The Bill Simmons Podcast

Wosny Lambre, a basketball analyst at The Ringer, dives into the trade buzz surrounding Damian Lillard, highlighting the Raptors as potential frontrunners and discussing speculative trade scenarios involving key players. Meanwhile, NFL expert Michael Lombardi breaks down the Cleveland Browns' formidable defense, likening it to legendary teams, and analyzes the Miami Dolphins' dynamic offense, emphasizing innovative player motion. The conversation showcases both basketball trade intricacies and the excitement of upcoming NFL matchups.

Cousin Sal, a sports commentator and betting expert, joins to dissect the Cowboys' surprising loss and the Dolphins' explosive victory. They delve into Cleveland's impressive defense and Chicago's coaching struggles, offering humorous takes on NFL rivalries. Nathan Hubbard, who analyzes sports and pop culture, shares insights on the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship and its impact on celebrity culture in the NFL. The conversation wraps up with predictions for upcoming games and witty reflections on gambling trends.

Danny Kelly, a writer for The Ringer known for his NFL insights, joins to re-draft the top NFL rookies, spotlighting talents like CJ Stroud and B. John Robinson. Van Lathan shares his thoughts on college coaching dynamics, with a keen eye on Deion Sanders potentially shaking things up. Howard Beck delves into the NBA landscape, discussing trade tensions with players like James Harden and reflecting on his experiences covering Kobe Bryant. The conversation intertwines football fervor with basketball intrigue, making for a riveting listen!

Austin Rivers, an NBA veteran who offers deep insights from his career, shares his experiences hunting for a new contract and the complexities of modern player movement. He discusses the impact of AAU culture on youth development and plays into the challenges young players face. Steven Ruiz dives into the intricacies of NFL quarterback evaluations, while Chris Ryan critiques HBO's 'Winning Time,' discussing its cancellation and what it reveals about the challenges of sports narratives in media. It's a compelling mix of basketball, football, and pop culture!

Cousin Sal, a regular sports betting expert known for his sharp wit, joins to dissect the latest NFL dramas. They dive into the Patriots' disappointing performance against the Dolphins and the quarterback struggles across the league. Lamar Jackson's standout game against the Bengals gets attention, while discussions on betting insights spark humor. They also playfully guess the lines for Week 3, analyzing team dynamics and touching on personal anecdotes, making it a blend of sports analysis and laughs.

Bryan Curtis, Editor-at-large at The Ringer, shares his insights on the Dallas Cowboys' season prospects and the evolving landscape of sports commentary. Meanwhile, Kevin Hench, a passionate Red Sox fan, expresses his frustration over the firing of GM Chaim Bloom, linking it to broader management issues within the team. The duo engage in lively discussions about NFL betting strategies, team dynamics, and the exciting transition of college football as Texas moves to the SEC, blending humor with insightful observations that resonate with sports enthusiasts.

In this exciting discussion, Nick Khan, CEO of WWE, shares insights on the blockbuster merger with UFC and its transformative impact on sports entertainment. NFL analyst Benjamin Solak delves into the shifting dynamics of the AFC East, especially focusing on the Jets' struggles and their unexpected season start. Die-hard Jets fan Sean Fennessey passionately reflects on the impact of Aaron Rodgers' injury and its emotional toll, raising concerns and hopes for their future. The trio tackles the evolving landscape of sports and the implications of major media partnerships.

Dive into thrilling NFL action as the Cowboys dominate with a 40-point victory over the Giants, while the Eagles edge out the Patriots. The discussion heats up with a review of the Chargers-Dolphins shootout and other matchups. Expect insightful predictions for Week 2 lines. Plus, a special Parent Corner with Jimmy Kimmel brings hilarious anecdotes and relatable parenting tips. It's a lively mix of sports excitement and family fun!

Ariel Helwani, a prominent MMA journalist, and Ben Thompson, a savvy tech and business analyst, join the fun-filled discussion. They dissect Team Canada's inspiring FIBA journey and offer insights on UFC 293, revealing the stakes of key matchups. Helwani and Simmons clash over the Buffalo Bills while Thompson sheds light on ESPN's struggles against cable giants. The conversation navigates the future of sports broadcasting, emphasizing the shifting landscape of viewer preferences and the implications for networks.

Rob Mahoney, a writer for The Ringer known for his insightful NBA analysis, discusses Anthony Edwards emerging as a crucial player for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup. He highlights Team USA's challenges against international competition. Later, Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst for Fox Sports, dives into the growing excitement around the Detroit Lions and their dynamic offense, while also predicting which sleeper teams could surprise fans this NFL season. Their predictions touch on the playoff landscape and the evolving dynamics across the league.