

Scoop City: Inside The NFL
The Athletic
Get the NFL stories others can’t. Scoop City, hosted by The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini, insider James Palmer, and ex-quarterback Chase Daniel, brings unmatched access and expert analysis. From behind-the-scenes scoops to deep dives on the biggest NFL stories, this is the intel every fan needs. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 21, 2025 • 58min
Can Dak and the Cowboys Keep their Season Alive?
Do the Dallas Cowboys have a chance to save their season or will it be too little, too late for Dak and company? Will the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams actually hang on to the NFC North lead? Can Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs survive a desperate showdown with the surging Indianapolis Colts? Have the Packers done enough to go deep in the playoffs or will their season end like it has in recent years?Scoop City hits the road for a full Week 12 preview. James Palmer starts in Indy, where the Colts head into Arrowhead in one of the loudest environments in football. The Athletic’s James Boyd joins the show to break down how Daniel Jones and Shane Steichen plan to handle Steve Spagnuolo’s exotic pressures, what losing DeForest Buckner means for slowing down Mahomes, and why Arrowhead still feels like a cheat code on game day.Then we swing down to Dallas with Jon Machota, who explains where the leadership from Dak Prescott and that locker room has shown up the most. On the field, James and Jon look at whether Jerry Jones quietly nailed this defensive rebuild, how the additions up front are transforming the unit, and what to expect from a brutal 12-day stretch against the Eagles, Chiefs and Lions that could define the Cowboys’ season.Back in the NFC North, Kevin Fishbain joins to dissect how Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams have the Bears out to a 7–3 start and on top of the division.Matt Schneidman stops by to talk Packers, Josh Jacobs’ toughness, life without Tucker Kraft, whether Jordan Love can truly carry Green Bay in a pinch, and what it would take for Matt LaFleur’s seat to actually heat up.Finally, Jake Ciely helps set our lineups for Week 12. James and Jake hit Rome Odunze’s emergence, what an Aaron Rodgers wrist injury means for DK Metcalf and the Steelers’ offense, and how to sort out a couple of tricky “Wilson” calls in your lineup. Jake also unveils his best roller coasters in America.Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Which Week 12 matchup are you most locked in on? Drop us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19, 2025 • 48min
Are the Bears & Caleb Williams actually the NFC North’s best?
Will the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams actually win the NFC North? Has Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson been frustrated with their floundering offense? What does Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury mean for the Pittsburgh Steelers? And will the Kansas City Chiefs actually miss the postseason?Scoop City returns with a deep dive into the surprising Chicago Bears. Ben Johnson’s group is currently leading a highly competitive division in his first year at the helm. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini and co-host James Palmer discuss whether the Bears’ success is sustainable for the remainder of the season.Aaron Rodgers suffered a fractured wrist in Week 11 against the Bengals, putting his status for Week 12 against the Bears in question. The Steelers quarterback is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Russini and Palmer share the latest on Rodgers.The Philadelphia Eagles' offense has struggled all season, leaving star players like A.J. Brown frustrated with the team’s production. But the Minnesota Vikings' offense has experienced similar struggles without the same level of team success. So why hasn’t Justin Jefferson expressed similar frustration with the Vikings offense? They discuss.The Kansas City Chiefs' AFC West championship streak isn't the only thing in jeopardy as Thanksgiving nears. A matchup with the high-powered Indianapolis Colts looms, and a loss could spell trouble for Patrick Mahomes' playoff hopes.And as we enter Week 12, Palmer shares 12 of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL season — from surprise No. 1 seeds to record-breaking field goals to the Cowboys’ sack total. You won’t want to miss this list.Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Which Week 12 game are you most interested in? Drop us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2025 • 44min
Will the Chiefs & Patrick Mahomes actually miss the playoffs?
Are the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes in danger of missing the playoffs? How do the Philadelphia Eagles continue to win despite their offensive struggles? Can Josh Allen keep carrying the Buffalo Bills? And what should we make of Shedeur Sanders’ regular-season Cleveland Browns debut?The Denver Broncos handed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs their second straight loss, dropping them to 5-5. Is Kansas City in danger of missing the postseason? The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and co-host James Palmer discuss the fallout from Week 11's pivotal showdown in Denver and its impact on the AFC playoff picture.The Philadelphia Eagles continue to win despite offensive struggles. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles defeated the Lions despite scoring only 16 points. Can Philly fix its issues and make another championship run? Daniel brings you inside the Eagles’ offense.The Buffalo Bills’ offense appears to be back on track following Josh Allen’s six-touchdown performance Sunday. The Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thanks to their quarterback’s heroics. But is this model sustainable for a deep postseason run? We break down the film.And finally, what should we make of Shedeur Sanders’ debut for the Cleveland Browns? Sanders replaced an injured Dillon Gabriel in the third quarter. Daniel breaks down what he saw in Shedeur’s performance on Sunday.Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Drop an emoji to describe your team's Week 11 performance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 2025 • 58min
Why A.J. Brown is right about the Eagles crisis
Zach Berman, an Eagles reporter, discusses A.J. Brown’s candid remarks on the team's offensive struggles and the importance of their upcoming game against Detroit. Jeff Zrebiec updates on Lamar Jackson’s knee issues and how the Ravens plan to utilize tight-end-heavy formations. Denver's Zach Allen shares insights on his recent success, the Broncos' pass rush against Mahomes, and the atmosphere heading into their showdown with Kansas City. Mike Sando analyzes key NFL matchups, including the Rams-Seahawks, and helps fantasy football enthusiasts with strategic lineup tips.

Nov 12, 2025 • 45min
Should the Packers hit the panic button after loss to Eagles?
The fallout from the New York Giants' decision to fire Brian Daboll raises questions about their future. The Packers face uncertainty after a narrow loss to the Eagles—should they panic? Joe Burrow's return to practice signals urgency for the Bengals, while the struggling Jaguars wonder if they've missed their shot at a playoff run. The discussion pivots to coaching pressures across the league and a spirited debate ensues about whether eggnog is truly overrated. This week is all about high stakes and holiday drinks!

7 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 55min
Why Giants fired Brian Daboll and what’s next for Jaxson Dart?
The New York Giants made headlines by firing head coach Brian Daboll after a disappointing loss. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are rising in the AFC East, and quarterback Drake Maye is entering the MVP conversation. The Buffalo Bills faced a shocking defeat to the Miami Dolphins, raising doubts about their playoff chances. The Lions' Dan Campbell is now handling play-calling, prompting questions about their future. Plus, insights on potential coaching changes and the performance of top quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford.

Nov 6, 2025 • 46min
Why the Seahawks can win the NFC after trade deadline deal?
Michael-Shawn Dugar, a Seattle Seahawks reporter, shares insights on the team's trade for Rashid Shaheed and how he integrates into their offense. Nate Atkins discusses Matthew Stafford's strong MVP candidacy for the Rams, and why their offense is so dynamic. Chad Graff analyzes the New England Patriots' conservative trade deadline strategy and Drake Maye's offensive prowess. Fantasy expert Jake Seeley offers advice on the implications of these trades, particularly for wide receivers, and predicts impacts on fantasy lineups.

Nov 5, 2025 • 42min
NFL Trade Deadline Drama: Is Quinnen Williams enough to save the Cowboys season?
Dianna Russini, Senior NFL insider at The Athletic, dives into the trade deadline chaos, highlighting the Jets’ bold moves with Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. She explains how Williams' transfer to the Cowboys might affect their season's fate, while also analyzing the Seahawks' surprise pick-up of Rashid Shaheed. Russini shares insights on trades that fell through and discusses how the new generation of GMs impacts decision-making. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the frenetic world of NFL trades!

10 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 50min
Did the Chiefs loss to the Bills expose major problems in Kansas City?
Injuries shake up the Washington Commanders as Jayden Daniels faces a lengthy recovery. Concerns arise for the Kansas City Chiefs after their tough loss to the Bills, with critiques on Mahomes' performance and suggested improvements. The Eagles bolster their defense by trading for Jaelan Phillips, anticipating his impact. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings look to playoff hopes with J.J. McCarthy back as quarterback. Exciting discussions around team strategies and emerging players keep the NFL buzz alive!

Oct 30, 2025 • 55min
Bills-Chiefs: The Game That Defines Buffalo’s Season
Join insiders Joe Buscaglia and James Boyd as they dive into the high-stakes Bills vs. Chiefs clash, revealing Buffalo's pressing implications for the season. Buscaglia dissects Josh Allen's struggles and the urgency for defensive tweaks against Mahomes. Boyd shifts focus to the Colts, spotlighting Jonathan Taylor's MVP-worthy performance and the crucial need for defensive bolstering. Alec Lewis highlights J.J. McCarthy's pivotal return for the Vikings, while Brooks Kubena shares insights on A.J. Brown's relentless work ethic and quest for fulfillment, as well as Halloween-themed fantasy football tips from Jake Seely.


