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A
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
B
That sounds like heaven to me.
A
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
C
So we hit on this during the inn and shout out Anthony Pusick. That's his star. And you know what the problem is? Him being that good might be bad for us because Winthrop might just decide next year around this time. Why bring in Jake and Ty when we can just have Pusick do the show?
B
Get ready to join that union. Pusick.
C
I don't know, man. That's. That's a. That's a tough one. That's dangerous. That's dangerous. So, Anthony, you chill out over there. Easy, easy. He brought up the College Football Playoff, and now with this new iteration of the format, one in seven are the teams that get a buy. So there's really. And look, small sample size, so it could change as this thing progresses. But there hasn't been an advantage for getting a buy.
D
No.
B
I mean, look, it's only two years, but one in seven for the teams that were in the top four that had a buy. That's not good. That's not what you want. A big problem is it's not your typical buy. Right. The buy means you're awful weak. You return the following week. When was the last time some of these teams played? I mean, it's three or four weeks in some cases here for some of these schools. I think the College Football Playoff needs to do a better job of scheduling these games closer to when the regular season ends, because you have a team like Indiana that had not. They were the only team that won, but they hadn't played in three weeks since their last regular season game. It's a while. I mean, think about it. You have, you know that Ohio State, Michigan game that we all watched. That was a while ago. Like, a lot has happened since. And then you had the off week, and then you had the playoffs started, then there was an off week in between. It's not the best system. I like having 12 potentially in, but I don't like the long layoff because even the team that had to play in the opening round game, they then got to play a game rest, and they're more fresh than the team that had the buy that then would be rusty because of the longer layoff. So something's not right with the system.
C
Yeah, they got to figure it out and give them some time. Right. Like, this is still all new to everyone, but as that data presents itself as one that serves as A disadvantage to the teams that should be getting an advantage. We'll see this thing change up a little bit. What's your feel Sunday night? Raven Steelers, Steelers find a way at home.
B
That's the feeling. Mike Tomlin, underdog. I like him in the spot. Rogers had that line of. I very rarely have had two stinkers in a row. He's obviously confident, and last time he.
C
Was in the spot, he lost. Remember, with the Lions going to Green.
B
Bay, winning that game, not having Metcalf is the only concern I have for.
C
Pittsburgh, which, by the way, if the Steelers missed the playoffs and we're going to focus on Tomlin and Rogers, DK Metcalf is going to be a big reason as to why. Because I'm convinced they beat the Browns last week. They just had no receivers. Austin was out. Then Darnell Washington, their big tight end, he breaks his arm. They just couldn't get the ball into the end zone. So DK Metcalf, there's a lot riding on this game, man.
B
Is Rodgers retiring if they lose? And if they win, does he come back for another year?
C
Well, here's the thing. If they lose and we are to believe Tomlin's gone in Pittsburgh, how? What's the path to him staying with the Steelers? Because Tomlin had an affinity for Aaron, which is why he decided to sign him. Whoever the next head coach that comes in probably doesn't want him.
B
And who's the guy that takes over from Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh?
C
It's like Nick Saban in Alabama. It's really difficult. And now Saban's coaching. You see it all throughout the playoffs.
B
Which is crazy, by the way.
C
The coaches are winning.
B
Well, think about it. All the teams that played yesterday had a Nick Saban former assistant as their head coach, except Alabama, and they got destroyed by Indiana. Signetti was one of Saban's assistants, and obviously they went outside the Saban tree for the hire with Kaylin DeBoer. But maybe they should have plucked one of these Saban assistants because they're all having major success.
C
So you like the Steelers. Saturday night you're feeling Seahawks.
B
So I wanted to take the Niners because you and I thought the line was funky. But then we saw both Don Hahn and Rosenberg all pick. Sanford and Pusick said it's an automatic. You got to take Seattle. So Sam Darnold in the exact same spot he was in a year ago. For him, it'd be cool to see him play well and get that redemption after he stunk it up in this battle for the one seed game when he was with the Vikings against Detroit last year. Be nice to see him go out there, play well and get a win. I still roof for Darnold.
