First Take

Latest Episodes:

Hour 2: Can the Vikings Defense Slow Down the Bears Offense? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

First Take Resumes with a big NFC North matchup this weekend. The Vikings take on the Bears as Carson Wentz and Brian Flores' defense look to bring the Vikings to 2-0 while the Bears look to prove that their week one offense was not a fluke. Next the Protect College Sports Act moves even closer to a vote in the Senate. If this bill is passed what could that mean for the landscape of college sports as we know it? Then Mad Dog is back so you know what that means... Why is Mad Dog Mad makes it's long awaited return! See what Mad Dog is upset about today!

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Hour 1: Which Team Needs to Win More: Lions or Bills? Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

First Take Begins with some disruption in Dallas. Jerry Jones said he's optimistic that they can fix the defense and play better. This is now multiple years of a dreadful defense in Dallas however, so do we really believe him? Next, it's the game of the year in college football. Lane Kiffin brings his LSU squad back to his old stomping grounds as LSU takes on Ole Miss in Kiffin's first game back in Oxford after coaching them for the past six seasons. Then Stephen A. loses it over Mets fans cheering for Pete Alonso's 300th career home run AGAINST THE METS. Did Mets fans have a good reason to cheer?

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Hour 2: How do the Cowboys Fix their Defense? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

First Take Resumes with Dallas' dreadful defense. The Cowboys spent the offseason revamping their entire defensive unit which was worst in the NFL last season. However the Giants were still able to run all over them and Jaxson Dart shined. Do we still expect this defense to be top half of the league? If Dallas' defense still struggles with all new personnel, is it time for some coaching changes? Next Stephen A. gives his top five NFL teams after week one. Are the Chiefs back? The Rams are already outside the top five? Then Joe Burrow and the Bengals got a big win against the Buccaneers on Sunday where their defense recovered four fumbles against Baker Mayfield. But does this game convince us that the Bengals are for real, or do we need to see more?

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Hour 1: Are Chiefs Back as the Team to Beat in the AFC? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

First Take Begins as we finally get some more Mahomes magic as the Chiefs down the Broncos on Monday Night Football. Chris Canty, host of UnSportsmanLike on ESPN, joins to talk about how Kenneth Walker and the Chiefs defense shines as Bo Nix and Sean Payton take a rough week one loss. How concerned should we be with Denver? Next the Rams take on the Giants in week two of Monday Night Football. Could the Giants build on their week one performance and take down a reeling Rams team who is dealing with major injuries already? Then Stephen A. goes off on Kawhi Leonard as his trade to the Raptors is officially completed. How far back does this set back the Clippers franchise?

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Hour 2: Does SNF Say More About the Giants or Cowboys? Sep 14, 2026

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First Take Resumes with more disfunction in Dallas. The Giants defense kept the Cowboys offense in check for the whole game. What does this say about a Cowboys offense we were expecting to be one of the best in the league? Next Paul Finebaum joins to cover the miracle comeback that Arch Manning and Texas was able to put together against Ohio State this past Saturday. Did Arch Manning have his Heisman moment? Then the Cardinals pull off a stunner and beat the Chargers. How much criticism does Justin Herbert deserve for the loss?

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Hour 1: Did Lamar or Josh Allen make a Bigger Statement with their new Head Coach? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

First Take Begins with Josh Allen's takeover in Houston. Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson make big statements with their new head coaches with big week one wins. Should we be concerned with the Texans defense or can we just write it up to Josh Allen? Next Michael Irvin joins the show to go head to head against Stephen A. about the Cowboys lackluster performance on Sunday Night Football. Michael Irvin isn't concerned... but should we be? Then the crew breaks down the Bears beatdown of Carolina. Caleb Williams and the Bears almost score 60. Could this be the best offense in the NFL?

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Hour 2: Why Were The Rams So Sluggish? Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

First Take resumes with the sluggish Rams! Perhaps arriving in Australia mere hours before their dual against the 49ers was the wrong move? Then, the Giants face the Cowboys in a Sunday night matchup sure to excite! OBJ, Malik Nabers and Skattebo return with plans to silence the Cowboys hype machine! Next, Desmond Howard defends Bryce Underwood's lackluster week one performance!

Going Away Gift: Start Quentin Johnston this week! He will have 19.19 points!

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Hour 1: Did We Overhype The Rams? Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

First Take Begins with Australia's newest team. After staying in Melbourne for a week the 49ers cruise to a win over the Rams who were clearly missing that L.A weather. Then Chris "Mad Dog" Russo joins to remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and everyone who tragically lost their lives that fateful day. Next, with AJ Brown confirmed to be out at least four weeks how will the Patriots survive? Who needs to step up on offense to fill his role?

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Hour 2: Who Needs a Fast Start More: Jordan Love or Kyler Murray? Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

First Take Resumes as Mina Kimes joins to break down last night's stunner between the Seahawks and Patriots. How much did Drake Maye's lackluster performance change your perception of him? Will he be able to bounce back next week against the Steelers? Then to the NFC North where the crew argues about who needs a faster start: Jordan Love or Kyler Murray. What version of Kyler do the Vikings need to make some real noise in the NFC? Next the crew talks some Josh Allen. Will his struggles continue against the Texans defense this weekend?

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Hour 1: How Much is the Patriots Loss on Drake Maye? Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

First Take Begins with a Super Bowl Rematch in Seattle. Injuries galore as both Sam Darnold and AJ Brown left the game. But in the absence of Darnold, Drew Lock was able to led the Seahawks to a comeback victory. Which injury will have a bigger impact on their team? Next Paul Finebaum joins the show to break down what Arch Manning needs to do to beat Ohio State this weekend. Will Arch step up? Then some controversy in Michigan as QB Bryce Underwood responds to his coaches' comments about his long-term QB status.

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