Podcasts by Hot Takedown
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.
Further podcasts by FiveThirtyEight, 538, Neil Paine, Geoff Foster, Sara Ziegler
Podcast on the topic Sport
All episodes
Analytics, But From The Gut from 2021-11-02T20:50:16
Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and a new college football playoff format. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that has all of the sports.
ListenIt's Anybody's World Series from 2021-10-26T21:30:12
Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and the Chiefs' woes. Plus: a RATPOR Rabbit Hole.
ListenWhy Our Model (Still) Hates The Lakers from 2021-10-19T21:06:56
Hot Takedown discusses our NBA predictions and the MLB playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole all about first (and second) wins.
ListenChampionships, Random-ships from 2021-10-12T21:07
Hot Takedown discusses this last week in the NFL, MLB, WNBA and College Football and previews the NHL. Plus: A Rabbit Hole for losers.
ListenThe Dodgers Need A Reseed from 2021-10-05T21:18
Hot Takedown discusses the MLB playoffs and Cincinnati's CFB playoff chances. Plus: a special guest joins us for a family-themed Rabbit Hole.
ListenBrady vs. Belichick: Round Whatever from 2021-09-28T20:54:04
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.
ListenMath Nerds (And The Ravens) Win from 2021-09-21T20:41:23
Hot Takedown discusses the Ravens' win over the Chiefs and the WNBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that's quite the catch(er).
ListenActually, Week 1 Does Matter from 2021-09-14T20:34:22
Hot Takedown discusses Week 1 in the NFL and the latest no-hitter in MLB. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that messes with Texas.
ListenHow We See The NFL Season from 2021-09-07T20:56:50
Hot Takedown talks through our NFL predictions. Plus a WNBA at 25 Rabbit Hole.
ListenNebraska’s Frost Is Melting from 2021-08-31T21:30:46
Hot Takedown surveys the college football landscape and the results at the Paralympics. Plus: an immaculate (inning) Rabbit Hole.
ListenTurns Out 500 Is A Lot Of Home Runs from 2021-08-24T21:06:41
Hot Takedown discusses Miguel Cabrera's 500th home run, the Little League World Series and the fall of Topps in our all-baseball extravaganza.
ListenOur Expectations Aren’t Being Met By The Mets from 2021-08-17T20:54:56
Hot Takedown discusses the NL East and the NFL preseason. Plus an interview with author Greg Larson.
ListenA Messi Situation from 2021-08-10T20:30:44
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.
ListenSimone Biles Beams Back from 2021-08-03T21:42:42
Hot Takedown looks at the MLB trade deadline and Olympic Gymnastics. Plus a record-setting track Rabbit Hole.
ListenBig Trouble For The Big 12 from 2021-07-27T20:59:02
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.
ListenSo The Olympics Are Still Happening? from 2021-07-20T20:53:24
Hot Takedown discusses the Tokyo Olympics and the NBA Finals. Plus: an expansion draft Rabbit Hole.
ListenAll NBA Finals Takes Are Possible from 2021-07-13T20:53:09
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.
ListenThe Suns vs. The Bucks vs. Injuries from 2021-07-06T20:46
Hot Takedown previews the NBA Finals and the controversies ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
ListenMLB Tries To Get A Grip from 2021-06-29T21:06:33
Hot Takedown discusses MLB's crackdown on sticky stuff and the NBA conference finals.
ListenSCOTUS 9, NCAA 0 from 2021-06-22T20:57
Hot Takedown discusses the implications of the Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Alston and the NBA Conference Finals.
ListenThe Enemy Of My Enemy Roots For The Islanders from 2021-06-15T21:08:22
Hot Takedown looks at the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Brooks-Bryson rivalry ahead of the U.S. Open.
ListenA Fair Trade For Julio Jones from 2021-06-08T20:52:17
Hot Takedown looks at Julio Jones’s move from Atlanta to Tennessee and checks in on the NBA Playoffs.
ListenEveryone Lost In The French Open Fracas from 2021-06-01T21:11:05
Hot Takedown discusses Naomi Osaka’s exit from the French Open and the NBA playoffs.
ListenCan You Have Too Many No-Hitters? from 2021-05-25T21:21:15
Hot Takedown looks at no-hitter trend in MLB and the success of older athletes like Phil Mickelson.
ListenPlayoffs And Play-Ins from 2021-05-18T21:12
Hot Takedown looks at the start of the NHL and NBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that puts age before beauty in MLB.
