Podcast Summary: The Bill Simmons Podcast
Episode: NFL Preseason Hype Buy or Sell. Plus, Spike Lee on Basketball and Movies | With Danny Kelly
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Guests: Danny Kelly, Spike Lee
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, host Bill Simmons delves into the bustling NFL preseason, featuring guest Danny Kelly, a prominent figure from The Ringer's Fantasy Football show. Additionally, the episode showcases an enlightening conversation with celebrated filmmaker Spike Lee, who discusses basketball, movies, and his latest projects.
NFL Preseason Hype: Buy or Sell
Bears Offense
The discussion kicks off with an analysis of the Chicago Bears' offensive prospects. Danny Kelly expresses skepticism about the current state of the Bears' offense:
Danny Kelly [06:38]: "I am officially selling Bears to spare. I'm holding out. I still have hope, I still have faith that the Bears are going to be a pretty good offense."
Bill Simmons counters by highlighting the potential improvements under the new offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson:
Bill Simmons [09:05]: "I think Ben Johnson hiring is one of the biggest hirings of this kind of era. He has been more in his bag as a play caller than any other offensive play caller in the NFL over the last few years."
Defenses: Vikings, Giants, and More
The conversation shifts to the strengths of various NFL defenses, with a particular focus on the Minnesota Vikings:
Bill Simmons [11:50]: "It's probably the Vikings in the number one spot for preseason."
Danny Kelly agrees, emphasizing the Vikings' defensive prowess and their potential to challenge quarterbacks like Caleb Williams:
Danny Kelly [12:02]: "Caleb Williams life kind of hell. And it'll be interesting."
The Giants' defense also garners attention, especially with new additions like Abdul Carter:
Bill Simmons [13:05]: "I'm buying Will Campbell... This is the official week of Abdul Carter... this guy might already be one of the most impactful defensive guys in the league."
Quarterbacks: Mahomes vs. Allen
A heated debate arises over the merits of Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen as the top quarterbacks:
Bill Simmons [21:55]: "Josh Allen is the best guy for that question."
Danny Kelly [22:02]: "If my life depends on one guy executing a drive in the fourth quarter, I'm going with Mahomes."
The discussion underscores the complexity of choosing between two elite quarterbacks, weighing consistency against clutch performance.
Trayvon Henderson & Offensive Explosiveness
Trayvon Henderson emerges as a standout player to watch, with Danny Kelly expressing strong confidence in his potential:
Danny Kelly [22:57]: "Trayvon Henderson as the new Jameer Gibbs... I'm buying it 100%. He brings pure juice and explosiveness to the offense."
Bill Simmons echoes this enthusiasm, highlighting Henderson's dynamic playmaking abilities:
Bill Simmons [24:58]: "Trayvon Henderson... if you just... Roman Anthony Trivian Henderson."
Other Players: Teoa McMillan and Wide Receivers
Teoa McMillan and emerging wide receivers like Ameka Agbuca receive attention for their promising performances in preseason:
Danny Kelly [32:00]: "Ameka Agbuca... they're not even asking people about him. Players are talking about him like he's so, so great."
Bill Simmons [36:45]: "Ameka Agbuca... they're just so reliable, big body guy."
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers
The potential move of Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers sparks a controversial take from Bill Simmons:
Bill Simmons [50:26]: "She's gotta have it. But I don't know... he's 42. It's over. Even if you lose like a split second of your reaction time on stuff combined with that... he's got a repaired Achilles... He's 42."
Danny Kelly remains optimistic but cautious about Rodgers' impact:
Danny Kelly [50:20]: "I'm selling the Aaron Rodgers, Steelers thing."
Overall Preseason Outlook
The episode paints a vibrant picture of the NFL preseason, filled with both optimism and skepticism. Key takeaways include:
- Offensive Improvements: Teams like the Bears and Chiefs show potential for significant offensive upgrades.
- Defensive Strengths: The Vikings and Giants' defenses are poised to be top contenders.
- Star Players: Trayvon Henderson and Teoa McMillan are among the exciting prospects to watch.
- Quarterback Debates: The Mahomes vs. Allen debate remains central to preseason discussions.
- Controversial Moves: Possible high-profile transfers, such as Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers, generate buzz and divided opinions.
Basketball Discussion with Spike Lee
Spike Lee brings his unique perspective on basketball, particularly focusing on the New York Knicks and NBA stars.
Knicks Performance
Discussing the Knicks, Spike Lee expresses enthusiasm for their resurgence:
Spike Lee [56:21]: "The Knicks are in la, same trip. So you get to see the Lakers and then they at the time get to see the Clippers."
Bill Simmons shares a similar optimism, albeit with reservations:
Bill Simmons [55:31]: "The Knicks are the safest bet. I'm not sure I would do the bet, though."
Jason Tatum Injuries
The conversation touches on concerns regarding NBA star Jayson Tatum's health:
Spike Lee [72:06]: "If he comes back, I just hoping to come back too soon and hurts it again."
Spike Lee's Movie Insights
Spike Lee transitions to discussing his latest film projects, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking and his enduring friendship with Denzel Washington.
Movie Segment with Spike Lee
Discussion on "Sinners"
Spike Lee shares his admiration for his brother Ryan's latest film, "Sinners," praising its transformative impact:
Spike Lee [78:43]: "That film was transforming. And I love movies. And when I see something that's great, it just puts me in a list."
Bill Simmons echoes this sentiment, highlighting the film's originality and emotional resonance:
Bill Simmons [80:03]: "I walked out of the theater."
Teaching at NYU
Spike Lee delves into his role as a tenured professor at NYU's Graduate School of Film, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and education in nurturing future filmmakers.
Spike Lee [120:22]: "If you can make a living doing what you love, you won. Majority of people... have not worked at a job they hated."
Reflections on the Film Industry
The duo reflects on the evolution of the movie industry, the rise of streaming platforms, and the enduring challenges filmmakers face in balancing creativity with commercial demands.
Spike Lee [75:40]: "You can't keep these teams together when we get a ring."
Relationship with Denzel Washington
Spike Lee highlights his long-standing professional relationship with Denzel Washington, underscoring their mutual respect and collaborative spirit in filmmaking.
Spike Lee [131:27]: "We work together. Inside man was yesterday..."
Upcoming Projects and Future Plans
The conversation hints at future projects, including potential collaborations and Spike Lee's ongoing dedication to creating impactful films.
Spike Lee [132:20]: "I'm not done yet."
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange between Bill Simmons and Spike Lee, celebrating their shared love for sports and cinema. They touch upon memorable moments, mutual respect, and the anticipation of future collaborations.
Spike Lee [135:50]: "I love my team. Boston and New York is great."
Bill Simmons [139:29]: "Thanks so much to Spike Lee. Thanks to Danny Kelly."
Notable Quotes:
- Bill Simmons [09:05]: "Ben Johnson hiring is one of the biggest hirings of this kind of era."
- Danny Kelly [22:02]: "Josh Allen is the best guy for that question."
- Danny Kelly [32:00]: "Ameka Agbuca... they're so reliable, big body guy."
- Bill Simmons [50:26]: "She's gotta have it. But I don't know... he's 42. It's over."
- Spike Lee [78:43]: "That film was transforming. And I love movies."
- Spike Lee [120:22]: "If you can make a living doing what you love, you won."
Conclusion
This episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast masterfully blends sports analysis with cultural conversations, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the NFL preseason while also delving into the intersections of basketball, filmmaking, and personal narratives. The dynamic interplay between Bill Simmons, Danny Kelly, and Spike Lee ensures a rich and engaging listening experience, catering to both sports enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.