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
9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 32min
Texans defense rolls over Steelers, leads team to Divisional Round
The Houston Texans' defense steals the spotlight with a commanding 30-6 victory over the Steelers in the Wild Card Round. Advanced metrics reveal it as one of the best playoff defensive performances ever. The hosts delve into how Houston effectively shut down Pittsburgh’s passing game and discuss standout individual plays. Meanwhile, they analyze CJ Stroud’s rollercoaster game, balancing brilliance with critical mistakes. Looking ahead, the debate heats up: can this Texans team make a run for the Super Bowl?
38 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 9min
Wild Card Sunday Recap: Bills outlast Jaguars, 49ers take down Eagles, Patriots stifle Chargers
Wild Card Sunday delivered nail-biting moments with thrilling matchups. The Patriots showcased a brilliant defensive strategy to stifle Justin Herbert and advance past the Chargers. Meanwhile, the 49ers shocked the Eagles, highlighting their strong run defense and savvy second-half plays. Christian McCaffrey's unique impact was a game-changer, making significant catches under pressure. The Bills capitalized on defensive disguises to outsmart Trevor Lawrence, with Josh Allen's steady performance leading them to victory. Playoff drama at its finest!
43 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 3min
Wild Card Saturday Recap: Rams and Bears Leave With Clutch Wins
The playoff chaos begins with a thrilling Bears comeback against the Packers, highlighted by Caleb Williams' clutch performance. The discussion digs into strategic blunders, including questionable time management and offensive calls. Meanwhile, the Rams faced a surprisingly resilient Panthers team, raising concerns about their flaws and postseason prospects. Despite the loss, Carolina's young roster shows promise for the future. The hosts analyze standout players and reflect on coaching decisions, setting the stage for exciting playoff matchups ahead.
50 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 58min
Wild Card Sunday and Monday Preview
Dive into a thrilling lineup as the Wild Card games unfold! Assess the dynamic matchup of Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence, while the 49ers and Eagles clash in a fight for playoff resilience. Will the Bills overcome Jacksonville's newfound danger? Can San Francisco's offensive game plan harness McCaffrey’s skills against a tough Eagles defense? Plus, the spotlight is on the Texans' elite D and the Steelers’ resurgence. Each game promises high stakes and unforeseen twists!
14 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 39min
Wild Card Saturday Preview: Rams-Panthers and Packers-Bears
Get ready for Wild Card Weekend! The Rams face the Panthers in a thrilling showdown, where the Rams aim to regain their defensive strength. Key injuries could sway the game, making it crucial for both teams. Then, dive into the emotional stakes of the Packers-Bears clash—will a victory change the narrative for Chicago? Discussions include defensive challenges, run-game strategies, and how each team's season trajectory shapes their playoff hopes. Turnovers and strategic plays could be game-changers as the playoffs ignite!
21 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 24min
Drake Maye or Matthew Stafford? It's the TAFS 2025 Awards Show!
The regular season wraps up with a vibrant awards showdown. The hosts debate Offensive Player of the Year, spotlighting Puka Nakua’s remarkable metrics. Myles Garrett is hailed as Defensive Player of the Year, while Tedaroa McMillan shines as Offensive Rookie of the Year. They weigh in on the impressive performance of Coach Mike McDonald and discuss the Executive of the Year accolade for John Schneider. The highlight? A thrilling MVP face-off between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford, analyzing stats and clutch moments that sway the title!
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 17min
Building the Beast: 2026 NFL Draft order takeaways and Dane Brugler's All-Rookie team
In this engaging discussion, draft expert Dane Brugler shares his insights on the final 2026 NFL Draft order and reveals his All-Rookie team picks. Dane breaks down the top non-quarterback prospects, highlighting positional scarcity and team strategies. He also debates intriguing rookie performances, showcasing standout players like Jackson Dart and Armand Membu. Additionally, Dane provides a fascinating update on Trinidad Chambliss and discusses the potential impact of quarterback movement on draft priorities. It's a must-listen for NFL fans and draft enthusiasts!
31 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 29min
NEWS: Ravens Fire John Harbaugh
The Baltimore Ravens have made headlines by firing head coach John Harbaugh. The hosts discuss the implications for Lamar Jackson and the team's future. They dive into the reasons behind the firing, including friction within the organization. Candidates for Harbaugh's replacement, like Jesse Minter, are evaluated, along with the importance of securing a strong offensive coordinator. The conversation also touches on Harbaugh's market appeal to other teams and potential landing spots. Tune in for insights on the immediate coaching changes in the NFL!
24 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 53min
Black Monday fallout: Four teams turn over a new coaching leaf
Black Monday brought a whirlwind of coaching changes in the NFL. The Falcons cleaned house, firing Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, prompting a discussion on roster building failures. The Browns let go of Kevin Stefanski, though the hosts argue he remains a strong candidate for future roles. The Raiders parted ways with Pete Carroll, examining the underlying issues with their past roster construction. Meanwhile, the Cardinals opted for a fresh start by firing Jonathan Gannon amid injuries. Exciting times ahead with teams restructuring for success!
74 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 23min
Week 18 Recap: Seahawks and Broncos lock up top seeds, Panthers back into playoffs, and more
Week 18 brought high stakes with the Seahawks clinching the NFC's top seed through a dominant defensive performance. The discussion dives into the Ravens-Steelers showdown and its playoff implications, as well as the Panthers' surprising journey to the NFC South title despite a chaotic finish. Key moments, like clutch plays and coaching decisions, are dissected. The hosts also reflect on the emotional connections football fosters and preview upcoming Wild Card matchups that promise excitement and drama.
