The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL - podcast cover

The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

The Athletictheathletic.com
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-host Derrik Klassen dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, tackle the ins and outs of roster building, 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. 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.

Episodes

Jayden Daniels coming-out party, another big night for Josh Allen, concerns for the Bengals defense, and the reasons why offenses have fallen behind with Mitch Schwartz

Look, NFL, you can give us as many two-game Monday nights as you want, so long as we get to watch quarterback performances like we saw from Jayden Daniels, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow in Week 3. Mitch Schwartz joins Robert Mays to break down Commanders-Bengals and Jaguars-Bills on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also add their answers to the question about leaguewide offensive struggles and play a round of The Ball Knower. Rundown Commanders-Bengals recap Jaguars-Bills recap W...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 41 min

Week 3 recap: Chaos reigns, the Vikings do it again, Matt LaFleur is a wizard, the Cowboys are in trouble, and more

Four teams are 3-0 as we head into the final week of September. One is the Chiefs. The other three are the Vikings, Steelers and Seahawks. It's safe to say chaos remains the only constant in the NFL. Well, chaos and the Chiefs. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen wrap up a wild Week 3 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Chaos reigns supreme More likely to win their division...Steelers or Seahawks? Minnesota Vikings...You Have My Attention Matt LaFleur...You Have My Attention Saquon...

Sep 23, 20241 hr 40 min

Week 3 preview: Texans-Vikings, Lions-Cardinals, Ravens-Cowboys Desperation Bowl, breaking down the Colts offense, and more

As recently as two weeks ago, we might not have thought that Texans-Vikings and Lions-Cardinals would be the games we'd most be looking forward to in Week 3. Therein lies much of the beauty of the NFL. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig deep into those matchups on the Week 3 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss who's more desperate for a win in the Ravens-Cowboys game, which of the 2-0 Steelers and 2-0 Chargers is more for real, the relative struggles of the Colts...

Sep 20, 20241 hr 38 min

The state of NFL stats and a Falcons-Eagles recap with Amazon's Sam Schwartzstein; QB Counseling for Bryce Young and the Panthers with Steven Ruiz

There is a permanent statistical revolution going on in the NFL, and there is no end in sight. Amazon Thursday Night Football's analytics expert Sam Schwartzstein joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to detail what you're seeing on the Prime TNF broadcasts, and why you're seeing what you're seeing. After that, noted Panthers fan Steven Ruiz from The Ringer joins Robert to go through some QB Counseling for Bryce Young. Rundown Falcons-Eagles recap The state of stats in ...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 31 min

Week 2 recap: Chiefs trip up Bengals, the Saints go off again, the Buccaneers and Vikings are 2-0, the Ravens let us down, and more

The Chiefs and Bengals gave us another classic, this one with the Chiefs escaping with a 26-25 win. The Saints offense went off for the second week in a row. The Buccaneers went into Detroit and beat the Lions. The Vikings upset the 49ers, while the Raiders tripped up the Ravens. Yup, it was a crazy Week 2. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen wrap it all up on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Quick Bears-Texans thoughts Chiefs get past Bengals You Have My Attention: Saints offense ...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 37 min

Week 2 preview: Buccaneers-Lions, Bengals-Chiefs, rethinking preseason takes, Eagles offense breakdown, and more

Week 2 is one of the best weeks of the year because we get our first opportunity to learn how much of what we saw in Week 1 was real. For instance, the Buccaneers offense was electric last week. That, however, was against a Washington defense that could be the worst in the league. How will the Bucs fare against the Lions on Sunday. That's one of our Games of the Week, along with Bengals-Chiefs. Speaking of, how worried should we be about the Bengals? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 49 min

Jets-49ers recap + a game of Is This Real? with Mike Sando: Bengals panic, new NFC South playcallers, the Eagles are back, and more

Week 1 often leaves us asking this simple question...is this real? Bengals panic after the loss to the Patriots...is this real? The Saints and Buccaneers offenses under new playcallers? Really good! The Falcons offense under a new playcaller? Pretty bad! Is this real? Robert Mays and Mike Sando dig into those situations, and more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Plus, the guys also recap Jets-49ers and scoop up news items coming out of the weekend. Rundown Jets-49ers recap Another...

Sep 11, 20241 hr 14 min

Week 1 recap: Lions beat Rams in OT thriller, Dak gets paid and Cowboys roll, Bengals and Falcons fall flat, and more

Week 1 represents 100% of the regular season football we've seen this season, so it's only natural to overreact. Not every reaction is an overreaction, though. For instance, it's not an overreaction to say that Dak Prescott had a great day...or that Josh Allen is a football superhero...or that the Bengals and Falcons were massive letdowns. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss all that, and a whole lot more, on the Week 1 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Rams-Lions OT thrill...

