On today’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and the crew dove into some of the hottest topics in the NFL right now: Can the Kansas City Chiefs go undefeated this season, and what’s next for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens? Here’s a breakdown of the lively discussion and the bold takes that followed:

Stephen A. Says the Chiefs Won’t Go Undefeated 😅

The debate kicked off with a bold statement from Stephen A. Smith, who shut down the possibility of the Kansas City Chiefs finishing the season undefeated. Despite the Chiefs’ impressive performances so far, Stephen A. wasn’t buying into the idea of them running the table all the way to the Super Bowl without a loss.

“I have too much respect for the NFL and the elite competition within it to think the Chiefs will go undefeated,” Stephen A. said. “Yeah, they’ve been dominant, but they’ve also had some close wins. There’s always a game where a team has an off week. That’s just how the NFL works. You can’t go an entire season without having at least one slip-up.”

Shannon Sharpe echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how difficult it is for any team to get up every single week in the NFL, especially when facing tough competition. “Even great teams have those nail-biting games where things don’t go according to plan. We’ve seen it all too often. So while the Chiefs may have what it takes to win the Super Bowl, they won’t go undefeated,” Shannon said.

However, Pam Oliver was a little more optimistic, offering a comparison to the New England Patriots’ near-perfect season in 2007. “I think it’s more likely the Chiefs go undefeated than they win a three-peat. The competition in the AFC right now is just as tough as ever, but they’ve got the talent to run the table,” Pam argued.

Despite the optimism from some of the panelists, the consensus was clear: The Chiefs may be Super Bowl contenders, but going undefeated? That’s a tall order.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens: Can They Win the Super Bowl?

The conversation quickly shifted to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, with the crew debating whether Lamar has what it takes to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. Lamar’s recent performances, particularly his development as a passer and playmaker, have had many people talking.

Kevin Williams from Morehouse was quick to praise Lamar’s growth. “We’re seeing Lamar play the best football of his career. He’s not just running the ball—he’s making plays from the pocket, throwing the ball with precision, and showing maturity in his decision-making,” Kevin said.

Stephen A. acknowledged Lamar’s talent but raised concerns about the Ravens’ defense. “Lamar is playing at an MVP level, but the defense has been inconsistent. We saw what happened when they gave up 34 points in a recent game. You can’t expect Lamar to carry the team all the way to the Super Bowl if the defense keeps giving up big numbers,” he explained.

Shannon Sharpe agreed with Stephen A. on the defensive issues. “The Ravens have a great quarterback in Lamar, but if their defense doesn’t tighten up, they could struggle in the playoffs. We’ve seen this before with teams that rely too heavily on their offense, but if the defense can’t step up, it’s all for nothing,” Shannon said.

Stephen A. also pointed out that while Lamar’s greatness is undeniable, he still needs to prove himself in the postseason. “Lamar hasn’t been able to get it done in the playoffs yet. That’s the next step for him. He’s got the talent to win a Super Bowl, but he needs to prove it when it matters most,” he said.

Lamar’s postseason performances have been under scrutiny in recent years, with critics pointing to his struggles in big games. The crew agreed that Lamar needs to elevate his game in January if he wants to cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. The talent is there, but it’s a matter of putting it all together when it counts.

The Falcons and Atlanta’s Sports Renaissance?

The show wrapped up with a fun conversation about Atlanta, as Isi Taylor posed a question to Cam Newton: “Do you think Atlanta is the most underrated sports city in the country?”

Cam responded with a mix of humor and pride. “I think Atlanta’s always been underappreciated. We’ve had some great teams, like the Braves, but we haven’t had a real winner in a while. If the Falcons win a Super Bowl, forget about it. The city would explode,” Cam said with enthusiasm.

Stephen A. couldn’t resist bringing up the infamous 28-3 Super Bowl collapse, which still stings for many Atlanta fans. “Can you imagine the Falcons actually winning a Super Bowl? I was there when they lost that 28-3 lead. The heartbreak was real,” Stephen A. said, shaking his head. “But, if Atlanta gets a winner, it’s going to be something special. The entire city will be on fire.”

However, Shannon Sharpe wasn’t as optimistic about the Hawks’ chances of winning an NBA title anytime soon. “The Hawks won’t win anything this decade. I’m sorry, but with the Celtics and other teams in the East, they’re not going to be contenders,” Shannon said bluntly.

Stephen A. agreed, saying, “The Hawks won’t be winning anything for the foreseeable future. But the Falcons? If they can find a way to get over that Super Bowl hump, then Atlanta will truly be a force in the sports world.”

In the end, the panel had a good laugh about Atlanta’s sports scene but agreed that the city’s next big championship could come from the Falcons. The city has potential, but the question is: Can they ever get the elusive win?

In conclusion, today’s First Take brought a mix of bold predictions and insightful analysis. The Chiefs may be favorites to win the Super Bowl, but going undefeated? Not likely, according to Stephen A. And when it comes to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the talent is there, but can Lamar take it to the next level in the playoffs? Only time will tell. As for Atlanta, the city is buzzing with potential—but will the Falcons, Hawks, or any team finally deliver a championship? The discussion continues!

What do you think? Will the Chiefs go undefeated? Can Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl? And is Atlanta truly ready for a sports renaissance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!