

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

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
Week 1 preview + Ravens-Chiefs recap
We did it. We made it. The 2024 NFL regular season is here. In fact, one game is already in the books. We kick off this episode of The Athletic Football Show with a recap of the Chiefs' thrilling 27-20 win over the Ravens, featuring Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Mike Sando. Then, Robert and Derrik preview the rest of the games by highlighting five things they're excited about watching in Week 1, including Packers-Eagles, Lions-Rams, the potentially resurgent Cardinals and Jets, and Caleb Williams' NFL debut (approximate start time of 25 minutes).RundownChiefs-Ravens recapPackers-Eagles will be funCardinals upset potential over BillsWe finally get to see the Aaron Rodgers JetsGood test for the JaguarsC.J. Stroud vs. Anthony RichardsonJoe Alt gets Maxx Crosby in his first real NFL gameRams-Lions reduxBaptism by fire for the Cowboys' new offensive lineCaleb Williams' NFL debutThere are a lot of young quarterbacks in the league!Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Mike SandoExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
Playoff predictions, award winners and Super Bowl picks
The 2024 NFL season is on our doorstep. There's just one item of business left...predictions! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen offer up their playoff picks, award winners and Super Bowl Champions—along with some favorite bets—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownDefensive Player of the YearOffensive Player of the YearCoach of the YearAssistant Coach of the YearOffensive Rookie of the YearDefensive Rookie of the YearRushing LeaderPassing LeaderReceiving LeaderMVPDivision Winners and Wild CardsSuper BowlHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 45min
NFC West Preview
We've come to the end of the division preview line for the 2024 NFL season, and we arrive here with a bang. The NFC West is on the shortlist for most exciting division in the league, one that includes the defending conference champion and a Super Bowl favorite. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownSan Francisco 49ers previewLos Angeles Rams previewSeattle Seahawks previewArizona Cardinals previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 47min
AFC South Preview
So this division got pretty fun pretty fast, huh? The Texans look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Jaguars have their guy at quarterback, and the Colts just might, too. The Titans, meanwhile, are getting a lot of, "they may not be great, but they sure look frisky" love this offseason. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into the AFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football show.RundownHouston Texans previewIndianapolis Colts previewJacksonville Jaguars previewTennessee Titans previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 36min
AFC East Preview
It's been a few years since the Patriots were the big, bad bully in the AFC East, but it's still jarring to see someone other than Bill Belichick patrolling the sidelines in New England. Meanwhile, there's good reason to think any of the Bills, Dolphins or Jets can win the division. Josh Allen! Aaron Rodgers! A fireworks show in Miami! One thing is for sure...it won't be boring. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the AFC East on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownBuffalo Bills previewMiami Dolphins previewNew York Jets previewNew England Patriots previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 52min
NFC North Preview
The Lions are inner-circle Super Bowl contenders. The Packers are potential Super Bowl contenders. The Bears have Caleb Williams and a ton of justified optimism. And there's plenty of intrigue for the Vikings, even with J.J. McCarthy out for the year. Is the NFC North the most exciting division in the league? It just might be. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownDetroit Lions previewGreen Bay Packers previewMinnesota Vikings previewChicago Bears previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 43min
AFC West Preview
The Chiefs and everyone else...that's the AFC West. While it'd be a massive upset if the Chiefs don't run away with this division, it still has its fair share of storylines and intrigue. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all of it on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownKansas City Chiefs previewLos Angeles Chargers previewLas Vegas Raiders previewDenver Broncos previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 51min
NFC East Preview
A familiar story is expected to unfold in the NFC East...the Cowboys and Eagles battling for the division title, and the Giants and Commanders battling to stay relevant. What can we expect from each of the four teams this season? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the NFC East on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownDallas Cowboys previewPhiladelphia Eagles previewNew York Giants previewWashington Commanders previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 2024 • 56min
The TAFS 2024 Wins Pool Draft
Glory and humiliation...it's what friendly competition is all about. We bring both together in the annual TAFS Wins Pool. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen selected seven teams apiece with the goal of assembling the group that combines for the most wins this season. This year's twist...their final two picks had to be teams projected by the betting markets to win fewer than seven games. The winner will achieve personal glory. The loser will suffer the humiliation of paying off a bet on Radio Row during Super Bowl week. Friendly competition is the best, isn't it?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 44min
NFC South Preview
The Falcons gobbled up all the NFC South headlines this offseason—Kirk Cousins! Michael Penix! Matthew Judon!—but that doesn't guarantee them a division title. The Buccaneers mostly brought last year's division-winning band back. The Saints are boring, but generally competent. The Panthers, meanwhile, did everything they could to put a supportive infrastructure around Bryce Young. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the NFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownAtlanta Falcons previewTampa Bay Buccaneers previewNew Orleans Saints previewCarolina Panthers previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.