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
30 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
Lessons learned from the league's best offenses
Bobby Peters, owner of the Alert the Post Substack and a guru on NFL offenses, joins the discussion. He shares insights on mastering screen plays and how teams like the Bucs and Cardinals excel with innovative designs. Bobby also delves into the Broncos' strategies and their rookie quarterback's success with concepts like the dig route. Additionally, he highlights how top teams, including the Vikings and Dolphins, creatively adapt their gameplay and enhance explosiveness, setting the stage for a riveting offensive evolution in the league.
19 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 30min
TAFS Goes Camping: Conversations with The Athletic's Lions, Chargers and Cowboys beat writers
Colton Pouncy covers the Detroit Lions, diving into their transformative journey and challenges ahead. Daniel Popper discusses the Chargers' strategy, focusing on roster depth and offensive dynamics as they gear up for the season. Jon Machota highlights the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp vibes under new coach Brian Schottenheimer, uncovering how their culture is evolving. Together, they share exclusive insights on team identities, the importance of key player transitions, and the enthusiasm surrounding training camp.
6 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 49min
Sneaky big second-year player X-factors
This conversation dives into the impact of second-year NFL players who often fly under the radar. Hosts highlight key candidates like Christian Mahogany and Cole Bishop, discussing how coaching can uplift their performance. They also analyze defensive dynamics with Chris Jenkins and Renardo Green, emphasizing their potential to boost team success. Excitement builds around young talents transitioning from rookie struggles to pivotal roles, shaping the league's future.
7 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
What can the surprise teams of 2024 do for an encore?
Join NFL writer and analyst Dave Helman as he dives into the futures of surprise playoff teams like the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings. Helman discusses how the Commanders are navigating roster changes and rookie quarterbacks. He assesses the Chargers' potential under Jim Harbaugh’s coaching and the Broncos' offseason strategies while pondering the balance between patience and aggression. The conversation wraps up with insights on the Vikings' offensive strengths and the pivotal role of quarterback performance in their prospects.
37 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 25min
2025 versions of 2024 stories
Dave Helman, a writer for The Athletic, joins Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen to explore intriguing predictions for the 2025 NFL season, envisioning what next year's headlines might include. They discuss rising stars like linebacker Jack Sanborn and the potential turnaround for teams like the Panthers. The conversation also delves into the LA Rams' fragile offense, the Cardinals' need for improvement, and standout draft picks who could shape their teams' futures. Expect a mix of insight and speculation as they forecast the ever-unpredictable NFL landscape.
10 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
Our biggest questions heading into training camp
Dave Helman, a reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, joins the discussion as they delve into the anticipation of training camp. They tackle quarterback performances, focusing on J.J. McCarthy and the challenges faced by Anthony Richardson. The trio explores the dynamics of injuries affecting trade prospects and the importance of strong offensive lines. The conversation also touches on the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary concerns, while the excitement around Kenny Pickett's future adds another layer to the discussion as teams gear up for the new season.
Jul 19, 2025 • 46min
SPECIAL No Free Lunch feed drop: The Hidden Costs of NFL Rookie Contracts w/ Vita Vea
Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler and defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joins Ndamukong Suh to dive into the ins and outs of NFL rookie contracts. They discuss the often-overlooked expenses of being a young player, from rookie dinners to family support. Vita shares his journey of buying a house for his parents, highlighting the emotional stakes behind financial decisions. The duo emphasizes the need for financial literacy and building a solid support team to navigate the complexities of an athlete's finances.
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
The league's most cursed franchise, the determiners of floor and ceiling, the merits of Zac Taylor, and more in our final mailbag of the offseason
Listeners get a deep dive into the NFL's most cursed franchises, weighing the struggles of teams like the Vikings and Chargers. The discussion transitions to the Bengals, analyzing their championship prospects and coaching dynamics. Insights on the importance of non-QB factors surface, alongside interesting takes on Zac Taylor's leadership. Listener questions spark debates on fandom, loyalty, and coaching performance, adding a personal touch. As the offseason ends, excitement builds for training camp and the future of the league.
32 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
The quarterback honorability index
Dave Helman, a contributor specializing in the dynamics of NFL quarterback play, joins discussions on the intriguing Honorability Index. The conversation reveals how character influences quarterback reputation and performance metrics. Helman and the hosts dissect traits of honorable quarterbacks, notable examples, and the evolution of players like Patrick Mahomes. They explore the balance between risk-taking and effectiveness, evaluating various playing styles, from Dak Prescott's adaptability to the creative gameplay of CJ Stroud.
17 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
Who's the 6th-best QB in the NFL?
This week features Dave Helman, an insightful contributor who dives deep into NFL quarterback dynamics. The conversation revolves around the elusive quest for the sixth-best quarterback, with plenty of opinions on players like Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford. They explore the impact of recent contracts on team strategies and highlight emerging talents such as CJ Stroud and Jordan Love. The episode is packed with heated debates over rankings and legacies, making it a must-listen for football enthusiasts craving the latest on quarterback performances.
