Hot Takedown is the weekly sports podcast from FiveThirtyEight. On it, the crew uses numbers to dissect the week in sports, taking down some silly hot takes in the process.
Football Is Weird, Part Infinity
In our last Hot Takedown, the team looks at NFL chaos from this week and college basketball chaos to come. Plus: a Rabbit Hole with a curse.
09/11/2021 • 1 hour 3 minutes 19 seconds
Analytics, But From The Gut
Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and a new college football playoff format. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that has all of the sports.
02/11/2021 • 54 minutes 30 seconds
It's Anybody's World Series
Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and the Chiefs' woes. Plus: a RATPOR Rabbit Hole.
26/10/2021 • 52 minutes 29 seconds
Why Our Model (Still) Hates The Lakers
Hot Takedown discusses our NBA predictions and the MLB playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole all about first (and second) wins.
19/10/2021 • 54 minutes 2 seconds
Championships, Random-ships
Hot Takedown discusses this last week in the NFL, MLB, WNBA and College Football and previews the NHL. Plus: A Rabbit Hole for losers.
12/10/2021 • 51 minutes 6 seconds
The Dodgers Need A Reseed
Hot Takedown discusses the MLB playoffs and Cincinnati's CFB playoff chances. Plus: a special guest joins us for a family-themed Rabbit Hole.
05/10/2021 • 48 minutes 46 seconds
Brady vs. Belichick: Round Whatever
Hot Takedown discusses Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick and the chaos in college football. Plus: a Rabbit Hole on what's wrong with match play.
28/09/2021 • 48 minutes 47 seconds
Math Nerds (And The Ravens) Win
Hot Takedown discusses the Ravens' win over the Chiefs and the WNBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that's quite the catch(er).
21/09/2021 • 47 minutes 41 seconds
Actually, Week 1 Does Matter
Hot Takedown discusses Week 1 in the NFL and the latest no-hitter in MLB. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that messes with Texas.
14/09/2021 • 53 minutes 7 seconds
How We See The NFL Season
Hot Takedown talks through our NFL predictions. Plus a WNBA at 25 Rabbit Hole.
07/09/2021 • 51 minutes 52 seconds
Nebraska’s Frost Is Melting
Hot Takedown surveys the college football landscape and the results at the Paralympics. Plus: an immaculate (inning) Rabbit Hole.
31/08/2021 • 53 minutes 26 seconds
Turns Out 500 Is A Lot Of Home Runs
Hot Takedown discusses Miguel Cabrera's 500th home run, the Little League World Series and the fall of Topps in our all-baseball extravaganza.
24/08/2021 • 49 minutes 19 seconds
Our Expectations Aren’t Being Met By The Mets
Hot Takedown discusses the NL East and the NFL preseason. Plus an interview with author Greg Larson.
17/08/2021 • 54 minutes 39 seconds
A Messi Situation
Hot Takedown looks back at the Tokyo Games and looks ahead to Lionel Messi at PSG. Plus: a Rabbit Hole on the comeback of the eephus pitch.
10/08/2021 • 52 minutes 54 seconds
Simone Biles Beams Back
Hot Takedown looks at the MLB trade deadline and Olympic Gymnastics. Plus a record-setting track Rabbit Hole.
03/08/2021 • 52 minutes 7 seconds
Big Trouble For The Big 12
Hot Takedown discusses the latest college football conference realignment and mental focus in the Olympics. Plus: a team name Rabbit Hole in honor of the Cleveland Guardians.
27/07/2021 • 50 minutes 3 seconds
So The Olympics Are Still Happening?
Hot Takedown discusses the Tokyo Olympics and the NBA Finals. Plus: an expansion draft Rabbit Hole.
20/07/2021 • 55 minutes 8 seconds
All NBA Finals Takes Are Possible
Hot Takedown looks back at Game 3 of the NBA Finals and the MLB All-Star break. Plus: A rant about English soccer, as a treat.
13/07/2021 • 53 minutes 13 seconds
The Suns vs. The Bucks vs. Injuries
Hot Takedown previews the NBA Finals and the controversies ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
06/07/2021 • 56 minutes 14 seconds
MLB Tries To Get A Grip
Hot Takedown discusses MLB's crackdown on sticky stuff and the NBA conference finals.
29/06/2021 • 52 minutes 9 seconds
SCOTUS 9, NCAA 0
Hot Takedown discusses the implications of the Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Alston and the NBA Conference Finals.
22/06/2021 • 52 minutes 34 seconds
The Enemy Of My Enemy Roots For The Islanders
Hot Takedown looks at the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Brooks-Bryson rivalry ahead of the U.S. Open.
15/06/2021 • 51 minutes 24 seconds
A Fair Trade For Julio Jones
Hot Takedown looks at Julio Jones’s move from Atlanta to Tennessee and checks in on the NBA Playoffs.
08/06/2021 • 50 minutes 19 seconds
Everyone Lost In The French Open Fracas
Hot Takedown discusses Naomi Osaka’s exit from the French Open and the NBA playoffs.
01/06/2021 • 52 minutes 14 seconds
Can You Have Too Many No-Hitters?
Hot Takedown looks at no-hitter trend in MLB and the success of older athletes like Phil Mickelson.
25/05/2021 • 52 minutes 7 seconds
Playoffs And Play-Ins
Hot Takedown looks at the start of the NHL and NBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that puts age before beauty in MLB.
18/05/2021 • 51 minutes 57 seconds
It's Hard To Leave MLB Gracefully
Hot Takedown reflects on Albert Pujols exit and previews our WNBA predictions.
11/05/2021 • 52 minutes 53 seconds
Draft Grades Are Meaningless But Also A+ Fun
Hot Takedown reviews NFL draft grades and discusses the NBA play-in tournament. Plus a Rabbit Hole about the past (and future) of tanking.
04/05/2021 • 54 minutes 34 seconds
This NFL Draft Class Still Has Some QB Questions
Hot Takedown discusses the top quarterbacks, after Trevor Lawrence, in the NFL draft as well as the hype around the Knicks.
27/04/2021 • 51 minutes 23 seconds
A Super League Super Fight
Hot Takedown looks at how a Super League would change European soccer and the state of the NBA MVP race.
20/04/2021 • 54 minutes 33 seconds
Can We Keep Our Early Baseball Takes Cool?
Hot Takedown looks at the start of the baseball season and previews the WNBA draft.
13/04/2021 • 53 minutes 15 seconds
An End To The Madness
Hot Takedown surveys the NCAA Tournament results and previews The Masters. Plus special guest Harry Enten brings an MLB Rabbit Hole.
06/04/2021 • 53 minutes 48 seconds
All Hype Is Good Hype
Hot Takedown looks at the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight and previews the baseball season.
30/03/2021 • 53 minutes 41 seconds
The NCAA Is Bad At Capitalism
Hot Takedown looks at the NCAA's mistakes in this year's women's tournament and big upsets in the first two rounds of the men's tournament.
23/03/2021 • 53 minutes 41 seconds
Let’s Pick Our Brackets
Hot Takedown looks at both NCAA tournament brackets and picks our Men and Women's Final Four.
16/03/2021 • 53 minutes 55 seconds
A Year Of Pandemic Sports
Hot Takedown looks back at how sports adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus: a 16/16 Rabbit Hole.
09/03/2021 • 52 minutes 4 seconds
Why's Everyone Writing Off The Jazz?
Hot Takedown discusses where Tiger Woods’ legacy goes from here and the surprising (regular season) success of the Utah Jazz.
02/03/2021 • 51 minutes 8 seconds
Osaka's Rise Doesn't Mean Serena Is Done
Hot Takedown talks through the results of the Australian Open and previews March Madness. Yes, it is almost March.
23/02/2021 • 52 minutes 29 seconds
Grading The NHL's Start On And Off The Ice
Hot Takedown looks at the start of the NHL season and the current state of sports video games. Plus: an MLB free agency Rabbit Hole.
16/02/2021 • 52 minutes 20 seconds
How The Bucs Sunk The Chiefs
Hot Takedown breaks down Super Bowl LV: how the Buccaneers dismantled the Chiefs’ offense and what this win means for Tom Brady’s legacy.
09/02/2021 • 53 minutes
Baby GOAT vs. Grizzled GOAT
Hot Takedown previews Super Bowl LV and discusses the tensions between MLB owners and players.
02/02/2021 • 51 minutes 22 seconds
The Analytics On Being Aggressive
Hot Takedown discusses the NFL conference championship games and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
26/01/2021 • 52 minutes 23 seconds
One Super Bowl Win Isn't Enough Anymore?
Hot Takedown discusses Drew Brees' legacy and James Harden's first days with the Brooklyn Nets.
19/01/2021 • 50 minutes 31 seconds
Alabama Was The Unstoppable Force AND The Immovable Object
Hot Takedown reflects on Alabama's title win and how sports will keep intersecting with politics after Trump.
12/01/2021 • 52 minutes 17 seconds
Ohio State Made The Committee Look Good, And Bad
Hot Takedown discusses the College Football Playoff finals and the NFL super wild card round. Plus: a Steph Curry-flavored Rabbit Hole.
05/01/2021 • 51 minutes 12 seconds
Let's Stuff 2020 Down A Rabbit Hole
Hot Takedown closes out the year with three different Rabbit Holes: QB picks, 2020 chalk, and games played on odd weekdays.
29/12/2020 • 54 minutes 13 seconds
New Year, New RAPTOR
Hot Takedown breaks down our NBA predictions this year and everything wrong with the college football playoff. Plus: A Negro Leagues Rabbit Hole.
22/12/2020 • 56 minutes 44 seconds
Along Came A (Cleveland) Spider
Hot Takedown discusses the Cleveland Baseball team’s name change and the College Football Playoff. Plus: A Rabbit Hole 11 seasons in the making.
15/12/2020 • 54 minutes 17 seconds
The Jets' Tank Is Empty
Hot Takedown looks at tanking in the NFL and the Wall-Westbrook trade in the NBA. Plus: a chaotic good Rabbit Hole.
08/12/2020 • 53 minutes 3 seconds
Hard To Play Football Without A Quarterback
Hot Takedown looks at the NFL’s uneven attempts to manage the pandemic and a historic first for college football.
01/12/2020 • 57 minutes 21 seconds
College Basketball Tries To Stay Positive (And COVID-Negative)
Hot Takedown looks at the challenges ahead for the upcoming college basketball season. Plus: a Rabbit Hole inspired by Theo Epstein.
24/11/2020 • 53 minutes 47 seconds
The NBA’s Not-Normal November
Hot Takedown covers the big trades ahead of the NBA draft and Kim Ng's hiring as GM of the Miami Marlins.
17/11/2020 • 54 minutes 23 seconds
What's Wrong With The NFL's Best Teams?
Hot Takedown breaks down the top five NFL teams according to our model and talks about the prospects for the College Football Playoffs.
10/11/2020 • 55 minutes 19 seconds
All Podcasts Are Political
In an election special, Hot Takedown explores the influence of politics on sports, and how money from sports makes its way into politics.
