First Take

Justin Jefferson isn’t holding back. He says what everyone else is thinking, but the real question remains: what does JJ see when he looks at his football future — and is the league ready for it? On a historic anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, the takes are going to be loud. The players are in, the tension is real, and one MASSIVE question surrounds the Patriots — don’t worry, we’ve got answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time for First Take. On a landmark anniversary, the stars were on the floor — and this morning, we’re not holding anything back. The players have arrived, the energy is building, but one HUGE question still hangs over the Patriots — and we’ve got the answer. Plus, Justin Jefferson steps up and says what everyone’s been thinking. The real debate? What does he believe about his own future in football — and should the league be paying attention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Second hour of First Take: Josh Allen reunites with Joe Brady as the Bills promote their MVP-winning OC to head coach, while the Ravens hire Jesse Minter and look ahead to his partnership with Lamar Jackson. Who is under more pressure to make it to the Super Bowl? In the NBA, the Timberwolves knock off the Thunder behind a strong night from Anthony Edwards, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. defends his WBO title against Shakur Stevenson in a high-stakes showdown at Madison Square Garden. All this and more from Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take starts now! The Bills name Joe Brady head coach, elevating their longtime OC as Buffalo looks to finally break through to a Super Bowl with Josh Allen. The Eagles continue their coordinator carousel, hiring former NFL QB Sean Mannion as their fifth OC in five years. Plus, with the NBA trade deadline looming, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as a struggling Bucks team listens to serious trade offers. Stephen A, RC, Windy, and Monica McNutt have the answers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron and the Lakers returned to Cleveland in what could be his final trip home as a player. We have the latest from Shams Charania on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as the trade deadline nears. Plus, a Super Bowl preview with the Patriots as underdogs against the Seahawks, and Jayson Tatum shares doubts about a potential return this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James and the Lakers were in Cleveland last night to face the Cavs in what could be LeBron’s final return home as an NBA player. We’re joined by Shams Charania with the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future as trade buzz heats up ahead of the deadline, with several contenders reportedly in the mix. Plus, a look ahead to the Patriots as underdogs in the Super Bowl matchup with the Seahawks, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum opens up about his hesitation to return this season while recovering from injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a complete and total takedown of Bill Polian and The NFL Hall of Fame. Mad Dog is absolutely HEATED! (0:00) Then, Paul Heyman joins to talk Royal Rumble. (15:50) Next, the Bucks are officially listening to offers on Giannis. Knicks? Rockets? Who can make the best offer? (23:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an EGREGIOUS, INHUMANE HOF decision. Stephen A. wants names AND faces of everyone didn't vote for Bill Belichick! (0:00) Then, which Super bowl participant had a harder path? (27:00) Next, Stephen A. speaks on his Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy! (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take starts with LeBron, Luka and the Lakers. After cruising to victory over the Bulls, they're 5th in a star studded western conference. Can they really make the finals, or will a weak starting center and bench be their downfall? (0:00) Then, who has more to gain by winning the Super Bowl: former bust Sam Darnold, or second year sensation Drake Maye? (13:15) Next, Stephen A. reveals his top 5 NBA teams! Only 1 East team?? C'mon Stephen A.!! (25:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the underwhelming Patriots. After running through a weak AFC and surviving Drake Maye's lackluster play, do the Patriots really have a chance against the Seahawks? Stephen A. doesn't think so...(0:00) Then, Windy and Big Perk have some ideas on where Giannis may be traded! (26:00) Next, no one wants the Browns job even though it comes with a fully equipped pro bowl QB! Is Deion the answer in Cleveland? (41:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a fluctuating narrative. Darnold saw ghosts, led a Viking brigade to the playoffs, got banished from his Minnesota but found refuge in Seattle, and now soars his 'Hawks into the Super Bowl. How should we view him? (0:00) Then, WWE superstar Seth Rollins talks Royal Rumble! (15:50) Next, we have to talk Stafford's legacy. He has all of the stats AND a Super Bowl, maybe even an MVP soon. What more can he do? (26:00) Trivia: which Seahawks WR made an acrobatic catch while lying on the ground to set up the Seahawks at the goal line before the famous Malcolm Butler INT? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Darnold the Demon! Slingin' Sammy threw for 3 TDs and 346 yards! He's now led his team to a Super Bowl, but somehow there are still doubters? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. declared the AFC championship a must win for the Patriots with Stidham starting. They clearly watch First Take, because that defense looked motivated as they took it to the Broncos backup QB! (22:30) Next, do you like the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy? (39:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Matthew "HOF?" Stafford. Can the Rams still defeat the Seahawks if he isn't elite? (0:00) Then, after hearing Philip River is interviewing for the Bills head coaching job, RC and Cam throw their hats into the ring! (12:15) Next, JSN and Puka battle in a matchup of two of the best receivers in the league! Who has the edge? (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Sean Payton doing what Sean Payton does: talking trash. Him and Kayshon Boutte traded barbs ahead of Sunday's AFC championship. (0:00) Then, LeBron "doesn't care how somebody feels about me." Windy and Stephen A. decide what the Lakers should do with the aging GOAT. (27:50) Next, you HAVE to hear Stephen A.'s Notre Dame rant. (40:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Buss family infighting. How did a family feud drive the Lakers into selling, and will this be LeBron's last year as a Laker? (0:00) Then, after the Rams and Seahawks split their season series, which powerhouse does a third matchup favor? (14:30) Next, strengths collide when Kayshon Boutte and the Patriots offense meet Pat Surtain and the Broncos defense. Who has the edge? (28:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Brian Windhorst and Stephen A. on Giannis's best options moving forward. Should Milwaukee trade for another star, or ship him out? (0:00) Then, RC and DanO address SAS Broncos comments from yesterday. (31:10) Next, the Steelers interviewed Mike McCarthy for their open head coaching position. Is he a good fit? (43:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the undermanned Broncos. Put a number on it. What percent chance do you give them to win? (0:00) Next, Mel Kiper has Fernando Mendoza going number one to the Raiders in his latest mock draft. Would he be a good fit for Las Vegas? Then, Mad Dog is mad at Sean Mcvay, DJ Moore, and Broncos-Bills refs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Mad Dog's return, and he is fired up! You have to hear his defense of Josh Allen! (0:00) Then, Bills owner Terry Pegula is blaming Sean McDermott for drafting Keon Coleman. Supposedly, Brandon Beane didn't want him! Only the coaching staff did. What in the world is going on in Buffalo? (28:00) Next, Mad Dog gives us his top 5 most improbable champions in sports history! Can you guess who is number one? Hint: "Lobs it, Burress, alone, touchdown!" (40:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, and Jeremy Shockey down in the dumps after Fernando Mendoza late game heroics. Is the U back despite losing a heartbreaker to Indiana? (0:00) Next, Sam Darnold threw 6 INTs in 2 regular season games vs the Rams. How concerning are his previous struggles going into a Sunday night NFC showdown. (16:00) Then, with Jimmy Butler's ACL injury keeping him out for the rest of the year, should the Warriors make another trade to compete in the west? (37:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a wild finish at the CFP championship game! Indiana took home a third straight title for the Big Ten. Has the college football landscape officially shifted away from a dominant SEC, to an up-and-coming Big Ten? (0:00) Next, the last two MVPs are now coachless. Which job should free agent coaches value more: Buffalo or Baltimore? (22:50) Then, we grade the other head coaching acquisitions including Robert Saleh to the Titans and Jeff Hafley to the Dolphins. (41:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices