by Alex Fischbein

Pacific, Southwest Division Previews, Joel Embiid’s Health Strategy, Preseason Thoughts | TAF318

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, where we’re diving headfirst into everything you need to know about the upcoming NBA season. This week, we’re all about breaking down the Southwest and Pacific Divisions, giving our thoughts on Joel Embiid’s rest strategy, and reacting to the most exciting and eyebrow-raising moments from the preseason. Buckle up as we get you ready for the start of the 2024-25 season with the hottest takes and insider insights!

🏀 2024-25 NBA Southwest Division Preview: Can the Mavs Bounce Back?

We kick things off with a deep dive into the Southwest Division, where Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will try to shake off last season’s NBA Finals struggles and make a statement. Can they get back to the promised land, or will it be another year of “what ifs”? We also break down the Grizzlies’ hopes with everyone healthy again, the Pelicans’ potential with a (hopefully) healthy Zion Williamson, the young Spurs’ outlook with Victor Wembanyama in the fold, and the Rockets’ young core improving.

🏀 Pacific Division Breakdown: The Land of Big Names and High Expectations

Moving on to the Pacific Division, where superstars and drama are always in abundance. Will the Golden State Warriors’ “big two” keep defying Father Time, or will the Clippers finally stay healthy and make some noise? And let’s not forget about the Lakers, who seem to have found the fountain of youth for LeBron James. We analyze all the teams, including the Suns’ championship aspirations with their newly-formed super team and the Kings looking to build on last season’s playoff run. Get ready for some bold predictions and potentially hot takes!

🏀 Joel Embiid to Skip Back-to-Back Games: Smart Move?

Joel Embiid recently announced his plan to sit out some back-to-back games this season, raising questions and a few eyebrows. Is it smart load management for a guy with a history of injuries, or does it set a tone that might frustrate fans? We discuss the impact this decision could have on the Sixers’ regular-season success, as well as what it means for Embiid’s MVP aspirations and the team’s overall strategy. Plus, we touch on the broader implications for the NBA’s ongoing load management debate.

🏀 Preseason Reactions: Who’s Impressing and Who’s Concerning?

The preseason may not count, but it sure does matter for evaluating the state of the league. We break down the biggest takeaways, from standout rookie performances to some early-season chemistry issues. Which teams are looking ready to hit the ground running, and which ones might still be finding their rhythm? Spoiler alert: Some big names have been underwhelming, while a few lesser-known players are turning heads.

🏀 Players and Teams to Watch as the Regular Season Approaches

With the regular season just around the corner, we highlight some of the players and teams you should keep an eye on. From dark horse MVP candidates to squads that could surprise—or disappoint—we’ve got you covered on who’s primed to make waves. Whether it’s a young star set to break out or a team quietly building momentum, find out who’s worth your attention when the games start to count for real.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 intro
00:03:20 Joel Embiid not playing back to backs
00:09:24 NBA News and notes
00:21:55 Karl-Anthony Towns trade analysis
00:47:06 2024-25 Pacific Division Preview
01:03:21 2024-25 Southwest Division Preview
01:11:36 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Jaguars Lose Again, Drake Maye Impresses, Cowboys Panic Time | #020

Welcome to episode 20 of The Sideline Specialists! We’re breaking down everything from the gridiron to the diamond this week. If you’re wondering why the Jacksonville Jaguars can’t seem to figure out how to play football, or if it’s time for Cowboys fans to take cover, you’re in the right place. We’ve got NFL drama, MLB Playoff action, and all the sports hot takes you crave. So grab your favorite game-day snack and settle in for some fun!

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Struggles: What’s Going On in Duval?

It’s been a rough start for the Jaguars, who entered the season with plenty of hype but have failed to live up to the expectations so far. From questionable play-calling to key injuries, we dive into what’s holding Jacksonville back. Is it just a slow start, or do we have a full-blown crisis on our hands? Spoiler alert: It might be time to send some “Get Well Soon” cards to the Jags’ offense.

Dallas Cowboys: Time to Hit the Panic Button?

