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
39 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
What happened to the NFL's elite?
Diante Lee, a football writer and analyst at The Ringer, dives into the inconsistencies plaguing teams like the Lions, Eagles, and Ravens, pointing to issues like coordinator turnover and injury troubles. Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz offers a technical breakdown of his team's offensive struggles, emphasizing their disjointed identity and personnel gaps. The discussion revolves around whether these former powerhouses can regain their elite status and what strategic changes are necessary for their turnaround.
Dec 3, 2025 • 55min
Building the Beast: Dane Brugler's end-of-season mock draft
Dane Brugler, a renowned draft analyst for The Athletic, joins to dissect his end-of-season mock draft. He reveals why top teams may not select quarterbacks and proposes strategic trades, like the Browns going for Mendoza. Discussions touch on positional value, the Giants' tough choices, and potential steals like Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Love. Brugler also highlights edge rushers expected in the top ten and examines how specific players could enhance struggling offenses, all while setting the stage for exciting college matchups ahead.
29 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Week 13 Hangover: Division-leading Broncos and Buccaneers get wins, and we get in the muck with Saints-Dolphins
The Broncos and Buccaneers grind out wins, proving that style points aren’t everything. The duo dissects the offensive struggles faced by Denver while praising their defensive plays. Baker Mayfield shines with mobility, despite the Bucs' overall inefficiency. Meanwhile, the Saints and Dolphins clash in a messy showdown marred by turnovers. Questions loom about Miami’s coaching and roster, alongside evaluations of their key players. Plus, anxious voicemails from Colts fans add a touch of humor to the discussion!
44 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 34min
Week 13 Recap: Division races heat up as the season heads into December
As December rolls in, divisional races heat up, with multiple divisions completely tied. The Texans upset the Colts, showcasing a formidable defense led by Will Anderson Jr. Buffalo's ground game overwhelms the Steelers, while Chicago stuns the Eagles with a powerful rushing attack. Dak Prescott shines as the Cowboys take down the Chiefs, amid Kansas City's struggles with penalties. Amidst these matchups, the Ravens face concerns after a loss to the Bengals, who celebrate Joe Burrow's strong return. The hosts also share heartwarming moments from the week.
36 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 49min
Week 13 Sunday Preview: Texans-Colts, Bills-Steelers and a series of Don't-Step-on-the-Rake Games
As Week 13 approaches, anticipation builds for pivotal matchups like Texans vs. Colts, where Houston's offense and C.J. Stroud's health will be key. The Bills and Steelers face off in a must-win scenario, highlighting personnel clashes and pressure dynamics. The hosts explore potential trap games, warning against underestimating opponents like the Cardinals and the Titans' fierce defense. Plus, the conversation touches on how the 49ers can game plan against Miles Garrett, setting the stage for an exciting football Sunday.
49 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 55min
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Preview: A Football Feast!
This week features a thrilling Thanksgiving slate with standout matchups like Packers vs. Lions and Chiefs vs. Cowboys. The return of Joe Burrow adds excitement for Bengals fans as they face the Ravens. There's a deep dive into the Eagles' struggling run game and the Bears' defensive woes. The hosts explore how Dallas's new five-man front can disrupt the Chiefs, and the importance of Baltimore's defense against Cincinnati's vulnerabilities. Expect plenty of game strategy, betting insights, and festive football discussions!
7 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
Building the Beast: NFL Draft prospects to watch in Rivalry Week
Rivalry Week is pivotal for NFL Draft prospects, serving as their last chance to impress scouts. The hosts dive into key matchups, including Texas–A&M and Ohio State–Michigan, analyzing individual players like Cassius Howell and Caleb Lomu. They explore the draft implications of injuries, standout performances, and assess talent in games like the Iron Bowl and Washington–Oregon. Discussions also highlight how these high-stakes games can shift draft narratives for players like Lenora Sellers and Diego Pavia, setting the stage for future evaluations.
31 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
Week 12 Hangover: The Seahawks and Patriots escape with road wins, Cam Ward is good, and JSN is a one-of-one player
The Seahawks and Patriots celebrate road victories, highlighting the resilience of surprise contenders. Cam Ward’s playmaking skills receive rave reviews, as his creativity draws comparisons to established QBs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba shines with elite route running and impressive catches, making him a standout talent. Meanwhile, sad fans of the Vikings and Buccaneers voice their concerns in a lively Monday Mourning segment, diving into roster questions and coaching strategies. Tune in for a blend of analysis and fan-driven passion!
70 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 37min
Week 12 Recap: Cowboys stun Eagles, Rams crush Bucs, Chiefs get much-needed win, Ravens take over first in AFC North, and more
In a thrilling Week 12, the Rams demonstrated dominance over the Buccaneers, while the Cowboys pulled off a stunning comeback against the Eagles. The Chiefs showcased resilience with a crucial victory, thanks to Mahomes' pinpoint accuracy and Chris Jones' defensive impact. Meanwhile, the Ravens struggled despite taking the lead in the AFC North. Extra excitement came from the Jaguars' bizarre late-game decisions, sparking debates on coaching choices. Amidst this, romantic moments in football highlighted the joy and unpredictability of the NFL.
38 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 18min
Week 12 Preview: Colts-Chiefs is the Game of the Week, but not in the way we expected
This week, the focus shifts to the surprising Colts leading their division and the Chiefs facing playoff desperation. The hosts analyze the Chiefs’ struggles in close games, revealing deeper defensive issues. They dive into matchups like Buccaneers-Rams, discussing Tampa's offensive decline due to injuries. A look at Steelers-Bears and Panthers-49ers highlights key player performances. Plus, they explore Cam Ward's potential against a tough Seahawks defense and suggest a pause on Vikings talk until they show improvement.