ListenIt's Hard To Leave MLB Gracefully from 2021-05-11T20:51:52
Hot Takedown reflects on Albert Pujols exit and previews our WNBA predictions.
ListenDraft Grades Are Meaningless But Also A+ Fun from 2021-05-04T21:51:26
Hot Takedown reviews NFL draft grades and discusses the NBA play-in tournament. Plus a Rabbit Hole about the past (and future) of tanking.
ListenThis NFL Draft Class Still Has Some QB Questions from 2021-04-27T21:02:26
Hot Takedown discusses the top quarterbacks, after Trevor Lawrence, in the NFL draft as well as the hype around the Knicks.
ListenA Super League Super Fight from 2021-04-20T21:20
Hot Takedown looks at how a Super League would change European soccer and the state of the NBA MVP race.
ListenCan We Keep Our Early Baseball Takes Cool? from 2021-04-13T20:55:54
Hot Takedown looks at the start of the baseball season and previews the WNBA draft.
ListenAn End To The Madness from 2021-04-06T21:14:11
Hot Takedown surveys the NCAA Tournament results and previews The Masters. Plus special guest Harry Enten brings an MLB Rabbit Hole.
ListenAll Hype Is Good Hype from 2021-03-30T21:10:33
Hot Takedown looks at the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight and previews the baseball season.
ListenThe NCAA Is Bad At Capitalism from 2021-03-23T21:21:51
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.
ListenLet’s Pick Our Brackets from 2021-03-16T21:03:49
Hot Takedown looks at both NCAA tournament brackets and picks our Men and Women's Final Four.
ListenA Year Of Pandemic Sports from 2021-03-09T21:44:27
Hot Takedown looks back at how sports adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus: a 16/16 Rabbit Hole.
ListenWhy's Everyone Writing Off The Jazz? from 2021-03-02T21:57:55
Hot Takedown discusses where Tiger Woods’ legacy goes from here and the surprising (regular season) success of the Utah Jazz.
ListenOsaka's Rise Doesn't Mean Serena Is Done from 2021-02-23T21:56:07
Hot Takedown talks through the results of the Australian Open and previews March Madness. Yes, it is almost March.
ListenGrading The NHL's Start On And Off The Ice from 2021-02-16T21:20:23
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.
ListenHow The Bucs Sunk The Chiefs from 2021-02-09T21:45
Hot Takedown breaks down Super Bowl LV: how the Buccaneers dismantled the Chiefs’ offense and what this win means for Tom Brady’s legacy.
ListenBaby GOAT vs. Grizzled GOAT from 2021-02-02T21:31:57
Hot Takedown previews Super Bowl LV and discusses the tensions between MLB owners and players.
ListenThe Analytics On Being Aggressive from 2021-01-26T21:56
Hot Takedown discusses the NFL conference championship games and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
ListenOne Super Bowl Win Isn't Enough Anymore? from 2021-01-19T21:52:54
Hot Takedown discusses Drew Brees' legacy and James Harden's first days with the Brooklyn Nets.
ListenAlabama Was The Unstoppable Force AND The Immovable Object from 2021-01-12T22:34
Hot Takedown reflects on Alabama's title win and how sports will keep intersecting with politics after Trump.
ListenOhio State Made The Committee Look Good, And Bad from 2021-01-05T21:30:45
Hot Takedown discusses the College Football Playoff finals and the NFL super wild card round. Plus: a Steph Curry-flavored Rabbit Hole.
ListenLet's Stuff 2020 Down A Rabbit Hole from 2020-12-29T22:00
Hot Takedown closes out the year with three different Rabbit Holes: QB picks, 2020 chalk, and games played on odd weekdays.
ListenNew Year, New RAPTOR from 2020-12-22T21:31:13
Hot Takedown breaks down our NBA predictions this year and everything wrong with the college football playoff. Plus: A Negro Leagues Rabbit Hole.
ListenAlong Came A (Cleveland) Spider from 2020-12-15T21:56:34
Hot Takedown discusses the Cleveland Baseball team’s name change and the College Football Playoff. Plus: A Rabbit Hole 11 seasons in the making.
ListenThe Jets' Tank Is Empty from 2020-12-08T21:29:15
Hot Takedown looks at tanking in the NFL and the Wall-Westbrook trade in the NBA. Plus: a chaotic good Rabbit Hole.
ListenHard To Play Football Without A Quarterback from 2020-12-01T22:13:34
Hot Takedown looks at the NFL’s uneven attempts to manage the pandemic and a historic first for college football.
ListenCollege Basketball Tries To Stay Positive (And COVID-Negative) from 2020-11-24T21:46:46
Hot Takedown looks at the challenges ahead for the upcoming college basketball season. Plus: a Rabbit Hole inspired by Theo Epstein.
ListenThe NBA’s Not-Normal November from 2020-11-17T22:08:56
Hot Takedown covers the big trades ahead of the NBA draft and Kim Ng's hiring as GM of the Miami Marlins.
ListenWhat's Wrong With The NFL's Best Teams? from 2020-11-10T21:52:45
Hot Takedown breaks down the top five NFL teams according to our model and talks about the prospects for the College Football Playoffs.
ListenAll Podcasts Are Political from 2020-11-03T22:04:45
In an election special, Hot Takedown explores the influence of politics on sports, and how money from sports makes its way into politics.
ListenBelichick Is Fresh Out Of Magic from 2020-10-27T21:38:53
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.
ListenMore Moneyball, More Problems? from 2020-10-20T21:04:40
Hot Takedown discusses all things World Series: how the Dodgers and the Rays got here and who we think will win.
ListenThe Lakers Burst The Heat's Bubble from 2020-10-13T20:50:18
Hot Takedown discusses the NBA finals and the MLB postseason. Plus: a Rabbit Hole with its own mascots.
ListenBill O'Brien Set His Own Hot Seat On Fire from 2020-10-06T20:54
Hot Takedown talks about the teams struggling in the NFL and about the excellent WNBA finals. Plus: a championship ring Rabbit Hole.
ListenMLB’s Sweet Sixteen from 2020-09-29T20:47:52
Hot Takedown previews baseball’s unusual postseason as well as the NBA finals. Plus: a southern-fried hockey Rabbit Hole.
ListenWeek Two Of The NFL Hurt from 2020-09-22T21:10:41
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.
ListenFrom Wentz They Came from 2020-09-15T21:09
Hot Takedown unpacks Week 1 in the NFL and the Rockets’ exit from the NBA playoffs. Then, a single-elimination Rabbit Hole.
ListenAre We Ready For Some Football? from 2020-09-08T22:01
Hot Takedown previews the return of both the NFL and the English Premier League. Then, an interview with author Reid Forgrave.
ListenThe NBA Strike Was Personal from 2020-09-01T21:04:10
Hot Takedown discusses the initial results of the NBA strike and previews the college football season, such as it is.
ListenEmergency Podcast: Sports On Strike from 2020-08-27T21:12:16
Hot Takedown discusses the strike for racial justice that began in the NBA.
Listen"Processing" The Sixers' Loss from 2020-08-25T20:48:21
Hot Takedown looks at the Celtics’ and the Raptors' first round sweeps, and gives out our MVP awards at MLB’s month-long midseason.
ListenA Tale Of Two Bubbles from 2020-08-18T20:42
Hot Takedown discusses the start of the NBA and NHL postseasons. Plus: a division sweeping Rabbit Hole.
ListenThe Slow Fall Of Football from 2020-08-11T21:12
Hot Takedown discusses the impending cancellation of college football and then draft our World Series picks. Plus: a wide open Rabbit Hole.
ListenWill College Football Fail Its First Exam? from 2020-08-04T20:59:29
Hot Takedown discusses the friction between college athletes, the Power Five, and the NCAA, and celebrates the return of live sports.
ListenMLB's "Plan" Didn't Pan Out from 2020-07-28T20:26:05
Hot Takedown discusses baseball’s spike in positive coronavirus cases, the return of hockey, and an extra innings Rabbit Hole.
ListenReady Or Not, Here Comes Baseball from 2020-07-21T20:38:04
Hot Takedown previews the return of MLB and the semi-finals of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Plus, a trail running Rabbit Hole.
ListenCollege Football Makes A Conference Call from 2020-07-14T21:51:12
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.
ListenWhat's In A Team Name? from 2020-07-07T21:09:18
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.
ListenNew(ton) England from 2020-06-30T20:49
Hot Takedown discusses the Patriot's newest MVP QB and the latest examples of athlete activism. Plus, a Rabbit Hole about pumping iron(s)
ListenFlattening The Curveball from 2020-06-23T20:51
Hot Takedown discusses MLB's restart plan and how multiple leagues are coping with COVID-19. Plus, an NBA coaching Rabbit Hole.
ListenNBA Players Hit Pause from 2020-06-16T21:16
Hot Takedown discusses some NBA players' reservations with the league's restart logistics and previews the Premier League's return.
ListenWas Drew Brees's Fourth Apology The Charm? from 2020-06-09T20:53
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.
ListenWhat Can Sports Do? from 2020-06-02T21:19
Hot Takedown discusses the sports world's response to the ongoing protests against police brutality towards black Americans.
ListenShow Me The Money(ball) from 2020-05-26T20:47
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.
ListenShall We Last Dance? from 2020-05-19T21:01
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
ListenLive Sports? In This Economy? from 2020-05-12T21:04
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.
ListenU.S. Soccer's Big Day In Court from 2020-05-05T21:21
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.
ListenJordan Love Is A Battlefield from 2020-04-28T21:49
Hot Takedown covers the results of the NFL draft, Twitter drama about sports drafts, and a classic games Rabbit Hole.
ListenBringing Down The Krause from 2020-04-21T21:03
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.
ListenTime To Get Weird, Sports Leagues from 2020-04-14T21:07
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.
ListenGoing The Social Distance from 2020-04-07T21:41
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.
ListenReality TV Is Our Only Hope For Hoops from 2020-03-31T21:45
Hot Takedown talks about how the NBA might end its hiatus, the NCAA extending eligibility for student athletes, and an iRacing (i)Rabbit Hole.
ListenOlympic Flame-Out from 2020-03-24T22:02
It's been another big week of cancellations in sports, so the Hot Takedown team reacts to the postponement of the Olympic Games.
Listen2020: A Sports-Less Odyssey from 2020-03-17T22:11
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.
ListenLive from Sloan: How Has RAPTOR Done So Far? from 2020-03-10T14:45
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.
Listen"Anybody Can Make The Final Four" from 2020-03-03T21:24
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.
Listen"The Great 8 Is Better Than The Great One" from 2020-02-25T21:59
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.
Listen"They Fixed The NBA All-Star Game" from 2020-02-18T21:47
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.
ListenKobe Bryant: On and Off The Court from 2020-02-11T18:21
Hot Takedown examines the full scope of Kobe Bryant's legacy and our Rabbit Hole celebrates some very bad hockey teams.
Listen"The Niners Choked" from 2020-02-04T22:05
A close look at the Chiefs' Super Bowl comeback, why the Red Sox might trade Mookie Bets and a Rabbit Hole on improbable brawls.
Listen"Will Jimmy Garoppolo Be The Hero?" from 2020-01-28T21:19
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.
ListenSign Stealing: Worse Than Steroids! from 2020-01-21T21:49
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.
Listen"The Ravens Always Choke" from 2020-01-14T22:23
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.
Listen"No One Believed In Us, And Rightfully So" from 2020-01-07T22:03
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.
ListenA Decade In Sports from 2019-12-31T13:49
Hot Takedown explores the past 10 years in sports by assessing statistical changes, unlikely champions and new world records.
ListenSTAT SCHOOL: From Box Scores to RAPTOR from 2019-12-24T18:29
Hot Takedown unpacks the evolution of statistics in the NBA.
ListenBonus Episode: The Fullback Comeback from 2019-12-19T17:23
An interview from the ESPN Daily podcast that featured FiveThirtyEight's Josh Hermsmeyer. Josh recently wrote about the resurgence of fullbacks in the NFL.
ListenCheating In Sports: What Really Matters? from 2019-12-17T22:03
Hot Takedown develops a rubric for assessing cheating scandals. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the impact of hockey superstars.
Listen"The Russia Ban Isn't Enough" from 2019-12-10T22:09
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.
ListenMLB Is A Soap Opera, NFL Is Game Of Thrones from 2019-12-03T22:09
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.
Listen"Baseball Needed A Villain" from 2019-11-26T21:59
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.
Listen"Kaepernick won't play in the NFL again" from 2019-11-19T21:56
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.
ListenLet's Blame Analytics: Load Management Edition from 2019-11-12T21:49
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.
Listen"Steph's Broken Hand Is A Blessing" from 2019-11-05T22:13
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.
ListenOur 2020 (Super Bowl) Draft from 2019-10-29T21:11
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.
ListenJalen Rose Is Mad At Us from 2019-10-22T21:06
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.
Listen"Blame It On The Juice" from 2019-10-15T21:15
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.
ListenWe're Unleashing Our New NBA Metric from 2019-10-08T22:01
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.
Listen"Lopsided Is MLB's New Normal" from 2019-10-01T21:21
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.
Listen"The NBA Missed The Point" from 2019-09-24T21:33
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.
Listen"The Saints Will Survive. The Steelers Are Done." from 2019-09-17T21:34
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.
Listen"Antonio Brown Orchestrated His Exit" from 2019-09-10T19:49
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?
ListenNFL Predictions: Truth Hurts For The Minnesota Vikings from 2019-09-03T20:47
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.
ListenAndrew Luck: Brave or Millennial? from 2019-08-27T21:17
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.
Listen"The Youths Have Taken Over Baseball" from 2019-08-20T21:22
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.
Listen"Nothing Says 'Fantasy' Like Risk Management" from 2019-08-13T20:29
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.
ListenThe Whole Show's A Rabbit Hole from 2019-08-06T21:20
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.
Listen"Mets In Perpetual Chaos" from 2019-07-30T21:18
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.
Listen"Zeke Should Hold Out" from 2019-07-23T20:34
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.
Listen"Good Luck Betting On The 2019-20 NBA" from 2019-07-16T21:03
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.
Listen"We Want Infinite All-Star Rosters" from 2019-07-09T20:52
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.
Listen"The Knicks Need To Grow Up" from 2019-07-02T20:50
This week, Hot Takedown discusses all the drama around NBA free agency, the merits of competitive eating and changes to World Cup scoring.
Listen"Is The USWNT As Good As We Thought?" from 2019-06-25T20:40
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.
Listen"Survival Of The Takiest" from 2019-06-18T21:10
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.
ListenThe Warriors' Incredible Win And Horrible Loss from 2019-06-11T20:46
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.
Listen"Serena Should Win Every Slam" from 2019-06-04T21:02
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.
Listen"#WarriorsIn4" from 2019-05-28T21:01
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.
Listen"Bottom Line: Pay Women The Same" from 2019-05-21T21:37
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.
Listen"The Raptors Need To Be Better" from 2019-05-14T20:56
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.
Listen"The Red Sox Should Be Fine" from 2019-05-07T20:44
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.
Listen"The Giants Drafted A Backup QB" from 2019-04-30T20:26
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.
Listen"The Rockets Can Beat The Warriors" from 2019-04-23T18:52
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.
Listen"Tiger Will Catch Jack" from 2019-04-16T21:01
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.
Listen"Giannis Is Clearly The MVP" from 2019-04-09T20:35
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.
Listen[AUDIO FIXED] Michigan State Beat The Best from 2019-04-03T17:04
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.
Listen"Michigan State Beat The Best" from 2019-04-02T21:10
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.
Listen"Get That Extension While You Can" from 2019-03-26T20:57
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.
Listen"Conference Tournaments Are Meaningless" from 2019-03-19T20:53
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.
ListenEpisode Zero from 2019-03-13T00:25
The podcast where the hot sports takes of the week meet the numbers that prove them right or tear them down.
Listen"The Steelers Are Better Off Without AB" from 2019-03-12T21:16
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.
ListenWWJD (What Will James Do?) from 2018-06-11T20:03
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.
ListenGet Your Brooms Ready from 2018-06-07T16:38
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.
ListenThese Are The Warriors At Their Curry-Fueled Best from 2018-06-04T18:45
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.
ListenAbout That Block from 2018-06-01T16:21
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.
ListenRun It Back...Again...And Again... from 2018-05-29T18:51
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.
ListenUPDATED: LeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too. from 2018-05-24T20:50
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.
ListenLeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too. from 2018-05-24T20:09
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.
ListenWhat Do All These Blowouts Mean? from 2018-05-21T20:32
Neil and Kyle discuss why all the teams in the two remaining series have been so dominant at times, and terrible at others.
ListenBreaking Down Each Game 1 from 2018-05-15T20:41
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?
ListenPreviewing The Conference Finals from 2018-05-10T19:53
Neil and Kyle preview both conference finals matchups, and say goodbye to the eliminated teams.
Listen35: Rockets Grounded from 2018-05-03T16:16
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.
Listen34: Eight Teams Left from 2018-04-30T17:36
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.
Listen33: Thunder Fight On from 2018-04-26T18:13
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.
Listen32: Best Of Three from 2018-04-23T16:38
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?
Listen31: All Tied Up from 2018-04-19T16:59
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?
Listen30: Game 1s In The Books from 2018-04-16T16:34
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.
Listen29: Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview from 2018-04-13T14:09
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.
Listen28: Western Conference Playoffs Preview from 2018-04-12T17:50
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.
Listen27: We The North from 2018-04-05T00:09
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.
Listen26: Warrior Down from 2018-03-29T00:09
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.
Listen25: Is Utah A Small-Market Model? from 2018-03-21T23:53
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.
Listen24: Talking Cavs With David Griffin from 2018-03-14T23:08
Former Cavaliers GM David Griffin joins us in The Lab to discuss LeBron James, the Cavaliers and more.
Listen23: Wild Wild West from 2018-03-08T02:22
This week in The Lab, the crew discuss the red hot Blazers, the intense playoff race happening out West and more.
ListenCurling Special: Team USA Gold from 2018-03-05T13:42
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.
Listen22: The Great NBA Tank-Off from 2018-03-01T14:03
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.
Listen21: Restructuring The Playoffs With Brian Windhorst from 2018-02-22T14:56
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.
Listen20: All That Jazz from 2018-02-15T08:00
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.
Listen19: Cleveland Rocks The NBA Trade Deadline from 2018-02-08T08:00
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.
Listen18: Injuries, Injuries And More Injuries from 2018-02-01T08:00
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.
Listen17: Where Is The Love? from 2018-01-25T08:00
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.
Listen16: Talking Wizards with Candace Buckner from 2018-01-18T08:00
Washington Post reporter Candace Buckner joins The Lab to discuss the Washington Wizards. We also dive into Kawhi's injury, NBA fights and more.
Listen15: Are The Timberwolves For Real? from 2018-01-11T08:00
We're in The Lab this week to discuss Curry's return, Ball and the Lakers and the new and improved Timberwolves.
Listen14: Stat Sheet Stuffing from 2018-01-04T08:00
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?
Listen13: Holiday Mailbag from 2017-12-27T08:00
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.
Listen12: The Progress Of The Process from 2017-12-21T08:00
The Lab give their takes on #8 or #24, check in on what's going right or wrong in The Process and more.
Listen11: When The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play from 2017-12-12T08:00
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.
Listen10: Keeping Up With The Jameses from 2017-12-07T08:00
Neil, Kyle and Chris discuss LeBron James and the Cavs' recent win streak, the MVP caliber season of James Harden and more.
Listen09: Memphis Blues from 2017-11-30T08:00
Neil, Kyle and Chris chat about David Fizdale's firing and discuss the potential impact of Blake Griffin's latest injury.
Listen08: Everything OK In OKC? from 2017-11-22T08:00
Neil, Kyle and Chris are in The Lab to break down the problems with the OKC Thunder and discuss Lonzo's continued shooting woes.
Listen07: The Return Of Al Horford from 2017-11-16T08:00
The Lab is back to discuss the Celtics' surprising winning streak and wonders how long they can keep winning like this.
Listen06: Mood... from 2017-11-08T08:00
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.
Listen05: Battle Of Power Forwards from 2017-11-02T07:00
Neil, Kyle and Chris are back in the Lab to discuss the transformation of Blake, KP and Aaron Gordon this season.
ListenAnd-1: Interview with Rich Cho from 2017-10-27T07:00
Before the season started, Chris Herring sat down with Hornets GM, Rich Cho, to discuss the new season, Dwight Howard and food.
Listen04: The Greek Freak from 2017-10-25T07:00
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.
Listen03: Boston Without Hayward from 2017-10-18T07:00
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.
ListenAnd-1: Interview with Jeanie Buss from 2017-10-17T07:00
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.
Listen02: Eastern Conference Previews from 2017-10-11T07:00
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.
ListenThe Hottest Takes from 2017-09-26T07:00
On our final show, the Hot Takedown crew breaks down what we've learned and says farewell with a Hall of Fame hot take.
ListenHistorical Bias from 2017-09-19T07:00
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.
ListenSeptember Streaks from 2017-09-12T07:00
The HTD crew discusses Sloane Stephens' U.S. Open triumph and dissects the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers' recent streaks in the MLB.
ListenStaying Power from 2017-09-05T07:00
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.
ListenThe Cavs-Celtics Swap from 2017-08-30T07:00
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.
ListenA Tricky Deal from 2017-08-22T07:00
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.
ListenHot And Cold from 2017-08-15T07:00
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.
ListenOne Direction Or Another from 2017-08-08T07:00
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.
ListenOne Direction Or Another from 2017-08-08T07:00
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.
ListenOne Direction Or Another from 2017-08-08T07:00
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.
Listen