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
Nov 5, 2026 • 1h 14min
Which team will make the wrong all-in trade? Plus, Jonathan Taylor's robust trade market & Lamar Jackson's future
Charles Robinson, NFL journalist and founder of NFL Blue Book, examines the league’s biggest deadline dilemmas. Could the Vikings or Giants make a reckless all-in move? What does Jacoby Brissett’s arrival mean for Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore? Robinson also explores trade interest in Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and Buda Baker, plus the front-office tensions shaping Minnesota’s strategy.
Nov 4, 2026 • 54min
30 NFL prospects you need to know ahead of a loaded college football weekend
A loaded college football weekend offers a scouting feast, from quarterback showdowns between Darian Mensah, C.J. Carr, Arch Manning, and Austin Simmons to fierce Alabama-LSU and Kentucky-Tennessee trench battles. Breakout pass rushers, rising tackle Zaraway Williams, versatile safeties, intriguing running backs, and must-watch receivers round out 30 future NFL prospects worth tracking.
20 snips
Nov 3, 2026 • 1h 2min
Week 8 hangover: Rams get right, Jets impress in a loss & Patriots escape
Dan Pizzuta, an NFL analyst and film-focused football writer, joins a deep dive into Week 8’s strangest matchups. The discussion covers the Chargers’ offensive collapse, the Rams’ emerging defense and creative ground game, the Jets’ unexpectedly functional offense, and the Raiders’ matchup wins. Drake Maye’s continued development and Miami’s young offensive talent also take center stage.
21 snips
Nov 3, 2026 • 44min
Jeffery Simmons' Bears dominate Seahawks 34-17
Charles McDonald, an NFL analyst and football writer, joins the breakdown of Chicago’s 34-17 statement win over Seattle. They examine Jeffery Simmons’ impact on the Bears’ pass rush, Caleb Williams’ primetime poise, and Chicago’s remaining roster needs. The discussion also explores Seattle’s shrinking playoff margin, offensive line concerns, and why its defense and overall profile offer hope for a rebound.
62 snips
Nov 2, 2026 • 1h 48min
Week 8 recap: Broncos stunner, WTF Bengals & another lost Ravens season
Denver’s stunning comeback over Kansas City reshapes the AFC West. Lamar Jackson’s injury casts doubt over Baltimore’s season, while Detroit outmaneuvers Minnesota and Cincinnati survives a bizarre shootout. Tampa Bay wins without completing a pass, Dallas suffers another collapse, and Trevor Lawrence finally delivers a breakthrough performance.
15 snips
Oct 30, 2026 • 1h 15min
Week 8 Preview: The most loaded slate of the season
Derrik Klassen, an NFL analyst focused on quarterbacks, schemes and analytics, joins Dave Helman, a Cowboys analyst and league-trend watcher, to preview a jam-packed Week 8. They dig into Minnesota’s quarterback woes, Detroit’s defensive instability, Jared Goff versus Brian Flores, Caleb Williams’ challenge against Seattle, and Kansas City’s latest offensive test. Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay also get a closer look.
13 snips
Oct 30, 2026 • 32min
Packers handle Panthers, 27-19
Green Bay opens Week 8 with a 27-19 win over Carolina, powered by a dominant young defense and a sharp first half from Jordan Love. Christian Watson makes a remarkable return and delivers eight catches for 113 yards. The breakdown also examines Bryce Young’s struggles, Carolina’s mounting injuries, Green Bay’s ineffective rushing attack, promising rookies, and troubling special teams.
27 snips
Oct 29, 2026 • 25min
The Bears are going for it, make blockbuster trade for Jeffery Simmons
Chicago makes a massive statement by acquiring Jeffery Simmons, signaling that its Super Bowl window is open. The discussion explores the steep price, how Simmons could transform the defense, and why Caleb Williams’ rise makes such an aggressive move possible. The Bears’ remaining draft capital, NFC contender status, and Simmons’ reunion with Montez Sweat also come into focus.
14 snips
Oct 29, 2026 • 1h 9min
Trade season is upon us
Daniel Popper, an NFL writer and pro personnel analyst, joins the conversation on the league’s accelerating trade season. They examine Seattle’s move for Quenton Nelson and San Francisco’s reunion with DeForest Buckner, then spotlight possible Colts, Chargers, Cardinals and Titans sellers. Potential destinations for Josh Downs, the risks of contenders buying, and a looming blockbuster-filled deadline round out the discussion.
10 snips
Oct 28, 2026 • 52min
Which college receivers are flying up NFL Draft boards?
The 2027 receiver class goes far beyond Jeremiah Smith and Charlie Becker, with emerging stars, explosive speedsters, contested-catch specialists, and breakout performers commanding attention. The discussion also examines Dante Moore’s uncertain draft outlook, a fascinating quarterback class, rising tackles, and major Week 9 college football matchups.
