Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: NFL Playoffs & Fraud Alert Friday

Original Air Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guest Contributors: Anthony Pusick

Episode Overview

This hour of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" delivers an in-depth, energetic debate on the state of the NFL Playoffs heading into the Divisional Round, as well as the show’s signature "Fraud Alert Friday" segment where fraudulent patterns in sports fandom are hilariously tried and judged. The hosts dive deep into power rankings, playoff trust factors, young quarterbacks/coaches, and the drama of competitive pick contests between them, all served with their trademark banter and candid opinions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Celebrating Tim Capstraw’s Milestone

• (00:33 – 02:17)
  • Hosts open with a shoutout to longtime Nets broadcaster Tim Capstraw for calling his 2,000th consecutive game (since 2002), praising his “iron man” streak and ability to maintain enthusiasm despite the Nets’ struggles.
    • Memorable Quote:
      • “Can you imagine? He has never missed a game. That’s some iron man right there.” – Alan Hahn (01:36)
  • Recognition of great local radio chemistry from Capstraw and Carino.

Ranking the NFL Divisional Playoff Teams

• (02:26 – 14:25)
  • The hosts debate which remaining playoff teams have a real shot at the Super Bowl, how close the field truly is, and which teams they trust most.
  • General consensus: The Rams are the top dog (1), Texans are likely last (8), but the difference among all teams is razor-thin.
    • Quote:
      • “There’s eight teams left in the divisional round, and if one played eight on a neutral site, it might be the Rams as only a three and a half or four point favorite. Like that’s how close.” – Alan Hahn (05:53)
  • Discussion of injuries (especially for the 49ers), power of coaching, and whether the Pats or Bills are strong enough with their current rosters.
    • Quote:
      • “Buffalo...they have the best player left. But...they might have the worst coach left.” – Peter Rosenberg & Alan Hahn (05:03; 05:21)
  • Focus on parity: Gone are the days of untouchable one-seeds (e.g., '85 Bears, Brady Patriots). Now young QBs and less-experienced coaches can be top seeds.
    • "Your one seeds are Sam Darnold and Bo Nix." – Alan Hahn (13:46)
  • Betting/tournament implications: How narrow point spreads reflect league parity.
    • Historical context: A one-seed being a home underdog is nearly unprecedented.
  • Coaching trust: heavy focus on Denver’s "winning close games" due to Sean Payton’s influence.

The Dynamics of the Hosts' NFL Picks Contest

• (19:41 – 26:36)
  • Discussions on rules/strategy for their in-show playoff picks contest ("who will have to dress as a clown").
  • Arguments about fairness, strategy, whether picks should be sent to the producer in advance to avoid tactical copying, and the spirit of competition.
    • “That completely spits in the face of why you do pick first place… Vomits on it.” – Alan Hahn (21:24)
  • Comparison to sportsmanship and “stalling” in basketball.
  • Ultimately, segments show the competitive and playful nature at the heart of the show’s chemistry.

Fraud Alert Friday

• (30:09 – 42:20)

  • Hilarious and insightful segment where listeners admit questionable fandom and the guys pass “fraud” judgment.

  • Examples Judged:

    1. Switching Allegiances Repeatedly – A listener from Rockaway admits picking basketball teams out of spite or convenience, and the crew condemns this approach.
       • “Your hockey, your football and your baseball seem to be genuine, but you know what? Your basketball is all fraud, fraud, fraud, fraud.” – Alan Hahn (33:01)
    2. Celtics Fan Secretly Rooting for Knicks – A Boston fan in NYC tries to justify rooting for the Knicks because “the city deserves happiness.”
       • “Fraud and vomit fraud. There’s a new level. I just invented ‘vomit fraud.’” – Don La Greca (33:54)
    3. Giants Fan Turning Ravens Fan for Lamar Jackson – A season-ticket-holding Giants fan openly roots for Lamar and bought Ravens season tickets.
       • “You’re not only a fraud, you’re a stalker fraud… you’re stalking Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.” – Don La Greca (39:31)

  • Segment Highlights:

    • Don and Alan invent new “fraud” levels: "Vomit Fraud" (rooting for a rival out of sentimentality) & "Stalker Fraud" (having an unhealthy, unfaithful obsession with a rival/team or player).
    • “Imagine somebody emailing wondering if they're a fraud and then finding out they're at the highest level fraud, a level that wasn't even invented before they sent the email.” – Alan Hahn (41:41)
    • The tongue-in-cheek "courtroom" dynamic, Don with his gavel, and the group’s comedic chemistry.

Mets Offseason Moves & Call-In Segment

• (44:33 – 51:54)
  • Caller "David" questions the logic behind the Mets’ offseason, focusing on defensive alignment after letting Pete Alonso go and acquiring Bo Bichette.
    • Alan agrees: The defense excuse is thin, Bichette can shift to 3B, but Stearns simply "wasn’t a fan" of Alonso.
    • Broader issues: Is Mets owner Cohen interfering too much, and who’s really in charge?
      • “If all of a sudden the second Cohen doesn’t like the direction it’s going... now he [the GM] gets the rug pulled out from under him. So who’s really in charge here?” – Alan Hahn (49:17)
  • “I’m a slave to winning, David…” – Alan Hahn (46:35)

Listener Appreciation

• (50:05 – 51:54)
  • Heartfelt call from a longtime listener, Steve, who appreciates learning from the show to keep up with sports for his family despite not being a diehard sports fan.
    • “After a year, you’ve done a hell of a job. I appreciate it.” – Steve, caller (51:42)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Tim Capstraw's broadcasting streak:
  • “Can you imagine? He has never missed a game. That’s some iron man right there.” — Alan Hahn (01:36)
• Playoff parity:
  • “There’s eight teams left... and if one played eight on a neutral site, it might be the Rams as only a three and a half or four point favorite. Like that’s how close.” — Alan Hahn (05:53)
• NFL’s new world:
  • “Your one seeds are Sam Darnold and Bo Nix...” — Alan Hahn (13:46)
• Fraud Alert Friday:
  • “Your basketball is all fraud, fraud, fraud, fraud.” — Alan Hahn (33:01)
  • “Fraud and vomit fraud. There’s a new level. I just invented ‘vomit fraud.’” — Don La Greca (33:54)
  • “You’re stalking Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Stalking them.” — Don La Greca (39:31)
  • “Imagine somebody emailing... and then finding out they’re at the highest level fraud, a level that wasn’t even invented before they sent the email.” — Alan Hahn (41:41)
• On broadcast pick competitions:
  • “That completely spits in the face of why you do pick first place… Vomits on it.” — Alan Hahn (21:24)
• Mets offseason:
  • “If all of a sudden the second Cohen doesn’t like the direction it’s going... now he gets the rug pulled out from under him. So who’s really in charge here?” — Alan Hahn (49:17)
• Listener appreciation:
  • “After a year, you’ve done a hell of a job. I appreciate it.” — Steve, caller (51:42)

Segment Timestamps

• Intro and Tim Capstraw milestone: 00:00 – 02:17
• NFL Playoff Ranking, Trust Factors, Parity: 02:17 – 14:25
• Hosts’ Picks Contest Debates: 19:41 – 26:36
• Fraud Alert Friday: 30:09 – 42:20
• Mets Offseason & Caller Reactions: 44:33 – 51:54
• Listener Appreciation: 50:05 – 51:54

Tone & Style

• Lively, candid, humorous banter with sharp sports insight and playful competition among hosts.
• Relatable, with hosts sharing personal fan experiences and letting their personalities shine.
• Emphasis on authenticity in fandom, with comic “judging” of fan behavior.

Summary for the Uninitiated

This episode captures the trio at their best: mixing old-school sports debate with the realities of a changing NFL, breaking down the drama of both playoffs and their own friendly competition, and bringing fans in for judgment on “Fraud Alert Friday.” If you want expert analysis with a heavy dose of personality and laughter—plus some memorable catchphrases about fraud—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here, whether you care about the standings or just want a fun, insightful listen.