Intro

It’s a Halloween Week 9 edition of Scoop City with James Palmer and a stacked lineup of insiders from The Athletic! We’re serving up more treats than tricks as the NFL trade deadline approaches and several playoff contenders face must-win moments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for your insider breakdowns straight from the locker room.

The AFC playoff picture heats up as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs square off with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in one of Week 9’s biggest matchups. Joe Buscaglia breaks down the Bills’ must-win urgency, how Allen and Stefon Diggs can exploit Kansas City’s coverage, and what Sean McDermott’s defense must fix to keep pace with Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Can the Bills save their season—or will Kansas City prove they’re still the AFC’s top dog?

Next up, James Boyd joins James Palmer to dive into the surging Indianapolis Colts, led by Jonathan Taylor, who’s on an MVP-level tear. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns through eight weeks, and he’s doing it behind a balanced Colts attack. Can Taylor continue his dominance against a Steelers defense that’s been uncharacteristically inconsistent and struggling to stop the run?

Alec Lewis checks in to preview Vikings vs Lions, a massive NFC North battle. J.J. MCarthy returns to the starting lineup in a crucial divisional matchup. How will J.J. McCarthy’s growth define how the success of Minnesota's season.

Even on their bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles stay in the headlines. Brooks Kubena joins James Palmer to unpack his powerful new story on AJ Brown, one of the NFL’s most complex and competitive superstars. From his relentless work ethic with DK Metcalf at Ole Miss to his candid thoughts on frustration, fulfillment, and identity, Brooks explains why Brown’s intensity has nothing to do with being a “diva”—and everything to do with the unique pressure of playing wide receiver in today’s NFL.

To wrap the show, Jake Ciely brings his fantasy insight (and costume) for a special Halloween segment: ranking the best Halloween candies and revealing his buy-low and sell-high fantasy football targets ahead of the NFL trade deadline. From Baker Mayfield to breakout RB Quinshon Judkins, Jake and James debate who’s sweet, who’s stale, and who’s worth stashing.

Don’t miss this episode of Scoop City — your insider pass to the NFL.

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