Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts

The Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. after barely using him for three games. Our hosts react to the news and debate if there was ever any point of reuniting with OBJ in the first place. Plus, Evan and Tiki discuss the team's chances in the NFC East without Jaxson Dart, and if J.J. McCarthy has any chance of pushing Jameis Winston for the starting job. Phil Simms joins Boomer and Gio to talk all things Big Blue, including McCarthy and how he may be used the rest of this season.

The Yankees steamrolled the hated Red Sox in a two-game Wild Card Series sweep, and we have full reactions from all of our hosts, who were pleasantly surprised at how efficient the Yankee lineup was from top to bottom. Plus, debating whether or not Aaron Judge will play in the ALDS, how the Yankees will set up their rotation, and if the Bombers should be favored against the Rays. Meanwhile, Evan and Tiki feel like the Yanks were a little over the top in celebrating a Wild Card Series win, and Boomer and Gio debate which Yankee is likeliest to carry the team and be their new "Mr. October."

From 'Kickoff with Boomer & Valenti' (subscribe here): Boomer and Mike are back to talk all the headlines from week 3, another splashy Cowboys trade, Week 4 picks, Game of the Week, a QB Power Rankings and more!

Evan reads some emails reacting to episode 763 and David Stearns season ending press conference.

From 'NYYST' (subscribe here): The Fellas are back to discuss the recent sweep of the Red Sox in the WC series. A look ahead to preview the upcoming ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays.

This is time for Jameis Winston to prove his worth, Aaron Glenn needs his super powers, and the great Judge debate continues.

Jameis Winston is entering put-up-or-shut-up territory for the Giants. After weather and circumstances limited what could be learned from his first two appearances, Sunday against Arizona is viewed as the game that should finally reveal what Winston has left. If his arm and accuracy remain concerns, the conversation around J.J. McCarthy and when he could realistically take over will only get louder. The Jets also face what Evan calls the most important game of the Aaron Glenn era, with a loss to a Bears team starting a backup quarterback threatening to wipe away the optimism from last week. Plus, the Yankees face a major Aaron Judge decision, including whether he should return directly to right field rather than disrupt a lineup featuring Ben Rice and Luis Garcia.

Aaron Judge may not be 100 percent, but Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber see no justification for keeping him out of the Yankees lineup against Tampa Bay. They debate how Aaron Boone should handle Judge, why Ben Rice has emerged as a legitimate star, and how the Yankees' ability to develop young players has separated them from the Mets. Gerrit Cole's Game 1 start and the rest of the ALDS rotation also come into focus. The hour also hits the Giants' challenge of winning with Jameis Winston and whether J.J. McCarthy could eventually fit Matt Nagy's offense. Plus, Evan and Tiki react to Jack Hughes' painfully awkward in-game interview, the Jets reach the point where encouraging signs need to become wins, and Shaun Morash deals with the possibility that his UPS driver saw far more than expected.

The Yankees' ALDS matchup with the Rays has Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber going in opposite directions. Tiki sees New York's starting pitching and postseason experience carrying the Yankees in four, while Evan predicts Tampa Bay in four and warns that Gerrit Cole could put the Yankees in an immediate hole in Game 1. Shaun Morash lands on Yankees in five as the debate heats up over Cole versus Carlos Rodon. Aaron Judge's role also looms over the series, with the guys weighing whether his presence alone makes the Yankees better and how carefully he should be used coming off injury. Plus, Tony Romo and CBS part ways, the Giants' J.J. McCarthy gamble gets another look, and the Jets' offensive line comes under fire.

Tiki Barber and Evan Roberts debate the validity of the current MLB playoff format and the logic behind a caller's demand to bench Aaron Judge for the division series. They analyze the Yankees' travel issues heading to Tampa and share their favorite moments from the movie Major League. Finally, they make their official Week 4 NFL picks for the Jets, Giants, and key national matchups. (00:01:52) MLB Playoff Bracket Debate (00:05:35) Yankees Playoff Series Benefits (00:09:23) Yankees Travel Plane Trouble (00:12:54) Selecting Your Playoff Opponent (00:19:21) Major League Movie Appreciation (00:22:54) NFL Week 4 Analysis (00:28:51) Benching Aaron Judge Debate (00:35:24) Idiots With Idioms Segment (00:39:52) Official NFL Week 4 Picks

MLB's playoff format is under fire, with the Yankees' path exposing why the bracket system and lack of reseeding can create frustrating matchups. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber debate the flaws in the setup, why facing the Rays in a best-of-five could actually benefit the Yankees, and whether MLB could overhaul the postseason under a new CBA. The conversation turns to an even wilder possibility: letting the best teams choose their playoff opponents. Evan and Tiki imagine the drama, insults and incredible television that could follow from a live selection show. Plus, they discuss the Yankees' pitching plans, Gerrit Cole's importance and the team's travel trouble getting to Tampa.

Aaron Judge's ALDS role remains a major question as Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash debate how the Yankees should protect him coming off injury. One possibility is keeping Judge out of right field on Tampa Bay's turf, using him as a dangerous bat off the bench before potentially returning him to the field at Yankee Stadium in Game 3. The Giants also face an interesting quarterback dynamic with Jameis Winston starting and J.J. McCarthy waiting behind him. Evan believes the crowd could turn quickly if Winston struggles. Plus, Shaun unveils his “Cinco de Ronco” list of the opponents New York fans could despise by the end of the weekend, including Ben Johnson, Trey McBride and Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen.

Aaron Boone is trusting Gerrit Cole in Game 1, even though Evan Roberts argues the numbers clearly point to Carlos Rodon as the better matchup against Tampa Bay. Tiki Barber understands the gamble, saying Cole's mentality, leadership and postseason résumé matter, but the decision could invite major criticism if the Yankees fall behind early. The conversation also shifts to the Giants' bet on J.J. McCarthy and whether Matt Nagy and John Harbaugh can unlock a quarterback who never received a full opportunity in Minnesota. Plus, the guys revisit Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot before debating the fallout from old social media posts surfacing after Braden Bell landed the Trail Blazers' play-by-play job.

The Yankees' ALDS showdown with the Rays sparks a sharp split as Evan Roberts picks Tampa Bay in four while Tiki Barber takes the Yankees in four and Shaun Morash goes Yankees in five. Evan's biggest concern is Gerrit Cole in Game 1, arguing the matchup favors Carlos Rodon and warning that an early loss could set the tone for the entire series. Aaron Judge's impact also becomes a major debate, with Evan and Tiki arguing that even a diminished Judge makes the Yankees more dangerous simply by being in the lineup. Plus, Tony Romo and CBS part ways, raising questions about whether Romo will continue broadcasting and where he could land next.

Jack Hughes' awkward in-game interview becomes the biggest debate of the final stretch, as Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber rip the plastic-cutlery joke and especially the follow-up shot about Hughes having “no sense of humor.” They explain why Hughes handled the uncomfortable moment about as well as he could before skating away. The conversation then turns to the Giants, including why J.J. McCarthy's athleticism could fit Matt Nagy's offense better than Jameis Winston. Plus, Shaun Morash reveals an embarrassing encounter involving his UPS driver, while the Jets face growing pressure to turn encouraging signs into actual wins before frustration starts building inside the locker room.

Aaron Judge wants back in the Yankees lineup, but his return creates a major ALDS dilemma. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber debate whether a compromised Judge is still an automatic start, where he should hit, and which productive Yankee could lose at-bats or force a defensive sacrifice. Ben Rice has become a star before their eyes, and Evan argues his emergence highlights the biggest difference between the Yankees and Mets: developing young talent that can rescue a season. Plus, Gerrit Cole gets Game 1 against Tampa Bay, Carlos Rodón could be lined up for Yankee Stadium, and the Giants prepare to lean on Jameis Winston after being forced into their backup quarterback plan.

Aaron Glenn is facing what Evan calls the most important game of his Jets tenure. After an encouraging performance against Detroit, the Jets now draw a Bears team expected to start a backup quarterback, leaving little room for excuses. A win could give the season real momentum, while a loss would send the Jets to 1-3 and raise serious questions about where Glenn's team is headed. Tiki breaks down the chess match between Glenn and former Lions colleague Ben Johnson, including whether the Jets can finally turn their frequent blitzes into actual pressure. The offense also has to keep building around Garrett Wilson and the tight ends, while the offensive line must improve. Plus, the Yankees continue weighing how Aaron Judge fits back into the lineup without sacrificing Ben Rice or Luis Garcia.

Jameis Winston remains under the microscope as the Giants prepare for Arizona, with Evan and Tiki expecting an offense that may need far more than game management to win. Winston has looked uncomfortable so far, and Tiki argues that Matt Nagy must find the balance between letting him play his aggressive style and protecting the Giants from the mistakes that can come with it. The Yankees also face a difficult Aaron Judge decision. Evan and Tiki reject reshuffling the infield just to create a DH spot and argue that Ben Rice and Luis Garcia need to remain in the lineup. If Judge is healthy enough to return, right field or a major role off the bench makes far more sense than weakening the rest of the roster.

Jameis Winston has reached put-up-or-shut-up time with the Giants. After coming off the bench against the Rams and battling ugly weather against Tennessee, there are no more excuses heading into Sunday against Arizona. Evan and Tiki want to see whether Winston can finally push the ball downfield and prove his arm is still there. J.J. McCarthy is not an immediate threat to start, but his arrival creates real pressure if Winston struggles. With John Harbaugh focused on winning now, another shaky performance could quickly turn the conversation toward how soon McCarthy can realistically learn the offense and take over.

The Yankees sweep of the Red Sox is complete, Sonny Gray hates his manager, the Yankees kids keep thriving, and now a Yankee takeover in Tampa is possible

The Yankees demolished the Red Sox 18-2 across two games, but it was how they won that stood out most. Smart baserunning, timely contact, bunts, hustle and dominant starting pitching made this version of the Yankees feel completely different from the stale playoff teams of recent years. Max Fried delivered when his command was not perfect, while young players like Spencer Jones and Luis Garcia Jr. brought energy and aggression. Meanwhile, Boston unraveled. Chad Tracy's stunning decision to pull Sonny Gray after just 70 pitches became the defining moment, especially after Gray openly said he wanted to stay in the game. The Yankees showed the killer instinct their fans have been demanding, while the Red Sox walked away with questions about their manager, clubhouse and future.

Tiki and Shaun debate the Yankees' potential starting rotation for the American League Division Series, weighing Gerrit Cole's track record against Carlos Rodón's recent dominance. They also preview the Browns-Steelers matchup and discuss the takeover of Yankee fans in Florida.(00:01:20) Cole vs. Rodón Decision(00:04:32) Postseason Pitching Strategy(00:06:48) Rodón's Success vs. Rays(00:09:16) NFL and MLB Preview(00:13:40) Yankees Florida Takeover(00:17:18) Sports Update(00:20:32) Steelers and Phillies Talk(00:23:56) Analyzing Pitching Data(00:28:19) Browns vs. Steelers Picks(00:33:20) Jets Success Outlook

The Yankees eliminated the Red Sox, but the biggest question immediately shifts to Aaron Judge and whether he will return for the Division Series against Tampa Bay. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash debate how much Judge can realistically play, whether the Yankees would risk him in the outfield, and why his return could leave Giancarlo Stanton without a roster spot. They also explain why this Yankees team feels different, from its dominant rotation to the impact of young players and a lineup no longer completely dependent on home runs. The conversation also turns to the Giants after Joey Porter Jr. lands with Dallas and reports emerge that Marvin Harrison Jr. could become available. Tiki raises concerns about Harrison's effort, while the possibility of adding his talent to the Giants sparks a bigger debate about risk, coaching and the future of New York's offense.

The Yankees steamrolled the Red Sox and now head into the ALDS with serious championship confidence. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down why this team suddenly has 1998 vibes, from dominant starting pitching and a deeper lineup to Aaron Boone's managing and the emergence of the Yankees' young core. They also debate Aaron Judge's role against Tampa Bay, why playing the outfield could be crucial, and whether Trent Grisham has done enough to stay in the lineup. The expected Yankees fan takeover at Tropicana Field may not be the lock everyone assumes, as Evan digs into past playoff crowds and surprising ticket prices. Plus, Mike Vrabel fires back at rumors that he no longer believes in Drake Maye, sparking a debate over whether his answer actually settled anything and a wild hypothetical involving May and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.

John Harbaugh shuts down the Odell Beckham Jr. drama and makes it clear why the Giants moved on, dismissing any conspiracy theories while bluntly saying Odell was not doing enough for the offense. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber also debate the Giants' new “1-0” slogan and whether players actually need motivational messages like that. Then the focus shifts to the Yankees, where Aaron Judge's return creates a major roster decision. Jose Caballero, Ahmed Rosario and Trent Grisham all enter the conversation, along with whether New York really needs another bullpen arm. Plus, Aaron Boone leaves the door open between Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon for Game 1 against Tampa Bay.

The Yankees demolished Boston and Shaun Morash sees unmistakable 1998 vibes, from their killer instinct and dominant pitching to Aaron Boone's managing and a young core that keeps delivering. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber agree the Yankees look deeper and less dependent on Aaron Judge, but warn that their fundamentals must remain sharp against Tampa Bay. Then Evan challenges the assumption that Tropicana Field will become a Yankees home game. After digging into past Rays playoff crowds, ticket prices and fan turnout, he argues the expected takeover may never materialize. The hour closes with encouraging Jets injury news on Minkah Fitzpatrick and concern that Breece Hall may not be ready to play.

Aaron Judge's potential return creates a complicated Yankees decision heading into the ALDS. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber agree Judge belongs in the lineup if he can play right field, but a DH-only role could force the Yankees to disrupt a lineup that just dominated Boston and potentially weaken their defense. They also rip Jason Benetti's unnecessary Babe Ruth comparison during Sonny Gray's playoff start and debate the crowded NBC broadcast booth. Then a caller sparks a Giants quarterback hypothetical: if Drake Maye's struggles continue, would they trade Jaxson Dart for the former MVP runner-up? Tiki and Shaun Morash strongly reject the idea, arguing the Giants still need to discover just how high Dart's ceiling can be.

Mike Vrabel pushed back hard on rumors that he doesn't believe in Drake Maye, insisting Maye was a major reason he took the Patriots job. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber aren't completely convinced, questioning whether Vrabel actually answered the bigger issue and whether his opinion of Maye could have changed after watching his recent regression. The conversation turns to just how quickly things could unravel for Maye if his struggles continue, with Evan predicting his Patriots future may not last much longer. Plus, the Yankees' aggressive approach and dominant pitching have Evan and Tiki preaching small ball against Tampa Bay, while Aaron Judge's desire to return sparks a debate about his role. Tiki also explains why the Giants shouldn't pay a premium price for Joey Porter.

The Giants missed out on Joey Porter Jr. after Dallas paid Pittsburgh's price, and Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash explain why that gamble made more sense for the Cowboys than for New York. The bigger intrigue comes at wide receiver, where reports that Marvin Harrison Jr. could become available spark a debate over whether the Giants should take a chance on the former top pick. Tiki raises concerns about Harrison's effort and body language, while Evan argues a new environment with John Harbaugh, Matt Nagy and Jameis Winston could unlock his talent if the price is low enough. The crew also revisits the 2024 receiver class, with Malik Nabers looking like the strongest choice among the early selections.

Aaron Judge wants back in the Yankees lineup for the Division Series, but his uncertain role creates a major roster decision. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash debate whether Judge can handle the outfield, especially on Tampa Bay's turf, and whether his return could make Giancarlo Stanton expendable after Stanton never received an at-bat against Boston. The guys are stunned the Yankees never used Stanton even with the Wild Card clincher out of reach, raising questions about whether he was truly part of their plans or simply a threat off the bench. Evan argues that even a less-than-100-percent Judge changes how opponents attack the Yankees lineup, while the crew debates whether the Wild Card round even feels like the real postseason.

The Yankees knocked out the Red Sox in two games, and something about this team suddenly feels different. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash break down the dominant rotation, the impact of young players like George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, and an offense that is still hitting home runs without depending on them for everything. The guys also react to the wild celebration outside Yankee Stadium and debate how much of the scene was genuine fan emotion versus social media content being encouraged by bars and digital outlets. Plus, they revisit their series predictions, including the hosts who nailed the Yankees sweep and the ones who expected Boston to force a third game.

The Yankees advanced, but did they really accomplish enough to justify another champagne-soaked clubhouse celebration? Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash debate whether winning a best-of-three Wild Card series deserves a full party when the Division Series begins just days later. The conversation then turns to the White Sox and Guardians, whose playoff matchup sparks memories of Major League and the fictional postseason showdown from the iconic movie. Charlie Sheen, Pedro Cerrano, Willie Mays Hayes and Jake Taylor enter the conversation as the crew imagines Cleveland leaning all the way into the nostalgia.

Chad Tracy's decision to pull Sonny Gray after just 70 pitches sends the Red Sox into chaos. Gray had allowed only one run, yet Boston went to a struggling bullpen and watched the Yankees immediately take advantage. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash rip the move and question whether Tracy has already lost his clubhouse. Gray makes his frustration impossible to ignore, saying he wanted to live or die with the moment before delivering an ominous “I don't know” when asked about returning to Boston. Wilson Contreras also appears unhappy with the organization's reliance on analytics. Plus, the crew dives into the suspicious substance spotted on Gray's neck and wonders how neither the Yankees nor the umpires caught it during the game.

The Yankees crushed Boston by playing the exact brand of October baseball fans have been demanding for years. They mixed timely contact, aggressive baserunning, hustle and small ball with dominant pitching, while the Red Sox made costly mistakes and repeatedly overmanaged their starters. Max Fried battled through shaky command to deliver six strong innings, and young players like Spencer Jones and Luis Garcia Jr. injected speed, energy and confidence into the lineup. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash point to the Yankees' newfound killer instinct and pitching depth as the biggest reasons this team feels different. Now Aaron Boone faces a fascinating decision with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón both in the mix to start Game 1.

The Yankees left no doubt in Game 1, Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice are the new generation, now we look ahead to Game 2

Cam Schlittler overwhelmed the Red Sox again, and Aaron Boone finally managed like he had a horse worth riding. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash break down Schlittler's dominant postseason performance, Boone's decision to push him deep despite a rising pitch count, and why the Yankees' starting rotation may have become the identity that can carry them through October. They also contrast Boone's aggressive approach with Boston pulling Peyton Tolle after just 83 pitches. Aaron Judge also created an unexpected pregame mystery by not taking part in the Yankees' on-field introductions despite being in the dugout supporting his teammates. The crew debates whether Judge was simply keeping the spotlight on the active roster or whether his absence reflected frustration with how the Yankees handled his injury and playoff status.

Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice have turned the Yankees' postseason into a showcase for the organization's young core. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down Schlittler's dominant performance against Boston, Rice's huge night, and how a lineup filled with inexpensive, homegrown talent has changed the feel of this Yankees team. The conversation turns to Brian Cashman's role in building a group that could define the next era in the Bronx. The crew also defends Yankees fans over the controversial mound-visit boos, praises NBC's playoff broadcast approach, and debates how Aaron Boone should manage every run in a tight postseason game. Plus, Tiki explains why moving Arvell Reese to the edge too soon could hurt both the Giants and the young linebacker's development.

The Giants suddenly have a path to stealing the NFC East. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash look at a wide-open division, why Philadelphia and Dallas suddenly feel vulnerable, and how Jameis Winston now becomes the biggest variable in keeping the Giants in the race. They also break down the team's ugly red-zone offense, Najee Harris moving up the running back hierarchy, and Kayvon Thibodeaux fooling everyone with his reaction to Odell Beckham Jr.'s release. Then the focus shifts to October baseball, where Shaun declares the Red Sox the Yankees' new Twins after another dominant playoff showing. The guys also react to the Astros getting called out by one of their own players over empty playoff seats, Susan Waldman delivering an accidental insult to Big Mac, and the unforgettable Yankee Stadium scene after Ben Rice's grand slam.

Evan and Tiki analyze the Yankees' postseason matchup against former pitcher Sonny Gray and the Red Sox. They argue over Brian Cashman's roster management and whether the decision to stick with Austin Wells over other catching options will haunt the team. The conversation also explores potential lineup changes and Max Fried's inconsistent postseason history. (00:01:50) Sonny Gray's Yankee Return (00:06:30) Yankees Postseason History Trivia (00:10:20) Jameis Winston Leadership Debate (00:14:45) Evaluating Brian Cashman's Deadline (00:18:45) Austin Wells Catcher Debate (00:25:00) Boone's Aggressive Bullpen Use (00:32:20) WFAN Fan Focus (00:36:40) Comparing Boone and Cora (00:43:00) Max Fried Postseason History

Shaun Morash declares the Red Sox the Yankees' new Twins, arguing Boston has become an October punching bag as the Yankees keep shutting down their offense. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber push back on just how far that comparison can go, but Shaun sees a matchup the Yankees should dominate for years. Then Susan Waldman delivers what might be the ultimate insult to Big Mac by suggesting he hasn't watched every Yankees game. The guys debate whether the shot was really aimed at Craig Carton, revisit Big Mac's Yankee Stadium habits, and celebrate the incredible scene after Ben Rice's grand slam sent drinks flying through the bleachers.

The Astros are unraveling, and now one of their own players is calling out the fans. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash react to thousands of empty seats in Houston, Bennett Sousa criticizing the atmosphere, and why the Astros suddenly feel nothing like the powerhouse Yankee fans once despised. The conversation then turns back to the Giants and their continued red-zone failures. Tiki explains why the coaching staff may be overthinking things with Jameis Winston, especially after abandoning a rushing attack that was working against Tennessee. Plus, the guys debate the difference between TV and radio play-by-play and why postseason broadcasts can frustrate fans used to their local announcers.

The Giants suddenly have a real opening in the NFC East. Evan Roberts, Tiki Barber and Shaun Morash break down a division with no dominant team, why Philadelphia and Dallas look vulnerable, and how Jameis Winston could keep the Giants firmly in the race. They also react to Kayvon Thibodeaux pretending he had just learned about Odell Beckham Jr.'s release, a performance convincing enough to fool Tiki. Plus, Najee Harris appears to be moving ahead in the Giants' backfield, Tyrone Tracy's role is shrinking, and special teams could become a major factor in how this team wins close games.