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.

Latest Episodes:

"The Great 8 Is Better Than The Great One" Feb 25, 2020

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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.

"They Fixed The NBA All-Star Game" Feb 18, 2020

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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.

Kobe Bryant: On and Off The Court Feb 11, 2020

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Hot Takedown examines the full scope of Kobe Bryant's legacy and our Rabbit Hole celebrates some very bad hockey teams.

"The Niners Choked" Feb 04, 2020

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A close look at the Chiefs' Super Bowl comeback, why the Red Sox might trade Mookie Bets and a Rabbit Hole on improbable brawls.

"Will Jimmy Garoppolo Be The Hero?" Jan 28, 2020

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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.

Sign Stealing: Worse Than Steroids! Jan 21, 2020

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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.

"The Ravens Always Choke" Jan 14, 2020

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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.

"No One Believed In Us, And Rightfully So" Jan 07, 2020

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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.

A Decade In Sports Dec 31, 2019

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Hot Takedown explores the past 10 years in sports by assessing statistical changes, unlikely champions and new world records.

STAT SCHOOL: From Box Scores to RAPTOR Dec 24, 2019

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Hot Takedown unpacks the evolution of statistics in the NBA.