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
8 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 33min
NEWS: Bills fire Sean McDermott
The Buffalo Bills' surprising decision to fire Sean McDermott after their playoff loss sparks heated discussion. The hosts explore the odd timing, questioning McDermott's defensive accountability and roster talent issues. They highlight missed draft opportunities and what type of coach the Bills should pursue next. Comparisons with the Ravens reveal strategic differences, and the pressure of Josh Allen's career timeline looms large. Legacy moments, like the infamous 13 seconds, showcase the team's journey from underdogs to contenders.
28 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h
Divisional Round Sunday Recap: Patriots handle Texans, Rams outlast Bears in OT
The recap kicks off with the Patriots securing their spot in the AFC Championship after a bizarre win against the Texans. The Rams' thrilling overtime victory over the Bears is scrutinized, highlighting Chicago's defensive strategies and painful turnovers. Caleb Williams' potential shines despite costly mistakes, raising questions about his development. Key coaching decisions on fourth downs are debated, while New England's varied pressure tactics are praised for shutting down the Texans' offense. The analysis wraps up with reflections on the Bears' promising future and what's next for the Patriots.
51 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 57min
Divisional Round Saturday Recap: Broncos win but lose Bo Nix, Seahawks rout 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks delivered a stunning performance against the 49ers, showcasing their powerful defense and a revitalized rushing attack. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos emerged victorious over the Bills, despite a heart-wrenching ankle injury to quarterback Bo Nix, which raises questions about their playoff future. The hosts dissect Josh Allen's unexpected turnovers that shifted momentum and reflect on the crucial officiating decisions that impacted the game. With the season closing, discussions pivot to both teams' offseason strategies and uncertainties.
54 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 34min
Divisional Round Preview: The best weekend of the NFL season
The excitement of Divisional Weekend takes center stage as teams sharpen their playoff strategies. The Bills face a tense matchup against the formidable Broncos defense, while the 49ers aim to score without their star tight end, George Kittle. As the Texans ready themselves to battle the Patriots, offensive and defensive strategies take the limelight. The Rams and Bears promise an emotional showdown, with Chicago's run game potentially tipping the scales. Tune in for game-breaking insights that capture the essence of this thrilling NFL weekend!
55 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 15min
The jam-packed 2026 coaching carousel: It goes up and down, and around
Conor Orr, a savvy sports journalist from Sports Illustrated, joins Robert Mays to dish out the latest on the chaotic 2026 NFL coaching carousel. With major exits like John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin shaking things up, they explore why this cycle is anything but quiet. Orr dives into potential candidates for the Steelers, Ravens, and Falcons while highlighting the rapid rise of young coordinators. Plus, intriguing insights on how coaches like Brian Flores could transform franchises. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through coaching changes!
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 3min
Building the Beast: Did they stay or did they go now?
As the NFL Draft looms, the hosts dive into key player decisions, notably Oregon's Dante Moore, who's weighing his options between the draft and staying in college. They evaluate intriguing prospects like Ty Simpson and Monroe Freeling while discussing the impact of NIL on players' choices. The conversation shifts to the exciting CFP National Championship matchup between Indiana and Miami, emphasizing team strategies and standout players. Expect insights on emerging talents and the evolving landscape of college football as teams prepare for the future!
37 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 24min
NEWS: Mike Tomlin steps down as Steelers head coach after 19 seasons
Mike Tomlin's surprising resignation after 19 seasons as head coach of the Steelers prompts a deep dive into the implications for the team. Discussion centers around necessary changes for a struggling roster and playoff disappointments. The hosts outline potential future paths for Pittsburgh, from a youth movement to strategic draft picks. The differences between Tomlin and other coaches, like Harbaugh, are analyzed, along with potential hiring strategies that might bring a fresh perspective to the team.
33 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 5min
Postmortems for Wild Card Round losers
Five NFL teams dissect their tumultuous Wild Card weekend as they pivot to 2026. The Panthers face roster challenges, evaluating Bryce Young and their inconsistent offense. Meanwhile, Green Bay wrestles with coaching debates and defensive gaps. The Jaguars balance optimism with OL concerns and draft strategies. The Eagles focus on play-calling and player retention, while the Chargers grapple with a crisis in their offensive line and Justin Herbert's playoff inconsistencies. A mix of caution and strategy fills the air as these teams plan their futures.
9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 32min
Texans defense rolls over Steelers, leads team to Divisional Round
The Houston Texans' defense steals the spotlight with a commanding 30-6 victory over the Steelers in the Wild Card Round. Advanced metrics reveal it as one of the best playoff defensive performances ever. The hosts delve into how Houston effectively shut down Pittsburgh’s passing game and discuss standout individual plays. Meanwhile, they analyze CJ Stroud’s rollercoaster game, balancing brilliance with critical mistakes. Looking ahead, the debate heats up: can this Texans team make a run for the Super Bowl?
38 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 9min
Wild Card Sunday Recap: Bills outlast Jaguars, 49ers take down Eagles, Patriots stifle Chargers
Wild Card Sunday delivered nail-biting moments with thrilling matchups. The Patriots showcased a brilliant defensive strategy to stifle Justin Herbert and advance past the Chargers. Meanwhile, the 49ers shocked the Eagles, highlighting their strong run defense and savvy second-half plays. Christian McCaffrey's unique impact was a game-changer, making significant catches under pressure. The Bills capitalized on defensive disguises to outsmart Trevor Lawrence, with Josh Allen's steady performance leading them to victory. Playoff drama at its finest!