Sep 09, 20241 hr 32 min

Week 1 preview + Ravens-Chiefs recap

We did it. We made it. The 2024 NFL regular season is here. In fact, one game is already in the books. We kick off this episode of The Athletic Football Show with a recap of the Chiefs' thrilling 27-20 win over the Ravens, featuring Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Mike Sando. Then, Robert and Derrik preview the rest of the games by highlighting five things they're excited about watching in Week 1, including Packers-Eagles, Lions-Rams, the potentially resurgent Cardinals and Jets, and Caleb Willi...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 18 min

Playoff predictions, award winners and Super Bowl picks

The 2024 NFL season is on our doorstep. There's just one item of business left...predictions! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen offer up their playoff picks, award winners and Super Bowl Champions—along with some favorite bets—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Defensive Player of the Year Offensive Player of the Year Coach of the Year Assistant Coach of the Year Offensive Rookie of the Year Defensive Rookie of the Year Rushing Leader Passing Leader Receiving Leader MVP Division...

Sep 04, 20241 hr 22 min

NFC West Preview

We've come to the end of the division preview line for the 2024 NFL season, and we arrive here with a bang. The NFC West is on the shortlist for most exciting division in the league, one that includes the defending conference champion and a Super Bowl favorite. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown San Francisco 49ers preview Los Angeles Rams preview Seattle Seahawks preview Arizona Cardinals previe...

Sep 03, 20241 hr 53 min

AFC South Preview

So this division got pretty fun pretty fast, huh? The Texans look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Jaguars have their guy at quarterback, and the Colts just might, too. The Titans, meanwhile, are getting a lot of, "they may not be great, but they sure look frisky" love this offseason. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into the AFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football show. Rundown Houston Texans preview Indianapolis Colts preview Jacksonville Jaguars preview Tennessee...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 55 min

AFC East Preview

It's been a few years since the Patriots were the big, bad bully in the AFC East, but it's still jarring to see someone other than Bill Belichick patrolling the sidelines in New England. Meanwhile, there's good reason to think any of the Bills, Dolphins or Jets can win the division. Josh Allen! Aaron Rodgers! A fireworks show in Miami! One thing is for sure...it won't be boring. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the AFC East on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Buffalo Bil...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 44 min

NFC North Preview

The Lions are inner-circle Super Bowl contenders. The Packers are potential Super Bowl contenders. The Bears have Caleb Williams and a ton of justified optimism. And there's plenty of intrigue for the Vikings, even with J.J. McCarthy out for the year. Is the NFC North the most exciting division in the league? It just might be. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Detroit Lions preview Green Bay Packers preview Minnesota Vikings previ...

Aug 27, 20242 hr 1 min

AFC West Preview

The Chiefs and everyone else...that's the AFC West. While it'd be a massive upset if the Chiefs don't run away with this division, it still has its fair share of storylines and intrigue. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all of it on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Kansas City Chiefs preview Los Angeles Chargers preview Las Vegas Raiders preview Denver Broncos preview Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller S...

Aug 23, 20241 hr 51 min

NFC East Preview

A familiar story is expected to unfold in the NFC East...the Cowboys and Eagles battling for the division title, and the Giants and Commanders battling to stay relevant. What can we expect from each of the four teams this season? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the NFC East on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Dallas Cowboys preview Philadelphia Eagles preview New York Giants preview Washington Commanders preview Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Produ...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 59 min

The TAFS 2024 Wins Pool Draft

Glory and humiliation...it's what friendly competition is all about. We bring both together in the annual TAFS Wins Pool. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen selected seven teams apiece with the goal of assembling the group that combines for the most wins this season. This year's twist...their final two picks had to be teams projected by the betting markets to win fewer than seven games. The winner will achieve personal glory. The loser will suffer the humiliation of paying off a bet on Radio Row dur...

Aug 20, 20241 hr 4 min

NFC South Preview

The Falcons gobbled up all the NFC South headlines this offseason—Kirk Cousins! Michael Penix! Matthew Judon!—but that doesn't guarantee them a division title. The Buccaneers mostly brought last year's division-winning band back. The Saints are boring, but generally competent. The Panthers, meanwhile, did everything they could to put a supportive infrastructure around Bryce Young. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the NFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Rundown Atlanta ...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 52 min

Early impressions of this season's rookie quarterbacks + J.J. McCarthy's season-ending injury, with J.T. O'Sullivan

From excitement over Caleb Williams' debut to disappointment over J.J. McCarthy's season-ending knee injury, we already have plenty to talk about regarding this season's rookie quarterbacks. Robert Mays and former NFL quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan dive into early impressions on the rookies, and discuss what McCarthy misses out on by losing his rookie year, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays With: J.T. O'Sullivan Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Bel...

