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
14 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 14min
Why did these eight teams flop in 2025?
The hosts dive into the disappointing seasons of eight NFL teams, exploring how the Lions, Chiefs, and Ravens fell from Super Bowl favorites to underperformers. Key discussions include the Lions' injuries and coaching problems, the Cowboys’ defensive collapse, and the Bengals' struggles with quarterback health. They consider the Colts' alarming trade outcomes, the Vikings' QB growing pains, and the Falcons' offensive stagnation. Finally, they analyze whether the Ravens’ struggles are temporary and what fixes could restore these teams' fortunes.
38 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 34min
Week 17 Recap: 49ers win thriller over Bears, Eagles outlast Bills, Drake Maye dazzles, and more
Week 17 delivered electrifying matchups, highlighted by the 49ers' thrilling win over the Bears. Brock Purdy showcased his skills, while Caleb Williams shined in his rookie debut. The Eagles edged out the Bills in a defensive battle, raising concerns about Buffalo's offense and Josh Allen's health. The Texans clinched a playoff spot with a stunning performance against the Chargers, who struggled with turnovers. Baltimore's ground game thrived, and the NFC South remains unpredictable, with chaos among the Bucs and Panthers.
42 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Week 17 Preview: Massive division title and playoff seeding stakes on the line
As Week 17 approaches, the stakes are heating up in the NFL. Eleven playoff spots are filled, but the final AFC Wild Card berth is still in play, mostly leaning towards the Texans. The hosts analyze matchups, from the Cowboys-Commanders being entertaining yet inconsequential, to the Vikings' emerging defense. They investigate how Baltimore's explosive run game can be contained by Green Bay and preview the pivotal roles of quarterbacks in crucial matchups. Expect analysis on playoff implications and exciting narratives in the final stretch!
28 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 54min
Week 16 Hangover: Bills and Texans get necessary, but unconvincing, wins over bad teams
The Bills and Texans snagged playoff spots but not without displaying some concerning performances. The hosts dissect Buffalo's ho-hum win over the Browns, focusing on Josh Allen's second-half struggles and an over-reliance on the ground game. Meanwhile, the Texans’ shaky offense against the Raiders raises eyebrows, with praise for individual standout plays amidst passing inconsistencies. They also dive into the potential tanking of the Raiders and critique coaching decisions in the wake of underwhelming wins.
25 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 42min
Week 16 Recap: Bears stun Packers, Jaguars throttle Broncos, Panthers take NFC South lead, and more
Week 16 delivered some jaw-dropping moments, with the Bears staging a thrilling overtime comeback against the Packers. The Jaguars crushed the Broncos, showcasing Trevor Lawrence's impressive gameplay. Meanwhile, the Panthers surged to the top of the NFC South by defeating the Buccaneers. Justin Herbert's arm talent shone as the Chargers outclassed the Cowboys. Amidst all the chaos, the hosts reflect on what makes us fall in love with football, highlighting young quarterbacks and their evolving skills.
46 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 31min
Week 16 Preview: Unlikely AFC division leaders step into the spotlight
Jaguars versus Broncos steals the spotlight as two unlikely AFC division leaders clash. The analysis digs into Jacksonville's offensive line issues and Denver's defensive strengths. Meanwhile, the Patriots face the Ravens in a battle of contrasting strategies, questioning Lamar Jackson's health and impact. The hosts explore intriguing matchups across the league, from the Bears' pass rush to the Texans’ evolving offense. Plus, a fun debate on future quarterbacks adds a twist! Tune in for all the essential insights!
54 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
The strongest analytic and schematic trends of 2025, with Sam Schwartzstein
Sam Schwartzstein, an analytics expert from Prime Video, dives into the innovative trends shaping the NFL. He discusses the interconnectedness of modern scheming and the surprising return of under-center play action, emphasizing how disguise amplifies effectiveness. Schwartzstein also explores the evolving mentality around fourth-down decisions and the creative potential of analytics in play design. He shares insights on pocket health metrics, quarterback development, and previews the crucial Rams-Seahawks matchup, showcasing McVay's strategic brilliance.
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
Building the Beast: Alabama/Oklahoma and Miami/Texas A&M loaded with NFL Draft talent
As the College Football Playoffs heat up, the focus shifts to NFL Draft prospects lighting up the field. Discussions revolve around the QB landscape, with updates on Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers influencing future decisions. The Alabama vs. Oklahoma matchup showcases top talents like Ty Simpson and Caden Proctor, while Miami-Texas A&M is highlighted for its impressive roster of draft-eligible players. Insights into the projected strengths and weaknesses of key teams and players make for an engaging analysis ahead of the games.
43 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 9min
Week 15 Hangover: The Ravens stay alive, and the 49ers notch their 10th win
The 49ers quietly notch their 10th win, raising questions about their playoff potential despite overlooked success. Meanwhile, the Ravens face a brutal loss to the Bengals, highlighting issues in their red zone efficiency and offensive line depth. The Vikings pull off a thrilling upset over the Cowboys, showcasing Brian Flores' creative defense and crucial fourth-quarter moments. Plus, insights into Brock Purdy's mobile resurgence for San Francisco and listener voicemails revealing the despair of fans from both Dallas and Green Bay.
98 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 30min
Week 15 Recap: Broncos quiet doubters, Bills claw back to beat Patriots, and the Chiefs are officially done
The rise of the Denver Broncos is shaking up the NFL, winning their 11th straight game against the Packers. Meanwhile, the Bills staged an epic comeback from 21 points down to defeat the Patriots. The Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention, raising questions about Mahomes' injury and team dynamics. Other teams like the Bears, Jaguars, and Texans showed promising performances, showcasing the league's unpredictability and fresh contenders, making Week 15 a chaotic highlight reel.