Speaking of crises, the Dallas Cowboys are coming off a rollercoaster of a season so far. One minute they’re looking like Super Bowl contenders, and the next, they’re getting outplayed by teams that aren’t even playoff-bound. Is it time for Cowboys Nation to hit that big red panic button, or are these just growing pains? We discuss what’s causing the inconsistency and whether Dak and the gang can turn things around before it’s too late.

Drake Maye’s NFL Debut: Rookie Review

Drake Maye made his highly anticipated NFL debut, and all eyes were on the young QB to see if he could live up to the hype. We break down his first start, from the highlight-reel throws to the inevitable rookie mistakes. How did he stack up against expectations, and what does his performance mean for his team’s future? Let’s just say he gave us plenty to talk about—and a few glimpses of why he was a top draft pick.

NFL Week 6 Recap: Highlights and Key Takeaways

Week 6 was a wild one, packed with surprise wins, head-scratching losses, and a few jaw-dropping moments that left fans buzzing. We recap all the action, including which teams are trending upward and who’s starting to look like a one-hit wonder. Did your favorite team make our list of key takeaways, or did they leave you reaching for the stress ball again?

NFL Week 7 Predictions: What to Expect Next?

As we look ahead to Week 7, we make our picks for the top matchups and predict which teams will make a statement. From big-time showdowns to potential upsets, we’ve got your weekly NFL preview covered. Find out which teams we’re backing, which ones we’re fading, and where we expect the next big headlines to come from.

Updated NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Your Team Stand?

With six weeks in the books, it’s time for a fresh look at the NFL landscape. We update our power rankings to reflect the latest twists and turns of the season. See who’s making a surprise climb, who’s barely hanging on, and which teams need to figure it out fast. Hint: If you’re a Jaguars or Cowboys fan, you might want to look away.

MLB Playoffs Update: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

It’s crunch time in the MLB, and the playoffs are delivering all the drama you could ask for. We cover the latest headlines, including standout performances, shocking eliminations, and what to watch for in the upcoming games. Whether you’re rooting for a historic run or just hoping your team doesn’t get swept, we’ve got all the postseason updates you need to stay in the loop.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:51 NHL Season begins
00:11:55 MLB Playoffs reactions
00:26:23 NFL Week 6 Reactions
00:45:48 Jaguars are terrible
00:56:47 Cowboys panic button time
01:02:31 Power rankings update
01:24:15 Week 7 Picks
02:12:31 Immaculate Grid time!
02:21:52 outro

by Alex Fischbein

Kirk Cousins Shines, Deshaun Watson Stinks, Bengals Are 1-4, and College Football Upsets! | #019

Welcome to episode 19 of Sideline Specialists, where we have plenty to talk about in this crazy season of the NFL so far. We have Kirk Cousins, Deshaun Watson, the 1-4 Cincinnati Bengals, college football upsets, and much more on the docket!

Kirk Cousins Brings the Heat to the ATL
Who would’ve thought? Kirk Cousins is lighting it up in Atlanta like it’s a summer barbecue. Since joining the Falcons, Cousins has been a revelation, leading the team with precision passes and just enough Cousins-esque awkwardness to keep us entertained. Is this the beginning of an improbable run for the Falcons? We break down his stellar performance, what it means for Atlanta’s season, and whether Falcons fans should actually dare to dream.

Deshaun Watson’s Struggles: Time for the Bench?
On the flip side, Deshaun Watson’s return to form is still on hold. In fact, he’s been struggling so much that Cleveland fans might be Googling “How to bench a $230 million quarterback.” Should the Browns stick with him or give someone else a shot? We dive into Watson’s on-field woes, how this affects the Browns’ playoff hopes, and whether the Browns’ front office is quietly regretting the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history.

Bengals Hit the Panic Button
At 1-4, the Cincinnati Bengals are in free fall. Joe Burrow and company were supposed to be contenders, but now the only thing they’re competing for is last place in the AFC North. Can they turn it around, or should Bengals fans start scouting for the 2025 draft? We discuss the key issues holding the Bengals back and debate whether Burrow’s calf injury is just one of many cracks in Cincinnati’s armor.

NFL Week 5 Recaps: Drama on Every Field
Week 5 of the NFL season had more plot twists than a soap opera. We recap the biggest games, including some shocking upsets and season-defining performances. From last-second heroics to jaw-dropping blunders, we break down all the major storylines from the weekend. If you missed any of the action, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

College Football Week 6: Upset City
College football just keeps delivering, with Week 6 serving up a buffet of upsets. Whether it was an unranked team taking down a giant or a powerhouse program barely surviving, the chaos was real. We analyze the most shocking games and what these upsets mean for the College Football Playoff race. Spoiler alert: Your bracket might already be busted.

NFL Predictions and Updated Power Rankings
With five weeks in the books, it’s time to update those NFL power rankings! Which teams are rising, and who’s falling faster than a wide receiver with butterfingers? We also make some bold predictions for the rest of the season. Will the 49ers stay undefeated? Are the Cowboys legit contenders? Tune in as we give our updated takes on how the 2024 season might shake out.

Sideline Specialists Power rankings for the NFL through 5 weeks.
by Alex Fischbein

Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, 4-0 Minnesota Vikings, The NFL is Crazy | SS18

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Sideline Specialists, where we break down the latest and greatest from the world of football, with a touch of humor and plenty of insight. This episode is packed with everything you need to know from NFL Week 4 and College Football Week 5, as well as our predictions and power rankings. Sit back, relax, and get ready for some hot takes!

First up, we talk about Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens’ massive win in Week 4. Lamar is back in MVP form, throwing dimes and making defenses look silly. It’s hard to stop this guy when he’s in his groove! We break down his game-winning performance and discuss what this means for the Ravens’ playoff hopes. Spoiler: they’re looking scary! With key stats to back it up, we talk about how Lamar continues to silence his critics and why the Ravens are real contenders.

Next, we gush over Jayden Daniels, the rookie sensation who’s making waves in the NFL. Talk about poise under pressure! This guy already looks like a franchise quarterback. His standout performance as a rookie is the stuff dreams are made of, and we can’t help but wonder—has he already secured Offensive Rookie of the Year? Tune in to hear how Daniels’ stats are stacking up against the competition, and why he’s already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s best.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have stormed out of the gates with a 4-0 start. Can anyone stop them? We break down the reasons behind their red-hot run, and if this team is built to sustain their early-season success. Kirk Cousins is balling out, but the real story might be the Vikings’ defense, which has been lights out. Are they the biggest surprise of the season so far? We think so, and we’ve got the stats to prove it.

Of course, we can’t forget the rest of NFL Week 4. It’s been a wild ride, with some unexpected twists and turns. We cover all the big news and notes, from breakout performances to shocking upsets. We also dive into College Football Week 5, where the race to the playoffs is heating up. Who’s trending up, who’s slipping, and who’s making a late-season push? We’ve got all the latest, with plenty of bold predictions.

Speaking of predictions, we make our picks for the NFL’s power rankings going into Week 5. Some teams are soaring, others are tanking, and we have strong opinions on who’s going where. Plus, we dish out some wild (but possible!) guesses for the rest of the season. As always, there’s a mix of logic and gut feeling here, so feel free to agree or roast us in the comments!

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
01:54 2024 MLB Playoff picture
10:10 NFL Week 4 Reactions
20:27 NFL Injury updates
30:42 NFL Power Rankings Through Week 4
40:14 Tom looks to Week 5
50:59 NFL Immaculate Grid

by Alex Fischbein

Jauan Jennings, Andy Dalton, and Derrick Henry Catch Fire | SS17

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Sideline Specialists, where we dive into all the action from both college and professional football! This week, we start with a recap of College Football Week 4, breaking down the biggest matchups and standout performances. Then, we shift our focus to the NFL, reacting to the results of NFL Week 3 and analyzing the top stories from the weekend, including some key moments from players like Jauan Jennings, Derrick Henry, and Andy Dalton. We also make our picks for NFL Week 4 and get into the Immaculate Grid Game for Monday. Finally, we wrap things up with a brand-new set of NFL power rankings through the first three weeks of the season. Let’s get into it!

College Football Week 4 Recap
We kick off this episode with a comprehensive recap of College Football Week 4. From thrilling finishes to surprise upsets, this past weekend had everything. We highlight the top performances, especially from teams that solidified their place as early contenders in the race for the College Football Playoff. Whether it was a dominant running game, a star quarterback, or a breakout defense, we cover the key takeaways from the biggest matchups around the nation.

Reactions to NFL Week 3
Next, we turn our attention to the NFL, where Week 3 brought plenty of surprises. We give our reactions to the close games, stunning upsets, and standout players that took the spotlight. Special focus goes to Jauan Jennings, who had a major breakout performance, Derrick Henry returning to his dominant form, and Andy Dalton showing he still has what it takes to lead an offense. We dive deep into the details of their performances and how they could shape the outlook for their teams moving forward.

Week 4 NFL Picks
After analyzing Week 3, we make our picks for NFL Week 4, choosing the games we think are going to be the most competitive and the teams most likely to come out on top. We discuss the key matchups to look for, which players might be poised for big performances, and whether any surprise upsets could shake up the standings. Will this be the week that the underdogs come through, or will the top teams keep rolling?

Immaculate Grid NFL Game
As always, we end Monday’s segment by tackling the Immaculate Grid NFL game. This week’s grid had some tricky clues, but we work through it together, making sure to highlight players from across NFL history who fit the criteria. It’s a fun way to test our football knowledge and relive some of the most iconic moments in the league’s history.

NFL Power Rankings Through 3 Weeks
Finally, we update our NFL power rankings after the conclusion of Week 3. Several teams have solidified their positions as early frontrunners, while others are falling short of expectations. We analyze the biggest risers and fallers in our rankings and predict how things might shift in the coming weeks. Who’s leading the pack, and who needs to turn things around quickly?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:19 College Football Week 4
00:17:17 NFL Week 3 reactions
00:46:59 NFL injury update
00:53:49 NFL Power Rankings
01:11:56 NFL Week 4 Predictions
01:38:30 NFL Immaculate Grid
01:48:09 Closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

NFL Week 2 Upsets, Disappointments, and Major Injuries | SS016

Welcome back to another episode of The Sideline Specialists! In episode 16, we’re diving into an action-packed week of football, both on the college and professional fronts. We start with a recap of Week 3 in college football, followed by our reactions to Week 2 of the NFL season. We also share our NFL Week 3 picks, break down the latest Immaculate Grid for the NFL, and create our own power rankings based on the first two weeks of NFL action. Let’s get started!

College Football Week 3 Recap
We kick things off by breaking down the standout performances and key moments from Week 3 of the college football season. From unexpected upsets to impressive individual efforts, we analyze how the landscape is shifting in the early part of the season. Did your team exceed expectations or fall short? We provide insights on the top games and what they mean for the race toward the College Football Playoff.

Reactions to NFL Week 2
The NFL season is heating up, and Week 2 did not disappoint! We dive into the biggest storylines, surprises, and disappointments from the second week of NFL action. Which teams are emerging as early contenders, and which ones are already facing major questions? From dramatic comebacks to dominant performances, we break down all the action and share our thoughts on how the season is shaping up so far.

NFL Week 3 Picks
As we look ahead to Week 3 of the NFL season, it’s time to make our game picks. We analyze each matchup, highlighting key factors such as injuries, team form, and head-to-head history. Whether you’re looking for betting advice or just want to know who we think will come out on top, this segment has you covered with in-depth analysis of every game on the slate.

Immaculate Grid NFL Game
One of our favorite segments is back: the Immaculate Grid! This week, we tackle the NFL version of the grid game, where we test our knowledge of players, teams, and stats. Tune in as we complete Monday’s grid, discussing the players and moments that make the NFL such a fascinating sport. How many squares can we get right this time?

NFL Power Rankings After Two Weeks
Finally, we reveal our power rankings for the NFL after the first two weeks of the season. Which teams are at the top, and who’s struggling to find their rhythm? We rank all 32 teams, considering their performances, injuries, and potential as the season progresses. See where your favorite team stands and if they’re trending up or down after two weeks of action.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 NFL Week 2 recap
00:32:03 NFL injuries, McCaffrey, Pacheco, etc
00:41:20 NFL Power Rankings
01:42:42 College Football Week 3 recap
01:48:54 NFL Week 3 picks
02:10:20 NFL Immaculate Gride
02:26:49 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

NFL Opening Week and College Football Week 2 reactions | SS015

Welcome to episode 15 of The Sideline Specialists! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the latest action from the world of football, both at the college and professional levels. We kick things off with a full recap of College Football Week 2, where we break down the biggest games, highlight standout players, and analyze how the College Football Playoff picture is shaping up. Whether you’re following your favorite team or looking to catch up on the action, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know from Week 2.

Next, we shift our focus to the NFL, where NFL Week 1 brought a lot of excitement and surprises. From major upsets to impressive debuts, we share our reactions to all the key moments from the first week of the NFL season. How did the rookies perform? Which teams lived up to the preseason hype, and which teams stumbled out of the gate? Our analysis covers the good, the bad, and everything in between from Week 1.

As we move forward, we make our Week 2 NFL picks, giving you our predictions for the upcoming matchups. Which teams are poised to bounce back, and which teams will continue their momentum? We break down the key games to watch, highlighting matchups that could have a significant impact on the standings early in the season. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead in your fantasy league or just want to see how your team stacks up, these picks are must-listen content.

We also introduce a fun new segment: completing Monday’s immaculate grid game for the NFL! This trivia challenge puts our football knowledge to the test as we try to correctly fill out the grid with NFL players who meet specific criteria. It’s a great way to wrap up the show while testing our expertise on the league’s history and current players.

This episode is packed with insights, predictions, and a little bit of friendly competition. From college football to the NFL, we’ve got plenty to discuss, so whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just tuning in for the fun, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Don’t miss out on our breakdowns and predictions, and make sure to tune in next week for more expert analysis and entertaining segments!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:15 NFL Week 1 reactions
00:50:10 College Football Week 2 reactions
01:11:28 NFL Week 2 picks
01:46:24 NFL Immaculate Grid

by Alex Fischbein

NFL Award Predictions and College Football Week 1 | SS014

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Sideline Specialists! As the 2024 sports season kicks into high gear, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know from the first week of college football to the latest in the NFL and MLB. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a baseball enthusiast, or just love a good sports story, this episode is packed with insights, analysis, and heartfelt moments that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

We start off with a comprehensive recap of College Football Week 1. From stunning upsets to standout performances, we break down the most exciting games and emerging storylines. Find out which teams are already making a statement and which players are turning heads as the season begins. We also discuss the implications of these early games on the race for the College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy.

Next, we take a moment to honor the Gaudreau family, reflecting on their influence and presence in the sports world. This segment is more than just a tribute; it’s a reminder of the deep connections between sports, community, and family. We share stories and memories that highlight why the Gaudreaus hold a special place in the hearts of many fans and athletes alike.

Shifting gears, we dive into our NFL Week 1 Picks. With the NFL season kicking off, we give you our predictions for the biggest matchups of the week. From potential upsets to games that could set the tone for the entire season, we cover all the key contests and offer insights into which teams have the edge going into Week 1. Whether you’re filling out your fantasy lineup or just want to stay ahead of the curve, our picks have got you covered.

In the next segment, we tackle our NFL Award Predictions for the 2024 season. Who’s in the running for MVP? Which rookies are poised to make a splash? We break down the top contenders for all the major awards and give you our take on who will walk away with the hardware at the end of the season. It’s never too early to start speculating, and this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

Finally, we round out the episode with an update on the Baseball Divisional Battles. As the MLB season enters its final stretch, the race for the playoffs is heating up. We analyze the tightest divisional races, key series to watch, and which teams have the momentum to carry them into October. With so much on the line, every game counts, and we break down what to expect as the regular season nears its end.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:20 Moment for the Gaudreau Family
00:04:52 MLB Playoff and Division Race
00:15:03 College Football Week 1 review
00:42:02 2024 NFL Award Predictions
01:04:39 NFL Week 1 picks
01:33:02 Immaculate Grid and outro

by Alex Fischbein

NFC Division Prediction Show and CeeDee Lamb Gets Paid! | SS013

Welcome to episode 13 of The Sideline Specialists! In this episode, we’re bringing you the latest updates and insights from the world of the NFL as we gear up for the 2024 season. From major contract signings to preseason buzz, and our predictions for how each NFC division will shake out this year, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead of the game.

CeeDee Lamb Finally Signs an Extension:
We kick off the episode with big news out of Dallas: CeeDee Lamb has finally inked a long-anticipated contract extension. After months of speculation, the star wide receiver is locked in for the foreseeable future, securing his place as a cornerstone of the Cowboys offense. We break down the details of the deal, what it means for Dallas’ salary cap, and how this move positions the Cowboys in the competitive NFC East.

New NFL News for the 2024 Preseason:
Next, we dive into the latest news surrounding the 2024 NFL preseason. From surprising roster cuts to standout performances in training camp, we cover the headlines that are shaping the upcoming season. We also discuss the implications of rule changes and how teams are adjusting their strategies as they prepare for Week 1. Which players are making the biggest splash, and who’s on the bubble? Tune in to hear our analysis.

Predictions for the Standings of Each NFC Division in 2024:
As the regular season approaches, it’s time to make our predictions for the standings in each NFC division. From the NFC East to the NFC West, we evaluate each team’s offseason moves, strengths, and potential weaknesses. Will the Eagles soar to the top of the NFC East again, or could the Cowboys or Giants dethrone them? In the NFC North, are the Lions ready to finally take control, or will the Packers find a way to stay dominant? We also look at the highly competitive NFC West and the unpredictable NFC South, offering our thoughts on who will come out on top and which teams might surprise us.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:09:09 CeeDee Lamb signs and NFL News
00:45:32 NFC Division Winner predictions
01:58:22 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Northwest Preview, NBA Conspiracies, Boston Celtics Disrespect | TAF317

Welcome to episode 317 of The Atlantic Files! We’re diving deep into the 2024 NBA season with a special focus on the Northwest Division, while also tackling some of the wildest NBA conspiracy theories. Plus, we debate whether the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum were disrespected at the 2024 Olympics. Let’s jump right into the action!

2024 NBA Northwest Division Preview:
We start this episode by breaking down the 2024 NBA Northwest Division. With teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz making key moves this offseason, the division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the league. We analyze each team’s roster, highlight potential breakout stars, and predict which team has the best shot at taking the division title. Who’s set for a deep playoff run, and who might struggle to keep up? We’ve got all the insights you need.

NBA Conspiracy Theories:
Next up, we dive into some of the most intriguing NBA conspiracy theories. From the idea that certain teams are favored by the league to suspicions about rigged draft lotteries, we explore which theories hold water and which ones are just fun to speculate about. Do we believe any of these theories ourselves? Tune in to find out which ones we think might have a kernel of truth and which are purely for entertainment.

Were the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum Disrespected at the 2024 Olympics?:
The episode wouldn’t be complete without discussing the controversy surrounding the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum. Despite being one of the NBA’s brightest stars, Tatum’s role on Team USA seemed diminished, and some fans believe both he and the Celtics were disrespected. We delve into the Olympics’ decision-making process, the impact on Tatum’s legacy, and whether this could fuel Boston’s drive for the upcoming NBA season.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro and Big Sexy is back!
00:13:36 NBA conspiracy theories
00:47:03 Northwest Division Preview
01:08:36 Boston Celtics disrespect
01:12:32 Outro