Off The Pike with Brian Barrett

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

Brian breaks down the Patriots’ blowout win over the Dolphins and why Drake Maye deserves to win the NFL's MVP, before marveling at Jaylen Brown’s 50-point game in the Celtics’ win over the Clippers on Saturday night (0:00). Then, Brian chats with three-time Super Bowl champ James White about the Pats win and Rhamondre Stevenson’s rejuvenated running (40:30). They break down Week 18 around the NFL, and the next week's Pats-Chargers playoff game. Brian and producer Jamie end with a listener call before offering up some final thoughts on the Pats as they head into the playoffs (1:05:30). 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: James White Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian discusses the news that Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore is facing a domestic assault and battery charge, then touches how this might affect the team (0:00). Then, he is joined by The Sports Hub’s Joe Murray to give out some end-of-the-year awards in Boston sports, including Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Rookie of the Year (8:15). Brian and Jamie end with their best bets for Week 18 of the NFL season (1:13:10). 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: Joe Murray Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian discusses the news that Stefon Diggs is facing felony and misdemeanor charges and what that means for the Patriots, before diving into Drake Maye’s strong case for MVP (0:00). Then, he chats with The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed about the Pats-Dolphins game on Sunday, injury updates on Will Campbell, Milton Williams, and Robert Spillane, and potential playoff opponents for the Pats (27:30). Then, Brian answers a listener call before he and Jamie talk about the Red Sox’s offseason (1:07:45). 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: Doug Kyed Producer: Jamie McClellan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices