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In this installment of Open Strive, host Matthew Craig teams up again with Xavier McKnight to preview the NFC North for the 2025 NFL season. With the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers all battling for supremacy, the division promises plenty of storylines and surprises. Matthew and Xavier analyze each team’s potential, explore key matchups, and share predictions that may challenge expectations about who will rise to the top of the NFC North.

In this episode of Open Strive, host Matthew Craig dives into the AFC West for the 2025 NFL season alongside guest Xavier McKnight. The division featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos always delivers high drama, and this year is no different. Matthew and Xavier break down each team’s strengths, challenges, and outlook for the season, with a bold prediction from Xavier that may surprise listeners about who will finish ontop.

In this episode, I break down the current NBA MVP ladder and debate whether SGA can truly be the face of the league. Who’s a bigger threat in the playoffs — Jokic or SGA? I also make my NBA Playoff and Conference Finals picks, discuss if the Lakers and Warriors can make a late push, and question whether the Phoenix Suns should blow up their current roster. On the NFL side, I dive into the most impactful free agency signings, the biggest losers so far, and what it all means for next season. Quick takes: Best landing spots for Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, will Travis Hunter become a superstar, who should be QB1 for the Steelers, is Coach Thibbs wrong for his minutes management, and a breakdown of the LeBron vs. Stephen A. Smith drama.

In this episode, I dive into the Super Bowl and discuss Jalen Hurts’ trajectory as a top QB. I break down what’s wrong with the NBA All-Star Game and how it can be fixed, plus the big question, who’s the next face of the NBA? I also get into the Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders debate, Kendrick Lamar’s latest takeover, and why Kanye West was way off with his recent Twitter rant. This one’s packed with sports, culture, and everything in between!

In this episode, I’m joined by Xavier McKnight as we break down the chaos of the NBA trade deadline, including the Jimmy Butler trade and whether Luka would fit in Los Angeles. We also dive into Myles Garrett’s trade request, give our Super Bowl predictions, react to the NFL Awards, and discuss the latest Hall of Fame inductees. Don’t miss this action-packed episode filled with hot takes and bold predictions!

In this episode, we break down the massive trade sending Luka Doncic to a new team and what it means for Anthony Davis and the league. Then, we lock in our Super Bowl predictions, who’s taking home the Lombardi? Plus, we dive into the highs and surprises of the Grammy Awards. Tune in for all the latest in sports and music!

Join us as we unpack the hottest topics in sports right now! First, we break down the NFL Playoffs - key matchups, underdog stories, and our predictions for who's making it to the Super Bowl. Then, we turn to the NBA, where Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are making waves. How far can they go this season? Finally, we dive into the NBA MVP race, spotlighting the top contenders and what sets them apart. From bold predictions to in-depth analysis, this episode has it all for sports fans. Don't miss it!

Open Strive's Matt Craig is back with another great episode for you all! Everyone welcome Faiz back to Open Strive Podcast! Matt and Faiz are breaking down the NBA draft. They will talk about the winners and losers of the draft. Matt explains why the Hornets will regret not drafting Scoot Henderson. Faiz is excited for his Cleveland Cavs and their future. Matt and Faiz pick talk about the top young cores in the NBA.

Open Strive's Matt Craig is back with another great episode for you all! Matt congratulates the Denver Nuggets on winning the NBA Championship and he crowns Nikola Jokic as the best player in the world. Matt is confused about what direction the Washington Wizards are going in with their recent trade of Bradley Beal. Matt explains to the listeners why Ja Morant's suspension is the perfect number and he talks about Freaky Z aka Zion.

Open Strive's Matt Craig is coming for all his naysayers! Matt loves great sports debates but he wants people to keep the same energy. Matt gives his NBA Finals predication and talks about some of his biggest sports heartbreaks. Matt talks about Shannon Sharpe leaving "Undisputed". Lately, Matt wants to know how everyone is doing mentally.

Open Strive's Matt Craig pays homage to Tina Turner and Jim Brown. Matt breaks down the Denver Nuggets beating the Los Angles Lakers and the Nuggets being cry babies. Will the Celtics come back from a 0-3 deficit? Matt explains why the Heat are not like most 8th seeds. Matt loses a piece of his childhood with Carmelo Anthony retiring.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is BACK AND BETTER!! Matt breaks down the NBA playoffs and much more. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive

Open Strive is back with a brand new episode!! Tap in to hear Matt Craig give his Super Bowl reactions and all the moves happening in the NFL. Matt calls out some of his close friends for bad takes lately and he hold himself accountable. Matt explains what the levels are in the NBA and who certain players should always be on the trade block. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is BACK AND BETTER!! Matt breaks down the NFL QB’s who are not looking like themselves. Give his early NFL Predictions. Matt explains why he picked the Eagles to be the best team in the NFC. Matt predicts the NBA Awards and he makes his NBA Finals picks. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guests Ethan Smith. Matt gives updates on the Brittney Griner case. Ethan explains why Josh Allen is the second best QB in the NFL. Matt and Ethan disagree on the Phoenix Suns championship window. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.