D
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E
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C
Panthers Bucks. I don't have a feel on that and I'm with you. I think the Niners and this is why the spread doesn't make sense to me. I get all the injuries. I think the Niners are the better team. Brock Purdy is coming off the maybe the best game he's ever played and he's hitting the Dougie Shanahan is an excellent coach. I think he's the coach of the year and that's to take nothing away from Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Cohen. Cohen. But I just feel like the Niners at home better team. I think they win the game now I bet against them because as you mentioned Don Hyde and Rose DHR curse. But yeah, I just think the Niners are the better team. I have no feel for Bucs Panthers. Not too long ago it feels like Baker Mayfield was in the MVP conversation. The Bucks were the Bears and like winning these games late they're fun and ever since Baker suffered the shoulder injury he hasn't been the same.
B
They're one in seven over their last eight and you wonder if they lose this Bulls out of a job in Tampa.
C
Riddle me this. There's a reason why if they were to miss the playoffs, it happened. All the injuries to the offensive linemen. There were Evans and Abuka breakers playing with the shoulder. Bose has made the playoffs every year he's been there. Like why is it just one year and you're done? Maybe it's how it unfolded. But again, like all the injuries played a major factor into this.
B
I think yes, that game. I think it might go back to the Thursday night game a few weeks ago. They're at home, they're playing the Falcons. They had just been eliminated. So it's a short week for Atlanta. They're playing for nothing. And they lost that game where Atlanta went for two twice and didn't get it. Had to overcome like a third and 29 and like a fourth and 13 just to win. And it's like Todd, you're a defensive guy. Your defense has to get a stop. And then they just kept losing after that and we'll see what happens.
C
Age better when you see Atlanta at first rolling the Rams, they did come back. But Atlanta beat the Rams and they've got some pretty good win as the division. Like it's, it's a tough one for me.
B
You know the problem I think Tampa ran into beyond the injuries. How many years in a row are they going to get their offensive coordinator plucked to be a head coach like Bowles has had to replace his OC this is now the third season in a row we saw this with the Eagles, right? Sirianni. It took him a little bit after his initial coordinators both left right Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen left. They had that down year the following year.
C
And then Kellen Moore.
B
Yeah, he pivoted to Kellen Moore and got big faint.
C
Now he's got Petullo who has no clear what he's doing.
B
Yeah, that guy is like the most hated guy in Philly right now. They're the defending super bowl champs. It must be nice.
C
What's your feel for like right now? Friday 6:44. This is not etched in stone. We're not going to put a, you know, Pusick's not going to throw a Twitter clip of this up. What's your feel? Super Bowl. Who's representing both conferences?
B
Oh, great question. That's why they pay you the big bucks to be a talk show host in the biggest market in the world. I don't want to say New England, so I won't go outside the box here. Houston Texans. That defense travels the Miko Ryan's gets them into the game with C.J. stroud and company will go Texans in the AFC to be a little different than the NFC. I mean, I've been on the Rams all year, but it's just tough to pick them with them having to go on the road. But it's wide open. You know what? Why not? Who cares? Rams vs. Texans. The Super Bowl.
C
Can the Houston, can that Houston offense win three playoff rounds just to get to the Super Bowl?
B
That's the question.
C
When you're going up against Denver's defense, you're going up against the Chargers defense. And obviously we don't know what, you know, what that looks like right now, potentially round one against. Who would it be, Pittsburgh or Baltimore if they win this game on Sunday? Listen, man, I'm going to go with Philly in the NFC because people keep trying to sell me on their downfall. Here's what I know about the Eagles they've been to through the three last Super Bowls that the quarterback coach combination works. What are they, 11 and 5? They're about to get to 12 and 5. So whether they're the 2 seed or the 3 seed, they're still managed in a season where we had major questions about their offense to be one of the best teams in that loaded conference. And so look, do I trust Petullo and his offensive strategy, whatever it is at this point? No. But Jalen ups his game in the postseason. Saquon's had a miserable year, which you expected coming off of the workload he had last year, but it's the team I trust most right now.
B
You're betting on the pedigree.
C
Yeah.
B
Honestly, to the example that people have used to discredit Indiana. Like it says Indiana on their jerseys. If it said Alabama and they were doing that yesterday in reverse, we'd be like, that's clearly the best team. You're just, you're banking on the Eagles turning it up. So I'm good with that. The more I think about my Rams pick, I don't know if I could do it.
C
I kind of want to throw it, man.
B
It's just too many games on the road. It's hard. San Fran, if they get the one seed would be my pick. The Rams have not. I know. I'm couching it subject to change.
C
No, that's fine. That's why I wanted to do it now and then.
B
I want to see the final playoff seedings because I do think like if the Niners are the one seed, God, do they have a real chance to get it done this year?
C
I'm picking whoever wins Sunday night to win the afc.
B
Wow. So Sam Darnold could be a Super bowl champion.
C
Sunday night. Ravens, Steelers.
B
Oh, you're saying the winner will go on a run to the Super Bowl.
C
Winner's going on a run.
B
Wow.
C
Let's do it.
F
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A
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
C
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
A
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
C
Here we go. Timing right there. Game time brought to you by Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's telling time. So coming up next, we've got the Knicks hosting the Atlanta Hawks. That begins at 7:00'. Clock. You got the Rangers facing the Panthers in the Winter classic coverage on 1050 starting at 7:30. Tullamore. Due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cash matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tully More Dew or try the new Tully Mordu. Honey, during today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Any plans for you and your lady tonight over? You know, a cup of Telemore do on the rocks.
B
They all knew.
C
You all knew. Honey, during. During tonight's action. If you, if you are putting or picking up what I'm putting down.
B
I feel like I've done a show with Rick for four hours today. But it's you, Ty D. Butler.
C
That's why I love.
B
I know why they call you Ty D. Butler. It all makes sense.
C
Yeah, see, that's why they call me that. But that's why I love Rick so much because there are times where he'll have a punchline on, on his morning show. It's like I was right there with him and I'll. I was right there.
B
You were thinking along with him.
C
I was thinking along with him. Rick and I. Sherry brain.
B
There's some tension between Dave and Rick. That's the vibe I got listening today. They were arguing with each other.
C
It's not a real fan of Dave.
B
Dave was using that like voice where he's like imitating someone but it's like so not what they sound like. He just does like a high pitched version of it.
C
Do you have any regrets of sharing with me that you are in a relationship?
B
Not really. I didn't define what the relationship was. I said it's a mystery.
C
It's open, you know.
B
Yeah.
C
You're just seeing what's out there. You are a very successful man living in New York City. You've got your own YouTube show that's ringing off out here.
B
Let me tell you that. Let me tell you. You tell women you have a YouTube.
C
Show that's like telling them how much you bench press.
B
It's like, it's like walking into a club with Derek Jeter. Like it's just same effect.
C
800-919-3776. Let's get to my man David. And Elizabeth, who's been waiting patiently. What's up, David? David, that's. That's sad, man. I apologize. Cause that's my fault. That's my bad, David. How about we go to Richard in Manhattan to close this out tonight? What's up, Richard?
G
Hi, Jake. These Knicks remind me of d' Antoni's Knicks. You know, Al Harrington and David Lee. No defense. When are you going to start playing defense, fellas? They're giving up 150, you know. Listen to this, Ty. Jake. 10 games in a row, Mikhail Bridges has played 35 minutes a game. 350 minutes. 10 straight games. Do you know how many foul shots he's attempted?
B
How many can I get?
C
Oh, zero. That can't be true.
