Bill Simmons

  (12:01 PM)

And we're off!

The Rock (Terrible Disney Movie)

FINALLY! THE SPORTS GUY.... HAS COME BACK TO CHAT!

Rich (Chicago)

Please pick again the Bears again this week like the rest of the haters out there....I dont like playing the "everyone is against us" card or no one respects us card...we didnt make the schedule, we didnt cause the injuries to the QB's that didnt play against us (well except Brett Favre, and YOURE WELCOME america)...the time is now LETS GO BEARS

Bill Simmons

  (12:04 PM)

I'm posting my Conference Championship picks at the end of this chat. Many Playoff Manifesto theories are pointing in their direction, including "Beware of home underdogs," "Beware of the team that looked great the previous round," "Beware of the obvious pick" ... and even a little "Nobody Believed In Us." And they're getting 3.5 which is huge. And Aaron Rodgers has been blown up to the point that he's been handing the QB conch even though he has 1 career playoff win. Hmmmmmmmm.

Jill (Canada)

What are the odds that Favre comes back to GB next year (if there's a season) to retire as a Packer? Also, what happens to his retirement if there's a lockout?

Bill Simmons

  (12:06 PM)

What about this scenario: GB wins the SB, Rodgers becomes "The Guy," then a humbled Favre returns as his backup next year? Wouldn't Packer fans talk themselves into this or am I crazy?

Dan (Tampa, FL)

Rodgers has TWO playoff wins and the 1 loss was on his defenseover 120 rating in all 3 games

Bill Simmons

  (12:06 PM)

My bad - two this year. Coffee hasn't kicked in yet.

Nick (Philly )

Gotta add, "Field conditions so bad that only the team that calls it home and the 4,000 JV teams that tear it up every week can play on it," to the playoff manifesto.

Luke (Greenville, NC)

How many times did you throw up in your mouth during last weekends Jets-Pats game?

Bill Simmons

  (12:08 PM)

Only once: The fake punt. It was such a bad idea, and so unBelichickian, and it never had even a semblance of a chance, and it seemed so desperate... I just hated it. Just go into halftime down 7-3 getting the ball in the second half. That was the single dumbest move of the Belichick Era. That play kills me. I thought about it all week.

Jay Cutler (Whatever.)

This chat annoys me.

Isaiah (New York)

Is there something to the effect of "Take the superior team (Pit), playing at home, that nobody is talking about" ?

Bill Simmons

  (12:11 PM)

The best case for taking Pitt: 1) they're home, 2) better QB, 3) better defense, 4) the Jets acted like they won the Super Bowl last Sunday, 5) they lost a goofy game to NYJ the last time they played, and 6) you can kinda feel two weeks of "All-Roethlisberger All The Time" SB coverage coming... the half-point worries me though. I'd feel better about taking them if they were -3.

Greg (Las Vegas)

Rufus sleep all week after his marathon walk?

Bill Simmons

  (12:14 PM)

We never even went on a marathon walk after that Pats loss. The Pats were beaten so soundly, and they were exposed so badly, that I reacted pretty strangely to that game: I ended up just being mad that I had thought they were better, then getting over it and watching the Golden Globes. I reacted more like one of those wives on a Lifetime TV movie that found out her husband was living a double life... I just felt deceived.

Mr. Weaver ((Pleasanton, CA))

Who plays you in that Lifetime movie?

Bill Simmons

  (12:16 PM)

Best case scenario: Matthew Perry. Worst-case scenario: Dane Cook.

Dustin (NY)

Most likely to throw a crippling INT this week? Mark Sanchez or Jay Cutler?

Bill Simmons

  (12:18 PM)

I'd say Cutler - he'll throw you at least 2 a game, you just have to hold onto them. That was Seattle's biggest misfire last week, dropping the goal line INT he gave them. KC Joyner did a nice job of breaking down Cutler's possible flimsiness this week (Insider only): http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/insider/columns/story?columnist=joyner_kc&id=6038319

Bill Simmons

  (12:19 PM)

PS: In that Joyner column, he posted a clip for Jim Everett's "Phantom Sack" which is phenomenal to re-watch, I totally forgot about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWALEh7fT5w

Dave (Lakewood)

Can't help but think all of the Jet's trash talking worked perfectly for them. Welker getting benched that first drive could have been the game changer.

Bill Simmons

  (12:20 PM)

What really fascinates me: They've done NONE of that trash-talking this week with Pittsburgh. Rex Ryan is smart - he knows that you don't want to get Harrison and Polamalu fired up.

Bill Simmons

  (12:22 PM)

The Jets have been respectful with Pitt all week - last week, they wanted to get under NE's skin and jog them out of their robotic "take every day one at a time" state, totally worked. This week? Nothing but respect and admiration. Rex is a smart dude. And a helluva cameraman.

James (New york City)

Best verbal smackdown this week: Bart Scott's Ultimate Warrior impersonation with Sal Palantonio on sunday or David Simon's response to the Baltimore Chief of Police?

Bill Simmons

  (12:24 PM)

David Simon. Hands down. Trying to find the link, hold on...

Kevin (Washington, DC)

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2011/01/simon_responds_to_bealefelds_c.html

Bill Simmons

  (12:25 PM)

Thanks!

Joe (Chicago)

Where would "Ben's" all time QB status elevate to if he won another Super Bowl?

Bill Simmons

  (12:27 PM)

Check it out: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RoetBe00.htm Three SB's before he's 28, including one of the greatest throws in the history of the game. He's be 11-2 in the playoffs and something like 70-23 in the regular season. At the very least he'd be right where Brady was a few years ago... minus the prolonged police investigation and the motorcycle accident, but still.

Bill Simmons

  (12:28 PM)

The thing about "Ben" is that he gets better when it matters. 3rd and 19, 2:07 to play last Saturday, I had Pitt -3 and was watching it thinking, "He's going to make a play." And he did. How many QB's have made me feel that way? Not many.

Corey (Plainview, NY)

Although her admission came with a great deal of skepticism, I think last nights episode confirms Deena was a great addition to the Jersey Shore. Very few girls can go out with M.V.P and enhance the experience

Bill Simmons

  (12:30 PM)

Couldn't agree more. She's like Cromartie with the Jets - filled a need, brought some unintentional comedy to the table, capable of making a play at any time, not afraid to melt down and drop a few F-bombs, just made everything better.

Megan (Philadelphia)

Been watching Jersey Shore? Thoughts on the new season? Also, when can we expect Chuck Klosterman back on the BS Report?

Bill Simmons

  (12:32 PM)

Chuck was supposed to come on the BS Report today and I screwed up - I was sick yesterday and could not write a coherent NFL column. (Even though I spent the whole day trying.) So we went with Plan B (mega-chat) and pushed Chuck to next week. He got bumped like a standup comic on a late night show.

Bill Simmons

  (12:33 PM)

BTW, this happens to me 2x or 3x a year: i have an angle I like, I write it, it sucks, and then I'm trapped with a column that's due the next day. But you never know if the angle will work until you try to write it.

Bill Simmons

  (12:36 PM)

The idea I thought was going to work was about how the Jets fans and Pats fans used to be kindred spirits (the lovable losers from the AFL who got their asses kicked by Miami every year) and now we hate each other and things have fallen apart. I thought it was like Seth and Evan in Superbad and actually the Jets are like Seth (more bombastic and acerbic) and the Pats were like Evan (our 3 SB's were like Evan going to Dartmouth whole Seth stayed home and went to a state school). So last week's game was like Evan graduating, coming home, then somehow Seth getting the upper hand... but at about the 3-hr mark I realized the idea was going nowhere. HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS.

Bill Simmons

  (12:36 PM)

The idea I thought was going to work was about how the Jets fans and Pats fans used to be kindred spirits (the lovable losers from the AFL who got their asses kicked by Miami every year) and now we hate each other and things have fallen apart. I thought it was like Seth and Evan in Superbad and actually the Jets are like Seth (more bombastic and acerbic) and the Pats were like Evan (our 3 SB's were like Evan going to Dartmouth whole Seth stayed home and went to a state school). So last week's game was like Evan graduating, coming home, then somehow Seth getting the upper hand... but at about the 3-hr mark I realized the idea was going nowhere. HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS.

Jonathan N (Ontario)

Bill! How's it going? So what are your thoughts on the Melo trade? I personally think it would've been a good idea for the Nets. Thoughts??

Bill Simmons

  (12:37 PM)

He wants to go to the Knicks, he's always wanted to go to the Knicks, and he's going to end up with the Knicks.

ShuG (NYC)

How awesome was the Ronnie look-a-like Dean? How much MORE awesome was it that Ronnie knew Dean in his half asleep stupor?!?!?

Bill Simmons

  (12:38 PM)

The Fake Ronnie sequence may have been my favorite single sequence from any Jersey Shore. Shouldn't he join the cast? Or even better, couldn't they just replace Ronnie with him?

Jono (Atlanta)

Are you allowed to comment on the new Onion SportsDome series on Comedy Central, or will your handlers break out the cattleprod for discussing something that parodies ESPN?

Bill Simmons

  (12:41 PM)

I think it has a lot of potential. The problem is that they chose to do it "evergreen" (filming it way ahead of time because it's so heavily produced) and it's not topical at all. For that show to work, they need to film some bits ahead of time but tape the show the day of so that they can incorporate timely stuff at the top. Not sure why that wasn't the plan.

Bill Simmons

  (12:42 PM)

For instance: starting show #2 with a Brady-Belichick bit but not acknowledging the Pats-Jets game just made it feel dated.

Gary Neal (Texas)

How do you like us now?? You didn't expect me didn't you?? Not picking us to earn the Top Seed of the West earlier in the season (when we have like just 1 loss back then) has to be one of your worst predictions.

Bill Simmons

  (12:43 PM)

Careful, San Antonio - you're the only "veteran" team that hasn't been nipped by the injury bug yet. it's coming. I don't think there's ever been more of a "let's see who's healthy in May" season than this one. Homecourt doesn't matter, seeds don't matter... it's going to be 100% who's healthy and feeling good.

Justin (Orlando)

How do you think the Magic's mega trades are working out for them

Bill Simmons

  (12:45 PM)

They went 1 for 2 like I predicted: getting Hedo/Richardson was an upgrade (they got the 2 best players in the trade), and Arenas for Lewis didn't do anything other than open the door for Ryan Anderson to play.

Bill Simmons

  (12:46 PM)

What I like about Orlando: They have their '09 identity back now with Anderson and Hedo playing together, two 3-point shooters with size who can stretch defenses, create mismatches and (most importantly) have the height to get the ball inside to Howard. So offensively, they're on that 2009 Playoffs level again. Defensively? Atrocious. It's 7 below-average to putrid defenders + Howard. I don't think they will get stops in the playoffs. With that said... they scare me. Anderson is really really good. I'm a big fan.

Depressed (Seattle)

When are we getting an NBA team? What happened to all the steam behind Seattle Hornets?

Bill Simmons

  (12:47 PM)

That's up to Steve Ballmer. If he wants to build a new arena, the NBA will move the Hornets there. But they aren't moving an NBA team back to the same arena that they already ditched... they'd move the team to Anaheim or KC first, or just contract it altogether.

Tom Jackson (Psychological Games)

Bill, this chat is going to be a complete disaster.I think it's more important to you to hear that, rather than hearing another "good chat, it has a chance to be great." I want to further fuel and cement you in that bunker mentality.

Bill Simmons

  (12:48 PM)

NOBODY BELIEVES IN THIS CHAT!

Joe (Cleveland)

Was it just me or was Bart Scott's postgame rant reminiscent of Clubber Lang in Rocky 3? All that was missing is him calling out Giselle, and telling her he will show her a real man.

Bill Simmons

  (12:48 PM)

It's like Rocky 3, only if the rematch was derailed by an extended boxing lockout.

Eden (Toronto)

There are some rumblings that Dwight Howard would like to move on to the Lakers in/after his contract year. A la Shaq. Any thoughts?

Bill Simmons

  (12:50 PM)

My thoughts: I'm terrified. It's a generational thing: Wilt came to LA in the late-60's. Kareem came in the mid-70's. Nevitt came in the mid-80's. Shaq came in the mid-90's. Those are four of the greatest centers of all-time. So there's a history of this.

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City)

Please take me back, I promise to return your phone calls and handwritten letters.

Bill Simmons

  (12:51 PM)

Kevin, it's not you, it's me. I want us both to be happy. I'm with Blake now. It's nothing you did. I just couldn't keep the long-distance thing going, it was too hard.

Mike (Halifax, Canada)

has the Skirvin Ghos followed you back to LA?

Bill Simmons

  (12:52 PM)

The ghost is still wreaking havoc. This week, the Sports Gal stopped to get gas, put her wallet on top of her car to pump the gas, forgot the wallet was there, drove away, then someone stole the wallet and everything in it before she remembered... rough year for Team Simmons. I might need an exorcism.

Tyler (El Segundo,CA)

All Star Saturday Night at Staples, Lower Level, in the $2500 a copy range. How much of each cost per ticket is Blake Griffin owed? Funnier that I won't buy badly needed work boots but am considering watching dunk contest.

Bill Simmons

  (12:53 PM)

And they'll get that money. It's the first have-to-see-it dunk contest since Vince had his mojo.

Todd (Chicago)

I believe in this chat as much as I believe in LeBron James actually loving the bad guy role. Somewhere deep down I feel like their is a psychological meltdown brewing as he continues to bury all this animosity towards him. Thoughts?

Bill Simmons

  (12:54 PM)

I took a mental note of that comment.

Omar Jalife (Mexico City)

Don't you think it's dumb to divide your podcasts in 2? There are a lot of podcast that are almost 2 hours long and people listen to them. My guess is better to have 2 downloads than just 1 right?

Bill Simmons

  (12:56 PM)

We only split them into two if they go over 80 minutes. It's a downloading thing - once it passes the 70-min mark, it's so much harder to download them, especially if you have a slower internet connection. Just trying to make it easier for people.

Mark (Whitman, MA)

aren't there bigger problems in mexico right now than split up podcats??

Mike (Indianapolis)

Is Green Bay and Chicago really a huge rivalry as everyone is making it out to be? The last time they played each other in the playoffs was in the 1940s. Aren't they really just bitter divisional rivals in a crappy division.

Bill Simmons

  (12:58 PM)

Glad someone brought this up. I feel like I'm in the top 1% of diehard football fans and can't remember a single meaningful Bears-Packers game. I'm sure there have been a couple, I just can't remember any. Am I wrong on this?

Andrew (Minneapolis)

What's your take on the NFL in LA?? Is it really gonna happen??- Concerned Vikings Fan

Bill Simmons

  (1:01 PM)

Absolutely. Very quietly, the group pushing the downtown stadium sold its naming rights for big bucks to Farmer's Insurance recently, that's going to give them most of the money to build it. I think LA will end up with TWO teams. That's my prediction. Definitely the Chargers, then someone else way down the line. I think the Vikes will stay, that team means too much to Minnesota and it would be even worse than the Sonics leaving Seattle if they left - just a complete failure by the organization and the league. We can't have an NFL that doesn't have a team in Minnesota. It's wrong.

Nick (OB)

You are wrong. The rivalry comes from the fans. The proximity between Chicago and Wisconsin fuels this rivalry. Bears fans and Packers fans hate each other.

Bill Simmons

  (1:02 PM)

That's a separate issue - that makes it more of a feud. A rivalry means that it's a feud crossed with some sort of significant ongoing battle for the upper hand. If the fan bases are carrying this thing, then it's a feud.

Charlie (Milwaukee)

The Vikings have been bigger rivals in the last 20 years because they have been better overall. But Packer fans still hate Bears fans. I have got into two shouting matches with girls at bars in 2011, both Bears fans.. not a good start for me.

Jesse (Chicago)

Who's the favorite so far in "The Bachelor"? I say he picks the girl with the daddy issues...

Bill Simmons

  (1:04 PM)

It's going to be the girl who has the same name as one of the other girls only an O. initial at the end... and she has gigantic boobs. Whatever her name is, she's winning. Hold on, I have to look this up.

Bill Simmons

  (1:06 PM)

Chantal O. That's who is winning. By the way, the Sports Gal tweets during every Bachelor episode. It's the only time she tweets. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. http://twitter.com/sportsgal33

Ashley (Columbia, SC)

Geez you are dumb. You can't credit anything that's not Boston related. Bears/Packers is a rivalry. They vie for the division every year and they hate each other. Only you would (and a few of your idiot readers) would try to downplay that.

Bill Simmons

  (1:06 PM)

Name me 3 great Packers-Bears games.

James (Bayonne, NJ)

What is your opinion on MTV's Skins? How soon will you be banning MTV from your children?

Bill Simmons

  (1:07 PM)

I lasted 10 minutes. I don't want to be a father in 7 years. That was my conclusion.

DJ (Portland)

LaMarcus Aldridge in the All Star game? Easily won the one on one match up with Blake Griffin and has been on an absolute tear lately. While I like Blake alot, I think he has to pay his dues in the league.

Daniel (Los Angeles)

3 great Packer-Bears games1985: Fridge plowing through the line, Packers putting bounties on Bear players, etc.1989: First controversial replay decision with the Majik man passing for a TD while at the line of scrimmage -- "After review, the Bears still suck"1994: Halloween Monday night -- Favre turns the Bears' retro jersey night with Sayers halftime tribute into a blowout.

Bill Simmons

  (1:10 PM)

He's going to be the toughest All-Star cut other than Nash - playing great and carrying an emotionally scarred Blazers franchise right now. BTW, he won the matchup with Blake playing at home. Let's see what happens at Staples. Clips are a different team at home.

Bill Simmons

  (1:10 PM)

Sorry about that, tech difficulties

Collin (Pittsfield)

Re: Bears-Packers rivalry:1. The Brian Robinson blocked FG right after Payton died. 2. Favre's 99-yard TD pass to Robert Brooks. 3. Charles Martin bodyslam game from 1986. I could go on.

Alcoforado (Ayer, MA)

Even ESPN (the website) has trouble defining Packers-Bears as a rivalry. You can put it in the title, but then don't you have to back it up in the story?http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=6038843

Roger Goodell (Dallas, Texas)

You are always on my case for not caring about my player's health. Sidney Crosby, the best player in the NHL has been out two weeks with a concussion. No penalty was called on the hit. Earlier this week three Montreal Canadiens went to the dressing room in the first period with injuries. All three of Miami's big three have missed time, Noah is out, half of the Celtics are in the infirmiry and we're all waiting for Vince Carter to get "injured". Aren't atheletes just too big and fast now, isn't it out of our control?

