First Take

Live from Birmingham, Alabama.

First Take is live from Arlington right down the block from Jerry's World! A rowdy Cowboys crowd welcomes Stephen A with open arms. Plus, are the Bills the best 6-2 team? Are you more impressed with the Steelers' defense or concerned with the Colts' offense? Are the Cowboys on upset alert against the Cardinals? 

First Take resumes with Stephen A betting against the Cowboys to make the playoffs. Then Marcus Spears and Cam Newton sound off on the Bengals defense. Plus Michael Irvin ranks his top 3 Cowboys playmakers of all time.

First Take starts with Stephen A, Jeff and CC asking if the Cowboys season is officially over after a stunning loss to the Cardinals. Stephen A also tells us all about sitting in Jerry Jones' suite. Then - could Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time in his illustrious career? Plus - more on the Bengals offense vs. defense drama. 

First Take hour 2 starts with Drew Brees joining the show to discuss all of the Dallas drama! Find out what he thinks about Jerry Jones taking shots at his former star player. Then - The Cardinals invested $230 million in Kyler Murray four years ago. With Jacoby Brissett balling, Drew sticks around to determine whether Kyler should be their starting QB once healthy. Plus - Lists! Lists! Lists! Jeff gives us his top 5 NFL teams after week 9 and Stephen A tells us his top 4 sports dynasties of all time!

First Take starts with the charging Broncos. They'll go 2.5 games up on the Chiefs with a win over the Raiders on Thursday night. Can they finally dethrone the nine-time defending AFC West Champs? Also - The Cardinals QB conundrum continues. Will Kyler Murray stay in Arizona next year, or will he find a new home? And later - Dan, Ryan, and Stephen A. tell you the winners and losers of a chaotic NFL trade deadline.

Hour 2 begins with an NFC check in. The crew debates if the Eagles or Seahawks are more likely to find themselves playing for the Lombardi Trophy in February. Plus - With the addition of Sauce Gardner, the Colts are officially ALL IN. Can Danny Dimes handle the lofty expectations set on him? Also - Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson lead their teams on the road in pivotal week 10 matchups. Which QB faces more pressure to win the AFC North?

First Takes discusses Denver's offense putting Stephen A. to sleep. Are they real threats in the AFC? QBs Under Pressure - Shae, RC, Cam, and Stephen A. debate which QB is under the most pressure to reach the Super Bowl this year. Steelers vs. Chargers - A measuring stick game for the Steelers, Stephen A. says their defense must wreak havoc against a battered Chargers O-line or he can't trust them as serious contenders.

First Take resumes with a heated debate over confidence levels in Jordan Love. Is this a must win for the Pack? 49ers QB Controversy - Mac Jones is 5-2 as a starter this year. With Brock Purdy nearly healthy, Cam tells you who should start for the 49ers Fortenbaugh'$ Be$t Bet$ - Joe Fortenbaugh give$ you hi$ three be$t bet$ of the weekend. 

First Take is back with the lousy Steelers offense. How much is Aaron Rodgers to blame, and what happens if they miss the playoffs? Bills in Trouble - What's wrong with the Bills? Do you still view them as contenders in a loaded AFC? Comeback Kids - Caleb Williams led the Bears on their fourth game winning drive of the season. Is this 4th quarter magic sustainable?

First Take resumes with the deciding factors in Monday Night's massive NFC matchup between the Eagles and Packers. West Coast Wallopings - The Seahawks and Rams dominated in divisional matchups. Who is the favorite in a loaded NFC West? Giant Issue - Concussions are becoming an issue for Jaxson Dart. He has made four visits to the blue tent this season. Does he need to change his style of play in order to stay healthy?

First Take starts with CC demolishing the Packers offense, and Stephen A. wonders if the Eagles are Jordan Love's kryptonite. No More Nico - Stephen A. and Amina Smith react to the Mavericks firing GM Nico Harrison. Big Apple Crumble - CC goes off on the Giants for keeping Joe Schoen after firing Brian Daboll. State of Play - We take a look at the AFC playoff picture.

Hour 2 starts with Stephen A. raving about Victor Wembanyama. Can he win his first MVP this season? Nico Fired - Shams joins to give us the lowdown on who is truly at fault for the Mavs trading Luka Doncic. It's Fluid! - Stephen A. gives us his top 5 NFL teams after week 10. CC and Jeff disagree! Big Blue Blues - Who should be the Giants next head coach?

First Take begins with concerns about the Eagles offense, and are the Patriots a lock for the one seed in the AFC? SEC Invitational - Paul Finebaum joins to discuss the second edition of the CFP Rankings. The SEC has six teams in right now. Stephen A. and Mad Dog think that is way too many! Giant Decision - Schrager throws out some names for the Giants next head coach, and Stephen A. doesn't understand why Joe Schoen is still the GM! 

Perennial Contenders - Who's most likely to make a deep playoff run: Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens? Swagu is ready for some Lamar magic. Hey Darnold - Do you trust Sam Darnold in the playoffs? Mad Dog can't get over his 2024 meltdown. Mad Dog is MAD - Tricky USC, late night NBA overs, and Penn State play calling. Showtime Lakers - LeBron hasn't played a single minute this season, yet the Lakers are 8-3. How will his return impact Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? 

First Take begins with A.J. Brown's most recent comments about his lack of production. Then, a heated debate over the Packers offense. Bucs vs. Bills - Are you higher on Baker or Josh right now? RC HATES Dan's cop out answer. Chiefs vs. Broncos - Do the Chiefs need a win more than any other team right now? Dan tells us why they might miss the playoffs with a loss this week. 

Hour 2 kicks off with the surging Patriots. Who's more responsible for their bounce back season: Drake Maye or Mike Vrabel? Eagles Drama - Dan and RC talk about A.J. Brown's season of struggles, and how hard it is being the leader of a successful team. Dan's List - Mina is APPALLED. RC walks off set. What is it about Dan's top 5 QBs drafted since 2020 that causes this reaction? Darnold Palmer - Half gunslinger, half ghost-seer. How much is at stake for the Seahawks QB in a crucial week 11 divisional matchup vs the Rams?

First Take begins with Drake Maye MVP chants after his 8th straight win, but Cam and Stephen A. say the Pats are fraudulent. Are you taking the Pats or Colts? Chiefs vs. Broncos - Mahomes and Nix battle in a matchup that will go a long way in deciding the AFC West. Which team needs this win more? Bear Down - The Bears have handled the bad teams, and struggled with the good ones. Do we know if they're good yet? 

First Take resumes with Cam all in on the Lions exposing the Eagles on Sunday night. RC supports the defending champs. RC is PUMPED for Arch Manning to pick apart a feisty Georgia defense. Will he have a legacy game? Seahawks vs. Rams - Does this game determine the best team in the NFC, or NFL? RC ROASTS Cam for his shocking take. Joe'$ Be$t Bet$ - Are you tailing or fading Fortenbaugh this weekend? Find out who he likes in Oklahoma vs. Alabama, Vikings vs. Bears, and Bucs vs. Bills. 

First Take begins with reaction to the PI call that swung Sunday Night's brawl between the Eagles and Lions. Could the Lions really miss the playoffs? Spitgate - The crew reacts to video showing Ja'Marr Chase spitting on Jalen Ramsey. How long should he be suspended? The Time is Now! - John Cena joins to discuss his final match at MSG Monday night.

Hour 2 begins with Sam Darnold's shaky performance in another big time game. Hear why DanO is livid with Stephen A.'s opinion on star QBs 6 TD Josh - The Bills smoked the Bucs off of Josh Allen's 6 TDs, but Cam needs to see them perform on the road before he calls them Super Bowl contenders. Shedeur's Dud - Why was Shedeur unprepared? Cam thinks the Browns are sabotaging him! J.J. Can't Hack It - Hear which Viking Stephen A. thinks should request a trade after another stinker from J.J. McCarthy. 

First Take begins with reaction to the PI call that swung Sunday Night's brawl between the Eagles and Lions. Could the Lions really miss the playoffs? Spitgate - The crew reacts to video showing Ja'Marr Chase spitting on Jalen Ramsey. How long should he be suspended? The Time is Now! - John Cena joins to discuss his final match at MSG Monday night.

Hour 2 begins with Sam Darnold's shaky performance in another big time game. Hear why DanO is livid with Stephen A.'s opinion on star QBs 6 TD Josh - The Bills smoked the Bucs off of Josh Allen's 6 TDs, but Cam needs to see them perform on the road before he calls them Super Bowl contenders. Shedeur's Dud - Why was Shedeur unprepared? Cam thinks the Browns are sabotaging him! J.J. Can't Hack It - Hear which Viking Stephen A. thinks should request a trade after another stinker from J.J. McCarthy. 

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?

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. 

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! 

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.

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?

First Take resumes with Jalen Hurt's 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!

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? 

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. 

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.

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?

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?

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? 

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? 

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?  

First Take begins with the free-falling Steelers. Should they move on from long-time head coach Mike Tomlin? Who had the worse Week 13 Loss: Rams or Eagles? Then, we debate Lane Kiffin's tumultuous exit from Ole Miss. Finally, should Shedeur start for the rest of the season? 

First Take resumes with NFC parity. Which team are you most confident in right now? Are there any true contenders in the AFC North, or is this a division full of frauds? Then, does Texas deserve to be in the College Football Playoffs, and should Ole Miss have let Lane Kiffin finish the season? Next, do you believe in the Colts after a rough stretch of losses? Finally, are the Broncos or Patriots the best team in the AFC? 

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? Then, how does Lane Kiffin look after his introductory press conference as LSU's head coach? Finally, will Mahomes be viewed differently if the Chiefs miss the playoffs?

First Take resumes with a monumental Thursday night brawl between the Cowboys and Lions. Who needs the win more? Then, with the Steelers on the outside of the playoff picture, is the Rodgers signing a failure? Next Stephen A's List! Find out his top 5 NFL teams after week 13! And finally, does Abdul Carter's 1st quarter benching say more about him, or the Giants as an organization?

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? Then, Paul Finebaum on the latest CFP Rankings. Finally, SAS sounds off on the Clippers for releasing Chris Paul in the middle of the night!

First Take resumes with the scariest NFL teams. Hear the team Mad Dog thinks no one wants to see in the playoffs! Then, the crew asks if the Bears are real contenders. Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Nick Sirianni, NFL officiating, and Lane Kiffin. Finally, we take a look back at Chris Paul's illustrious career after he was abruptly released by the LA Clippers early Wednesday morning.