03/11/2020 • 55 minutes 53 seconds
Belichick Is Fresh Out Of Magic
Hot Takedown discusses the World Series so far and the divergent fortunes of the Patriots and the Buccaneers. Plus: a sartorial tour through championship patches in the Rabbit Hole.
27/10/2020 • 56 minutes 16 seconds
More Moneyball, More Problems?
Hot Takedown discusses all things World Series: how the Dodgers and the Rays got here and who we think will win.
20/10/2020 • 53 minutes 40 seconds
The Lakers Burst The Heat's Bubble
Hot Takedown discusses the NBA finals and the MLB postseason. Plus: a Rabbit Hole with its own mascots.
13/10/2020 • 53 minutes 50 seconds
Bill O'Brien Set His Own Hot Seat On Fire
Hot Takedown talks about the teams struggling in the NFL and about the excellent WNBA finals. Plus: a championship ring Rabbit Hole.
06/10/2020 • 54 minutes 28 seconds
MLB’s Sweet Sixteen
Hot Takedown previews baseball’s unusual postseason as well as the NBA finals. Plus: a southern-fried hockey Rabbit Hole.
29/09/2020 • 53 minutes 45 seconds
Week Two Of The NFL Hurt
Hot Takedown looks at this week's wave of injuries in the NFL and why our predictions still discount the LA Lakers. Plus: a Padres Rabbit Hole 14 years in the making.
22/09/2020 • 58 minutes 44 seconds
From Wentz They Came
Hot Takedown unpacks Week 1 in the NFL and the Rockets’ exit from the NBA playoffs. Then, a single-elimination Rabbit Hole.
15/09/2020 • 52 minutes 28 seconds
Are We Ready For Some Football?
Hot Takedown previews the return of both the NFL and the English Premier League. Then, an interview with author Reid Forgrave.
08/09/2020 • 54 minutes 39 seconds
The NBA Strike Was Personal
Hot Takedown discusses the initial results of the NBA strike and previews the college football season, such as it is.
01/09/2020 • 53 minutes 5 seconds
Emergency Podcast: Sports On Strike
Hot Takedown discusses the strike for racial justice that began in the NBA.
27/08/2020 • 20 minutes 30 seconds
"Processing" The Sixers' Loss
Hot Takedown looks at the Celtics’ and the Raptors' first round sweeps, and gives out our MVP awards at MLB’s month-long midseason.
25/08/2020 • 52 minutes 12 seconds
A Tale Of Two Bubbles
Hot Takedown discusses the start of the NBA and NHL postseasons. Plus: a division sweeping Rabbit Hole.
18/08/2020 • 53 minutes 23 seconds
The Slow Fall Of Football
Hot Takedown discusses the impending cancellation of college football and then draft our World Series picks. Plus: a wide open Rabbit Hole.
11/08/2020 • 55 minutes 24 seconds
Will College Football Fail Its First Exam?
Hot Takedown discusses the friction between college athletes, the Power Five, and the NCAA, and celebrates the return of live sports.
04/08/2020 • 54 minutes 30 seconds
MLB's "Plan" Didn't Pan Out
Hot Takedown discusses baseball’s spike in positive coronavirus cases, the return of hockey, and an extra innings Rabbit Hole.
28/07/2020 • 56 minutes 6 seconds
Ready Or Not, Here Comes Baseball
Hot Takedown previews the return of MLB and the semi-finals of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Plus, a trail running Rabbit Hole.
21/07/2020 • 51 minutes 50 seconds
College Football Makes A Conference Call
Hot Takedown talks about the Big 10 and Pac-12’s change to conference-only play, Manchester City’s appeal to be allowed to play in the Champions League, and a team (re)naming Rabbit Hole.
14/07/2020 • 56 minutes 53 seconds
What's In A Team Name?
Hot Takedown discusses the renewed push to change the name of Washington ’s NFL team, our new NBA forecast, and a batting stance Rabbit Hole.
07/07/2020 • 54 minutes 41 seconds
New(ton) England
Hot Takedown discusses the Patriot's newest MVP QB and the latest examples of athlete activism. Plus, a Rabbit Hole about pumping iron(s)
30/06/2020 • 48 minutes 26 seconds
Flattening The Curveball
Hot Takedown discusses MLB's restart plan and how multiple leagues are coping with COVID-19. Plus, an NBA coaching Rabbit Hole.
23/06/2020 • 54 minutes 42 seconds
NBA Players Hit Pause
Hot Takedown discusses some NBA players' reservations with the league's restart logistics and previews the Premier League's return.
16/06/2020 • 55 minutes 44 seconds
Was Drew Brees's Fourth Apology The Charm?
Hot Takedown assesses the NFL's rapid evolution on player protests and the NBA's plans to reopen in Disney World. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on fake players.
09/06/2020 • 52 minutes 44 seconds
What Can Sports Do?
Hot Takedown discusses the sports world's response to the ongoing protests against police brutality towards black Americans.
02/06/2020 • 42 minutes 35 seconds
Show Me The Money(ball)
Hot Takedown looks at the negotiations between MLB players and owners, and examines why golf has already made a successful comeback. Plus one last "Last Dance" Rabbit Hole.
26/05/2020 • 49 minutes 40 seconds
Shall We Last Dance?
Hot Takedown unpacks how truthful, and useful, the Michael Jordan docu-series is and debates some potential NFL diversity hiring incentives. Plus, a cricket-themed Rabbit Hole
19/05/2020 • 52 minutes 54 seconds
Live Sports? In This Economy?
Hot Takedown covers a new poll about what fans need to feel safe at live sporting events and discuss how it applies to the NBA. Then, an NCAA bribery Rabbit Hole, as a treat.
12/05/2020 • 47 minutes 59 seconds
U.S. Soccer's Big Day In Court
Hot Takedown talks to The Athletic's Meg Linehan about the latest news in the USWNT's lawsuit, and surveys which American leagues might be closest to reopening.
05/05/2020 • 53 minutes 13 seconds
Jordan Love Is A Battlefield
Hot Takedown covers the results of the NFL draft, Twitter drama about sports drafts, and a classic games Rabbit Hole.
28/04/2020 • 49 minutes 40 seconds
Bringing Down The Krause
Hot Takedown discusses where the NFL draft will get interesting, what's interesting about the new Michael Jordan documentary, and a rules-lawyering Rabbit Hole.
21/04/2020 • 52 minutes 58 seconds
Time To Get Weird, Sports Leagues
Hot Takedown talks prospects for the WNBA draft this week and prospects for the NBA generally. Then, author Brad Balukjian joins for a special baseball Rabbit Hole.
14/04/2020 • 49 minutes 57 seconds
Going The Social Distance
This week we discuss whether the president can help U.S. sports leagues restart and wrap up our NCAA tournament, then special guest Emily Scherer tackles the Rabbit Hole.
07/04/2020 • 49 minutes 5 seconds
Reality TV Is Our Only Hope For Hoops
Hot Takedown talks about how the NBA might end its hiatus, the NCAA extending eligibility for student athletes, and an iRacing (i)Rabbit Hole.
31/03/2020 • 48 minutes 5 seconds
Olympic Flame-Out
It's been another big week of cancellations in sports, so the Hot Takedown team reacts to the postponement of the Olympic Games.
24/03/2020 • 46 minutes 26 seconds
2020: A Sports-Less Odyssey
Hot Takedown looks at the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on both leagues and fans, and our Rabbit Hole remembers when sports were stopped in the past.
17/03/2020 • 49 minutes 17 seconds
Live from Sloan: How Has RAPTOR Done So Far?
Last week, Nate Silver joined Hot Takedown on stage to discuss how RAPTOR has performed this NBA season. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the unconventional way some players get paid.
10/03/2020 • 50 minutes 50 seconds
"Anybody Can Make The Final Four"
Hot Takedown discusses the chaos in men's college basketball and who our model believes should be NBA Rookie of the Year. Plus, a Rabbit Hole from spring training.
03/03/2020 • 58 minutes 34 seconds
"The Great 8 Is Better Than The Great One"
In Sara's absence, Neil and Geoff discuss too much hockey and debate the merits of era adjusting records. The Athletic's Meg Linehan unpacks the latest in the USWNT lawsuit.
25/02/2020 • 54 minutes 44 seconds
"They Fixed The NBA All-Star Game"
Changes to the NBA All-Star Game were well received but we have a few more ideas to improve the weekend. Plus, Manchester City's scandal and a Rabbit Hole on NFL dynasties.
18/02/2020 • 51 minutes 49 seconds
Kobe Bryant: On and Off The Court
Hot Takedown examines the full scope of Kobe Bryant's legacy and our Rabbit Hole celebrates some very bad hockey teams.
11/02/2020 • 47 minutes 10 seconds
"The Niners Choked"
A close look at the Chiefs' Super Bowl comeback, why the Red Sox might trade Mookie Bets and a Rabbit Hole on improbable brawls.
04/02/2020 • 55 minutes 8 seconds
"Will Jimmy Garoppolo Be The Hero?"
Our Super Bowl Special! What to expect from the 49ers and the Chiefs this Sunday, the next frontier of football analytics and a Rabbit Hole on an unconventional champion.
28/01/2020 • 55 minutes 35 seconds
Sign Stealing: Worse Than Steroids!
The Astros sign-stealing scandal is back in the headlines and we're still not convinced it's worth the hype. Our Rabbit Hole examines the limitations of the Rooney Rule.
21/01/2020 • 58 minutes 29 seconds
"The Ravens Always Choke"
The Titans pulled off the largest NFL playoff upset (according to Elo), social media is transforming how we cover the NBA and a Rabbit Hole on what the NHL is doing right.
14/01/2020 • 1 hour 2 minutes 53 seconds
"No One Believed In Us, And Rightfully So"
The NFL had a genuinely wild, wild-card weekend and Joe Burrow may be the most efficient college quarterback ever. Plus, Vince Carter's unique role in the NBA.
07/01/2020 • 59 minutes 32 seconds
A Decade In Sports
Hot Takedown explores the past 10 years in sports by assessing statistical changes, unlikely champions and new world records.
31/12/2019 • 44 minutes 3 seconds
STAT SCHOOL: From Box Scores to RAPTOR
Hot Takedown unpacks the evolution of statistics in the NBA.
24/12/2019 • 56 minutes 45 seconds
Bonus Episode: The Fullback Comeback
An interview from the ESPN Daily podcast that featured FiveThirtyEight's Josh Hermsmeyer. Josh recently wrote about the resurgence of fullbacks in the NFL.
19/12/2019 • 14 minutes 25 seconds
Cheating In Sports: What Really Matters?
Hot Takedown develops a rubric for assessing cheating scandals. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the impact of hockey superstars.
17/12/2019 • 1 hour 39 seconds
"The Russia Ban Isn't Enough"
Did WADA's ban on Russia (but not its athletes) from global competition go far enough? A non-controversial College Football Playoff and the secret of the NFC West.
10/12/2019 • 52 minutes 37 seconds
MLB Is A Soap Opera, NFL Is Game Of Thrones
A deep dive into MLB free agency and how the Patriots shape the narrative of the NFL. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the late Brad Gobright and the evolution of rock climbing.
03/12/2019 • 48 minutes 16 seconds
"Baseball Needed A Villain"
Are the Astros cheating or is sign stealing just baseball as usual? Plus, chaos in the College Football Championship and a Rabbit Hole on the demise of iconic nicknames.
26/11/2019 • 52 minutes 33 seconds
"Kaepernick won't play in the NFL again"
A quantitative approach to Colin Kaepernick's NFL hopes. Mike Goodman joins to discuss a surprising EPL table. Our Rabbit Hole assesses MLB Hall of Fame candidates.
19/11/2019 • 54 minutes 13 seconds
Let's Blame Analytics: Load Management Edition
The role of analytics in load management and how we propose to fix the NBA regular season. Plus, recent NCAA eligibility decisions and a Rabbit Hole on rag-tag teens.
12/11/2019 • 50 minutes 7 seconds
"Steph's Broken Hand Is A Blessing"
How Curry's injury affects the Warriors strategy and the merits of tanking across leagues. Plus, what to expect in college basketball and a Rabbit Hole on paper champions.
05/11/2019 • 54 minutes 22 seconds
Our 2020 (Super Bowl) Draft
Our mid-season NFL check-in leads to a lively Super Bowl draft. The crew unpacks the Astros front-office scandal and our Rabbit Hole discovers another Rabbit.
29/10/2019 • 57 minutes 39 seconds
Jalen Rose Is Mad At Us
It seems our NBA projections upset some pundits. On today's show, the crew backs them up, forecasts the World Series and argues over which rules the NFL should change.
22/10/2019 • 51 minutes 28 seconds
"Blame It On The Juice"
The crew discusses allegations that MLB deadened the ball. Lyndsey D'Arcangelo joins to reflect on the WNBA season and a Rabbit Hole on Simone Biles and USA gymnastics.
15/10/2019 • 50 minutes 13 seconds
We're Unleashing Our New NBA Metric
Nate Silver dives under the hood of our new NBA metric: RAPTOR. Chris Herring joins to unpack the NBA/China controversy and a Rabbit Hole on the Twins.
08/10/2019 • 59 minutes 17 seconds
"Lopsided Is MLB's New Normal"
This week, the show reflects on a season of extremes in MLB and an eventful first month of college football. Our Rabbit Hole defends a disrespected St. Louis Blues.
01/10/2019 • 42 minutes 20 seconds
"The NBA Missed The Point"
How the NBA's new tampering rules will affect the league. What to watch for in the final week of MLB regular season and a Rabbit Hole for Survivor fans.
24/09/2019 • 45 minutes 54 seconds
"The Saints Will Survive. The Steelers Are Done."
The lasting impact of quarterback injuries from the NFL's second weekend. Lyndsey D'Arcangelo joins to discuss the WNBA Playoffs. Our Rabbit Hole marks the end of an era.
17/09/2019 • 43 minutes 1 second
"Antonio Brown Orchestrated His Exit"
Hot Takedown reacts (but not overreacts) to Week 1 of the NFL season and break down what happens now with the Antonio Brown situation. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on Wes Helms?
10/09/2019 • 53 minutes 56 seconds
NFL Predictions: Truth Hurts For The Minnesota Vikings
A preview of our 2019-20 NFL prediction model and Kent Blackstone from the Atlantic League joins to discuss new tech headed for MLB. A Rabbit Hole tribute to fight songs.
03/09/2019 • 50 minutes 31 seconds
Andrew Luck: Brave or Millennial?
What Andrew Luck's early retirement and Mike Trout's ring-less dominance says about their leagues. A Rabbit Hole celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
27/08/2019 • 57 minutes 27 seconds
"The Youths Have Taken Over Baseball"
A breakdown of young players dominating the MLB, a look ahead to the 2019 college football season and a Rabbit Hole on the Little League World Series.
20/08/2019 • 54 minutes 49 seconds
"Nothing Says 'Fantasy' Like Risk Management"
Hot Takedown unravels the logic behind fantasy football and weighs potential outcomes for the 2019-20 EPL title race. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on historic baseball upsets.
13/08/2019 • 45 minutes 46 seconds
The Whole Show's A Rabbit Hole
A better approach to EPL Fantasy, the density of champions in the WNBA, a search for NASCAR road course ringers and an appreciation for X Games events, past and present.
06/08/2019 • 53 minutes 53 seconds
"Mets In Perpetual Chaos"
Hot Takedown looks at the MLB trade deadline and Lyndsey D'Arcangelo from The Athletic joins to discuss the WNBA. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on temper tantrums.
30/07/2019 • 55 minutes 27 seconds
"Zeke Should Hold Out"
The role of analytics in the depreciation of NFL running backs and a Rabbit Hole that might make you wary of your ballpark seat assignment.
23/07/2019 • 44 minutes 1 second
"Good Luck Betting On The 2019-20 NBA"
Nate Silver joins to discuss our 2019-20 NBA model. We look ahead to the British Open and dive into the unlikely tie break scenarios at Wimbledon and the Cricket World Cup.
16/07/2019 • 58 minutes 33 seconds
"We Want Infinite All-Star Rosters"
The team assesses the MLB All-Star Game and is joined by Travis Sawchik to discuss his new book, The MVP Machine. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on New York ticker-tape parades.
09/07/2019 • 48 minutes 37 seconds
"The Knicks Need To Grow Up"
This week, Hot Takedown discusses all the drama around NBA free agency, the merits of competitive eating and changes to World Cup scoring.
02/07/2019 • 42 minutes 22 seconds
"Is The USWNT As Good As We Thought?"
This week our crew looks at the quarterfinal matchup between the USA and France in the Women's World Cup, NBA free agency and a Rabbit Hole into sports boardgames.
25/06/2019 • 47 minutes 30 seconds
"Survival Of The Takiest"
We dive into the hottest takes of the NBA finals and analyze our Women's World Cup model. In the latest edition of "Get Off My Field", Sara demands more glowing objects.
18/06/2019 • 1 hour 1 minute 26 seconds
The Warriors' Incredible Win And Horrible Loss
Hot Takedown unpacks Game 5 of the NBA Finals and previews Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Plus, a Rabbit Hole featuring Sara's Minnesota Twins fandom.
11/06/2019 • 46 minutes 31 seconds
"Serena Should Win Every Slam"
Hot Takedown discusses the upsets in the women's French Open and the strategies of the convoluted MLB draft, and our Rabbit Hole champions the Women's College World Series.
04/06/2019 • 48 minutes 26 seconds
"#WarriorsIn4"
Nate Silver joins to discuss why our model favors Toronto in the NBA Finals. Plus, Tottenham's improbable road to the Champions League final and a Rabbit Hole on figurines.
28/05/2019 • 47 minutes 11 seconds
"Bottom Line: Pay Women The Same"
Hot Takedown talks to author Caitlin Murray about USWNT's lawsuit for equal pay in advance of the Women's World Cup. Also, we get lost in disastrous baseball.
21/05/2019 • 39 minutes 48 seconds
"The Raptors Need To Be Better"
This week, Hot Takedown evaluates the NBA and NHL conference finals. Plus, our Rabbit Hole tracks the players who made the most rosters over their careers.
14/05/2019 • 41 minutes 16 seconds
"The Red Sox Should Be Fine"
The crew examines promising performances by the Red Sox and a tight Premier League title run with Mike Goodman of StatsBomb. Plus, our Rabbit Hole explores good luck totems.
07/05/2019 • 39 minutes 26 seconds
"The Giants Drafted A Backup QB"
Hot Takedown checks the data behind Giants controversial no. 6 draft pick. ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry joins to discuss his new book, SprawlBall. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on horses.
30/04/2019 • 42 minutes 8 seconds
"The Rockets Can Beat The Warriors"
Nate Silver joins the podcast to talk about the second round of the NBA playoffs. We also discuss Kyler Murray and the NFL draft and Nate rants about home runs in the MLB.
23/04/2019 • 35 minutes 52 seconds
"Tiger Will Catch Jack"
The Hot Takedown team gathers to assess upsets in the NBA playoffs, Tiger's historic win at the Masters and our Rabbit Hole dives into other great comeback stories.
16/04/2019 • 32 minutes 11 seconds
"Giannis Is Clearly The MVP"
Hot Takedown gathers to discuss the end of March Madness and debate who will become the NBA MVP. Plus, it's Masters week and our Rabbit Hole goes back to 1908.
09/04/2019 • 44 minutes 21 seconds
[AUDIO FIXED] Michigan State Beat The Best
Our upload earlier this week made Geoff sound like he was in a tunnel of sound. This fixes that. We talk NCAAM, MLB opening weekend, and our Rabbit Hole of the week.
03/04/2019 • 46 minutes 24 seconds
"Michigan State Beat The Best"
Hot Takedown is buzzing with reactions to the March Madness Final Four. Plus, MLB opening weekend brought surprises and our Rabbit Hole of the Week has us feeling old.
02/04/2019 • 46 minutes 24 seconds
"Get That Extension While You Can"
The Hot Takedown crew reacts to a flurry of MLB extensions and make our predictions for the season. We debate NBA prospects for Williamson and Morant, plus an ode to Gronk.
26/03/2019 • 38 minutes 10 seconds
"Conference Tournaments Are Meaningless"
This week, Hot Takedown previews the NCAA tournaments and make our Final Four picks. We also take stock of the NFL free agency and discuss strange NCAA mascots.
19/03/2019 • 45 minutes 50 seconds
Episode Zero
The podcast where the hot sports takes of the week meet the numbers that prove them right or tear them down.
13/03/2019 • 2 minutes 39 seconds
"The Steelers Are Better Off Without AB"
Hot Takedown is back! This week, we tackle Antonio Brown's trade to the Raiders, the Mets going for it in the NL East and our Rabbit Hole of the week.
12/03/2019 • 31 minutes 35 seconds
WWJD (What Will James Do?)
We're in The Lab to wrap up the season while discussing what makes these Warriors different from other NBA "dynasties" and where LeBron James should play next season.
11/06/2018 • 48 minutes 53 seconds
Get Your Brooms Ready
The whole gang is back in the Lab to discuss what a potential sweep will do for the Warriors "dynasty" and LeBron's legacy. We also re-evaluate Finals MVP candidates and more.
07/06/2018 • 42 minutes 46 seconds
These Are The Warriors At Their Curry-Fueled Best
With the Finals shifting to Cleveland, Neil and Kyle are in The Lab to discuss Curry's Finals MVP-worthy performance and wonder which player could step up to help LeBron.
04/06/2018 • 30 minutes 58 seconds
About That Block
Neil and Kyle are in The Lab to dissect the crazy ending to Game 1. We discuss JR's blunder, highlight what the Cavs did right and wonder what more LeBron has to do.
01/06/2018 • 23 minutes 4 seconds
Run It Back...Again...And Again...
First, we're in The Lab to break down what went wrong for Houston and Boston and then we look ahead to Cavaliers vs. Warriors: Part IV.
29/05/2018 • 45 minutes 15 seconds
UPDATED: LeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too.
The episode we posted earlier was incomplete. Listen to this one! The crew discusses the NBA conference finals and how the NFL's anthem policy differs from the NBA's.
24/05/2018 • 44 minutes 19 seconds
LeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too.
The crew discusses the NBA conference finals and how the NFL's new anthem policy differs from the NBA's in fewer ways than you'd think.
24/05/2018 • 44 minutes 19 seconds
What Do All These Blowouts Mean?
Neil and Kyle discuss why all the teams in the two remaining series have been so dominant at times, and terrible at others.
21/05/2018 • 34 minutes 38 seconds
Breaking Down Each Game 1
The Celtics limited LeBron James -- is that a sign of things to come? The Warriors ran away with the end of the game -- are the Rockets doomed to be in the Warriors' shadow?
15/05/2018 • 42 minutes 18 seconds
Previewing The Conference Finals
Neil and Kyle preview both conference finals matchups, and say goodbye to the eliminated teams.
10/05/2018 • 48 minutes 19 seconds
35: Rockets Grounded
The crew is in The Lab to break down Utah's impressive win in Houston, the continued problems for the Raptors, Curry's return and more.
03/05/2018 • 22 minutes 12 seconds
34: Eight Teams Left
The playoffs continue marching on and we're back in The Lab to break down the conference semi-final matchups in the East and West.
30/04/2018 • 46 minutes 28 seconds
33: Thunder Fight On
The playoffs keep marching on and we're back to discuss the Thunder's epic comeback against the Jazz, preview the Warriors-Pelicans second round series and more.
26/04/2018 • 35 minutes
32: Best Of Three
Neil and Kyle break down the weekend playoff action and discuss the three 2-2 series in the Eastern Conference. For the Raptors, Celtics and the Cavs, who should be worried?
23/04/2018 • 27 minutes 20 seconds
31: All Tied Up
We're back in the Lab to dive into the playoff series that are tied at 1-1 heading into Game 3. Is OKC in trouble? Can the Cavs get one back in Indiana? Should Embiid return?
19/04/2018 • 42 minutes 14 seconds
30: Game 1s In The Books
We're in The Lab to look back on the opening weekend of the NBA playoffs. We discuss Dipo and the Pacers, wonders what the Blazers can do to stop AD, and more.
16/04/2018 • 26 minutes 56 seconds
29: Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview
And now onto the Eastern Conference! We're back to preview all four first-round matchups in the East and offer our predictions for which teams will move on.
13/04/2018 • 38 minutes 32 seconds
28: Western Conference Playoffs Preview
Playoffs are finally here! We're in The Lab to preview the matchups in the Western Conference and compare our predictions with those of FiveThirtyEight's CARM-Elo predictions.
12/04/2018 • 35 minutes 58 seconds
27: We The North
This week, we're in The Lab to break down the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors and their chances in this year's playoffs, Embiid's injury, Oladipo and more.
05/04/2018 • 45 minutes 39 seconds
26: Warrior Down
This week on The Lab, the crew dives into the impact of Steph Curry's injury on the Warriors' playoff run, touch on Kyrie's knee procedure and more.
29/03/2018 • 40 minutes 53 seconds
25: Is Utah A Small-Market Model?
This week in The Lab, we discuss the Jazz and their impressive re-build project this season, ask once again how legit the Rockets are, break down the problems in OKC and more.
21/03/2018 • 42 minutes 23 seconds
24: Talking Cavs With David Griffin
Former Cavaliers GM David Griffin joins us in The Lab to discuss LeBron James, the Cavaliers and more.
14/03/2018 • 57 minutes 45 seconds
23: Wild Wild West
This week in The Lab, the crew discuss the red hot Blazers, the intense playoff race happening out West and more.
08/03/2018 • 35 minutes 43 seconds
Curling Special: Team USA Gold
Neil Paine and Nate Silver sit down with the USA curling team to talk about stats in curling and what it was like to win gold at Pyeongchang.
05/03/2018 • 34 minutes 11 seconds
22: The Great NBA Tank-Off
The whole crew is back in The Lab to discuss Jimmy Butler's injury, AD's performance after Boogie went down and the worst teams in the NBA.
01/03/2018 • 46 minutes 45 seconds
21: Restructuring The Playoffs With Brian Windhorst
Brian Windhorst joins us in The Lab to discuss possible new NBA playoff seedings. We also answer listener All-Star questions, discuss Toronto's surprising bench play and more.
22/02/2018 • 37 minutes 33 seconds
20: All That Jazz
Nate Silver is back in The Lab to help us try to fix the All-Star Game. Plus, we tackle the Utah Jazz's surprising winning streak, the fit for the new Cavaliers and more.
15/02/2018 • 48 minutes 19 seconds
19: Cleveland Rocks The NBA Trade Deadline
Nate Silver joins The Lab crew to discuss the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers and wonders which players will have the biggest impact on their new teams.
08/02/2018 • 50 minutes 48 seconds
18: Injuries, Injuries And More Injuries
The Lab touch on the Blake Griffin trade and dive into the injuries that have plagued the league, from Kevin Love to John Wall and more.
01/02/2018 • 49 minutes 18 seconds
17: Where Is The Love?
The Lab investigate brewing problems in San Antonio and Cleveland and dive into where the Milwaukee Bucks can go now after firing head coach Jason Kidd.
25/01/2018 • 36 minutes 56 seconds
16: Talking Wizards with Candace Buckner
Washington Post reporter Candace Buckner joins The Lab to discuss the Washington Wizards. We also dive into Kawhi's injury, NBA fights and more.
18/01/2018 • 48 minutes 56 seconds
15: Are The Timberwolves For Real?
We're in The Lab this week to discuss Curry's return, Ball and the Lakers and the new and improved Timberwolves.
11/01/2018 • 44 minutes 36 seconds
14: Stat Sheet Stuffing
We're back for the new year to discuss IT's return, the strange lack of crazy stat lines this season and Andre Drummond, the point guard?
04/01/2018 • 34 minutes 5 seconds
13: Holiday Mailbag
What's our most surprising team so far? Who's on our All-Rookie team right now? What should the Bulls do? We answer these and other questions from our listeners this week.
27/12/2017 • 54 minutes
12: The Progress Of The Process
The Lab give their takes on #8 or #24, check in on what's going right or wrong in The Process and more.
21/12/2017 • 49 minutes 28 seconds
11: When The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play
We're in the Lab to discuss why OKC's outcasts are thriving and winning on their new teams and try to figure out how the Timberwolves are winning these close games.
12/12/2017 • 40 minutes 23 seconds
10: Keeping Up With The Jameses
Neil, Kyle and Chris discuss LeBron James and the Cavs' recent win streak, the MVP caliber season of James Harden and more.
07/12/2017 • 38 minutes 21 seconds
09: Memphis Blues
Neil, Kyle and Chris chat about David Fizdale's firing and discuss the potential impact of Blake Griffin's latest injury.
30/11/2017 • 38 minutes 54 seconds
08: Everything OK In OKC?
Neil, Kyle and Chris are in The Lab to break down the problems with the OKC Thunder and discuss Lonzo's continued shooting woes.
22/11/2017 • 36 minutes 13 seconds
07: The Return Of Al Horford
The Lab is back to discuss the Celtics' surprising winning streak and wonders how long they can keep winning like this.
16/11/2017 • 33 minutes 26 seconds
06: Mood...
The Lab welcomes ESPN's Baxter Holmes to talk about NBA scheduling and tired players. Plus, Neil and Kyle discuss the Cavs situation and wonders if they should be worried.
08/11/2017 • 39 minutes 28 seconds
05: Battle Of Power Forwards
Neil, Kyle and Chris are back in the Lab to discuss the transformation of Blake, KP and Aaron Gordon this season.
02/11/2017 • 38 minutes 13 seconds
And-1: Interview with Rich Cho
Before the season started, Chris Herring sat down with Hornets GM, Rich Cho, to discuss the new season, Dwight Howard and food.
27/10/2017 • 30 minutes 7 seconds
04: The Greek Freak
Neil, Kyle and Chris are back to discuss what is going on in Phoenix and what we can decipher from Giannis' crazy start to the season.
25/10/2017 • 34 minutes 57 seconds
03: Boston Without Hayward
Where do the Celtics go from here? Chris, Neil and Kyle are back to discuss what the Gordon Hayward injury means for Boston and more impressions from the NBA's opening night.
18/10/2017 • 26 minutes 12 seconds
And-1: Interview with Jeanie Buss
Chris Herring sits down with Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers to discuss why family and basketball don't always mix and what to expect from Lonzo Ball this season.
17/10/2017 • 41 minutes 35 seconds
02: Eastern Conference Previews
The Lab, FiveThirtyEight's new NBA podcast, is back! Neil, Chris and Kyle break down the good and the not-so-good teams in the East.
11/10/2017 • 1 hour 1 minute 7 seconds
01: Western Conference Previews
FiveThirtyEight's new NBA podcast! Neil, Chris and Kyle discuss what to expect from each team in the West. Next week: the East.
04/10/2017 • 1 hour 5 minutes 46 seconds
The Hottest Takes
On our final show, the Hot Takedown crew breaks down what we've learned and says farewell with a Hall of Fame hot take.
26/09/2017 • 45 minutes 16 seconds
Historical Bias
The HTD crew discusses Eli Manning's latest woes and debates whether the quality of play in the NFL is as low as it seems. Plus, a sig dig on baseball.
19/09/2017 • 36 minutes 31 seconds
September Streaks
The HTD crew discusses Sloane Stephens' U.S. Open triumph and dissects the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers' recent streaks in the MLB.
12/09/2017 • 44 minutes
Staying Power
The HTD crew is joined by ESPN's Mina Kimes, who drops by to discuss her Aaron Rodgers profile and helps us preview the start of the NFL season. Plus, a sig dig on tennis.
05/09/2017 • 30 minutes 53 seconds
The Cavs-Celtics Swap
Neil Paine, Chris Herring and Kyle Wagner break down the megadeal between the Celtics and the Cavaliers, and talk about how the teams will play next season.
30/08/2017 • 46 minutes 28 seconds
A Tricky Deal
The HTD crew previews college football and discusses parity and which metrics matter most. Plus, the Lakers' latest woes and a significant digit on Felix Hernandez.
22/08/2017 • 29 minutes 58 seconds
Hot And Cold
The HTD crew discusses Ezekiel Elliott's suspension, whether momentum in sports really exists, and a significant digit on the MLB's long and getting longer games.
15/08/2017 • 41 minutes 3 seconds
One Direction Or Another
The HTD crew is joined by Mike Goodman for an all soccer show that touches on the Neymar deal, previews the EPL, and questions if MLS is a Ponzi scheme.