The Bill Simmons Podcast

Joining the conversation is Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and co-host at The Ringer. He dives into the Pelicans' championship hopes and the Suns' strategies for Chris Paul’s health. The duo also grapples with the Hawks' struggles and weighs in on why Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be a legendary duo, making a case for early All-NBA picks. Plus, they assess Anthony Davis's resurgence and discuss the potential future of the Pacers, all while keeping the vibe light and humorous.

Join Cousin Sal, a renowned sports analyst and regular comedic voice, as he breaks down the NFL's hottest topics. He and Bill discuss the Cowboys' commanding victory and the Bengals' success against the Chiefs, while tackling player injuries, especially Lamar Jackson's. The duo dives into the surprising rise of Brock Purdy and debates the aging quarterback dilemma. They also predict NFL Week 14 matchups and share laughs in Parent Corner, proving that sports analysis can be as entertaining as it is insightful.

Peter Schrager, an NFL Network reporter, shares insights on Tom Brady's nostalgic potential return to the Patriots and discusses the implications for his legacy. Benjamin Solak analyzes key NFL matchups, highlighting Tua Tagovailoa against Fred Warner and A.J. Brown against the Titans. Nathan Hubbard honors Christine McVie, reflecting on her impact in music and friendships within Fleetwood Mac. The trio also dives into betting strategies and team dynamics, exploring high-stakes games like Bengals versus Chiefs.

Chris Ryan, a Contributor to The Ringer, passionately discusses Team USA's thrilling World Cup victory over Iran and the pressure on star players like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams. Steve Ceruti joins in to share insights on the match's intensity and future challenges against the Netherlands. Football analyst Warren Sharp dives into 2022 NFL betting trends, revealing unique strategies amidst a volatile season, while touching on coaching errors and critical game moments. The trio provides a fascinating blend of soccer excitement and football analytics.

Cousin Sal, a frequent commentator known for his sharp wit, joins to break down the Eagles' impressive win over the Packers. They tackle the unpredictable NFC South landscape and the surprising emergence of the Commanders. With a humorous spin, they delve into NFL Week 13 predictions and player performances, including quarterback stats and fantasy football strategies. The discussion also touches on the quirky nature of family life in 'Parent Corner,' blending sports insights with relatable personal stories.

Ben Solak, an NFL Analyst at The Ringer, and Peter Schrager, an NFL reporter for the NFL Network and Fox Sports, dive into the NFC contenders as the season heats up. They discuss the Jets' recent decision to bench Zach Wilson, highlighting the strategic implications for bettors. Comedian Mike Birbiglia shares insights from his one-man show, reflecting on the intertwining of comedy and sports culture. The trio also makes bold predictions for Thanksgiving matchups, blending sports analysis with Birbiglia's comedic flair.

Haralabos Voulgaris, a basketball analytics expert and recent buyer of a Spanish soccer club, joins to discuss the NBA's competitive Western Conference. He explores potential trade options for teams like the Mavericks, Lakers, and Warriors, highlighting the strategies needed to enhance team performance. Voulgaris also shares insights on the complexities of player trades, the significance of analytics in decision-making, and draws intriguing parallels between basketball strategies and European soccer management.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Matthew Belloni to discuss the news that Bob Iger is coming out of retirement to reclaim his old position as CEO of Disney (2:15). Then, Bill talks with Cousin Sal about Patrick Mahomes pulling out another come-from-behind win vs. the Chargers, Jets-Patriots, Vikings-Cowboys, Browns-Bills, Colts-Eagles, Bill's updated QB tiers, taking the Commanders seriously, Steelers-Bengals, cross-off teams, and more (30:16), before guessing the lines for NFL Week 12 (1:07:31), and closing out with Parent Corner (1:39:35).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Cousin Sal and Matthew BelloniProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Peter Schrager, a prominent NFL Network reporter, and Rob Mahoney, a seasoned NBA analyst from The Ringer, join to discuss the tumultuous beginnings for the Warriors this season and potential trade scenarios. They navigate through the struggles of the Rams and the unpredictable NFL landscape before diving into memorable moments from Jimmy Kimmel, who recalls the early days of his show in LA and the comical challenges associated with it. Together, they blend sports insights with a nostalgic look back at the evolution of broadcast entertainment.

Michael Pina, a talented NBA writer for The Ringer, dives into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rising status as an untradeable asset. He discusses the Knicks' challenging position and analyzes which teams, like the Hawks and Heat, might lead the Southeast Division. Joining him is Derek Thompson from The Atlantic, who delves into the tech industry's future, exploring the potential shift to subscription models and the implications of social media's evolution. Together, they tackle the convergence of sports, technology, and societal changes.