First Take

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

First Take begins with the battle for the AFC North. Rodgers has the Steelers in front with three game remaining and a week 18 slugfest looming. Who will become the King in The North? And, Can the Packers go far without Parsons? (0:00) Then, Chris Canty tells us why the Chiefs need to stop taking Mahomes greatness for granted. (22:10) Finally, Josh Allen showed us he still carries the torch as he lit fire to a snowy Foxborough. Do his Bills need to win the division more than Drake's Pats? (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a Bills vs. Patriots recap. Which team showed more in Sunday's barnburner. Then, the Eagles blew out a lifeless Raiders squad. How much stock do you put into this drubbing? Next, the Bengals are eliminated from the playoffs, and Joe Burrow's future is uncertain. Schrager joins to give us the lowdown on their rocky future. Finally, former Heisman winner Cam Newton speaks on Diego Pavia's reaction to losing the award Saturday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Michael Irvin dishing on the Cowboys season! Hear if he views it as a success, or failure. Then, the Colts lost a tight battle against the Seahawks, but Philip Rivers looked solid! Who from our show owes him an apology? Next, Mahomes tore his ACL and Kelce is on the verge of retirement. Where do the Chiefs go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with upset watch. Could J.J. McCarthy walk down Dak and the Cowboys? (0:00) Then, Rich Eisen joins to discuss Joe Burrow's future. (10:05) Next, a Super Bowl preview?? The Packers explosive offense faces the Broncos ferocious defense. Who has the advantage? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Todd Bowles asking his team to "****ing care!" Will his fiery postgame speech give the Bucs enough juice to retain the NFC South title? And, are the Colts in the wrong sending a 44 year old Philip Rivers out to face the Seahawks airtight defense this week? (0:00) Then, Shedeur faces the Bears with another chance to prove HE should be the Browns starter in 2026. (25:00) Next, Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia joins to talk about Vanderbilt winning ten games for the first time in program history! (39:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with QBs under pressure. Stephen A. tells us which starter needs to ball out this week! (0:00) Then, Joe Burrow raised some eyebrows with his comments on Wednesday. Mina tells us how he can have more fun on the field! (15:00) Next, we play a game of "Who would you rather have?" Hear if the crew would rather have Justin Jefferson or George Pickens. (32:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Shefty and Finebaum joining to break down the entire Michigan situation. From the timeline of Wednesday's events, to head coaching candidates, we've got it all covered. (0:00) Then, it's Jalen Hurts turn to get blamed for the Eagles misery. Does he deserve this amount of hate? (19:55) Next, Travis Kelce voiced his frustration over the Chiefs and his own poor play. DanO takes us inside the mindset of a lot of confused Chiefs players! (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take starts with Nick Sirianni confirming Jalen Hurts will remain the Eagles starting QB. Kimberley Martin tells us why he was even asked this question! (0:00) Then, WWE superstar Gunther joins to talk about his upcoming match with John Cena! (12:40) Next, Shedeur Sanders is helping Cleveland, but is Cleveland helping him? (26:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Cowboys final push. Jerry says they still have a chance, and with the Eagles faltering at the worst of times, he may be right! Hear if Stephen A. agrees with his old suitemate! (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum joins to blast Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua's most recent comments on missing the CFP. (25:00) Finally, should the Bills be favored on the road against the AFC East leading Patriots? (38:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with an honest Eagles conversation. Hear Stephen A, Jeff and CC's level of concern with Jalen Hurts moving forward. (0:00) Then, what is Caleb Williams' and the Bears ceiling this season? (15:00) Next, Jeff reveals his top 5 NFL teams through week 14. (25:20) Finally, hear if Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers did enough against the Ravens to silence the doubters, and Stephen A. reacts to MLB breaking news! (36:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another Eagles stinker as they continue soaring directly into the ground. Ouch, that "Hurts." Will they hold off the Cowboys in the NFC East? And, hear what Jeff Saturday has to say about his former team trying Phillip Rivers as a Daniel Jones replacement! (0:00) Then, the crew goes scorched earth on the CFP selection committee for giving JMU and Tulane a chance (no disrespect). Should adjustments be made to the selection process? (25:30) Next, we react to Shedeur Sanders officially being named the Browns starter for the rest of the season. (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Isaiah Likely's robbery and Aaron Rodgers' postgame comments! (0:00) Then, what in the world was Kevin Stefanski thinking on that 2 point conversion?? Was he trying to sabotage Shedeur's breakout game? (13:40) Next, Paul Finebaum's reaction to Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua's damning comments about ND's relationship with the ACC! (24:00) Finally, are the Bears capable of a deep playoff run? (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices