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 Other Side of the Coin Jan 03, 2017

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The HTD crew previews Alabama vs. Clemson, chats on the quarterback injuries impacting the NFL playoff field, and investigates the Rockets' hot streak.

Bowls, Brock, and Bells That Go Jingle Dec 20, 2016

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The HTD crew discusses college football and whether we've hit peak bowl numbers, Brock Osweiler's troubles in Texas, and if the Elo system can be applied to Christmas movies.

Who's Your Rat King? Dec 13, 2016

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The HTD crew surveys the NFL playoff landscape, takes a deeper look at Andrew Wiggins' stats, and talks ties in Major League Soccer.

More Rising to Be Risen Dec 06, 2016

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The HTD crew chats about college football playoff picks, the seemingly unstoppable Russell Westbrook, and what the new collective bargaining agreement means for the MLB.

We Need a New Eye Test Nov 29, 2016

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The HTD crew discusses basketball, taking a look at men's and women's college teams as their seasons get underway. Plus, a return to the deadlocked World Chess Championship.

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Optimize It Nov 22, 2016

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The HTD crew discusses the Packers' ongoing struggles, Thanksgiving football, and the firing of Jurgen Klinsmann as U.S. soccer coach.

Ahead Of Their Time - Randall Cunningham Nov 17, 2016

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Our series concludes with the "ultimate weapon," Randall Cunningham of the Philadelphia Eagles, who could do it all before anyone knew what to do with someone like him.

A Downhill Slide For Humans Nov 15, 2016

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The HTD crew discusses the Steelers' insistence on going for two points, college football upsets and chats to Oliver Roeder about the World Chess Championship.

This Podcast Is Not About The Election Nov 08, 2016

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The crew discusses the choice between Dak Prescott and Tony Romo, 538's College Football forecast and chats to new 538 writer Chris Herring about bad teams in the NBA.

Ahead Of Their Time - The Two-Handed Backhand Nov 03, 2016

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The story of Peaches Bartkowicz, Chris Evert, and the rise of a new way to hit the tennis ball. Reported by Emma Morgenstern.