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
32 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
The quarterback honorability index
Dave Helman, a contributor specializing in the dynamics of NFL quarterback play, joins discussions on the intriguing Honorability Index. The conversation reveals how character influences quarterback reputation and performance metrics. Helman and the hosts dissect traits of honorable quarterbacks, notable examples, and the evolution of players like Patrick Mahomes. They explore the balance between risk-taking and effectiveness, evaluating various playing styles, from Dak Prescott's adaptability to the creative gameplay of CJ Stroud.
17 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
Who's the 6th-best QB in the NFL?
This week features Dave Helman, an insightful contributor who dives deep into NFL quarterback dynamics. The conversation revolves around the elusive quest for the sixth-best quarterback, with plenty of opinions on players like Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford. They explore the impact of recent contracts on team strategies and highlight emerging talents such as CJ Stroud and Jordan Love. The episode is packed with heated debates over rankings and legacies, making it a must-listen for football enthusiasts craving the latest on quarterback performances.
12 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 48min
Inside the fallout surrounding the NFLPA's collusion grievance, with Pablo Torre
Join Pablo Torre, host of the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast and an insightful sports journalist, as he dives into the NFLPA's collusion grievance against the league. They unpack a significant 61-page ruling revealing potential collusion among team owners regarding player contracts. The discussion also highlights the troubling confidentiality agreements that left players uninformed, raising urgent questions about transparency and trust within the NFLPA. Torre sheds light on the broader implications for player negotiations and the power dynamics at play.
25 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
The teams we can't quite figure out approaching the 2025 season
Dave Helman, a valued contributor with sharp insights into team dynamics, joins to dissect the unpredictable landscape of NFL teams as the 2025 season approaches. The discussion highlights the conflicting strategies of the Bengals and Jaguars, the developmental hurdles of young quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, and the potential of teams like the Lions and Packers battling for prominence. There's also a look into the Saints' uncertain future post-quarterback retirement, capturing the delicate balance between optimism and realism in a competitive league.
10 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h
The hopeful stories teams are telling themselves this season
The hosts dive into the narratives NFL teams craft each offseason to instill hope. They discuss the Rams' defense upgrades and the Bears' strategies for Caleb Williams. The intense pressures on quarterbacks and mental health in football also come to light. By examining the Giants and Browns' quarterback dilemmas, they highlight the importance of stability amid uncertainty. Additionally, they explore the playoff aspirations of teams like the Raiders and Buccaneers while balancing optimism with realistic expectations.
7 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 58min
Mailbag Monday: Separating player from situation, balancing all-in and patience, remembering our favorite single-season teams, and more
As training camps approach, the hosts dive into how to separate players from their situations and navigate the balance between going all-in and maintaining long-term stability. They reminisce about their favorite single-season NFL teams and discuss the evolving landscape of the league, including the challenges quarterbacks face today. The importance of creativity in quarterback play is explored, alongside the pitfalls in player evaluation that lead teams astray. Personal stories and nostalgic moments add a touch of emotion to the analysis.
7 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 19min
A 2018 Redraft: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson at the top, and lessons we can learn from this loaded class
Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft Analyst at The Athletic, joins Robert Mays to dissect the fascinating 2018 NFL Draft with the benefit of hindsight. They explore how the selection of standout quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson could have reshaped team fortunes. The conversation highlights critical decisions, such as the Giants’ choice between Saquon Barkley and Lamar Jackson, and evaluates how alternatives could have transformed franchises. Brugler emphasizes the long-term impact of these picks, making for insightful and entertaining analysis.
32 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 55min
The next frontiers of tech in football with Prime Vision's Sam Schwartzstein
Sam Schwartzstein, an analytics expert for Amazon's Thursday Night Football Prime Vision broadcasts, shares his insights on the future of football. He discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing analytics and team strategies. The conversation highlights innovative technologies for injury prevention and performance assessment. Schwartzstein also emphasizes the importance of balancing AI advancements with human expertise in coaching. Exciting new visualization techniques are set to enhance viewer engagement, transforming how fans experience the game.
9 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 39min
Jalen Ramsey/Minkah Fitzpatrick trade reaction with Bill Barnwell
Bill Barnwell, a staff writer for ESPN known for his deep insights into the NFL, dives into the whirlwind trade of Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. He dissects the surprising moves made by the Dolphins and Steelers, examining the broader implications for team strategies and NFL dynamics. The talk also touches on the risks of prioritizing veterans over youth and the challenges teams face with roster decisions. With a blend of analysis and humor, Barnwell sheds light on how trades can redefine a team's future.
10 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Mailbag Monday: Contract-year players, best QB + coach upgrades ever, the importance of aging on rosters, and more
Dive into the intriguing discussion about the best quarterback and coach upgrades in NFL history. Explore the complexities of team dynamics, particularly the Ravens' standing among NFC rivals. The hosts tackle the uncertain futures of contract-year players and the impact of age on team performance. Plus, discover the importance of atmosphere in live games and how emotional ties to teams influence fan loyalty. With a touch of home innovation talk, it's an engaging mix of football insights and personal reflections!
