First Take

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

First Take 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! (29:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

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) Then, 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 an inconsistent Bills squad, could this be their breakthrough year? (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

First Take begins with the battle for the AFC North. Rodgers has the Steelers in front with three games 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) And, Josh Allen showed us he still carries the AFC East torch as he lit fire to a snowy Foxborough. Do his Bills need to win the division more than Drake's Pats? (33:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

First Take begins with Jordan Love's latest heroics! The Packers took down the Bears to take control of the NFC North, but can Love be trusted in big games? (0:00) Then, was it a mistake keeping Notre Dame out of the CFP? (24:30) Finally, Josh Allen went superman mode to overcome the Bengals high powered offense. As one of the few wily vets in the AFC playoff picture, is he good enough to overcome the Bills mediocre defense. (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

First Take resumes with George Pickens responding to Richard Sherman's criticism about his disappearing act against the Lions! (0:00) Then, Rodgers faces Lamar in a key divisional battle. Who comes out on top? (12:00) Next, Heisman winner Desmond Howard joins to break down how this weekend's conference championship games will affect the CFP. (24:50) Finally, Joe Fortenbaugh gives his best bets for a loaded NFL Sunday slate! (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

First Take begins with Stephen A. roasting George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys! (0:00) Then, Micah Parsons sees the Bears disrespect. Will he raise them a couple sacks? (22:50) Next, LeBron's 10 point streak ended after 19 years, but his unselfish play earned the Lakers a win. Stephen A. has thoughts on the King's play style. (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

First Take resumes with DanO questioning if the Cowboys really have what it takes to make the playoffs. (0:00) Then, Definitive Dan thinks we're all overreacting to Jaxson Dart's play style, and tells us to watch out for the Dolphins! (9:20) Then, are you higher on the Bears offense or Packers defense? (19:00) Finally, which offense will ball out more this week: Burrow and the Bengals or Allen and the Bills? (31:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

First Take begins with Mina Kimes in studio! Mina, Dan and RC get after Stephen A. for his waffling Lions vs Cowboys pick! (0:00) Then, Brian Windhorst gives us the latest Giannis trade speculation and more on CP3's shocking dismissal from the Clippers. (16:40) Next, RC gives some perspective on James Harrison's comments about their former head coach Mike Tomlin. (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

First Take resumes with the scariest NFL teams. Hear the team Mad Dog thinks no one wants to see in the playoffs! (0:00) Then, the crew asks if the Bears are real contenders. (12:00) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Nick Sirianni, NFL officiating, and Lane Kiffin. (24:00) Finally, we take a look back at Chris Paul's illustrious career after he was abruptly released by the LA Clippers early Wednesday morning. (39:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

First Take begins with the whole crew back in studio for Doggy Wednesdays! Can the Eagles catch the Cowboys in the race for the NFC East crown, and can the Chiefs run the table? (0:00) Then, Paul Finebaum on the latest CFP Rankings. (21:50) Finally, SAS sounds off on the Clippers for releasing Chris Paul in the middle of the night! (39:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

First Take resumes with a monumental Thursday night brawl between the Cowboys and Lions. Who needs the win more? (0:00) Then, with the Steelers on the outside of the playoff picture, is the Rodgers signing a failure? (10:30) Next Stephen A's List! Find out his top 5 NFL teams after week 13! (23:30) And finally, does Abdul Carter's 1st quarter benching say more about him, or the Giants as an organization? (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

First Take begins with a Monday night beatdown! The Patriots are pounding through an easy schedule, but would you be surprised if they win the Super Bowl? And, how can Jaxson Dart avoid taking so many gruesome hits?(0:00) Then, how does Lane Kiffin look after his introductory press conference as LSU's head coach? (24:00) Finally, will Mahomes be viewed differently if the Chiefs miss the playoffs? (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

First Take resumes with NFC parity. Which team are you most confident in right now? (0:00) Are there any true contenders in the AFC North, or is this a division full of frauds? (11:30) Then, does Texas deserve to be in the College Football Playoffs, and should Ole Miss have let Lane Kiffin finish the season? (19:30) Next, do you believe in the Colts after a rough stretch of losses? (38:00) Finally, are the Broncos or Patriots the best team in the AFC? (40:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

First Take begins with the free falling Steelers. Should they move on from long time head coach Mike Tomlin? (0:00) Who had the worse Week 13 Loss: Rams or Eagles? (14:00) Then, we debate Lane Kiffin's tumultuous exit from Ole Miss. (25:30) Finally, should Shedeur start for the rest of the season? (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

First Take resumes with NFC North juggernauts. Are you more encouraged by the Packers or concerned about the Lions? And, which team bolstered their roster more in the offseason: Packers with Parsons, or Cowboys with Pickens? The Eagles are flying down, while the Bears are climbing up! Which offense do you have more faith in? The Chiefs lost a tight battle in Big D, while the Ravens fell at the hands of Joey B. Which fading AFC juggernaut are you more concerned about? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

First Take begins with the playoff bound Cowboys??? Hear if RC, Cam and Stephen A. think they can run the table. Joe Burrow walked into Baltimore in his first game back and crushed Lamar. Can the Bengals sneak their way into the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

First Take resumes with the Cowboys. Can they stay green bean casse-ROLLING against the Chiefs, and maybe even run the table? The Eagles hope it will be a Good Friday after facing the powerful Bears. Are the Eagles closer to a Super Bowl or an early playoff exit? Last but not feast, Justin Jefferson and the Vikings face the Seahawks. With J.J. McCarthy struggling mightily, are the Vikings wasting Jefferson's prime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!! First Take begins with the dish of the day in Dallas. Which offense is more trustworthy: Chiefs or Cowboys? Our second plate is full of Shedeur Sanders debates. If he fails to produce against a tough 49ers defense, should the Browns relegate him back to the bench? Thanksgiving wraps up with an AFC North showdown. Lamar looks to find his footing after a shaky few starts. Is this a must win for the Ravens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

First Take resumes with Kimberly Martin discussing Jerry Jones preseason and trade deadline moves. Did they pay off? WWE icon Paul Heyman joins to preview the Survivor Series: WarGames matches, happening Saturday at 7PM ET on the ESPN app. Mad Dog is MAD about the Colts OT decision, the Thanksgiving football slate???, and Stephen A skipping work. Coming off his first NFL win, Shedeur Sanders is expected to start again against the 49ers. What are your expectations for him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

First Take begins with Doggy Wednesdays! Mad Dog is back to tell us whether Mahomes or Prescott have more pressure to win on Thanksgiving day. Paul Finebaum joins to talk about Lane Kiffin. Doggy and Stephen A. can't see eye to eye on his decision making process as numerous SEC teams target him for their head coach openings. Our Thanksgiving nightcap sees Burrow return for a pivotal AFC North matchup against Lamar and the Ravens. If the Ravens win, are they legit Super Bowl contenders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

First Take resumes with a heated debate over who would gain more from winning a second Super Bowl: Matthew Stafford or Jalen Hurts. The Lions, Texans and Panthers are just a few of the many teams in the playoff hunt right now. Which squad is the scariest? Stephen A. gives us his top 5 teams after week 12. CC counters with his list. Chaos erupts. The Bills and Steelers seemed like playoff locks after getting off to blazing hot starts, but their playoff chances are quickly fading. Which team is having a more disappointing season so far? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

First Take begins with the 49ers winning despite Brock Purdy's 3 interceptions. Sitting at 8-4 and 3rd in their division, are they really NFC contenders? Jeff and CC head to the board to check on the Cowboys playoff chances with a win vs. a loss to the Chiefs on Thanksgiving. CC tells us which NFL teams he can and can't trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

First Take resumes with a Mahomes miracle. The Chiefs saved their season with a double digit fourth quarter comeback against the Colts. Are we more impressed with Mahomes Magic, or nervous about a Dimes Disintegration? Dak led the Cowboys to a massive win over the Eagles, but was it even more? Was this a win that will define his career? The Vikings chose J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold. Massive Mistake, or too early to tell? The Ravens officially stand atop the NFC North after starting 1-5, but can they contend for a Super Bowl? The crew debates if the 9-2 Rams and MVP favorite Matthew Stafford are the best team in the NFL. Malik Nabers posted and quickly deleted a tweet accusing the Giants coaching staff of trying to lose. Hear what Stephen A. has to say about Nabers thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

First Take begins with Greeny victory lapping his Cowboys take! Stephen A. finally bows his head in defeat... for a few minutes. He can't compliment the Cowboys for too long. Hear what he thinks will happen to them on Thanksgiving against the Chiefs. Shedeur Sanders earned his first NFL win, but Coach Stefanski won't commit to him as his starter going forward. Stephen A. asks our panel full of former NFL pros why the Browns wouldn't start him if they have no shot at the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

First Take resumes with Jalen Hurts win-loss record over the past two seasons: 24-5. Why do we criticize him so much? Are you more excited to watch Shedeur Sanders makes his first start, or the Cowboys attempt to take down their dominant division rival? Tyrese Maxey dropped 54 points vs the Bucks, becoming one of 21 players all time with at least three career 50/5/5 games. Stephen A. is impressed with his game! Joe Fortenbaugh stops by to give us his best bets for an awesome weekend of football! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

First Take kicks off with a loss for the Bills at the hands of an elite Texans defense. Are you more encouraged by the Texans, or concerned with the Bills? We react to A.J. Brown's newest comments. This time, he went after after Saquon! Shedeur Sanders makes his first start against the Raiders on Sunday. Why does Stephen A. think this is a make or break start for the 5th round rookie? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

First Take resumes with game picks for Eagles vs. Cowboys. Bethune-Cookman University athletic director, basketball head coach, and NBA legend Reggie Theus joins to tell us about his coaching journey and what makes BCU so special! BCU students get their shot to ask the crew some sports and life questions! Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor stick around to tell us if rivalries are better in college football or The NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

First Take is live from Bethune-Cookman University and the students are HYPED!!! Stephen A. makes them even crazier with his Jalen Hurts take. Does he deserve blame for the Eagles internal issues? Cam called Drake Maye and the Patriots "fools gold," and Maye responded. Now, it's Cam's turn to clap back! Florida legends Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder join to talk about Shedeur Sanders! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

First Take resumes with the crew discussing what Dak must do to lead the Cowboys to the playoffs. Shedeur Sanders makes his first start against the Raiders on Sunday. Swagu TEES OFF on Doggy for his Browns take. Mad Dog is MAD about 4th down decisions, JaMarr Chase's appeal, and Cam Skattebo's WWE fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

First Take begins with a week 12 lookahead. Shae, Mad Dog, Swagu, and Stephen A. look at the Cowboys playoff path. Also, what's more likely: Chiefs miss the playoffs or reach the Super Bowl? LeBron dished out 12 assists in his season debut. What's the Lakers ceiling this season? Finebaum joins to explain Notre Dame's unusual ranking and SEC bias. Stephen A. and Swagu go at it over Aaron Rodgers. Can the Steelers beat the Bears without him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

First Take resumes with Jeff eviscerating the Browns over their handling of Shedeur Sanders. Dominik Mysterio joins to talk about Survivor Series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025