

First Take
ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim Rose
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2025 • 44min
Hour 1: Cowboys Making Playoffs?
First Take begins with the playoff bound Cowboys??? Hear if RC, Cam and Stephen A. think they can run the table.
Joe Burrow walked into Baltimore in his first game back and crushed Lamar. Can the Bengals sneak their way into the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2025 • 46min
Hour 2: Can Cowboys Run The Table?
First Take resumes with the Cowboys. Can they stay green bean casse-ROLLING against the Chiefs, and maybe even run the table?
The Eagles hope it will be a Good Friday after facing the powerful Bears. Are the Eagles closer to a Super Bowl or an early playoff exit?
Last but not feast, Justin Jefferson and the Vikings face the Seahawks. With J.J. McCarthy struggling mightily, are the Vikings wasting Jefferson's prime? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: We're Stuffed With Thanksgiving Football!
Happy Thanksgiving!! First Take begins with the dish of the day in Dallas. Which offense is more trustworthy: Chiefs or Cowboys?
Our second plate is full of Shedeur Sanders debates. If he fails to produce against a tough 49ers defense, should the Browns relegate him back to the bench?
Thanksgiving wraps up with an AFC North showdown. Lamar looks to find his footing after a shaky few starts. Is this a must win for the Ravens? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: More Likely: Chiefs Win SB or Cowboys Reach Playoffs?
First Take resumes with Kimberly Martin discussing Jerry Jones preseason and trade deadline moves. Did they pay off?
WWE icon Paul Heyman joins to preview the Survivor Series: WarGames matches, happening Saturday at 7PM ET on the ESPN app.
Mad Dog is MAD about the Colts OT decision, the Thanksgiving football slate???, and Stephen A skipping work.
Coming off his first NFL win, Shedeur Sanders is expected to start again against the 49ers. What are your expectations for him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 48min
Hour 1: Who Needs Better Game: Mahomes or Dak?
First Take begins with Doggy Wednesdays! Mad Dog is back to tell us whether Mahomes or Prescott have more pressure to win on Thanksgiving day.
Paul Finebaum joins to talk about Lane Kiffin. Doggy and Stephen A. can't see eye to eye on his decision making process as numerous SEC teams target him for their head coach openings.
Our Thanksgiving nightcap sees Burrow return for a pivotal AFC North matchup against Lamar and the Ravens. If the Ravens win, are they legit Super Bowl contenders? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 2025 • 50min
Hour 2: More to Gain From Super Bowl Victory: Stafford or Hurts?
First Take resumes with a heated debate over who would gain more from winning a second Super Bowl: Matthew Stafford or Jalen Hurts.
The Lions, Texans and Panthers are just a few of the many teams in the playoff hunt right now. Which squad is the scariest?
Stephen A. gives us his top 5 teams after week 12. CC counters with his list. Chaos erupts.
The Bills and Steelers seemed like playoff locks after getting off to blazing hot starts, but their playoff chances are quickly fading. Which team is having a more disappointing season so far? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 2025 • 45min
Hour 1: Is Thursday a Must Win for The Cowboys?
First Take begins with the 49ers winning despite Brock Purdy's 3 interceptions. Sitting at 8-4 and 3rd in their division, are they really NFC contenders?
Jeff and CC head to the board to check on the Cowboys playoff chances with a win vs. a loss to the Chiefs on Thanksgiving.
CC tells us which NFL teams he can and can't trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 24, 2025 • 48min
Hour 2: Legacy Defining Win for Dak?
First Take resumes with a Mahomes miracle. The Chiefs saved their season with a double digit fourth quarter comeback against the Colts. Are we more impressed with Mahomes Magic, or nervous about a Dimes Disintegration?
Dak led the Cowboys to a massive win over the Eagles, but was it even more? Was this a win that will define his career?
The Vikings chose J.J. McCarthy over Sam Darnold. Massive Mistake, or too early to tell?
The Ravens officially stand atop the NFC North after starting 1-5, but can they contend for a Super Bowl?
The crew debates if the 9-2 Rams and MVP favorite Matthew Stafford are the best team in the NFL.
Malik Nabers posted and quickly deleted a tweet accusing the Giants coaching staff of trying to lose. Hear what Stephen A. has to say about Nabers thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 24, 2025 • 47min
Hour 1: High on Cowboys, or Down on Eagles?
First Take begins with Greeny victory lapping his Cowboys take! Stephen A. finally bows his head in defeat... for a few minutes. He can't compliment the Cowboys for too long. Hear what he thinks will happen to them on Thanksgiving against the Chiefs.
Shedeur Sanders earned his first NFL win, but Coach Stefanski won't commit to him as his starter going forward. Stephen A. asks our panel full of former NFL pros why the Browns wouldn't start him if they have no shot at the playoffs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 21, 2025 • 47min
Hour 2: Is Jalen Hurts Criticism Justified?
First Take resumes with Jalen Hurts win-loss record over the past two seasons: 24-5. Why do we criticize him so much?
Are you more excited to watch Shedeur Sanders makes his first start, or the Cowboys attempt to take down their dominant division rival?
Tyrese Maxey dropped 54 points vs the Bucks, becoming one of 21 players all time with at least three career 50/5/5 games. Stephen A. is impressed with his game!
Joe Fortenbaugh stops by to give us his best bets for an awesome weekend of football! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


