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
20 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 21min
Week 4 preview: Eagles-Buccaneers, Colts-Rams, and a Game of the Week that wasn't
Week 4 is shaking up with surprising matchups! The Colts and Rams have unexpectedly become the highlight, with a focus on Indianapolis' thriving offense. The Eagles face the Buccaneers in a heated rivalry, with Tampa’s defense poised to disrupt. Meanwhile, the Ravens and Chiefs are struggling, making their clash feel oddly less significant. The Browns and Lions are set for a battle of strong fronts, and Jacksonville’s defense faces a crucial test against the 49ers. Plus, watch out for Micah Parsons' emotional game—he's ready to bring the heat!
20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 60min
Why are these four offenses stuck in the mud?
Ted Nguyen, an NFL writer and analyst focusing on offensive schemes, joins Robert Mays to delve into the struggles of four NFL offenses. They dissect the Texans' issues with protection and play-calling, the Broncos' lack of intermediate passing and low motion rates, and the Raiders' offensive line failures and scheme problems. The discussion also tackles the Falcons’ stagnation due to play-action underuse and quarterback challenges. Solutions are suggested, including line upgrades and more dynamic play-calling to help these teams find their rhythm.
6 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
Building the Beast: Loaded Week 5 slate—hello, Oregon-Penn State and Alabama-Georgia—will move draft boards
This week, college football fans are in for a treat with a lineup starring future NFL talent. Ruben Bain's dominance on the edge and Fernando Mendoza's stellar passing stats steal the spotlight. The hosts break down thrilling matchups like Oregon-Penn State, where quarterback duels will be pivotal, and Alabama-Georgia, which may redefine team legacies. Expect high-scoring shootouts in Notre Dame vs. Arkansas and a showcase of talent in Ohio State vs. Washington, making this weekend crucial for NFL Draft evaluations.
47 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Week 3 Hangover: Chiefs win ugly, Vikings and Commanders cruise, Nick Bosa out for the season
The Chiefs scrape by despite offensive struggles, raising concerns about Mahomes and his pass-catchers. Meanwhile, the Vikings dominate with an impressive defensive performance, leaving the Bengals in the dust. The Commanders shine with a decisive win and effective strategy, while listener voicemails reveal deep frustrations surrounding the Cowboys and Broncos. Also, conversations about the impact of Nick Bosa's torn ACL on the 49ers add a somber note to the discussion.
59 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 34min
Week 3 recap: Eagles score the win of the day, lead parade of 3-0 teams
The podcast dives into the thrilling 3-0 start of teams like the Eagles and Chargers, spotlighting AJ Brown's clutch performance and Justin Herbert's rise. The Colts emerge as frontrunners in the AFC South, while the 49ers prove resilient despite injuries. They break down shocking losses, including the Browns stunning the Packers and the Panthers shutting out the Falcons. Celebratory moments include Baker Mayfield's heroics and Caleb Williams' impressive flea-flicker. The hosts share key takeaways from a dramatic Week 3.
42 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
Week 3 preview: Rams-Eagles, Lions-Ravens light up the marquee
As Week 3 unfolds, the spotlight shines on the must-watch Rams-Eagles and Lions-Ravens matchups. The hosts debate the Rams' Super Bowl potential while dissecting their offensive strategies. They give quick takes on key games, including the Cardinals-49ers and Broncos-Chargers. A trip down Sicko Street explores Spencer Rattler's potential and the unique quarterback drama of Browning versus Wentz. Plus, the Take Tribunal tackles the troubled Steelers defense, leaving listeners questioning if this year's Cowboys resemble the previous year's Bengals.
20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
Is This Real?...with Bill Barnwell
Joining Robert Mays, Bill Barnwell, a Senior NFL analyst at ESPN, dives into the early-season drama of the NFL. They assess the Colts' surprising offensive prowess and project the Packers as potential frontrunners. The discussion heats up as they dissect the Bears' struggles and the growing anxiety surrounding the Chiefs. The conversation also touches on the Falcons' impressive pass rush and the Vikings' challenging quarterback choices. Tune in for insightful analysis and some delightful NFL storytelling!
13 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
Building the Beast: The potential diamonds in the rough are starting to emerge
The hosts dive into the exciting world of emerging college football stars, highlighting standout players like Texas Tech's Baron Morton and Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II. They discuss the challenges scouts face early in the season when evaluating talent, while also spotlighting potential gems for the NFL Draft. Exciting matchups loom on the horizon, including Illinois-Indiana and Auburn-Oklahoma, promising to showcase even more rising talent. The conversation flows seamlessly from game analyses to the implications of NIL funding in college football.
66 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Week 2 Hangover: Joe Burrow's injury, Falcons run over Vikings, and more sad voicemails
In this engaging discussion, the implications of Joe Burrow's toe injury on the Bengals’ season take center stage. The hosts also recap a surprising Falcons victory over the Vikings, spotlighting standout performers like Bijan Robinson. Listeners' sad voicemails reveal frustrations from Jaguars and Bears fans, shedding light on the struggles of both teams. The conversation dives into strategic quarterback performances across the league, as well as the evolving dynamics from Week 2, leaving listeners speculating about what’s next.
55 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
Week 2 recap: Eagles beat Chiefs...again, Giants-Cowboys fireworks, and how 'bout them...Colts?!?
The rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs kept everyone on the edge of their seats, ending in a thrilling 20-17 victory for Philadelphia. Giants and Cowboys ignited sparks in a chaotic showdown. Meanwhile, the Colts offense is off to a hot start, making waves early in the season. The podcast also digs into Joe Burrow's injury woes and how the Bengals are scrambling for solutions. Plus, standout performances by veterans like Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins get analyzed, offering insights into the league's evolving dynamics.
