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
40 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 27min
Week 5 recap: The Buccaneers and Seahawks put on a show, the Broncos take down the Eagles, and the Ravens hunt for the panic button
A thrilling showdown between the Buccaneers and Seahawks showcased both teams as NFC contenders in a nail-biting 38-35 finish. The Broncos pulled off a stunning upset against the Eagles, while the Patriots stunned the Bills in another surprise victory. The Ravens are in turmoil after a blowout loss to the Texans, raising questions about their season. The chaotic Cardinals-Titans game featured bizarre turnovers and missed opportunities. Lastly, inspiring comebacks from Bryce Young and Cam Ward highlighted emotional moments of the week.
54 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 27min
Week 5 preview: Two surprisingly fun matchups take center stage
This week dives into exciting matchups, highlighting the Seahawks-Buccaneers and Chargers-Commanders as must-watch games. The discussion covers Seattle's surprising offensive prowess and its formidable defense. Meanwhile, the Chargers face questions about their offensive line's ability against Washington's defense. The hosts also dissect the Patriots-Bills spotlight game and Trevor Lawrence's evolving play with the Jaguars. In a quirky twist, they explore the oddly intriguing Saints-Giants showdown and the Panthers' offensive struggles.
64 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
Early returns on five new offenses across the NFL
Ollie Connolly, a writer and podcaster from The Read Optional, joins to delve into the transformations of five NFL offenses. They evaluate the Patriots' innovative play design under Josh McDaniels and Mac Jones' newfound mobility. The conversation shifts to the Bears, discussing Caleb Williams' development and the struggles of the offense as a whole. Ollie critiques the Jaguars for inconsistency despite promise, while praising the Seahawks' effective scheme and Sam Darnold's accuracy. Lastly, the duo highlights the Cowboys’ dynamic improvements and how small tweaks lead to big gains.
17 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 19min
Dante Moore's NFL Draft stock up, Drew Allar's down after Oregon-Penn State tilt
A thrilling weekend in college football shook up NFL Draft predictions! Dante Moore's stellar performance boosted his stock, while Drew Allar faced scrutiny due to inconsistent play. Ty Simpson emerged as a promising QB, and Notre Dame's RBs showcased remarkable versatility. The hosts also highlighted lesser-known prospects making waves, like Ohio State defenders. Plus, they discussed early-season standouts for the NFL All-Rookie Team and debated rookie quarterbacks, with Cam Ward taking the lead despite team struggles.
57 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 57min
Week 4 Hangover: The Texans get their first win, the Lions survive the Browns defense, and the Bills stay undefeated
The Texans celebrated their first win with a 26-0 thrashing of the Titans, showcasing impressive offensive tweaks. Meanwhile, the Lions triumphed over a formidable Browns defense, despite their own inconsistencies. The Bills managed to stay undefeated, overcoming defensive struggles against the Saints. Injuries are piling up for the Ravens, raising concerns for their upcoming matchups. The show wraps up with listener voicemails, including fan frustrations from the Colts and Vikings, adding a relatable touch to the analysis.
71 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 40min
Week 4 recap: Huge wins for Chiefs and Rams + Packers-Cowboys craziness highlight a loaded Sunday
Week 4 was packed with thrilling moments! The Chiefs showcased their dominance against the Ravens, while the Eagles managed a surprising win over the Buccaneers despite no second-half completions. The Packers and Cowboys gave fans an overtime thriller, and the Rams stayed in the spotlight. Plus, what happened to the Chargers against the rookie-led Giants? The hosts celebrate standout performances and analyze the league's tight margins, reminding us how every play counts in the NFL.
41 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 21min
Week 4 preview: Eagles-Buccaneers, Colts-Rams, and a Game of the Week that wasn't
Week 4 is shaking up with surprising matchups! The Colts and Rams have unexpectedly become the highlight, with a focus on Indianapolis' thriving offense. The Eagles face the Buccaneers in a heated rivalry, with Tampa’s defense poised to disrupt. Meanwhile, the Ravens and Chiefs are struggling, making their clash feel oddly less significant. The Browns and Lions are set for a battle of strong fronts, and Jacksonville’s defense faces a crucial test against the 49ers. Plus, watch out for Micah Parsons' emotional game—he's ready to bring the heat!
20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 60min
Why are these four offenses stuck in the mud?
Ted Nguyen, an NFL writer and analyst focusing on offensive schemes, joins Robert Mays to delve into the struggles of four NFL offenses. They dissect the Texans' issues with protection and play-calling, the Broncos' lack of intermediate passing and low motion rates, and the Raiders' offensive line failures and scheme problems. The discussion also tackles the Falcons’ stagnation due to play-action underuse and quarterback challenges. Solutions are suggested, including line upgrades and more dynamic play-calling to help these teams find their rhythm.
7 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 20min
Building the Beast: Loaded Week 5 slate—hello, Oregon-Penn State and Alabama-Georgia—will move draft boards
This week, college football fans are in for a treat with a lineup starring future NFL talent. Ruben Bain's dominance on the edge and Fernando Mendoza's stellar passing stats steal the spotlight. The hosts break down thrilling matchups like Oregon-Penn State, where quarterback duels will be pivotal, and Alabama-Georgia, which may redefine team legacies. Expect high-scoring shootouts in Notre Dame vs. Arkansas and a showcase of talent in Ohio State vs. Washington, making this weekend crucial for NFL Draft evaluations.
47 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Week 3 Hangover: Chiefs win ugly, Vikings and Commanders cruise, Nick Bosa out for the season
The Chiefs scrape by despite offensive struggles, raising concerns about Mahomes and his pass-catchers. Meanwhile, the Vikings dominate with an impressive defensive performance, leaving the Bengals in the dust. The Commanders shine with a decisive win and effective strategy, while listener voicemails reveal deep frustrations surrounding the Cowboys and Broncos. Also, conversations about the impact of Nick Bosa's torn ACL on the 49ers add a somber note to the discussion.
