Off The Pike with Brian Barrett

Brian breaks down the Red Sox’s newest signing: Ranger Suarez, and why the Red Sox now have one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball (0:00). Then, he chats with ESPN Radio’s Jeremy Branham about the Patriots-Texans game on Sunday, the Texans run game vs. the Pats rush defense, how the Pats’ running backs and tight ends could exploit the tough Texans defense in the passing game, game predictions, and more (21:00). Brian and Jamie end with their picks and best bets for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs (45:25). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at [email protected]. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: Jeremy Branham Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian begins by assessing Craig Breslow’s job performance in the aftermath of Alex Bregman’s departure and the hole he leaves at third base (0:00). Then, he chats with MassLive’s Chris Mason about the Pats’ wild-card win over the Chargers, Drake Maye’s performance grade, Robert Spillane’s impact on the defense, and the Texans’ win over the Steelers on Monday night (23:20). Brian and Jamie end with some potential trades the Celtics could make to bolster the roster (56:30). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at [email protected]. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: Chris Mason Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian reacts to the Patriots’ playoff win over the Chargers, including a tremendous defensive effort and some playoff jitters from Drake Maye (0:00). Then, Brian chats with three-time Super Bowl champ James White about the game, Rhamondre Stevenson’s impact, Drake Maye’s scrambling ability, and Mike Vrabel outcoaching Jim Harbaugh (21:00). Then, he discusses the news that Alex Bregman is signing with the Cubs and how the Red Sox let him get away (44:00). Brian and Jamie end with some listener calls and some last thoughts on the Pats’ win (1:07:00). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at [email protected]. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: James White Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian opens by discussing why the Patriots should win on Sunday and why much of the NFL media seems to be rooting against them before touching on the Celtics’ loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday night (0:00). Then, he chats with the Boston Herald’s Zack Cox about the Chargers-Pats game, how the Pats can take advantage of the Chargers’ banged-up offensive line, Josh McDaniels’s creative play calling, the Pats’ dynamic running back duo, and more (20:30). Then, Brian and Jamie give out their picks and best bets for the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs (55:15). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at [email protected]. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: Zack Cox Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian discusses his initial thoughts about the upcoming Patriots-Chargers playoff game, and why the Patriots should win, before hitting on Drake Maye’s MVP case and what the Celtics should do with Jayson Tatum (0:00). Then, he chats with The Ringer’s Justin Verrier about the Celtics’ terrific season, Brad Stevens’s amazing job as GM, where the Celtics rank among the NBA’s top contenders, and more (24:40). Brian and Jamie end with a listener call before discussing the Red Sox’s offseason and Drake Maye vs. Matthew Stafford (58:30). We want to hear from you! Leave Brian a message on the listener line at 617-396-7172. Or send us your questions for our mailbag at [email protected]. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Brian Barrett Guest: Justin Verrier Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices