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
59 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 34min
Week 3 recap: Eagles score the win of the day, lead parade of 3-0 teams
The podcast dives into the thrilling 3-0 start of teams like the Eagles and Chargers, spotlighting AJ Brown's clutch performance and Justin Herbert's rise. The Colts emerge as frontrunners in the AFC South, while the 49ers prove resilient despite injuries. They break down shocking losses, including the Browns stunning the Packers and the Panthers shutting out the Falcons. Celebratory moments include Baker Mayfield's heroics and Caleb Williams' impressive flea-flicker. The hosts share key takeaways from a dramatic Week 3.
42 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
Week 3 preview: Rams-Eagles, Lions-Ravens light up the marquee
As Week 3 unfolds, the spotlight shines on the must-watch Rams-Eagles and Lions-Ravens matchups. The hosts debate the Rams' Super Bowl potential while dissecting their offensive strategies. They give quick takes on key games, including the Cardinals-49ers and Broncos-Chargers. A trip down Sicko Street explores Spencer Rattler's potential and the unique quarterback drama of Browning versus Wentz. Plus, the Take Tribunal tackles the troubled Steelers defense, leaving listeners questioning if this year's Cowboys resemble the previous year's Bengals.
20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
Is This Real?...with Bill Barnwell
Joining Robert Mays, Bill Barnwell, a Senior NFL analyst at ESPN, dives into the early-season drama of the NFL. They assess the Colts' surprising offensive prowess and project the Packers as potential frontrunners. The discussion heats up as they dissect the Bears' struggles and the growing anxiety surrounding the Chiefs. The conversation also touches on the Falcons' impressive pass rush and the Vikings' challenging quarterback choices. Tune in for insightful analysis and some delightful NFL storytelling!
13 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
Building the Beast: The potential diamonds in the rough are starting to emerge
The hosts dive into the exciting world of emerging college football stars, highlighting standout players like Texas Tech's Baron Morton and Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II. They discuss the challenges scouts face early in the season when evaluating talent, while also spotlighting potential gems for the NFL Draft. Exciting matchups loom on the horizon, including Illinois-Indiana and Auburn-Oklahoma, promising to showcase even more rising talent. The conversation flows seamlessly from game analyses to the implications of NIL funding in college football.
66 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Week 2 Hangover: Joe Burrow's injury, Falcons run over Vikings, and more sad voicemails
In this engaging discussion, the implications of Joe Burrow's toe injury on the Bengals’ season take center stage. The hosts also recap a surprising Falcons victory over the Vikings, spotlighting standout performers like Bijan Robinson. Listeners' sad voicemails reveal frustrations from Jaguars and Bears fans, shedding light on the struggles of both teams. The conversation dives into strategic quarterback performances across the league, as well as the evolving dynamics from Week 2, leaving listeners speculating about what’s next.
55 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
Week 2 recap: Eagles beat Chiefs...again, Giants-Cowboys fireworks, and how 'bout them...Colts?!?
The rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs kept everyone on the edge of their seats, ending in a thrilling 20-17 victory for Philadelphia. Giants and Cowboys ignited sparks in a chaotic showdown. Meanwhile, the Colts offense is off to a hot start, making waves early in the season. The podcast also digs into Joe Burrow's injury woes and how the Bengals are scrambling for solutions. Plus, standout performances by veterans like Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins get analyzed, offering insights into the league's evolving dynamics.
48 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 27min
Week 2 preview: Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl rematch tops the slate
Week 2 is packed with excitement, featuring a Super Bowl rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs. The episode highlights surprising performances from teams like the Jaguars and Colts. Fans also get to see Justin Herbert face off against Geno Smith in a much-anticipated Monday night showdown. The discussion dives into injuries impacting team strategies and the evolution of offensive tactics. New segments reveal under-the-radar defensive assessments, leaving listeners craving more analysis of the unfolding NFL drama.
30 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
First impressions of new units and faces after Week 1
Dan Pizzuta, the mind behind the Snaps and Stats substack, joins to share insights on Week 1 of the NFL. They dive into the intriguing new offenses, like Geno Smith’s in Las Vegas and Nick Caley's in Houston, and analyze rookie quarterback Cam Ward's early struggles. The conversation explores the impact of rule changes on kickoff strategies and defensive innovations seen in the games. Fans can gain valuable perspectives on how new players are integrating and the dynamics affecting team performance this season.
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 12min
Building the Beast: John Mateer's big day, top-50 stock watch, Armand Membou's NFL debut, and more
Week 2 of college football showcased unexpected performances, igniting excitement about future matchups. John Mateer and Dante Moore received accolades for their standout play. Baylor's dramatic double overtime victory highlighted Sawyer Robertson's potential as he threw for over 400 yards. The podcast also emphasized the debut of rookies like Armand Membou and discussed key draft prospects to watch. Listeners can expect dynamic insights as the season progresses, shaping the landscape for the NFL draft.
50 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Week 1 Hangover: Giants-Commanders, Cardinals-Saints, and your sad voicemails
The hosts dive into the Commanders' solid win over the Giants, highlighting New York's offensive struggles and Washington's defensive prowess. They also analyze the Cardinals' narrow victory against the Saints, showcasing standout player performances. Fan voicemails add to the mix, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster of the NFL season's start. The discussions touch on team challenges, defensive issues, and the potential for growth as the season unfolds, creating a perfect blend of analysis and audience engagement.
