First Take

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

First Take begins with a midnight bombshell! The Giants are set to hire John Harbaugh. Will he immediately change the culture in the Meadowlands from trash, to bold and brash? (0:00) Then, will Caleb William's hot streak continue against a beatable Rams defense? (31:00) Next, with his entire receiving core on IR, how concerned should we be about Josh Allen and the Bills? (42:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Stephen A.'s top 5 NFL coaching openings and, more importantly, a 10/10 Mad Dog impression! (0:00) Then, with Harbaugh out in Baltimore, who should the Ravens pair with Lamar Jackson to ensure success through the rest of the decade? (9:50) Next, Rich Paul said on his podcast that the Lakers should trade Austin Reaves. LeBron disagrees. Stephen A. breaks down LeBron distancing himself from his own agent! (29:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an AFC North coaching carousel. Tomlin steps down, Harbaugh and Stefanski are fired. What does Stephen A. have to say about all of these coaches on the move? (0:00) Then, the Eagles finally let go of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Will this fix their offensive issues, and Swagu wants to trade who?? (27:30) Next, the Patriots and Texans came away with easy wild card weekend victories. Which team's dominant win gave you more confidence heading into their Sunday night showdown? (43:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with strong words from Aaron Rodgers on Mike Tomlin, Matt LaFleur, and NFL television coverage. Stephen A. speaks on the media not knowing what they're talking about when it comes to coach hirings and firings. (0:00) Then, the Bills opened up as 1.5 point favorites against the Broncos. It's since flipped to Broncos -1.5, but which team deserves to be favored in this mile high matchup? (14:10) Next, Stephen A. lists his top 5 disappointing NFL teams this season! (24:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a 7th straight Steel City stinker! Aaron Rodgers danced his way right into the arms of a suffocating Texans defense! Should he play another year, or ride off into the caves of Oregon... (0:00) Then, Ben Johnson will NOT apologize for his expletive laced Packers rant and quick handshake. Is he singlehandedly bringing NFL rivalries back? (25:30) Next, Hurts stock fell out of the Q&B 32 top 10 list, but is now the right time to buy low? QB Advisors Jeff Saturday and Chris Canty give us the lowdown! (38:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Wild Card Weekend losers. We check if the Packers or Eagles need to make drastic changes this offseason. (0:00) Then, would you rather have Rodgers or Stroud for Monday Night's monster matchup! (15:45) Next, Josh Allen donned his cape, battled against the villainous Jaguars, and left Jacksonville victorious. Will Superman finally reach a Super Bowl this year. (24:40) Finally, RC gives Steelers fans a MAJOR pump up speech as they head into battle against the Texans! (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live from Pittsburgh! Steelers fans are waving their Terrible Towels and can't WAIT to hear about the Eagles massive loss to the 49ers. Their season came to a painful end, but the drama is just beginning! How much blame does A.J. Brown deserve? (0:00) Then, did Caleb Williams prove he's an elite QB with his big comeback victory against the Packers? (21:50) Next, Pittsburgh mayor Corey O'Connor joins to talk about the Steelers chances against the Texans! (40:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a CFP title drought! 3 seasons have past since we last saw an SEC team play for the CFB crown. Is the changing landscape of college football good or bad? (0:00) Then, the Rams are heavy favorites against the Panthers who beat them in the regular season! Should Stafford and McVay be nervous? (15:30) And, Chris Fowler joins to take us through an all time Fiesta Bowl from his vantage point in the booth! (23:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Ole Miss-Miami reaction and remembrance of an up and down season in Oxford! (0:00) Then, is Josh Allen's legacy on the line Sunday against the Jaguars? (26:10) And, with all other bye teams out, how disappointing would it be if Indiana doesn't win the CFP? (41:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes as the CFP semifinals kick off tonight! Are you riding with Big Bliss, or the Beckster! (0:00) Then, will the Bears shaky defense be their downfall against the Packers? DanO explains. (11:10) Next, Jerry Jones wants to retire as the owner with the most Super Bowls. You already know Stephen A. has some thoughts! (21:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with college football!!! Jimbo Fisher called out Lane Kiffin for not allowing some coaches to coach in Ole Miss's semifinal matchup. Stephen A. gets on the Lane hate train! (0:00) Then, Stephen A. responds to Garrett Wilson. (14:00) Next, Desmond Howard on the CFP and Mike McDaniel getting fired. (30:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Harbaugh landing spots. Which team is the best fit for the recently fired head coach? (0:00) Then, Stephen A.'s crazy rant on the fumbling, bumbling, stumbling New York Jets! (18:30) Next, Mad Dog is mad at the Cowboys, Bills, and Tom Brady! (31:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a shocking Ravens decision! Swagu, Mad Dog and Stephen A. are fired up about John Harbaugh getting fired! (0:00) Then - which team winning the CFP would be the best story? (28:40) Next - Mad Dog is so mad at Stephen A.'s QBs under pressure list from yesterday that we had to revisit it! He wants to swap out Josh Allen for who?? (42:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with crossover CFP/NFL Draft coverage! Who will win the Mendoza vs. Moore battle, and does the winner deserve to be picked number one overall? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. gives a quick take on the Knicks after a disastrous 30 point loss to the Pistons. (11:10) Next, who's the biggest x-factor in Eagles-49ers? (19:10) And, Stephen A lists his top 5 QBs under the most pressure in the playoffs! (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Paul Finebaum breaking down the powerhouse-less CFP semifinals. (0:00) Then, Stephen A. reacts to the Cowboys firing their fourth defensive coordinator in four years! (22:10) Next, Finebaum is back to tell us if Ole Miss or Miami winning is the better story! (39:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a look at Lamar's turbulent season. Should we give him a pass for the Ravens missing the playoffs? (0:00) Then, the Raiders are moving on from Pete Carroll after just one year. Stephen A. has some thoughts for Tom Brady! (15:50) Next, the Giants ruined their draft position for the second straight season. How angry should Giants fans be at their seemingly incompetent front office? (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a Steel City thriller! We assign praise and blame for the Steelers and Ravens. (0:00) Then, coming off of a massive win against the Niners for the one seed, how should we view Sam Darnold going into the playoffs? (26:45) Next, The Bengals are bringing back Zac Taylor for another season. Is this the right move? (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with disappointing college football powerhouses. Should Alabama or Ohio State be more disappointed with their early CFP exits? (0:00) And, hear what RC has to say about the dominant days of the SEC. (9:40) Then, the Seahawks and 49ers face off Saturday for the NFC's top seed! Which team needs homefield advantage throughout the playoffs more? (18:40) Finally, who's the better QB prospect: Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Ole Miss-Georgia thriller! Was Kirby Smart outcoached, and can Ole Miss win it all? (0:00) Then, as Alabama fans long for the days of Nick Saban and Jerry Jeudy, Paul Finebaum tells us what's next for the Crimson Tide ("They're in shambles"). (14:00) Next, it allll comes down to Steelers-Ravens for a playoff spot. Cam decides if Rodgers or Lamar faces more pressure to win! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with more on the CFP! Coming off a major upset of Ohio State, do you believe Miami can win the whole dang thing? (0:00) Then, Dan Campbell has a full offseason to figure out what went wrong this year in the Motor City. How can the Lions bounce back? (13:40) Next, RC gives his list of 5 players who will take over the NFL in 2026! (22:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with shock and awe in college football as Miami took down Ohio State. Should we blame Ryan Day for bad play calling, or praise Miami for great defense? (0:00) Then, more on Ohio State blowing it. What does their loss say about the Big Ten. (24:10) Next, we hand out NFL superlatives! (42:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a QB debate for the ages! Both Super Bowl Winners. Both members of stacked offenses. Would you rather have Stafford or Hurts in the playoffs? (0:00) Then, Josh Pate joins to talk everything CFP. (15:40) Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Sandy Koufax erasure, the NFL's weak schedule, and New Year's Eve Times Square goers! (26:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with (potential) future on-air personality Mike Tomlin! Is a rebuild on the horizon for the Steelers if they lose on Sunday? (0:00) Then, Desmond Howard gives Miami the formula to upset Ohio State! (25:05) Next, we hand out NFL New Year's Awards! (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with flawed NFC contenders. (0:00) Then, which team has the best chance to pull off a CFP Quarterfinals upset? (13:40) Next, Jason McCourty lists his top 5 NFL teams. (24:00) Finally, the AFC North Title is on the line in week 18. It's another Harbaugh-Tomlin showdown, but this edition comes with higher stakes... (31:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the stumbling Rams. Two weeks ago they were Super Bowl favorites. Now, three road games await them in a daunting NFC playoff field. (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum predicts a HUGE upset in the CFP. (23:40) Next, would not reaching the Super Bowl this season be the biggest playoff disappointment of Josh Allen's career? (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a steaming hot MVP take from Cam! (10:30) Then, the Bears and 49ers battled in a Sunday night classic! Cam and David Dennis Jr. question whether either teams defense can hold up in the playoffs. (23:20) Next, Nick Sirianni and A.J. Brown had opposite reactions to a massive Eagles win. Find out if Cam trusts them to make a deep playoff run. (31:00) Finally, the Giants saved their best ball for the game they needed to lose the most. Was beating the Raiders a mistake? (36:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a shocker in Cleveland! Shedeur took down Rodgers, and the Tomlin doubters return. Do the Steelers need to find a new head coach? (0:00) Then, how much can we really trust the injured, potential NFC one seed 49ers? (16:00) Next, a heated debate about the Bills decision to go for 2 at the end of the game. (25:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the faltering Thunder as Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper made them look human. Who's their bigger threat: Spurs or Nuggets? (0:00) Then, Travis Kelce's last home game and a cross conference showdown between the Eagles and Bills. (11:10) Next, a potential NFC conference finals preview between the Bears and 49ers will certainly deliver, but which team has more at stake? (23:00) Finally, with a playoff spot clinched