Bill Simmons

  (1:13 PM)

It's a great point - how much bigger/faster can athletes get before we just have to accept that the old ways of playing certain sports just can't happen anymore? Even 25 years ago, you had a bunch of guys playing hockey without helmets, could you ever do that in a million years now?

Bill Simmons

  (1:15 PM)

Also: even watching that Jim Everett Phantom Sack clip from 20 years ago, at least 4 guys dove at his knees during that montage. We don't realize how much the NFL is quietly drifting towards flag football. During the 80s, part of the defense's goal was to put the fear of God into offensive players... that's fading away.

Bill Simmons

  (1:16 PM)

How crazy is the Martin bodyslam in retrospect? Would that have been a 20-game suspension in 2011?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MroG2oxyiyU

Bill Simmons

  (1:16 PM)

How crazy is the Martin bodyslam in retrospect? Would that have been a 20-game suspension in 2011?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MroG2oxyiyU

Bill Simmons

  (1:16 PM)

How crazy is the Martin bodyslam in retrospect? Would that have been a 20-game suspension in 2011?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MroG2oxyiyU

Tim (Chicago)

Can we define rivalry? Just confused on how bears/pack isnt.

Bill Simmons

  (1:18 PM)

There are different tiers to rivalries I think. The fan bases need to hate each other. You need to play each other fairly frequently. You need to have each been around for awhile. And you need to have had some great/memorable/classic games and a few clearcut battles for the upper hand. With the Bears and Packers, how many times were they good at the same time? I think that's where it falls apart a little.

Bill Simmons

  (1:20 PM)

The best under-the-radar rivalry is Dodgers-Giants. I had no idea how deep that one was until I moved to California... that one goes waaaaaaaaay back and both sides absolutely detest each other. Fights in the stands, fights in the parking lot, the whole thing. It's every bit as bitter as Yankees-Red Sox without nearly the same hype.

Bill Simmons

  (1:20 PM)

The best under-the-radar rivalry is Dodgers-Giants. I had no idea how deep that one was until I moved to California... that one goes waaaaaaaaay back and both sides absolutely detest each other. Fights in the stands, fights in the parking lot, the whole thing. It's every bit as bitter as Yankees-Red Sox without nearly the same hype.

Chad (Cincinnati)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtcQqwpCFJ4Turkey Jones would be expelled from the league. My dad was at this game btw.

Sam (Newton, MA)

Don't you think that Rondo should start instead of Rose in the All-Star game because he isn't going to take any shots and the players will have more fun playing with him?

Bill Simmons

  (1:23 PM)

Rose deserves to start, I'm a Celtics homer and even I can't deny that. Here's what will be interesting though: Rose and Rondo don't like each other, and Rondo's coach will be coaching this Eastern team... so if your Doc Rivers, and it's crunch-time, who do you play? Sit Rose and risk pissing him off to new heights every time you play him. Sit Rondo and your PG is secretly bitter at you for the rest of the year. Tough scenario. Forgot to include that in yesterday's column.

JP (NYC)

Isn't it time you give up the "Sports Guy" moniker considering you now regularly hobnob with celebrities and constantly refer to these unnamed sources "in the know"? How about you go with "Francesa 2.0"?

Bill Simmons

  (1:23 PM)

That cut deep.

Jake (Ft. Myers)

Andru Jones!!!! Rafael Soriano!!!! Your 2011 Yanks everybody!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAH

Josh (Washington, D.C.)

Last week's Pats loss involved some poor decisions from a normally genius coaching staff. Pats were down 10 with 7 minutes to go, in field goal range, and decided to go for it on 4th and long (the Branch miss). Why not kick the field goal there?

Bill Simmons

  (1:25 PM)

I can't kill them on that one - watching it live, I wanted them to go for it. I don't think Graham could have made that kick, they plucked him off the waiver wire for God's sake.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles)

If I win my 6th ring this year, would I leapfrog Bird and Wilt on your pyramid or just Duncan? And don't let your bias and hatred against me blind your judgment.

Bill Simmons

  (1:27 PM)

You'd leapfrog Duncan and Wilt. Can't put you in the top-five. Bird and Magic never would have been traded at any point of their career... you almost got traded, and even worse, your fans didn't totally freak out about it as it was happening. Never would have happened to Bird, Magic, Jordan or Russell...

Tom (Phoenix)

Thoughts on James Miller's new ESPN book? Excited or scared?

Bill Simmons

  (1:28 PM)

Excited. I really enjoyed the SNL book. And there's so much about ESPN that I don't know about... especially the first 20 years as it was being built. I love oral history books in general, so easy to read and you always learn stuff.

Andy (Boise)

So what happened with the PTI appearances? You were on heavy rotation and now nothing.

Bill Simmons

  (1:30 PM)

Wilbon and Tony host 95% of the shows, and they should - they are the 2 best hosts by far. LeBatard and I are like Matt Walsh and Mark Brunell - we're just sitting on the sidelines with our headsets on hoping nobody gets hurt and we don't have to play.

Jeff (NY)

30 on 30 was great television. I hope ESPN stays in the documentary business. There are so many more great stories to tell.

Bill Simmons

  (1:33 PM)

Thank you. We have some superior projects in the works right now - our goal is to run between 6-8 sports docs per year on par with the best "30 for 30" docs. And there are so many good ideas and good filmmakers that I think we can pull it off. Four good ones that I can mention are definitely coming down the pike: The Fab Five, Bartman, Renee Richards and the 86 Masters. The Bartman one is going to be incredible.

Scott (Phoenix)

I would like to see a 30 for 30 on the Portland Jail Blazers

Bill Simmons

  (1:35 PM)

I would too. The problem with an idea like that (or the Bad Boy Pistons, or the Artest Melee) is that the NBA owns the footage for all that stuff, and they are extremely hesitant (and rightfully so) about not glorifying some of the uglier moments/teams/games in their league's history. That's just not the Stern way. I would play it that way, too. I am still holding out hope for an Artest Melee doc at some point though... I think that's the home run idea.

Samson (WV)

Can they do a 30 for 30 on how much Brady is whipped by Gisele?

Bill Simmons

  (1:36 PM)

That's not funny.

Josh (Richmond)

What's the best 30 for 30 story no one has filmed yet?

Bill Simmons

  (1:39 PM)

The Dream Team. And I think there's a good chance we are going to pull it off. Let's just say there might be some Zapruder-like footage of some of those legendary practices... that one has the highest ceiling of any sports documentary because of the names involved, the significance of the team, the interview subjects, the footage, the stories (I mean, they were in Monte Carlo for 2 weeks), Barkley, Magic/HIV, MJ/Drexler, Bird/Magic, Isiah getting left off... it's the grand slam idea that's out there.

Jason (Jersey City)

Prokhorov publicly walking away from the deal: thoughts?

Bill Simmons

  (1:41 PM)

Total power move. He's a businessman who had lost control of the terms of the deal, so he walked away to change the dynamic of what was happening. Denver was too much in the driver's seat, Jersey was too desperate... he needed to press the RESET button to some degree. And the constant chatter was killing Favors, he was a mess.

Bill Simmons

  (1:41 PM)

I do think there's a 12% chance that Billy King's body is going to be found inside a meat freezer this weekend.

Jesse (Los Angeles )

I'm a huge Laker Fan and I read columns/ listen to your podcast constantly even though your a Hardcore Celtics fan. I was wondering what is your thoughts if the Lakers and Celtics meet again? Because I think if they meet again its going to be brutal and epic series ......actually I think kobe and Shaq might kill each other in that series ....your thoughts???

Bill Simmons

  (1:44 PM)

It would be phenomenal. Hell, I think the Final 8 will be phenomenal - if we can get Mia-Chi-Bos-Orl on one side and LA-OKC-SA-Dallas on the other, that's probably the best Final 8 in like 20 years. Don't sleep on the Bulls during all of this - when Noah and Boozer are back, with the way Rose is playing, that team is going to be frightening. And they HATE Boston and Miami.

matt (la, ca)

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/columns/story?columnist=wilbon_michael&id=6043261

Bill Simmons

  (1:46 PM)

Hearing that this is a really good one. Explains the fan's side of this Bears-packers thing.

Bill Simmons

  (1:47 PM)

BTW, it's such a delight to share ESPN.com with Wilbon right now, I always enjoy his columns and perspectives.

Jon (DC)

Your thoughts on Wilbon leaving the Post for ESPN? Is this just another sign of the decline of major newspapers? Will I even have a Post to read a few years from now?

Bill Simmons

  (1:49 PM)

That wasn't a newspaper move, that was an ESPN move - he's one of the biggest stars we have and it just made more sense for both sides that he played on ESPN's team full-time. I don't see the Post ever going away, the 3 newspapers that will always exist at the NY Times, Wall Street Journal and Wash. Post. Now, will they be actual newspapers in 25 years, or iPad applications that you pay for??? That, I don't know.

John Paxson (Chicago)

Hey Picasso can you get the bulls a SG to put us over the top?

