Cowboys conference championship appearance. Has Dak Prescott's Super Bowl window closed? (22:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live from San Francisco with all of the Super Bowl and trade deadline coverage! Second year sensation Drake Maye has arrived. Is he playing with house money vs. the Seahawks? (0:00) Then, Maye or Stafford? Who deserves MVP? (24:20) Next, the tanking Wizards swooped in to grab Anthony Davis during pre-agency. Does this trade make sense? (38:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from San Francisco, First Take is on site at the Super Bowl; a place the Cowboys haven't been in 30 years! If they want to get back, should George Pickens be signed ASAP? (0:00) Next, is JSN the biggest x-factor in the Super Bowl. (12:00) Then, which QB is in a better position: Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow? (20:30) Trivia: What was the number 1 song the last time the Cowboys won the Super Bowl? Hint: George Pickens Mariah Carey'd the Cowboys offense this year! He turned them from Boyz II Men! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live in San Fran with Mad Dog! Windy tells us exactly why James Harden requested a trade away from the surging Clippers. (0:00) Then, Darnold and Maye rode breakout seasons to lead their teams to Super Bowl LX. Cam Jordan tells us which QB is harder to game plan against. (22:00) Next, the Falcons hired a new GM who starts work with a tough decision: give Michael Penix Jr. one more shot, or move on. (38:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The painful truth is here — Drake Maye's shoulder is an issue, and we're telling you exactly how much it changes the game as the clock ticks down to Super Sunday. Meanwhile — hold on now — Buffalo GM Brandon Beane is firing back at his critics, and trust me, the list is LONG. Wait until you hear this. AND while you were catching Z's… the NBA drops a BOMBSHELL. A superstar on the move with just TWO days before the trade deadline. This show is just getting started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wake UP! The painful truth is out — Drake Maye has a shoulder issue, and we're breaking down exactly what that means as we race toward Super Sunday. Meanwhile — oh, it's spicy — Buffalo GM Brandon Beane is clapping back at his critics, and there are plenty of them. You do not want to miss what he had to say. AND while you were sleeping… BOOM — an NBA blockbuster! A superstar on the move with just two days left before the trade deadline. Let's go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Jefferson isn't holding back. He says what everyone else is thinking, but the real question remains: what does JJ see when he looks at his football future — and is the league ready for it? On a historic anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, the takes are going to be loud. The players are in, the tension is real, and one MASSIVE question surrounds the Patriots — don't worry, we've got answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for First Take. On a landmark anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, we're not holding anything back. The players have arrived, the energy is building, but one HUGE question still hangs over the Patriots — and we've got the answer. Plus, Justin Jefferson steps up and says what everyone's been thinking. The real debate? What does he believe about his own future in football — and should the league be paying attention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Second hour of First Take: Josh Allen reunites with Joe Brady as the Bills promote their MVP-winning OC to head coach, while the Ravens hire Jesse Minter and look ahead to his partnership with Lamar Jackson. Who is under more pressure to make it to the Super Bowl? In the NBA, the Timberwolves knock off the Thunder behind a strong night from Anthony Edwards, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. defends his WBO title against Shakur Stevenson in a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden. All this and more from Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take starts now! The Bills name Joe Brady head coach, elevating their longtime OC as Buffalo looks to finally break through to a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. The Eagles continue their coordinator carousel, hiring former NFL QB Sean Mannion as their fifth OC in five years. Plus, with the NBA trade deadline looming, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a struggling Bucks team listens to serious trade offers. Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt have the answers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron and the Lakers returned to Cleveland in what could be his final trip home as a player. We have the latest from Shams Charania on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future as the trade deadline nears. Plus, a Super Bowl preview with the Patriots as underdogs against the Seahawks, and Jayson Tatum shares doubts about a potential return this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James and the Lakers were in Cleveland last night to face the Cavs in what could be LeBron's final return home as an NBA player. We're joined by Shams Charania with the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future as trade buzz heats up ahead of the deadline, with several contenders reportedly in the mix. Plus, a look ahead to the Patriots as underdogs in the Super Bowl matchup with the Seahawks, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum opens up about his hesitation to return this season while recovering from injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a complete and total takedown of Bill Polian and The NFL Hall of Fame. Mad Dog is absolutely HEATED! (0:00) Then, Paul Heyman joins to talk Royal Rumble. (15:50) Next, the Bucks are officially listening to offers on Giannis. Knicks? Rockets? Who can make the best offer? (23:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an EGREGIOUS, INHUMANE HOF decision. Stephen A. wants names AND faces of everyone didn't vote for Bill Belichick! (0:00) Then, which Super bowl participant had a harder path? (27:00) Next, Stephen A. speaks on his Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy! (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take starts with LeBron, Luka and the Lakers. After cruising to victory over the Bulls, they're 5th in a star studded western conference. Can they really make the finals, or will a weak starting center and bench be their downfall? (0:00) Then, who has more to gain by winning the Super Bowl: former bust Sam Darnold, or second year sensation Drake Maye? (13:15) Next, Stephen A. reveals his top 5 NBA teams! Only 1 East team?? C'mon Stephen A.!! (25:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the underwhelming Patriots. After running through a weak AFC and surviving Drake Maye's lackluster play, do the Patriots really have a chance against the Seahawks? Stephen A. doesn't think so...(0:00) Then, Windy and Big Perk have some ideas on where Giannis may be traded! (26:00) Next, no one wants the Browns job even though it comes with a fully equipped pro bowl QB! Is Deion the answer in Cleveland? (41:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a fluctuating narrative. Darnold saw ghosts, led a Viking brigade to the playoffs, got banished from his Minnesota but found refuge in Seattle, and now soars his 'Hawks into the Super Bowl. How should we view him? (0:00) Then, WWE superstar Seth Rollins talks Royal Rumble! (15:50) Next, we have to talk Stafford's legacy. He has all of the stats AND a Super Bowl, maybe even an MVP soon. What more can he do? (26:00) Trivia: which Seahawks WR made an acrobatic catch while lying on the ground to set up the Seahawks at the goal line before the famous Malcolm Butler INT? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Darnold the Demon! Slingin' Sammy threw for 3 TDs and 346 yards! He's now led his team to a Super Bowl, but somehow there are still doubters? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. declared the AFC championship a must win for the Patriots with Stidham starting. They clearly watch First Take, because that defense looked motivated as they took it to the Broncos backup QB! (22:30) Next, do you like the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy? (39:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Matthew "HOF?" Stafford. Can the Rams still defeat the Seahawks if he isn't elite? (0:00) Then, after hearing Philip River is interviewing for the Bills head coaching job, RC and Cam throw their hats into the ring! (12:15) Next, JSN and Puka battle in a matchup of two of the best receivers in the league! Who has the edge? (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Sean Payton doing what Sean Payton does: talking trash. Him and Kayshon Boutte traded barbs ahead of Sunday's AFC championship. (0:00) Then, LeBron "doesn't care how somebody feels about me." Windy and Stephen A. decide what the Lakers should do with the aging GOAT. (27:50) Next, you HAVE to hear Stephen A.'s Notre Dame rant. (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Buss family infighting. How did a family feud drive the Lakers into selling, and will this be LeBron's last year as a Laker? (0:00) Then, after the Rams and Seahawks split their season series, which powerhouse does a third matchup favor? (14:30) Next, strengths collide when Kayshon Boutte and the Patriots offense meet Pat Surtain and the Broncos defense. Who has the edge? (28:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Brian Windhorst and Stephen A. on Giannis's best options moving forward. Should Milwaukee trade for another star, or ship him out? (0:00) Then, RC and DanO address SAS Broncos comments from yesterday. (31:10) Next, the Steelers interviewed Mike McCarthy for their open head coaching position. Is he a good fit? (43:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the undermanned Broncos. Put a number on it. What percent chance do you give them to win? (0:00) Next, Mel Kiper has Fernando Mendoza going number one to the Raiders in his latest mock draft. Would he be a good fit for Las Vegas? Then, Mad Dog is mad at Sean Mcvay, DJ Moore, and Broncos-Bills refs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Mad Dog's return, and he is fired up! You have to hear his defense of Josh Allen! (0:00) Then, Bills owner Terry Pegula is blaming Sean McDermott for drafting Keon Coleman. Supposedly, Brandon Beane didn't want him! Only the coaching staff did. What in the world is going on in Buffalo? (28:00) Next, Mad Dog gives us his top 5 most improbable champions in sports history! Can you guess who is number one? Hint: "Lobs it, Burress, alone, touchdown!" (40:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, and Jeremy Shockey down in the dumps after Fernando Mendoza late game heroics. Is the U back despite losing a heartbreaker to Indiana? (0:00) Next, Sam Darnold threw 6 INTs in 2 regular season games vs the Rams. How concerning are his previous struggles going into a Sunday night NFC showdown. (16:00) Then, with Jimmy Butler's ACL injury keeping him out for the rest of the year, should the Warriors make another trade to compete in the west? (37:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a wild finish at the CFP championship game! Indiana took home a third straight title for the Big Ten. Has the college football landscape officially shifted away from a dominant SEC, to an up-and-coming Big Ten? (0:00) Next, the last two MVPs are now coachless. Which job should free agent coaches value more: Buffalo or Baltimore? (22:50) Then, we grade the other head coaching acquisitions including Robert Saleh to the Titans and Jeff Hafley to the Dolphins. (41:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Stephen A. going in on the Bills! They fired their head coach, but promoted their GM? Huh??? Then, how well does Carson Beck need to play against Indiana to give Miami a shot? Next, Mark Cuban on his relationship with Curt Cignetti and the IU football program! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with more NFL coaching moves. Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo after another playoff heartbreaker. Then, Tim Tebow gives us his Indiana vs. Miami pick. Next, we break down CJ Stroud's all time stinker vs the Patriots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a monster QB matchup in Chicago. Temperatures will be cold, but these QBs are bold. Will you be surprised if the young QB outplays the old? (0:00) Then, the crew makes their Patriots-Texans picks. (15:10) Next, Chris Fowler joins to explain just how improbable this CFP National Championship matchup is between Miami And Indiana. (21:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Sam Darnold's oblique. RC and Cam aren't buying this late week injury! (0:00) Then, Stephen A. brings up the NIGHTMARE scenario for Miami: getting blown out by Indiana on their home turf! (24:40) Next, Josh Allen leads an injury plagued Bills squad into Mile High. Will he leave victorious, or suffer another postseason disappointment? (44:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with setting fair expectations for John Harbaugh in his first year with the G-Men. (0:00) Then, Josh Pate makes the case for Miami competing with Indiana in a galvanic Championship matchup! (15:20) Next, how confident are you that C.J. Stroud will bounce back after a miserable performance against the Steelers? (24:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices