Hot Takedown
Where the hot sports takes of the week meet the numbers that prove them right or tear them down.
Archived Podcasts
Take That For Data: 4/18/17
The HTD crew talks with Nate Silver about why the save ruined relief pitching and investigates the sub-two hour marathon.
Hot Takedown's NBA MVP Smackdown: 4/11/17
The HTD crew discusses five candidates (Curry, Leonard, James, Harden, and Westbrook) for MVP of the NBA this year and crowns our champ.
The Year of the Carolinas: 4/4/17
The HTD crew discusses the men's and women's NCAA championships and the controversy around resting players in the NBA.
Trust The Numbers: 3/28/17
The HTD crew discusses this surprising Final Four, why Colin Kaepernick remains unsigned, and the American League.
In Pursuit of Rings: 3/21/17
The HTD crew breaks down the first two rounds of March Madness, examines the potential strike brewing in U.S. women's hockey, and previews the MLB's National League.
It's A Glitch!: 3/14/17
The HTD crew dives into March Madness, chatting the men's and women's brackets and offering advice for making your picks. We also break down the NFL's latest free agency news.
Hot Takedown: Live from MIT Sloan: 3/7/17
Our second live show! We chat with Ravens center John Urschel about math and football, debate what Kevin Durantâs injury might mean for the Warriors, and talk NHL trades.
In A World Without Stats: 2/28/17
The HTD crew talks about the intersection of athletics and politics, discusses Claudio Ranieri's firing from Leicester City, and imagines baseball without statistics.
An All-Basketball Bonanza: 2/21/17
The HTD crew discusses DeMarcus Cousins' move to New Orleans, checks in on men's college basketball and ponders if James Harden is as much of an MVP as he thinks he is.
Deadlines, Dynasties, and Data: 2/14/17
The HTD crew breaks down the NBA trade deadline, reviews the collapse of the Red Wings' dynastic glory, and chats home runs in the MLB.
Hall of Famers: 2/7/17
The HTD crew breaks down the record shattering Superbowl LI and investigates whether Terrell Owens deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Plus, a significant digit on the WNBA.
Superbowlie: Hot Takedown's Super Bowl Special: 1/31/17
The HTD crew discusses the Super Bowl. Plus: the Australian Open, Charles Barkley vs. LeBron James, and more.
The Best Part About A Streak: 1/24/17
The HTD crew discusses the AFC and NFC championship games, chats with Duke's Lexie Brown on women's basketball, and takes a look at the Sixers' surprising hot streak.
The Pressure Factor: 1/17/17
The HTD crew breaks down the Packers' 34-13 victory over the Cowboys, the current state of the English Premier League, and whether Carmelo Anthony should leave the Knicks.
Come On, Man: 1/10/17
The HTD crew discusses Clemson's stunning fourth quarter defeat of the Crimson Tide, the possibility that a yacht made Odell Beckham Jr. play poorly, and streaks in the NHL.
The Other Side of the Coin: 1/3/17
The HTD crew previews Alabama vs. Clemson, chats on the quarterback injuries impacting the NFL playoff field, and investigates the Rockets' hot streak.
Bowls, Brock, and Bells That Go Jingle: 12/20/16
The HTD crew discusses college football and whether we've hit peak bowl numbers, Brock Osweiler's troubles in Texas, and if the Elo system can be applied to Christmas movies.
Who's Your Rat King?: 12/13/16
The HTD crew surveys the NFL playoff landscape, takes a deeper look at Andrew Wiggins' stats, and talks ties in Major League Soccer.
More Rising to Be Risen: 12/6/16
The HTD crew chats about college football playoff picks, the seemingly unstoppable Russell Westbrook, and what the new collective bargaining agreement means for the MLB.
We Need a New Eye Test: 11/29/16
The HTD crew discusses basketball, taking a look at men's and women's college teams as their seasons get underway. Plus, a return to the deadlocked World Chess Championship.
If It Ain't Broke, Don't Optimize It: 11/22/16
The HTD crew discusses the Packers' ongoing struggles, Thanksgiving football, and the firing of Jurgen Klinsmann as U.S. soccer coach.
Ahead Of Their Time - Randall Cunningham: 11/17/16
Our series concludes with the "ultimate weapon," Randall Cunningham of the Philadelphia Eagles, who could do it all before anyone knew what to do with someone like him.
A Downhill Slide For Humans: 11/15/16
The HTD crew discusses the Steelers' insistence on going for two points, college football upsets and chats to Oliver Roeder about the World Chess Championship.
This Podcast Is Not About The Election: 11/8/16
The crew discusses the choice between Dak Prescott and Tony Romo, 538's College Football forecast and chats to new 538 writer Chris Herring about bad teams in the NBA.
Ahead Of Their Time - The Two-Handed Backhand: 11/3/16
The story of Peaches Bartkowicz, Chris Evert, and the rise of a new way to hit the tennis ball. Reported by Emma Morgenstern.
Emergency Pod: Cubs Win After 108 Years: 11/3/16
Chad and Neil get together to break down the numbers behind the Cubs' historic victory. They also chat to Ollie Roeder about how that final out felt for a Cubs fan.
The Chicken Or The Egg: 11/1/16
The HTD crew discusses the World Series, Russell Westbrook's extraordinary numbers and whether Tom Brady could win a Super Bowl on any NFL team.
Ahead Of Their Time - Long Ball Soccer: 10/27/16
Charles Reep pioneered soccer analytics, invented the long ball style, and helped ruin the English national team for a generation. Reported and produced by Joe Sykes.
A Team For October: 10/25/16
The crew discusses the World Series with FiveThirtyEight's Rob Arthur, previews the NBA season and asks if the Warriors are the best true talent team of all time.
Ahead Of Their Time - Russians In The NHL: 10/19/16
How Mike Smith, the Russia-obsessed coach of the Winnipeg Jets, changed the NHL forever. Part two of our five-part doc series, hosted by Neil Paine.
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