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
49 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 55min
2025 AFC West preview
The AFC West is heating up as 2025 approaches! The Chiefs aim for a decade of dominance, while the Chargers unveil exciting young talent and tackle injury challenges. The Broncos face quarterback uncertainties amidst evolving team dynamics. Meanwhile, the Raiders are rebuilding with innovative offensive strategies but encounter obstacles with key players. Discussions are filled with insights, player developments, and thrilling playoff prospects that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
40 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 2h 8min
2025 NFC North preview
The NFC North is buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 season! Discussions highlight the Detroit Lions' offseason moves and their revamped defense. The Minnesota Vikings face quarterback challenges with newcomer JJ McCarthy, while their roster undergoes significant changes. The Green Bay Packers are looking strong with key additions, but consistency remains a concern. The Chicago Bears, under new coaching, aim to bolster their defense. Excitement brews as all four teams strive for supremacy in a fiercely competitive division!
35 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 52min
2025 AFC South preview
The AFC South faces scrutiny, but could this be the year it turns the tables? A deep dive into the Houston Texans reveals a mix of hope and challenges with new players and a young quarterback. The Indianapolis Colts are wrestling with quarterback decisions that could define their season. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are banking on Trevor Lawrence's growth and strategic changes to elevate their game. Lastly, the Tennessee Titans are retooling both defense and offense, aiming for a resurgence. Can this division finally step out of the shadows?
30 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 52min
TAFS Goes Camping: Conversations with The Athletic's Vikings, (former) Rams, Patriots and Broncos beat writers
Join Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer, Jourdan Rodrigue, former Rams insider, Chad Graff, Patriots correspondent, and Nick Kosmider, Broncos expert, as they dive into the final reflections of NFL training camps. They discuss key players, quarterback expectations, and team strategies that will shape the upcoming season. Culinary highlights from Minneapolis and the evolving dynamics of the Rams' offense add flavor to their insights. Get ready for an exciting season with a fresh perspective on the teams and their unique challenges!
38 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 56min
2025 NFC South preview
The discussion dives into the often-overlooked NFC South, analyzing the Buccaneers' potential for continued dominance. The hosts evaluate the Falcons' path to improvement and the Panthers' quest for a stronger roster, focusing on Bryce Young's growth. They also highlight the Saints' coaching changes and their effect on team dynamics, examining offensive and defensive prospects. With exciting young talent emerging, the competition within the division promises a thrilling 2025 season.
44 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 53min
2025 AFC East preview
The Bills aim for a sixth straight AFC East title, but the competition is heating up. The Dolphins are making changes, raising questions about their future. The Jets and Patriots are both hoping for turnaround seasons with new strategies and key players stepping up. Each team's strengths and weaknesses, especially on offense and defense, are explored in depth, shedding light on potential playoff prospects. Excitement and skepticism blend as the division's dynamics unfold in anticipation of the 2025 season.
51 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 2h 20min
2025 NFC East preview
The podcast kicks off with a deep dive into the NFC East, focusing on the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Eagles. Can they avoid the infamous Super Bowl hangover? The hosts explore the Commanders' aspirations after a breakout season and assess the Cowboys' potential rebound. Meanwhile, the Giants' defensive strengths and the prospects of their new quarterback raise intriguing questions. Expect lively discussions on team dynamics, player performances, and strategic outlooks as each team aims for success in the upcoming season.
35 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 58min
The trends that NFL coaches see emerging around the league
Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into the latest NFL trends after speaking with 50 coaches. They discuss the rise of three-high safety looks on defense and the increasing use of motion on offense, which creates matchup opportunities. The episode highlights the return of under center straight dropbacks and the innovative designed QB run strategies. Listeners will also learn about Vikings-style pressure tactics and the impact of fourth down aggressiveness on play calling strategies. It's a fascinating look at how coaches are evolving their game plans!
24 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 28min
The 2025-26 debut of Building the Beast with Dane Brugler
Dane Brugler, Lead draft writer at The Athletic and creator of the renowned draft guide, joins Dave Helman to kick off an insightful journey into the NFL Draft. They share how they meticulously compile their top 50 prospects and delve into emerging talents like Jeremiah Love and Caden Proctor. The duo evaluates the excitement surrounding the LSU vs. Clemson opener, discusses draft implications of NIL deals, and highlights pivotal matchups ahead. Expect key insights each week as they break down college football's changing landscape.
50 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 22min
TAFS Goes Camping: Conversations with The Athletic's Bears, Raiders and 49ers beat writers
Join Kevin Fishbain, who covers the Bears' training camp, Tashan Reed, the voice of the Raiders, and Matt Barrows, expert on the 49ers, as they dive into the latest team strategies. They discuss the vital dynamics between quarterbacks and coaches, the Raiders' revamped leadership, and the 49ers' injury woes. Explore how each team is shaping up for the season ahead, and discover why the synergy between offense and defense will be crucial for success. Get ready for insights that will have you excited for the upcoming NFL season!