and injuries mounting, should the Packers rest Jordan Love against the Ravens? (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an NBA Christmas Day recap! Has the LeBron-Lakers relationship run its course? (0:00) Then, Michigan has zoned in on former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham as their next leader. Is he a good fit? (24:15) Next, with the Cowboys eliminated, should Dak Prescott play next week? (39:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merry Christmas! First Take begins with NBA superstars. If you're starting a franchise today, do you want SGA or Wemby? (0:00) Then, LeBron faces KD in a Christmas night showdown! Which team is more likely to make the finals: Rockets or Lakers? (23:30) Next, who cracks RC's list of NFL teams that will bounce back in 2026? (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the battle of Christmas. Fraser Firs, Mariah Carey, and a warm fire...are you thinking of the NBA or NFL? (0:00) Then, it's Bears vs. 49ers in a battle that could decide the one seed in the NFC. Who needs this win more? (12:45) Next, Jeff lists his top 5 NFL teams after week 16! (23:15) Finally, two of the Thunder's four losses have come at the hands of Wemby. Are the Spurs their kryptonite? (34:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with DK Metcalf's two game suspension. Is that too many games, or not enough? (0:00) Next, would you rather have Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen heading into the playoffs? (25:25) Then, we bring on Kendrick Perkins to discuss the Lakers most recent loss to the Suns and JJ Redick's comments on his squads effort. (40:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with DK Metcalf's 2 game suspension. Is it too harsh, and how much will Aaron Rodgers miss his number one receiver? (0:00) Then, we look at the big picture in the NFC North. (13:30) Next, what is Mad Dog mad about this week?? (21:40) Finally, Jake Paul joins to tell us which is more difficult: fighting Floyd Mayweather, or being in the WWE! (32:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Mad Dog! He hates holidays and 49ers skeptics! Does he really think the Fightin' Shanahans can get to the Super Bowl, though? Then, FOOTBALL! Does Lamar get a pass for this dreadful Ravens season? (17:15) How do you view Kalen DeBoer right now? (25:10) Have the Eagles FINALLY righted the ship? (28:50) And, Mad Dog's Nice List! You don't want to miss who he has number one!! (38:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the Bears comeback. Caleb Williams has taken a leap this year, but can this version of him lead the Bears to the Super Bowl? (7:30). Then, we take a look at Jerry Jones' latest comments on the Cowboys 30th consecutive disappointing season. (11:45) Next, Paul Finebaum tells us which CFP game had his phone exploding with text messages! (23:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a controversial ending in Detroit. Did the refs ruin an all time classic, and can we trust the Steelers in the playoffs? (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum joins to talk about a chaotic weekend in college football! (21:30) Finally, The Patriots shocked the Ravens with a late 4th quarter comeback, and John Harbaugh shocked the world by benching Derrick Henry. What in the world happened on Sunday night?? (35:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the CFP! Alabama is on the hunt for revenge against an OU squad that took them down in November. With Bama's stacked roster, is it unacceptable for them to lose tonight? (0:00) Then, Sam Darnold came up clutch in a wild Thursday night win over the Rams, but did he truly silence the critics? (11:20) Next, the Bears enter Saturday's matchup against the Packers as 1.5 point favorites. Is that the correct line? (31:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Taker resumes with Miami backing up their CFP bid. What if they get blown out by A&M? Does that mean the committee should have put Notre Dame in? (0:00) Then, should Joe Burrow force his way out of Cincinnati? (14:15) Next, the crew makes their CFP National Championship game picks! (38:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Josh Pate walking us through Alabama's massive CFP matchup against Oklahoma. (0:00) Then, Mina Kimes tells us if it's more important for the Bears or Packers to win the NFC North. (25:40) Meanwhile, in the AFC North, it's coming down to the wire between the Ravens and Steelers. Which team do you have more faith in? (42:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Peter Schrager on the Eagles. Time is running out for a late season turnaround. It's now or never for Jalen Hurts! Next, how confident are you that the Chiefs will bounce back next season? Then, Mad Dog is MAD about Colts FGs, Travis Kelce, and the NFL's Christmas slate! Finally, Shams breaks the news that the Knicks will NOT hang an NBA Cup banner at the end of the show! Stephen A. and Doggy react! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the NBA (Cup) Championship Knicks! Windy joins to talk about their title hopes, and Doggy talks about the absurdity that is hanging a Cup Championship banner. Next, a Bears-Packers preview, and the Dolphins are benching Tua for Quinn Ewers. Why??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the Eagles. They showed signs against an imperfect Raiders squad, but should they be considered an A-tier NFC team? And, who has more on the line the rest of this season: Shedeur or Stefanski? (0:00) Next, Stephen A. shares his top 5 NFL teams after week 15! (16:00) Next, Paul Finebaum joins to tell us if Kalen DeBoer really plans on staying at Alabama. (30:00) Finally, are we sleeping on Lamar and the Ravens? With no Mahomes and a shaky Bills squad, could this be their breakthrough year? (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices