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
27 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
Week 11 Preview: Seahawks-Rams headlines a loaded slate
Week 11 is packed with NFL excitement, featuring a crucial Seahawks-Rams showdown that could shape the NFC standings. The hosts break down the offensive strategies and matchups, examining Seattle's defensive counters and the Rams' personnel shifts. The Chiefs-Broncos game is also pivotal for the AFC West, with discussions on Kansas City's midseason struggles. Additionally, they dive into the intriguing battle between the Lions and Eagles, plus the rollercoaster performances of young quarterbacks and the unpredictability of the Panthers-Falcons matchup.
27 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
2025 NFL Midseason Awards
At the season's approximate midpoint, the hosts dive into lively debates over midseason awards. Jonathan Taylor and Jaxon Smith-Njigba vie for Offensive Player of the Year. Myles Garrett faces competition from Aidan Hutchinson and Kyle Hamilton in the Defensive category. Rookie discussions reveal promising talents like Tedaroa McMillan and Carson Wentzinger. New awards spotlight top offensive linemen and coaching talent, while the MVP debate heats up with contenders such as Matthew Stafford and Drake May.
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Dane Brugler's updated Top 50: Arvell Reese, Ty Simpson top the list
Dane Brugler unveils his updated Top 50 prospects as Thanksgiving approaches. Arvell Reese and Ty Simpson claim the top spots, with deep dives into their standout traits. The podcast discusses the rising receiver class and the underwhelming offensive tackle group. They also evaluate the quarterback landscape, highlighting challenges and potential draft declarations. Surprising risers and fallers in the rankings spark engaging debates, as they ponder the draft class's depth and its comparison to previous years.
76 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Week 10 Hangover: Giants fire Brian Daboll, Ravens and Chargers put Steelers in panic mode
The fallout from Brian Daboll's firing shakes up the Giants, igniting debates about their future direction. Meanwhile, the Ravens are finding their offensive groove, leveraging a strong run-action formula and highlighting Lamar Jackson's improved play. The Chargers come up big against the Steelers, showcasing key strategic shifts that paid off. The discussion also touches on challenges faced by the Vikings' offense and the future outlook for the Panthers. Get ready for analysis and insights that dig deep into the NFL's latest happenings!
74 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 38min
Week 10 Recap: The Rams and Seahawks are on a collision course
Week 10 delivered thrilling insights as the Rams and Seahawks showcased their dominance, sparking debates about their roles as top contenders. Seattle's phenomenal defense turned the tide, while Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense hit peak performance. The Patriots secured a win with strategic plays by Dan Campbell, and Jonathan Taylor's explosive rushing stats stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Bills faced a shocking loss, and the Jaguars crumbled in the fourth quarter. Moments of pure football romance emerged, highlighting the emotional connections fans have with young quarterbacks.
69 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
Week 10 Preview: The top of the NFC takes center stage
The second half of the NFL season kicks off with thrilling matchups, spotlighting Eagles-Packers and Rams-49ers as key games. The hosts dissect the Packers' offensive struggles and the Eagles’ evolving defense. They praise the Rams as the top NFC team, analyzing their impactful shifts in personnel. San Francisco's revitalized running game is also explored, alongside the implications of Kyler Murray's potential benching in Arizona. Expect insights into Patriots-Buccaneers and the increasing expectations for Ravens and Vikings.
41 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
The players and coaches defining the 2025 NFL season
Nate Tice, an insightful NFL analyst known for his sharp football analysis, joins Robert Mays to discuss pivotal players and coaches shaping the 2025 season. They delve into the Buffalo Bills' tight-end evolution and how versatile rookies are transforming offensive strategies. Tice highlights the Bears' explosive offense driven by innovative scheming, alongside the Broncos' defensive powerhouse, Noah Hufanga. The duo also examines the revival of under-center plays and the growing value of second-chance quarterbacks, providing deep insights into the league's evolving landscape.
Nov 5, 2025 • 59min
Building the Beast: Arvell Reese continues his climb
Dane Brugler returns to highlight standout performances from Week 10, particularly Arvell Reese's impressive tape. They explore under-the-radar prospects, including Carnell Tate's development at Ohio State. Discussions include how NFL teams might utilize Reese's unique skill set and compare him to traditional edge prospects. The duo also spotlights Texas Tech's defensive playmakers and CJ Allen's emerging talent at linebacker. Key matchups for upcoming weeks and the anticipation of the November top 50 rankings round out this insightful conversation.
24 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 56min
Trade Deadline Madness! Sauce Gardner to the Colts, Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys, and more
Diana Rossini, an NFL reporter and insider, joins to unpack a whirlwind of trades leading up to the 2025 deadline. She reveals why the Jets' shocking moves—trading Sauce Gardner to the Colts and sending Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys—signal a significant roster overhaul. The discussion dives into whether these trades reflect the Colts' long-term strategy or a bid for a championship window. Diana also shares surprises from the deadline, including near-moves and the value dynamics of various trades that left fans scratching their heads.
65 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
Week 9 Hangover: The Seahawks make another big statement
The Seahawks have made a loud statement as Super Bowl contenders after their decisive win over the Commanders. The hosts dissect Seattle's offensive prowess and Washington's defensive failures. They also evaluate the Eagles' trade for Jalen Phillips and its impact on their roster. The Jaguars’ thrilling overtime victory against the Raiders highlights both quarterbacks’ performances, while the Raiders find a spark with Brock Bowers. Tensions rise as fans express concerns about their teams during listener voicemails.
