The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, and tackle the ins and outs of roster building. They meticulously follow the details of why we all love this sport and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. You want year-round draft coverage? You'll get that here, too, with draft expert Dane Brugler. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
28 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 51min
The Table: Cutting 10 Super Bowl contenders down to eight
The hosts dive into their Lombardi Table concept, discussing which NFL teams are genuine Super Bowl contenders. They agree on a core group of four teams like the Eagles and Rams while debating the exclusion of others, including the Buccaneers and Colts. A spirited discussion highlights the Ravens' strong defense and the Lions' impressive performance. The Chiefs' playoff prospects spark intriguing debates. Ultimately, the final eight contenders are revealed, setting the stage for a thrilling remainder of the season.
7 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 18min
Building the Beast: Team + position matchmaking inside the projected top 10
As the NFL season winds down, experts evaluate the draft landscape for the top teams. They explore Tennessee's decision on holding the number one pick versus trading down, and Cleveland's urgent need for a quarterback. Position priorities are debated, focusing on whether to draft non-QB talents like edge rushers and tackles. The Jets are highlighted for their promising roster that could use multiple first-round picks, while the Raiders face uncertainty in their QB pursuit. Insights into teams like the Commanders and Rams round out the discussion on draft strategies.
54 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Week 11 Hangover: The Bears move into first, the Steelers stay on top, and the Falcons lose another season
Surprising outcomes mark a thrilling Week 11 as the Bears and Steelers both clinch first place. The Bears' win over the Vikings highlights Caleb Williams' potential, while the Steelers dominate the Bengals, exposing their defensive woes. A knee injury sidelines Michael Penix, raising questions for the Falcons. Listener voicemails reveal frustration among AFC West fans, especially with the Chiefs and Chargers' challenges. Amidst the chaos, Ja'Marr Chase's suspension adds to Cincinnati's troubles.
41 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 32min
Week 11 Recap: Huge wins for the Eagles, Broncos and Rams, Josh Allen goes off, Niners cruise in Purdy's return
Week 11 was a rollercoaster! The Eagles clinched a gritty win over the Lions while the Broncos stunned the Chiefs, shaking up the AFC West. Meanwhile, Josh Allen delivered a jaw-dropping six-touchdown performance against the Buccaneers. The Rams showcased a strong defense against the Seahawks, and Brock Purdy’s return signaled a rebirth for the 49ers’ offense. Plus, Bryce Young lit up the field with 448 passing yards. Special moments and NFL parity dominated the discussion as hosts dove into the thrilling chaos of the week!
57 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
Week 11 Preview: Seahawks-Rams headlines a loaded slate
Week 11 is packed with NFL excitement, featuring a crucial Seahawks-Rams showdown that could shape the NFC standings. The hosts break down the offensive strategies and matchups, examining Seattle's defensive counters and the Rams' personnel shifts. The Chiefs-Broncos game is also pivotal for the AFC West, with discussions on Kansas City's midseason struggles. Additionally, they dive into the intriguing battle between the Lions and Eagles, plus the rollercoaster performances of young quarterbacks and the unpredictability of the Panthers-Falcons matchup.
38 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
2025 NFL Midseason Awards
At the season's approximate midpoint, the hosts dive into lively debates over midseason awards. Jonathan Taylor and Jaxon Smith-Njigba vie for Offensive Player of the Year. Myles Garrett faces competition from Aidan Hutchinson and Kyle Hamilton in the Defensive category. Rookie discussions reveal promising talents like Tedaroa McMillan and Carson Wentzinger. New awards spotlight top offensive linemen and coaching talent, while the MVP debate heats up with contenders such as Matthew Stafford and Drake May.
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Dane Brugler's updated Top 50: Arvell Reese, Ty Simpson top the list
Dane Brugler unveils his updated Top 50 prospects as Thanksgiving approaches. Arvell Reese and Ty Simpson claim the top spots, with deep dives into their standout traits. The podcast discusses the rising receiver class and the underwhelming offensive tackle group. They also evaluate the quarterback landscape, highlighting challenges and potential draft declarations. Surprising risers and fallers in the rankings spark engaging debates, as they ponder the draft class's depth and its comparison to previous years.
76 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Week 10 Hangover: Giants fire Brian Daboll, Ravens and Chargers put Steelers in panic mode
The fallout from Brian Daboll's firing shakes up the Giants, igniting debates about their future direction. Meanwhile, the Ravens are finding their offensive groove, leveraging a strong run-action formula and highlighting Lamar Jackson's improved play. The Chargers come up big against the Steelers, showcasing key strategic shifts that paid off. The discussion also touches on challenges faced by the Vikings' offense and the future outlook for the Panthers. Get ready for analysis and insights that dig deep into the NFL's latest happenings!
74 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 38min
Week 10 Recap: The Rams and Seahawks are on a collision course
Week 10 delivered thrilling insights as the Rams and Seahawks showcased their dominance, sparking debates about their roles as top contenders. Seattle's phenomenal defense turned the tide, while Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense hit peak performance. The Patriots secured a win with strategic plays by Dan Campbell, and Jonathan Taylor's explosive rushing stats stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Bills faced a shocking loss, and the Jaguars crumbled in the fourth quarter. Moments of pure football romance emerged, highlighting the emotional connections fans have with young quarterbacks.
69 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
Week 10 Preview: The top of the NFC takes center stage
The second half of the NFL season kicks off with thrilling matchups, spotlighting Eagles-Packers and Rams-49ers as key games. The hosts dissect the Packers' offensive struggles and the Eagles’ evolving defense. They praise the Rams as the top NFC team, analyzing their impactful shifts in personnel. San Francisco's revitalized running game is also explored, alongside the implications of Kyler Murray's potential benching in Arizona. Expect insights into Patriots-Buccaneers and the increasing expectations for Ravens and Vikings.
