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
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!
6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
Looking backward and forward for this season's second-year quarterbacks
The podcast dives into the journeys of first-round quarterbacks in their second NFL season. It highlights the struggles and growth of players like Caleb Williams and Jaden Daniels. The hosts discuss the importance of effective coaching and how psychological factors impact performance. Listeners can expect insights on how these quarterbacks handle blitzes and grow under pressure. Comparisons between second-year stars and rookies reveal optimism for the future of the league's quarterback landscape.
10 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 52min
The duality of NFL expectations
Explore the unpredictability of NFL team performances as hosts dissect teams that surprise us positively or negatively each season. They analyze historical trends to identify traits of overrated and underrated teams. The discussion also covers the dynamic relationship between offense and defense, revealing how player contracts and coaching can significantly impact outcomes. With fresh insights on emerging quarterbacks and the effects of short-lived successes, this episode promises to enhance your understanding of NFL expectations versus reality.
7 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
Our guilty pleasure storylines
Dive into the delightful world of NFL guilty pleasures! Explore Dak Prescott's legacy and the hilarious narratives that surround it. Discover the contrasting journeys of quarterbacks like Dak and Russell, and ponder the performance of players in cold conditions. The debate over Hall of Fame candidacies adds a thought-provoking twist, while receiver dynamics and coaching futures are analyzed in a fun light. Enjoy a blend of stats and slapstick as the hosts navigate through football's quirks!
7 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 52min
Mailbag Monday: Worst QB rooms of the past decade, Protector of the Year Award, which low-expectations teams can make the playoffs, and more
Listeners dive into the depths of NFL quarterback struggles, uncovering the worst QB rooms of the last decade, including tales of the 2017 Browns. The new Protector of the Year Award is introduced, celebrating standout offensive linemen. An intriguing discussion unfolds about low-expectation teams that might just make a playoff splash. Alongside a mix of personal anecdotes and lighthearted movie debates, the hosts explore how coaching impacts player performance and team reputations shift expectations in unexpected ways.