G
That is true. Go look it up. 350 minutes a game, fellas. Eli, hall of Fame. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, Eli won two Super Bowls. Out of those two super bowl teams. Am I wrong, only Michael Strahan is in the Super. In the hall of Fame.
B
That sounds right. From. Yeah, I think. I think Michael Strahan. Yep.
G
You look at the New York Knicks. 70 and 73. Nine guys on those teams who are associated with those teams are in the Basketball hall of Fame. How could you only have one guy from two. And Eli played on both teams. Strahan just played on the one team. Of course. Straight.
C
We know he'll get in.
G
I mean, there's no way. Okay, Indiana in football yesterday, this is one of the greatest. This is the greatest rags to riches story since the New York Mets in 69. I mean, they weren't just bad, they were the doormats of the Big Ten. And if everyone. They never won. And if you would have said two years ago, Nick Saban is coaching Alabama at this time, that in two years he. Indiana would beat Alabama in a playoff game in the NCAA tournament. Indiana would go on and win the NCAA championship undefeated. You would have gotten shot. No, you would have been instituted. Nobody would have done it. Believe that. What they're doing is incredible. This kid, this is his first gym, right? Mendoza. He came from the transfer portal.
B
He transferred from Cal again. Signetti is incredible. He's 25 2. He's made the playoffs.
G
Jake, let me just interrupt you. They've been incredible coaches before. He's not the first incredible coach in 60 years. I think it's more than.
C
Hey, Richard. My bad. We got to go.
B
I agree with you. I agree with your call, Richard. I'm simply just giving you the resume of what he's accomplished in two years. Two playoff appearances, 25, 2 won a Big Ten title. He's already has wins over Ohio State, playoff win over Alabama. He beat Oregon in the regular season. They have the Indiana football as a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback. Signetti's incredible. And what's amazing about him, he's been around. He's been an assistant. He was under Saban. He was at JMU before this. Other teams could have hired this guy and here he is and the first thing he says is I win. Google me. And to talk that talk and back it up the way he has, it's unbelievable.
C
Well, this has been fun, man. Four hours of outstanding sports talk. You have fun with your lady tonight. Let's go next don't do anything that your parents wouldn't be proud of.
B
I won't do anything that the Ty D. Butler wouldn't do.
C
Knicks Hawks coming up next. Ty Butler Jake Asmond signing off. Don Han and Rosenberg returns on Monday right here on ESPN New York and ESPN New York app.
A
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
D
I don't want to know how the.
A
Sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN News York app and your smart speakers before you go.
F
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Episode Air Date: January 3, 2026
Summary by ESPN New York – Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Ty Butler, Jake Asman
This episode dives into the crucial moments and forecasts of NFL Week 18, college football shakeups, playoff scenarios, and coaching dynamics. With the familiar wit and energy of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg crew, the discussion moves seamlessly between deep sports analysis and authentic New York sports banter, touching on the changing College Football Playoff structure, NFL playoff implications, and NBA/NHL updates. Key topics included: whether playoff byes help or hurt teams, speculation on Steelers coaching changes, the pros and cons of current Super Bowl contenders, and dramatic changes in college football power rankings.
[00:14–02:08]
[02:08–03:43]
[03:43–04:16]
[04:22–04:48]
[06:55–07:53]
[09:00–09:24]
[09:29–12:24]
Free-flowing predictions (subject to change!):
Discussion about pedigree, what it means to “bet on the jersey,” and how playoff seeding swings make predictions hard.
Jake Asman goes bold: “I’m picking whoever wins Sunday night to win the AFC.” [12:09]
[16:09–18:30]
High-energy, passionate sports debate with authentic New York attitude. The tone is lively, humorous, and peppered with sharp insights and playful jabs, making it both informative and entertaining for hard-core fans and casual listeners alike.
For those who missed it:
This episode is packed with sharp NFL and CFB analysis, strong predictions, and lively banter—ideal for fans wanting a read-in on this monumental sports weekend without having to sit through sponsor breaks or the full broadcast.