Bill Simmons

  (1:50 PM)

I am terrified of the Bulls getting OJ Mayo. That's the undervalued former high lottery pick who's sitting out there waiting to get stolen away by a good team. Last year, it was Ray Felton and nobody ended up stealing him until the summer. This year it's Mayo.

Ace (Philly)

What's your take on Brady's recent playoff woes? He looked like a deer in the headlights against the Jets, they did press coverage across the board and took away the quick WR/TE screens & dink n dunks that the Pats have made a living on all year and I think Brady was totally thrown for a loss and showed some serious rust in terms of not being able to rely solely on his pre-snap reads but rather getting threw multiple downfield progressions.

Bill Simmons

  (1:53 PM)

Still scratching my head. What I don't get: where was the Brady from this year's Pittsburgh game, the guy with the Eff You Edge who seemed like he knew everything Pitt planned on doing ahead of time, the guy who wouldn't allow his teammates to let him down, the guy who was laying into everyone on the sidelines... where was THAT guy? Last Sunday's Brady looked confused, rattled and only semi-competitive. And I will never in a million years understand what happened with the SB 39/Eagles homage on that 8 minute drive in the 4th quarter... perplexing, all of it.

Patrick (Nashville)

I don't see either NFC team being able to beat either AFC team in the Superbowl, do you? The winner of the Steelers-Jets game will prevail. The line's going to be -7 at least.

Bill Simmons

  (1:55 PM)

I disagree - that Packers team (if they make it) is going to be scary in Dallas' stadium. They looked '99 Rams-ish in Atlanta's Dome last week. I wish I had realized that sooner: That GB was a great dome team being forced to play outdoors in freezing weather almost every week.

Rob (Boston)

As a Pats fan, who do I root for this weekend? Steelers (hate the Jets and don't want to see them validated) or Jets (hate the Steelers and don't want to see Big Ben get a shot at his 3rd ring ).

Bill Simmons

  (1:58 PM)

The J-Bug and I discussed this at the end of Monday's BS Report (end of Part 2). I'm torn on this Jets thing - I have a couple of good friends who are Jets fans, and they always rooted for me when the roles were reversed, but man, I couldn't hate the team itself anymore after last Sunday. I just want to see them self-combust. I hate them. And we've had a 15-year rivalry with the Steelers dating back to the Drew Era - I am conditioned to hate them. Tough one. So really, it will come down to one question: Who am I gambling on? And we'll go from there.

Adam (Cleveland)

Calling the Bears-Packers a rivalry right now is like me (23 years old) still considering the Steelers the Browns' rivals- I've only seen 1 meaningful Cle-Pit game in my lifetime, meaning they haven't played a meaninful game in over 20 years. Fans hating each other is everlasting- Pittsburgh is a God awful city in a God awful state.. but the Steelers don't concern themselves with the Browns, they're too busy winning the division every year.....one day, the Browns will scare the Steelers.... one day.

karson (minneapolis)

What team does Roger Goodell less want to see in the Super Bowl: A Steelers team led by a multiple-accused sexual assaulting qb? Or a Jets team that has sexually harrassed away Sainz, Sterger, and is coached by a foot fetish film producer?Ladies and Gentleman your 2010 NFL.

Bill Simmons

  (2:00 PM)

I'd think Goodell would rather have the Steelers because Roethlisberger could act contrite and say all the right things for 2 weeks, and other than him, it's a model franchise for the league. The Jets are like the passengers in "Con Air" - you just don't know what the hell's gonna happen with them.

Lovie Smith (Halas Hall)

Why is everyone so down on us? We lost to the Pack 10-3 at Lambeau in a game that they had to have and meant nothing to us. No way the Packers come into Soldier Field and win the HALAS Trophy to play for the Lombardi Trophy in two weeks.....

Bill Simmons

  (2:02 PM)

That's another good reason to pick the Bears: The 2007 parallels of the Giants playing the Pats tough in Week 17, realizing they could hang with them, then using that knowledge to talk themselves into a playoff upset. I watched that entire Bears-Pack Week 17 game - the Pack had to win and were trying to win, they couldn't move the ball at all. That HAS to mean something, right?

Mark (Madison, WI)

Couldn't agree more on the Bear/Packers feud. I'm originally from Indy and some of my friends up here were trying to convince me that the Bears/Packers rivalry was bigger than the Colts/Patriots. I had two responses ... 1) It's all about timing. Even though the Bears and Packers have been playing each other forever, when was the last time both teams had a long stretch of great teams where they were considered to be the NFL's elite? The Colts and Pats on the other hand were basically a mirror image of the Red Sox and Yankees. The Pats owned us so badly that we couldn't even really call it a rivalry up until the Colts finally broke through in 2006. Since then, every game they have played has been close no matter who's healthy or which team is better at that given time. Both teams want to win that game as much as the fans do which makes it a legite rivalry .... and 2) Up until they asked me the question, I didn't even know the Bears and Packers were rivals .... and I've lived here 5 years.

Greg T. (NYC)

Why hasn't there been a 30 for 30 on the 2001 World Series? Those dramatic comebacks by the Yankees in the wake of the 9/11 attacks is clearly one of the best sports stories of the past 30 years.

Bill Simmons

  (2:04 PM)

HBO did an excellent doc about that topic a few years ago... it's On Demand sometimes, totally worth finding if you can find it.

Bill Simmons

  (2:05 PM)

That reminds me: Some people are having trouble finding "The Association" on their cable DVR's tonight (7pm, ESPN). Just tape the 7PM SportsCenter if you can't find it. That's when it is running. Really really really good show. The Shaq/Sixers sequence was my favorite part by far.

John. H (Buffalo)

So, I meet this girl for lunch today. Really cute. After about 20 minuts though, she mentions her boyfriend. At this point, I'm still making good conversation, and cracking jokes, but my mind is clearly elsewhere. In other words, I turned into Carmelo Anthony.

John (Dallas)

Have any thoughts on where Carmelo will be going and when?

Bill Simmons

  (2:11 PM)

Everyone thinks I'm crazy - but I think someone's going to rent him for the season. That's where this is going. Denver needs to move soon because this whole saga has turned into a disaster for them on and off the court. The Knicks are lowballing them. The Nets won't talk to them. So at some point, they have to cut their losses and do something. The best rental matchup is Houston: They have Yao's expiring contract (partially paid by insurance), multiple draft picks, Shane Battier, a young power forward to throw in (either Patterson or Hill), Jefferies' expiring contract... I mean, they could put together a monster deal that would save Denver serious cash, allow them to start over and keep them competitive for Ewing Theory potential this spring. And if you're the Rockets, you're hoping either Carmelo likes it in Houston, OR the new CBA rules will swing your way and make it financially beneficial for Melo to stay, OR you can rent him for half a season, then flip him to the Knicks this summer for 80 cents on the dollar for what you gave up.

Mike (Philly)

When are the sixers going to trade iguodala and his aweful contract?

Bill Simmons

  (2:12 PM)

The trade that makes the most sense: Kaman, Aminu and an expiring for Igoudala and Hawes.

Victor (VA)

Hey Bill, what are your impresions so far for "lights Out"......Boxing is Back!!

Bill Simmons

  (2:14 PM)

Caught the first 3 episodes, thoroughly enjoyed it... and naturally, it's probably going to get cancelled. My review of Lights Out: "What Rocky 5 could have and should have been."

Bowgren (Chicago)

Why won't Denver just make a deal with Chicago? Melo would sign there, they could get Gibson, Korver, and that Charlotte futures pick. Is that not a good deal at this point?

Bill Simmons

  (2:17 PM)

This is heresy... but I don't know if that's a great deal for Chicago. The Rose/Melo alpha dog dynamic worries me and Deng has been quietly having a huge year for them (he's playing like 40 MPG), he doesn't need the ball and he's one of their best defenders. I also wouldn't give up Gibson. And that Charlotte pick could be a really good one. I like the Bulls' nucleus, I think there are easier ways for them to add a big chess piece without blowing it up for Carmelo.

Bill Simmons

  (2:18 PM)

If I'm Chicago, I am not thinking about any move right now that betrays their identity: Which is that it's Derrick Rose's team. Every move they make should be to make his supporting cast better. They don't need Carmelo, as weird as that sounds.

Jim (Milwaukee)

Does Manny get a job this year and if so how productive will he be in a DH role? And why haven't the Yankees taken a flier on him considering he has always wanted to play in New York, you would get the revenge factor every time he plays the Sox.

Bill Simmons

  (2:19 PM)

The Manny Ramirez/Randy Moss parallels are astounding aren't they? No longer elite, more trouble than they're worth, probably washed up... and yet, 2 tantalizing names. I'd be terrified if the Yanks signed Manny.

Bill Simmons

  (2:20 PM)

(PS: No I wouldn't... I'd love it. Put a fork in Manny. I'm just hoping NYY is dumb enough to sign him.)

Joe (Durham, NH)

Any way we see an HBO 24/7 on an NBA team? (The Association while awesome is like a lite version)

Bill Simmons

  (2:24 PM)

The NBA and NHL have different agendas: The NBA is much more protective of its players and its brand; the NHL has less to lose, and it's in their best interest to generate buzz any way they can. In a katrillion years, Team Stern wouldn't have allowed the NBA equivalent of Bruce Boudreau to drop F-bombs like that (or about 10 other things that made Hard Knocks stand out). And also, NBA players are much less likely to give that kind of time/access... they are conditioned to turn everything down, whereas NHL players are conditioned to always say yes.

Cy (Boston)

Thoughts on Cashman not endorsing Soriano signing... Is Hal about to take over ala Jerry Jones?

Bill Simmons

  (2:25 PM)

Lord I hope so...

Glen (Seattle)

Will you and Cousin Sal still do a podcast guessing College Football lines next season if there's a lockout?

Bill Simmons

  (2:26 PM)

If there's an NFL lockout, Cousin Sal is going to look like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbZaKTOSCSs

Adam (San Luis Obispo)

What do you think would be a good nickname for Blake Griffin? I was thinking King TUTT(The Ultimate Triple Threat). What do you think?

Bill Simmons

  (2:27 PM)

I like this suggestion from reader Jeff Lang: "I think we should officially nickname Blake Griffin 'The Defibrillator.' Not only has he revived the Clippers organization, he also woke up the overweight carcass of Baron Davis. Neither one is an easy feat to accomplish."

Bill Simmons

  (2:27 PM)

The other Griffin nickname with potential: "Blake Superior."

Bill Simmons

  (2:28 PM)

And this idea wasn't bad from a reader named Tanner in Provo: "I propose that you give Blake the nickname 'DUNKBOT 3000' or something similar. He is an emotionless basketball robot sent from the future with a mission to destroy."

Bruce Boudreau (Washington DC)

I've never f***in seen a f***in chat be more f***in boring for such a long f***in time. You've got f***in one more f***in hour to make this thing work. F***!

Reid (Chicago, IL)

Most underrated 30 for 30 doc idea: Ike Ibeabuchi. Look him up. Bigger, tougher, and crazier than Tyson ever was. His rape conviction secured the death of the Heavyweight Era.

Josh (San Francisco)

With the Clippers suddenly not only relevant but must-see-tv, at what point does Stern pull take Sterling fishing and get rid of this guy, he is much worse for Stern's business than Fredo was for Michael's, plus he is an unabashed racist. Just dig anything up on this guy to get him out of the league!

Bill Simmons

  (2:30 PM)

It's a question us Clipper season ticket holders ask all the time. Sterling's uninterrupted reign is the pimple on the ass of the Stern Era.

Alex K. (NYC)

Before the season, you put the Sacramento Kings 9th on your must-see list, and said that might be too low. What would it take for you to watch a Kings game now?

Bill Simmons

  (2:31 PM)

Everyone, please thank Alex K from NYC for posting this question 10,000 times over the past 90 mins and making it 25% harder for me to find questions. Yes, the Kings are at the bottom of the list. Thank you and please drive through.

matt (Stratford, CT)

I saw your tweet about Madeline Zima looking better in person then on tv, who else is on that list?

Bill Simmons

  (2:34 PM)

The all-timer was Katie Holmes in 2003 before Cruise got to her. Tall and gorgeous. When I was working at Kimmel's show, I remember being blown away by Laura Linney and Lauren Graham - both of them were really attractive in person. Kerry Washington is on there. She is fantastic. Coach Taylor's daughter from Friday Night Lights is on the Brooklyn Decker level in person. Kate Bosworth. And the most shocking name on the list...

Bill Simmons

  (2:34 PM)

Arianna Huffington.

Bill Simmons

  (2:34 PM)

That's right, I said it.

Mina (Riverside, CA)

I caught the end of your interview on 710ESPN Radio and was wondering can you explain what you were talking about with Blake Griffin and the OKC Zombies?

Bill Simmons

  (2:36 PM)

They asked me what the odds were of Griffin being a Laker in 4 years. (Weird question.) I said that I thought it was dumb to think about him going anywhere when it's YEARS away and we don't know if A) what the CBA rules would be, and B) whether Stern would have framed Sterling for a crime by then ... but the one potential suitor that scares me for Griffin way down the line is OKC. Because he's from there obviously.

Brett (State College)

Who should replace Regis on Regis and Kelly? Did the father/daughter dynamic work too well for it to be changed? If so, how about George Clooney?

Bill Simmons

  (2:39 PM)

I think it should be Jimmy Kimmel: he's already on ABC, and also, his lifestyle is more befitting of a morning talk show host because he only cares about cooking these days and doesn't follow sports anymore. But he just re-upped for 2 more years. So I don't know. Have this weird feeling she's going to shoehorn her husband in there...

Matt (Chicago)

What about John Gruden replacing Regis?

Bill Simmons

  (2:40 PM)

"We're back with Neil Patrick Harris, lemme tell you something about this guy, this guy is gay in real life, but this guy plays a ladies man on his show, and lemme tell you something, this guy does a great great job..."

Elliott (Baton Rouge)

Ron Artest for the Regis replacement.

Bill Simmons

  (2:40 PM)

Co-sign.

Jeremy (New York)

Shouldn't the NBA have a 12th man fan vote for the all star game, similar to the way MLB does? That would almost ensure someone like Blake Griffin gets put on the team.

Bill Simmons

  (2:42 PM)

That's a really interesting idea. I love it on paper, but when you remember that Yao Ming keeps getting voted in as a starter even though he can't play more than 50 games a year, it kind of falls apart.

Bill Simmons

  (2:44 PM)

But they could rig it so that the fans are giving four choices for the 12th spot, then it's a pure vote. For instance, let's say Griffin got one of the 6 reserve spots but Love didn't... but you could vote for Love for the 12th spot against Aldridge, Nash, Monta Ellis and Tony Parker. That's not a bad wrinkle, right?

Darin (Dallas, TX)

Team that could potentially have the most to gain from trading for Carmelo THIS SEASON - the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki, Kidd, and Terry are all getting older and only have a couple more chances to win it all. This could be a winnable west this year and Carmelo would fit in well with the team, especially now that Caron Butler is injured. Starting five - Dirk, Carmelo, Tyson Chandler, Kidd, and Deshawn Stevenson with Jason Terry and Shawn Marion off the bench. I mean, are the Rockets really going to compete by adding Carmelo? They aren't even in the playoffs right now! Also, the Mavs need a kick in the pants that a trade like that would give them.

Bill Simmons

  (2:47 PM)

The problem is they lost a huge trade chip (Caron Butler) - an expiring guy who could have made up 75% of Melo's stats in Denver. Dallas isn't a candidate. The one sleeper team: San Antonio. They could put a Splitter/George Hill/Jefferson package on the table. Not that they would, but nobody ever mentions them in this.

POTTS (Cold Spring, KY)

do you think they will ever tweak, in your lifetime, either:A. the height of the NBA rim (say to 11ft or so)B. distance of a 3 pt. shot

Bill Simmons

  (2:48 PM)

They will never mess with the rim. I'd say it's more likely they would make the court about 4 feet bigger all the way around, then make the 3-point line a wee bit longer.

Josh (Richmond)

Your Golden Globes/Rick Gervais take in 20 words or less: GO!

Bill Simmons

  (2:49 PM)

Loved it. Turned show on its ass. Knew what he was doing all along. Strategic career move.

Spencer (NYC)

Do you think Goodell secretly hates Rex Ryan. The whole situation reminds me of Animal House to the T.

Cole (DC)

I'm calling BS. Given how much you love reality TV and unintentional comedy, there is no way you aren't secretly hoping the Jets make it to the Super Bowl simply for the week's worth of unmatched entertainment value. A nuclear-fueled circus. Rex Ryan's press conference on media day would get better mid-workday ratings than the OJ verdict.

Bill Simmons

  (2:52 PM)

There's no question: it would be significantly more entertaining/interesting/compelling if the Jets made it. I'm just bitter about last Sunday's game. And spiteful. Spiteful enough to maybe even pick them +3.5 to put the kabosh on them.

Jordan (Madison)

What happens to Aaron Rodgers if he wins the Super Bowl? Where does he rank among QB's, and what do you think it does to his status in GB

Bill Simmons

  (2:54 PM)

It's pretty obvious: He becomes the GOTH ("Greatest of This Hour"), cleans up with endorsements and gets mentioned first in any QB discussion...

Bill Simmons

  (2:55 PM)

The real question if he won: Would he surpass Favre's ceiling for popularity in Wisconsin? I never thought that was possible, especially after going there in 2006, but man... he'd have to at least hit the same level, right?

Arif Ramush (Staten Island, NY)

Interesting point brought up by Skip Bayless on ESPN the other day. Is it OK as a white person to take pride in Blake Griffin as a white athlete in your opinion?

Bill Simmons

  (2:57 PM)

Heard about that point by Skip and thought it was a little short-sighted. I don't care what color Blake Griffin is. I just like watching him play basketball. And I don't mean that in a condescending/holier-than-thou way... I just don't understand why it would affect how someone felt about watching him play basketball.

Will (Michigan)

Friday Night Lights' Vince Howard + father has to be based off Cam and Cecil Newton, right?

Bill Simmons

  (3:00 PM)

Yeah, sure seems like there are some similarities. BTW, I think Season 5 has been the best FNL season since the first one. Been loving it. The Vince/Vince's Dad subplot is just phenomenal. It's infuriating that this show has to go away. I don't get it. I feel like it's better than ever. Aren't we supposed to cancel shows when they aren't good anymore?

Billy (NYC)

What do you think of Piers Morgan's show on CNN? Can he compete with Maddow/Hannity or you don't care?

Bill Simmons

  (3:01 PM)

I watched his Howard Stern interview - too smug and I thought he kept derailing the interview and either interrupting or changing the subject every time it was getting interesting. I wasn't impressed. Then again, taking over a talk show from Larry King is like taking over the Raiders from Al Davis - you can't lose.

Joe (Oakland)

You know that Blake Griffin isn't just white right?

Bill Simmons

  (3:04 PM)

Of course. He's biracial. I just don't understand why it matters. I've had fun over the years poking fun at white guys at the end of the bench, or white receivers, things like that, but if you're talking about someone on Blake's level, the white/black thing seems forced. We went through this in a different way in 1987 with Bird and Isiah - Bird was the best player in the league, Isiah tried to use his color to diminish what he was doing, it was asinine. Bird was a three-time MVP who had just beat the Pistons practically by himself. Why did color have to matter?

Kim (NYC via Boston)

At your NYC signing you signed my book 45-3, I feel like it's so tainted now that I can't even read it. Should it be destroyed to prevent further jinxing?!

Bill Simmons

  (3:05 PM)

There are more than a few 45-3 signings out there. I went on tour the day after the 45-3 game. I have a lot of regrets.

Phil Theriault (Fredericton, NB)

What did you think of the 90210 reunion last night on Lopez?

Bill Simmons

  (3:05 PM)

George Lopez?

Joe (Decatur, GA)

The popularity of the UFC seems to have plateaued. Do you think it has reached its peak? What can they do to continue to grow?

Bill Simmons

  (3:09 PM)

The UFC has one problem: there's too much turnover at the top level. On the one hand that's good because you're not tied to the fate of 3-4 guys like boxing is right now (and how boxing is being hijacked by this Pacman-Mayweather fight that just isn't happening), but on the other hand, from a mainstream standpoint, there's so much turnover that casual fans don't gain any longterm familiarity with anyone. Chuck Liddell is a great example - right after he blew up and started popping up on magazines, someone beat him and his career was never the same. That seems to keep happening. Brock Lesnar was the latest. I don't know if the sport is built that way - that anyone good can beat anyone else good on any given night, and you just never know - or if they just had bad luck. But they need a signature guy who can last for longer than 18 months AND connect in a mainstream way.

Bill Simmons

  (3:11 PM)

Follow-up to the last point: The UFC fans would argue that they don't care about the mainstream, and that it's much more fun to follow a sport that keeps you on your toes every month. And there's something to that. They can grind out 12 PPV's a year and because they keep coming up with new names, they're never going to get stuck with an awful show. So I don't know.

Rich (Columbus)

Brock Lesnar is going to be back on cable TV for 10 weeks coaching The Ultimate Fighter. I hope you use this opportunity to warm up to the UFC a bit more.

Bill Simmons

  (3:12 PM)

I like UFC. The problem is that every month it's a $55 pay per view on a Sat. night... that's just a lot to ask from a casual fan. I wish the UFC and WWE allowed people to buy a package every January: 12 pay per views for $350, pay upfront.

Bill Simmons

  (3:13 PM)

And also: I'm married and my wife hates the UFC. So that's a tough ask - every 4 Saturdays, a 3 hour pay per view of MMA. I can't be the only person in this boat.

Ben (Zombieland)

UFC - The flipside of the turnover at the top.. GSP has dominated for what feels like an eternity. He's been too good, just methodically tearing apart his opponents. They haven't found a compelling rivalry for him. Boxing and UFC should both mandate weight changes if you defend your title X number of consecutive times.

Matt (Fort Worth)

What do you think of the franchise tag possibility in the NBA? Fair or unfair?

Bill Simmons

  (3:15 PM)

it's a fascinating wrinkle for the Carmelo trade talks - makes it much more likely that a team would try to rent him for a few months. I like the franchise tag thing, what happened to Cleveland with Lebron was just brutal. They just had no options.

Jason (Syracuse)

About the Jets victory last week, I kept wondering: were they the first team to implement the "clog the middle with zone and dare them to beat you deep outside" strategy? I honestly don't get why this wasn't common sense to every Pats opponent through the season. Am I missing something or did the Jets just have the personnel to make it work?

Bill Simmons

  (3:17 PM)

I asked every football person I know that very question - they said it was the personnel, you had to have the right scheme, the right d-backs, and you needed to get enough pressure with your undermanned d-line. The Jets were the first team that figured it out. What's scary is that I think the Pats had a feeling it was coming and still couldn't do anything about it.

Tom Brady (California)

I want Larry Fitzgerald next year. Or Vincent Jackson. Or one guy over 5 foot 10.

Bill Simmons

  (3:19 PM)

The Fitzgerald option is pretty tantalizing. The Pats are going to have the No. 17, No. 28 and No. 33 picks and No. 56 picks (I think that's right). Would you trade No. 17 and No. 33 for Fitzgerald? Wouldn't you have to think about it? How many years in a row can they keep just stockpiling these picks? Brady is going to be 34 next season. Aaaaaaaargh. Now I'm getting agitated again.

Sea Bass (Adnan's Desk)

Rose vs Rondo: Do they really hate each other? I have never head this besides from you.

Bill Simmons

  (3:21 PM)

Watch the next Celts-Bulls game. There is no icier matchup. I don't think they hate each other for any real reason - it just started in the 2009 playoffs and carried over from there. Both competitive, same conference, rivals, then the Team USA thing... and Coach K picked Rose.

Ryan (Boston)

dude, I think the new season of Friday Night Lights is god awful...and that's coming from a guy who has FNL in his top 5 favorite show of all time. I just cringe at the acting/ forced subplots this year. I think Vince's dad is terrible, I don't care about Luke/Becky. To say that it is the best season since Season 1 is a joke in my opinion. The show isn't nearly as good w/o Rigginis, Landry, Saracen, Tyra, Lyla, etc. In the "glory days of FNL, nothing felt forced, the acting seemed natural, now I watch the show out of respect but I think this season has tarnished the show,. Love to hear your thoughts.

Bill Simmons

  (3:22 PM)

I miss Riggins. No question. Other than that, I think the Vince plot has been the best one they've come up with... his dad is a GREAT character.

Devin (Chicago)

Does Coach McCarthy have the guts to kick to me?

Bill Simmons

  (3:23 PM)

My hunch is "yes." Which would be a mistake.

Sam (Quebec)

How did it feel writing a 5000 word column about Brady vs Manning as the greatest QBs of all time, only to have them both beaten by Mark Sanchez?

Bill Simmons

  (3:23 PM)

Lousy.

Otis (Waynesboro)

Did you watch Celebrity Rehab this season?I'm fine with "socialite" and "reality tv star" being listed as your occupation, but "obscure singer's mom"? What's next? Neighbors? Pets? Old high school friends?

Bill Simmons

  (3:25 PM)

It was one of my Bad TV Treadmill Shows. I'm still trying to figure out why Rachel Uchitel was on the show... her addiction was... um... love? I get being addicted to sex, but love? What does that even mean? Seems like they just wrote her a huge check to be on.

Sean Lacey (DC)

Did you know that the hottest trading card on the market today belongs to Blake Griffin. His rookie card was valued at $400 in August. Today? It's valued at $2,500. Didn't know anyone still traded cards and does so much hype so quickly scare you with the luck of the Clippers?

Bill Simmons

  (3:27 PM)

My friend Mikey bought a few of them in October after I hyped Griffin up enough, I wore him down. Just sold a couple of them on eBay. It's a rare trading card success story! Look, any hype/attention/anything about Blake scares me... even on Wednesday night, he fell down, took a second to stand up and everyone in the building went dead-silent. Blake's mortality is the elephant in the Clippers room.

Daniel Tosh (LA)

Am I the funniest white dude of 2010? At least the most consistent, there was no break guy like Zach G or anything like that. And Ricky Gervais hardly comes close to pushing jokes over the limit.

Bill Simmons

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I think you won the title. Not the strongest year... but you won it.

Wayne (Henderson, KY)

Maybe Brady looked confused because Bellicheck wasn't able to film the Jets practices.

Bill Simmons

  (3:29 PM)

I keep getting forms of this joke. FYI: The Pats have won more of their games post-Spygate than pre-Spygate with Belichick. And also, won 17 straight after the Spygate game. So I'm not buying that one. Their o-line isn't as good and their defense isn't as good - those 2 areas were better from 2001-2004.

a former trading card guy (cali)

my advice to any one owning a blake griffin trading card. . sell high. . nothing against blake, just the way trading cards go. i had eric dickerson trading cards back in '83 that were worth 200-300 dollars. . now they are worth around 12 dollars

Bill Simmons

  (3:30 PM)

Couldn't agree more. Always sell high with cards. Especially cards of people under 25 years old.

Nick (Dallas, TX )

Rate Mark Sanchez now and the quarterback he will become. Unless of course he's close to his potential right now. Will he ever be in the Brady, Manning, Brees discussion?

Bill Simmons

  (3:33 PM)

Does he even have a historical comparison? I heard on the radio that he could become the first guy to win 5 road playoff games ever... and he's done it in 2 years. That's incredible. He certainly has a knack for shaking off any bad throw and making a good one when it matters. Maybe it goes back to what Dilfer said on my podcast, when he made the reference about that if the 5 QB's from Sanchez's draft were headed somewhere in a car, they'd all toss the keys to Sanchez. Maybe there's just something about the guy. On the other hand, had Cromartie not ripped off that kick return in Indy to midfield, the Jets are home right now. Sanchez leaves me confused. The ultimate "winning ugly" QB.

Nick (Wisconsin)

I think the biggest reason Rose dislikes Rondo is not just from the playoff series, but what specifically happened in that series. IE the dirty plays Rondo had on both Miller and Hinrich, two close friends of his.

Tim (Baltimore)

Do you think there's any potential of Dallas being on your "rotating cities" list for the Super Bowl?

Bill Simmons

  (3:34 PM)

My 2 biggest concerns about Dallas: Traffic (will it be a total quagmire like Houston was), and the blue laws (will it shut down at 2:30 like it did during NBA All Star)? Bad traffic + early shutdowns = bitterness galore.

Iain (Edinburgh)

How underrated in your opinion is Dwyane Wades career? I feel like he doesn't get enough credit for someone who could go down in the top 20 all time players.

Bill Simmons

  (3:36 PM)

I even underrated him in the hardcover of my book - putting him in the 50's was the biggest mistake I made of any Hall of Fame Pyramid ranking. The problem is that his crowning achievement (the 2006 Finals) was overshadowed by the officiating, so historically, he hasn't gotten enough credit for that. (I corrected it for my paperback: he ended up like 28th)

Nick (Muskegon)

Jay Cutler (with Bears) vs. GB: 4 TD, 9 INT. Just Saying

Eric (Florida)

A Pittsburgh-Green Bay Super Bowl matches up arguably the best fan bases in the NFL. Which team has more fans at the game?

Bill Simmons

  (3:38 PM)

I heard Cowherd listing various reasons for this on his show yesterday: he left out the biggest reason. FRONTRUNNER SYNDROME! You think it's an accident that the most successful team of the 60's and the most successful team of the 70's have 2 of the biggest fan bases?

Casey (Dallas)

Bill,You've been here a few times recently. How do you think this Super Bowl location will play in the national media? Too spread out and cold? Can't be worse than Jacksonville right?

Bill Simmons

  (3:39 PM)

It will be a more fun version of Houston, with better food, and the stadium will make up for any weaknesses with the weekend. This could be the first SB Weekend when the experience of attending the game (and being in the stadium) trumps anything that could have happened during the weekend.

Eric (Manitowoc WI)

Just catching up - OF COURSE the Bears/Packers are a rivalry. Lovie Smith's first order of business was to beat the Packers (which is what he said his goal was at his 1st presser). http://goshennews.com/localsports/x316469427/Lovies-top-goal-beat-Packers It's an All-time rivalry, for the very point you mention: EVERY game is a big game... to the fans. Sure, haven't met in the playoffs during even my father's lifetime, but a week 1 matchup FEELS like the playoffs when these teams play.

Bill Simmons

  (3:40 PM)

All fair points. But as you said, when you haven't met in the playoffs in 70 years... I mean...

Dave (Vacnouver, BC)

OK, Explain to me how people still feel judging a QB by wins and losses is valid after most knowledgeable observers have agreed that we shouldn't use W's and L's for baseball pitchers? QB's are just as dependent on the rest of the team as pitchers, or am I missing something?

Bill Simmons

  (3:42 PM)

Totally fair point. I'm more interested in the "how many times did you lose as a favorite and win as an underdog" portion of that record. A great QB should take care of business with a better team, especially at home as a big favorite. For Brady, SB 42 + last Sunday are big-ass blemishes on his resume. Same for Manning losing 7 playoff games in which his team was favored.

49ers management (California)

Do you realize we passed up Aaron Rodgers for Alex Smith? Because all of San Fransisco does.

Any reasonable Texas resident... (...not from Dallas)

Dallas more fun than Houston? It's our state's version of the Jersey Shore. You must have an affinity for cocaine and shiny shirts.

Jason (Rochester, NY)

Joe Montana lost 3 playoff games in a row once. Then he won the next 2 Super Bowls. I hate comparing the two being that Montana is a deity, but it's out there.

John (Largo, FL)

I'm still waiting for the biggest Pats homer in the country to admit that they took a sound beating at the hands of a team that outplayed and outcoached them. Lord knows we've all had to read putrid column after putrid column about how bad we were and how Tom Terrific was the be all and end all of NFL quarterbacks. Two one and done playoff appearances don't really scare anyone. Comment?

Bill Simmons

  (3:45 PM)

You don't think the tweets, the 2-hour podcast and a 4-hour chat made that point clear enough? What else can I do for you?

Philip (Dallas)

Look, the best Texas city is Austin, hands down. But Dallas is way more fun than Houston, unless you like humidity and obesity.

Bill Simmons

  (3:46 PM)

Who doesn't?

Mike W (Chicago)

Here is a point for you though Bill: Arguably the longest running and most well known rivalry in the NFL is Redskins vs Cowboys. However, the two of them have only played each other in the playoffs twice, ever. This is the 2nd time GB and Chicago have played in the playoffs. Anytime you have division opponents its less likely they see a division rival in the playoffs.

Timmy Bones (New York, NY)

This Blake Griffin nicknaming thing has become like a national emergency. Not since the Manhattan Project has the nation put so many resources behind one common goal. If we were to form a nicknaming committe, who should and should not be on it? I say no way Shaq deserves a look. (just realized i asked and answered my own question. my girlfriend always does that and i hate it so i apologize)

Bill Simmons

  (3:47 PM)

I like this idea: A Nickname Committee! I'd like to volunteer my services as the chairman.

Bill Simmons

  (3:50 PM)

FYI: We're getting closer and closer to my Championship Weekend picks. A little teaser... I think one favorite and one underdog covers, which means I'm either picking Jets-Packers or Steelers-Bears. I just can't see Steelers-Packers, it's too easy. And Jets-Bears is too bizarre.

Robert (Milwaukee WI)

Can't Vegas just make the Packers the underdog? The more the local media hypes that they're the favorites the more nevous I get that they are going to blow it like my best man giving his speech 6 shots deep into the reception.

Jason (Philly)

I'm thinking all signs point to the bears covering this weekend. You have to take the "incredibly lucky home underdog getting more than a FG versus a dome team being forced to play outdoors in the freezing cold after putting up over 40 indoors in the divisional round" rule, right?

Ike (Illinois)

Is this Bears-Packers game the 2006 NFC title game all over again? The Bears had an up and down QB (Grossman), a great defense, were playing at home, and were playing against a red hot QB that was poised to take the next step (Brees)? I don't know what the line was in 06 but it wouldn't surprise me to find out the Saints were favored....a lot of the media were picking them for the Super Bowl.

Bill Simmons

  (3:53 PM)

That's absolutely the doppleganger for this year's title game IF there's a Bears cover. Basically the same scenario. And people don't trust Cutler the same way people didn't trust Grossman 5 years ago.

Bill Simmons

  (3:53 PM)

That's absolutely the doppleganger for this year's title game IF there's a Bears cover. Basically the same scenario. And people don't trust Cutler the same way people didn't trust Grossman 5 years ago.

Sam (Richmond, Va)

How come the Bears can get away with having such a crappy field? Shouldn't it be an issue when EVERY NFL team complains about it?

Bill Simmons

  (3:55 PM)

Bitter Pats fan comment: if Belichick's field was as consistently crappy as Chicago's field, people would mention it constantly as an example of one of the various ways he cheats... right?

Nick (Dayton)

Would Cutler/Sanchez be the biggest "these two could do anything" matchup in Super Bowl history? Two of the most inconsistent QBs I have ever seen...

Bill Simmons

  (3:57 PM)

Absolutely. I'm also excited for two weeks of Cutler stories/interviews/columns/anecdotes if the Bears made it... it would be like having having James Spader's character from Pretty In Pink as one of our SB QB's.

Tim (the District)

Why is there such a love affair with football and bitterly cold weather? Doesn't it usually mean teams not playing up to their ability? We never hear about the demand to have an NBA game played in the heat or outside in July.

Bill Simmons

  (3:58 PM)

That's just what we grew up with. I think one of the great things about a football season is that you see teams play in all types of environments, and if you can't handle one of them, you probably don't deserve to win anyway.

Brandon (Connecticut)

Bill, what are your thoughts on Steven Tyler as the new American Idol judge? Does he know where he is half the time? This has disaster written all over it.

Bill Simmons

  (4:01 PM)

Me and Dicky Barrett were the only two people who seemed to know ahead of time what a disaster Tyler would be as a judge. He hasn't had a coherent moment since like 1983. That's an extremely weird show to watch right now - not having Simon there is like playing NBA games that end in the third quarter, you keep waiting for crunch-time and it never comes. Just 3 judges who don't have much to say, and beyond that, I don't care what they're saying. One redeeming thing: J-Lo looks fantastic in HD. She's been the big winner. She's reclaimed her, "Oh, in case you forgot, I am smoking hot" status.

Ernie (Baton Rouge)

I don't think enough has been made about David Stern, NBA Owner. Should he get involved in the Melo sweepstakes? Surely, he could strongarm the Nuggets into dealing Melo to NOLA so the Hornets become more valuable. Heck, what if they win it all with CP3, Okafor & Melo?

Bill Simmons

  (4:04 PM)

I agree with you. It's an extremely weird story and I don't totally understand it. Especially when they DID have potential buyers for that team. I keep waiting for someone to write a massive investigation that will break the story down (including whether the league bought the team as a bargaining chip for the CBA agreement) and nobody has written it.

Matt "St" Hellens (Michigan)

The Bears/Pack game is epic this weekend BECAUSE there never has been a meaningful game. It's a rivalry that has spanned decades where one team was completely dominant over the other and swapped each generation. This is the first time they've been in this position, hence the hype.

Kent ((Pittsburgh))

How much would you pay to watch the "Charlie Sheen: 24/7" series on HBO?

Bill Simmons

  (4:05 PM)

I'm in for $750.

Mark (Columbus)

So, I've been reading the chat transcript off and on for 3 hours. I finally got to the bottom of my screen expecting the picks, AND IT'S STILL GOING! I gotta go home, man!

Bill Simmons

  (4:06 PM)

All right, it's time for the picks. Blame Mark from Columbus, I would have kept going.

Bill Simmons

  (4:07 PM)

AFC Title Game: Steelers at home laying 3.5 points to the Jets.

Bill Simmons

  (4:07 PM)

I am picking the Jets to cover that +3.5 spread for the following reasons...

Bill Simmons

  (4:08 PM)

1. They're peaking at the right time.

Bill Simmons

  (4:09 PM)

2. They're much healthier. I'm not sold on Pittsburgh's health at all: Polamalu just doesn't look like the same player to me post-achilles injury, and their offensive line is in shambles, and Aaron Smith isn't there... I hate picking teams that aren't healthy in a game like this.

Bill Simmons

  (4:10 PM)

3. I thought Pitt BARELY escaped that Baltimore game. Came down to Rice's fumble in his own end zone and Baltimore blowing that 3rd-and-19 coverage. I mean, that's football, sh*t happens and you win ugly playoff games, we see it all the time. But that couldn't have been a less convincing win. I watched that one thinking, "I can't wait for the Pats to play this Steelers team, we're gonna kill them." Hold on, I have to punch myself in the face again.

Bill Simmons

  (4:12 PM)

4. Given that we've been fed a steady diet of the Jets since August with Hard Knocks, and given all the twists and turns over these last few months, how could this NOT end with them making the Super Bowl? At what point does this start to feel preordained?

Bill Simmons

  (4:14 PM)

5. Pittsburgh's stout defense is its best asset in this game - you can't run on them, and their pass rush is solid, and they're home, and it's going to be cold weather... everything you'd want if you were a Steelers fan. So why do I feel like the Jets can throw the ball on them? And why did it seem like those Ravens WR's did more to help Pitt's D in that game than Pitt's D did? I think Holmes/Cotchery/Edwards can get open and make plays in this game. I trust those guys more than Pitt's crew of young WR's. Shouldn't we be worried about Mike Wallace's performance in that last game?

Bill Simmons

  (4:14 PM)

6. I love the half-point. This feels like a tight game to me that either team could win...

Bill Simmons

  (4:16 PM)

7. Everyone keeps wondering what the Pats did wrong last week. What if the Jets are just good? They can run the ball, they can throw it, and they can keep you from throwing it. I do think Mendenhall can run on the Jets, but the Jets know this, so I'm sure they'll have something lined up for him.

Bill Simmons

  (4:19 PM)

8. If I'm a Pitt fan, I'm looking at our recent stretch of playoff games and noticing an ongoing theme - getting lucky at the right time over and over again. Pitt-Indy in 2005, Pitt-Balt last week, Pitt-Balt in 2008, Zona-Pitt in 2008... since 2004, only their 2007 Jags game was one of those "Everything's going wrong in this game" playoff games. They're overdue. Specifically, Roethlisberger/Tomlin is overdue. The NFL is too equal these days, you can't keep expecting the breaks to go your way like that. Eventually, it turns. Just ask the Patriots.

Bill Simmons

  (4:21 PM)

9. I'm seeing one of those semi-ugly games that's close in the 4th quarter, only the experienced/healthy Jets make a couple plays and the banged-up/young-in-some-spots Steelers botch a couple plays. Your final score: Jets 23, Steelers 20.

Bill Simmons

  (4:23 PM)

Our NFC Title Game: Packers favored by 3.5 points in Chicago.

Bill Simmons

  (4:24 PM)

I'm picking the Packers to cover the -3.5 spread knowing that a few Manifesto theories are working against them (we mentioned them earlier), knowing everyone spent the week glorifying Aaron Rodgers, and knowing that this game is a severe doppleganger to the 2006 title game (Bears-Saints). All of those things are noted.

Bill Simmons

  (4:27 PM)

This one's a little more simple: The Packers are clearly the most talented NFC team, only their injuries knocked them down to a 6-seed and made that hard to see... but like the Jets, they're peaking at the right time; James Starks gave them a running game; they're ridiculously explosive offensively; Rodgers is jumping a level; their defense makes plays; and their secondary locks people down. You can talk yourself into the Bears with all the abstract stuff, but I made that mistake with Atlanta last weekend - they're home, nobody thinks they can win, they'll get a couple of dumb mistakes -- and then the game started and they got whupped. Green Bay has the best team and the best player. So why overthink it?

Bill Simmons

  (4:29 PM)

Anyway, even though I hate the line and it's not a bargain at all, especially if there's bad weather -- the line should be 3 or under, but the Packers are such a popular public team that it bumped to 3.5 -- I just can't talk myself into the Bears. If Jay Cutler beats me in cold weather, so be it. Packers 30, Bears 17.

Bill Simmons

  (4:32 PM)

Last note on the picks: I like the symmetry of the Jets-Packers Super Bowl. Big market/small market. Fledgling superstar QB vs. fledgling famous team. Green vs. green. The first 3 SB Champions. Characters like Clay Matthews and basically everyone on the Jets. The Charles Woodson/LDT "trying to win their first ring" parallels. Mike mcCarthy (offensive guru) against Rex Ryan (defensive guru). And yes, these were 2 of Brett Favre's last 3 teams... because God forbid we went 2 weeks at the Super Bowl talking about him. So that's my pick: Jets-Packers.

Brian Urlacher (Chicago, IL)

So we're going to the Super Bowl? Thanks Bill, you've helped us out all season. We owe you one!

Meh (WTFEverville)

The Packers can't run on the Bears. The Cover-2 will stop the big play. Rodgers has passed for 2 TDs in 2 games against them. Packers are overrated. Can't believe I waited this long for this uneducated opinion.

Wes Welker (The Bench)

Thanks for putting your best foot forward today Bill!

Ben (Chicago)

"I hate picking teams that aren't healthy in a game like this." - You at 4:09. You're going to pick the Packers and their 3342nd string running back!?!?!?

Bill Simmons

  (4:34 PM)

The only problem: I like James Starks! Is he good or am I crazy? I'm telling you, he's like Buster Douglas crossed with Timmy Smith.

K. Love (Igloo)

Kaaaaaaaaaahhnnn!!!!!!

Matt (Chicago)

Maybe the Packers can't run on the Bears but the Bears can't do ANYTHING on the Packers. Everyone keeps talking about Packer ffense vs Bear defense while leaving out how good the Packer defense is.

Sportsgal (Los Angeles)

Bill get your ass off the computer and come change the CEO's diaper

James Harrison (Pittsburgh)

I'd like a word with you, about your picks.

James Stark's ACL (Green Bay)

A**hole

Brian A (NYC)

Jets played a perfect game against the Steelers last time (no turnovers, KO return for TD, safety) plus no Polamalu and BARELY won.

Bill Simmons

  (4:36 PM)

I know. I'm very aware. Believe me, Lombardi tried to talk me out of this one: he loves the Steelers.

Jeff (Chicago)

Cousin Sal made the same picks. Are you guys friends?

Bill Simmons

  (4:37 PM)

That's a bad sign for a Jets-Packers Super Bowl.

Bears Offense (Chicago)

Don't forget, we just got a free look at the Packers defense throwing every exotic blitz they had at us in a must win game in week 17.

Phil (Rochester)

Going with 2 #6 seeds in the super bowl when only 1 has made it there since the playoffs were expanded?

Steve (Washington, DC)

Steelers-Bears it is! Those fans just started confidently buying Super Bowl tickets on the secondary market.

Bill Simmons

  (4:39 PM)

My biggest fears about those 2 picks: going against Roethlisberger at home, and going against about 19 Manifesto theories by not picking the Bears.

Mark (Taxachusette)

My boss has asked that you wrap this chat session up so I can get back to work.

Bill Simmons

  (4:40 PM)

Fair enough. Thanks to everyone who asked a question: we had over 42,000 in all. Crap, I'm going to end up on @humblebrag. Enjoy the weekend, enjoy the snow, enjoy the games, and don't forget to watch episode 2 of "The Association" tonight at 7:00 pm at ESPN, you won't regret it...

Curtis (Minneapolis)

Nick Folk making 3 field goals at Heinz Field is more hilarious than any pop culture reference you've ever made

Bill Simmons

  (4:41 PM)

Noted.

Mikhail Prokhorov (Russia)

This chat has lasted too long and cost me too much money. It is now over.