Hooked on Sports

In today's podcast, John returns from a six-week hiatus to preview the 2025 Major League Baseball season. He reveals his picks for the 12 playoff teams, the win-loss records for all 30 teams, his picks for Manager, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and MVP in each league, the League Championship Series matchups and World Series pick.

In today's podcast:

John talks about how the Philadelphia Eagles foiled everything the Kansas City Chiefs wanted to do in Super Bowl LIX within the first 10 minutes, how this team was masterfully built by future Hall of Fame executive Howie Roseman en route to becoming NFL champions, and what team they can be compare to in NFL history, and if a dynasty is brewing in South Philly.

Plus, what went wrong for the Chiefs, and if a blame game deserves to be played for the poor performance.

Today on the podcast:

John lays out everything you need to know ahead of the Big Game on Super Bowl Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. What is at stake for individual players and key team figures? What will be the keys to victory for both teams? What advantages do the Eagles have? What advantages do the Chiefs have?

Then, the moment of truth. Who wins the Super Bowl and who will be the game's MVP?

Today on Hooked on Sports:

(1:53) John discusses the wild NBA trade frenzy with the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, as four more All-Stars were traded since the wild Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade went down late Saturday night.

(20:35) The SEC might have 13(!) teams in March Madness, and St. John's is the toast of New York City right now.

(29:27) Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp will have new teams next year (one voluntary and one involuntary), plus the Raiders and Texans have hired new offensive coordinators, so what team does John say nailed their OC pick?

(38:24) And the Mets signed Pete Alonso, winning a worn-out negotation that lasted months. What does that mean for the Mets and their chances to win the NL East in 2025? What will be the key to winning the division? What does Alonso's contract mean for fellow Scott Boras client Alex Bregman? Is Bregman really going to go the Cubs? And is there anyone capable of dethroning the Yankees in the American League?

In a breaking news podcast at 2:15 a.m. EST

A stunning trade just went down in the NBA as the Dallas Mavericks traded five-time 1st Team All-NBA superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for 4-time All-NBA center and defensive stalwart Anthony Davis as part of a three-team, nine-player blockbuster trade that shook the NBA to its core overnight Saturday night into Sunday morning that included the Utah Jazz. John discusses what that means for the futures of both franchises and the potential ripple effects that may come about from this transaction.

John reacts to everything he saw in the Conference Championship games from Sunday.

(3:07) - John discusses how the approach to game preparation by the Kansas City Chiefs got them past the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, and identifies the two plays from the game that tilted the game towards the Chiefs favor, and why the officials were not as impactful in the game as many fear-mongered.

(19:13) - The NFC Championship Game was a pasting by the Philadelphia Eagles over the Washington Commanders, and why he felt the game was over by halftime and the defining moments of the 1st half, what makes the Eagles such a well-oiled machine, and how the Commanders should embark on planning the 2025 season.

In today's podcast:

John previews the NFC and AFC Championship Games that will take place on Sunday, highlighting the key matchups to watch over the weekend and of course, who he thinks will wins each on Sunday.

In today's podcast:

John discusses the big takeaways from the NFL Divisional Round, plus Ben Johnson coaching the Bears, Aaron Glenn coaching the Jets, the Cowboys close to picking their new coach, the Jaguars dysfunction costing the organization dearly, the Raiders hiring John Spytek to be their GM, Ohio State beats Notre Dame and why Ohio State had to win it all this year, the Baseball Hall of Fame elected 3 new members, plus the Dodgers making two more big splashes in Rosi Sasaki and Tanner Scott.

In today's podcast:

John breaks down the key statistics that will matter when it comes to who will win these four outstanding Divisional Playoff matchups this weekend across the NFL. How must the Texans play to defend against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? Is Washington's defense good enough to slow down an elite Lions offense? Are the Rams doomed with the weather forecast in South Philadelphia this weekend? And can Lamar Jackson get his 2nd career road playoff win this weekend in a showdown with Josh Allen and the Bills?

In today's podcast:

John discusses the futures of the Chargers, Vikings, Packers, and Steelers following poor performances in the playoffs, how nervous should Eagles fans be ahead of their Divisional Round game against the Rams, as well as what to make of Jayden Daniels after his impressive NFL playoff debut and how he sealed the win for Washington.

Then, he discusses the Patriots' outlook after hiring Mike Vrabel to be their next head coach, the Cowboys decision not to retain Mike McCarthy, DeShaun Watson's future, Notre Dame vs. Ohio State in the National Championship Game, Penn State's 2025 outlook, the Rosi Sasaki sweepstakes are down to just three teams, the Baseball Hall of Fame vote, and the Knicks' inconsistent play of late.