The Bill Simmons Podcast

Zach Lowe, NBA analyst known for deep game breakdowns; Kevin Wildes, TV host who leads Half-Baked Ideas; Joe House, sports writer and Pats commentator. They tackle an NBA mailbag with trade and playoff debates. Then they dig into the Patriots, Belichick’s Hall of Fame snub, Super Bowl talk. The show closes with absurd Half-Baked Ideas from restaurant towers to AI taunts.

Tim Legler, former NBA player turned analyst, joins to break down why this season feels so unpredictable. They discuss young analytical coaches reshaping lineups. Power rankings, trade chatter around big names, and which teams are real contenders versus wild cards get rapid-fire debate. Expect talk of surprising rising clubs and playoff matchup implications.

Cousin Sal, comedian and regular sports-betting commentator, joins to recap the conference championship games. They break down Darnold vs Stafford and key receiver matchups. They relive the Patriots’ blizzard win in Denver and debate officiating and replay controversies. They finish by guessing Super Bowl lines, answering mailbag questions, and swapping wild parenting and stunt stories.

Chris Ryan, a keen NBA analyst and sports writer, joins Joe House, a senior sports writer, and ESPN's NFL guru Peter Schrager for an exhilarating conversation. They dissect the possibility of Giannis trades, weighing numerous teams and strategic moves that could reshape the NBA landscape. Peter switches gears to highlight key NFL coaching changes, playcalling nuances, and predictions for upcoming conference championships, offering insights that could make or break your fantasy picks this season.

Rob Mahoney, a sharp basketball analyst from The Ringer, dives into the implications of Jimmy Butler's injury and assesses panic scenarios in the NBA. Veteran commentator Chris Russo shares his thoughts on the greatest NFL quarterbacks, ranking legends like Brady and debating Josh Allen's playoff performance. Meanwhile, Danny Kelly provides insights on the Seahawks' season, key matchup concerns against the Rams, and highlights the impact of injuries on their roster. Tune in for a whirlwind of sports analysis and lively commentary!

Cousin Sal, a comedian and sports betting connoisseur, joins to recap the NFL's thrilling divisional round. They dive into the dramatic Rams-Bears game, praising Caleb Williams for his clutch performance. The duo critiques coaching decisions and explores the emotional toll playoff losses have on fans. They also analyze Buffalo's unexpected defeat and speculate on the Patriots' Super Bowl potential. As a lighter touch, Parent Corner showcases family stories, including fantasy league antics, wrapping up a fun mix of sports insights and comedic banter.

Peter Schrager, a prominent NFL analyst at ESPN, joins sports writer Joe House to dive into the latest coaching news and playoff predictions. They discuss John Harbaugh's potential fit with the Giants, weighing his strengths and the need for organizational stability. The duo examines Mike Tomlin's surprising departure from the Steelers and how a break could boost his future market value. They also rank the most toxic head-coach jobs and analyze the impact of injuries on key matchups. Plus, get their top betting picks for the week!

Kon Knueppel, a rookie for the Charlotte Hornets, shares his exciting journey into the NBA, shedding light on his on-court experiences and family background. He discusses the dynamics within his team, especially how LaMelo Ball's style impacts their rhythm. Kon dives into his toughest matchups against stars like Giannis and Luka, and reflects on the camaraderie fostered through shared experiences, especially in the context of a talented rookie class. He also highlights the crucial role his family plays in his professional life, offering support and encouragement.

Cousin Sal, a sports commentator and gambling expert, teams up with Chuck Klosterman, an author renowned for his insights on culture, to delve into the fascinating realm of football. They dissect the Texans' surprise victory over the Steelers and speculate on Aaron Rodgers' future. Klosterman shares insights from his book on football's cultural significance and its possible decline in prominence. Their engaging discussion covers everything from the sport's relationship with television to defining greatness in players like Moss and Rice.

In this lively discussion, Cousin Sal, a comedian and sports betting expert, joins Bill Simmons right after the thrilling NFL wild-card round. They dive deep into the Bears' incredible 25-point comeback against the Packers and examine Green Bay's coaching blunders. Sal shares thoughts on the Eagles' surprising upset by the 49ers and Jalen Hurts' struggles under pressure. The two also play a fun guessing game for divisional round lines and share amusing family stories in Parent Corner, making for an entertaining blend of sports analysis and personal anecdotes.