Aug 15, 20241 hr 7 min

AFC North Preview

Our 2024 Division Preview Series is here, and we're starting with a bang. The AFC North sent three teams to the playoffs last year, and that didn't include the Bengals, a team that went to two straight AFC Championship Games, as well as a Super Bowl, with a healthy Joe Burrow. What are we excited about for each of these teams? What's keeping us up at night? What does success look like? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer those questions and more about the Ravens, Browns, Steelers and Bengals o...

Aug 13, 20241 hr 54 min

The training camp storylines that matter—and the ones that don't—with Gregg Rosenthal

Some training camp storylines matter. Some are just fodder to get us to the regular season. How do you figure out which is which? By listening to this episode of The Athletic Football Show with Robert Mays and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Media. Host: Robert Mays With: Gregg Rosenthal Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on X: @robertmays Follow Mitchell on X: @MitchSchwartz71 Theme song: Haunted Writ...

Aug 09, 20241 hr

Predicting the NFL's top-10 defenses in 2024

Predicting the league's best offenses is child's play. The top defenses, though? That's a completely different ballgame. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen attempt to do just that, laying out their predictions for the league's top-10 defenses on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also dive into the latest on Brandon Aiyuk. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify Yo...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 40 min

The team DNA changers in the 2024 NFL season

Description: A team's two or three best players aren't the only ones who determine how its season goes. Sometimes, a new guy comes in and changes what a unit can do and how it feels. Put another way, he changes the unit's DNA. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen highlight their 2024 DNA changers on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify Yo...

Aug 06, 20241 hr

NFL Mythbusters: Challenging preconceived notions about the 2024 season, with Mitchell Schwartz

Wait a minute. Are the Chargers and Patriots really going to be that bad? Should the Falcons really be runaway favorites in the NFC South? Are the Jets really Super Bowl contenders? Robert Mays and Mitchell Schwartz bust some myths on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays With: Mitchell Schwartz Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on X: @robertmays Follow Mitchell on X: ...

Aug 02, 20241 hr 36 min

Predicting the NFL's top-10 offenses in 2024

OK, we'll give you one right off the top. The 49ers are our top offense heading into the 2024 season. But which nine teams will join them in the top 10? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen offer up their predictions for this year's top-10 offenses on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays Co-Host: Derrik Klassen Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on X: @robertmays Follow Derr...

Aug 01, 20241 hr 26 min

New deals for Tua and Jordan Love, a new season for second-year quarterbacks, and a new co-host for TAFS

We at The Athletic Football Show are turning the page in more ways than one on this episode. Not only are we now firmly pointed toward the start of the 2024 NFL season, we are welcoming our new co-host. Derrik Klassen joins The Athletic Football Show as a permanent member of the cast, so it's only fitting that we focus on quarterbacks on this episode. The guys discuss the Tua Tagovailoa extension, welcome The Athletic Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman to break down Jordan Love's, and break d...

Jul 30, 20241 hr 28 min

Eleven players who can make a leap in the 2024 NFL season, with Trevor Sikkema

Whether it's good-to-great, average-to-good, great-to-superstar, or some other combination thereof, plenty of players make leaps every NFL season. PFF's Trevor Sikkema joins Robert Mays to highlight the players they think can make the leap on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also round up some of the big news coming from the first few days of training camp. Host: Robert Mays With: Trevor Sikkema Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athl...

Jul 26, 20241 hr 23 min

Half-baked takes for the 2024 NFL season, with David Helman

Come the end of the season, you can't hold Robert Mays and Fox Sports' David Helman to the takes they offer up on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Don't you dare even try. After all, they're just half-baked takes. Host: Robert Mays With: David Helman Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on X: @robertmays Follow David on X: @davidhelman_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 27 min

Rams head coach Sean McVay on the pursuit of greatness, coaching Aaron Donald, personal growth, and more

Days before the Rams opened training camp for the 2024 season, head coach Sean McVay opened the doors of his home to Robert Mays and The Athletic Football Show. The two discussed what it was like to coach Aaron Donald, what Matthew Stafford allows the Rams to do, and how Puka Nacua emerged last year. They also dove into McVay's personal growth the last few years, the process for improving as a play caller, and what it means to be a great coach. Get ready for training camp with Mays and McVay on ...

Jul 23, 20241 hr 12 min

The biggest questions heading into training camp, with Mike Golic Jr.

Training camp is upon us. What are the biggest questions we have as we usher in the 2024 NFL season? Robert Mays and Mike Golic Jr. from the DraftKings Network ask theirs on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Host: Robert Mays With: Mike Golic Jr. Executive Producer: Michael Beller Producer: Michael Beller Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show... Apple Spotify YouTube Follow Robert on X: @robertmays Follow Mike on X: @mikegolicjr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...

Jul 19, 20241 hr 1 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast