The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Week 12 preview: Harbowl III is upon us

<p>Week 12 marks the end of the middle-third of the regular season and pushes us into the start of the stretch run toward the playoffs. What better way to celebrate that than with the third meeting between the Harbaugh brothers as head coaches in the NFL? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 12 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show by digging into Ravens-Chargers and 49ers-Packers. The guys also highlight one thing apiece from Eagles-Rams and Cardinals-Seahawks, consider the playoff chances for the Colts and Buccaneers, wonder if we've hit the Kliff Cliff, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Game of the Week: Ravens at Chargers</li><li>Game of the Week: 49ers at Packers</li><li>One Thing From...Eagles at Rams</li><li>One Thing From...Cardinals at Seahawks</li><li>Are the Colts really still alive in the playoff hunt?</li><li>Have we reached the Kliff Cliff?</li><li>Wins Pool Update...it's not going well for Robert</li><li>Caleb Williams and the Bears vs. Robert Flores and the Vikings</li><li>The Buccaneers' path to the NFC South title</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Silver linings for the NFL's bad teams

<p>Look, not everyone can be a Super Bowl contender. Plenty of teams aren't even playoff contenders. More than half the league misses the playoffs, and many of those teams are bad. Some are very bad. But that doesn't mean they can't take something from the 2024 season. Robert Mays and Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated and the MMQB find silver linings for those bad teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Texans-Cowboys MNF recap</li><li>Jets fire Joe Douglas</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Jets</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Panthers</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Giants</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Patriots</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Raiders</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Browns</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Titans</li><li>Silver lining for the 2024 Jaguars</li><li>The Ball Knower...all Lions, all the time</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Conor Orr</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Conor on X: @ConorOrr</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 11 recap: The Bills stake their claim to AFC supremacy, the Steelers take control of the AFC North, the Broncos make a statement, and more

<p>The Bills-Chiefs rivalry delivered yet again, with the Bills handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry delivered, too, and now the Steelers find themselves in command of the AFC North. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those games, plus the Broncos statement win over the Falcons, the befuddling 49ers—as well as the broader picture of the NFC West—Anthony Richardson's triumphant return, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Bills make a statement with win over Chiefs</li><li>Bengals and Chargers give us a great one on Sunday night</li><li>Steelers defense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The Denver Broncos...You Have My Attention!</li><li>WTF is this 49ers season?</li><li>Settling for a 46-yard field goal, Matt Eberflus? WTF?!?</li><li>Anthony Richardson's triumphant return</li><li>Tua's making plays on the move</li><li>The Jaguars scored first against the Lions...and then the Lions won 52-6</li><li>Taysom Hill's monster day</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The disappearance of the star cornerback, with Domonique Foxworth

<p>Justin Jefferson: Four years, $140 million. CeeDee Lamb: Four years, $136 million. Amon-Ra St. Brown: Four years, $120 million. A.J. Brown: Three years, $96 million. The market for wide receivers has exploded in recent years. But what about the players tasked with slowing them down...the cornerbacks? Their market has stagnated. Moreover, the position that defined cool in the era of Deion Sanders seems almost devoid of superstars in 2024. What happened to the star cornerback? Robert Mays explores that question with Domonique Foxworth, who covers the NFL for ESPN and spent seven years playing corner in the league, on this episode of The Money Down, a special four-part miniseries from The Athletic Football Show focused on the business of the NFL.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Domonique Foxworth</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Chris Flannery</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Domonique on X: @Foxworth24</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 11 preview: The latest installments in the Chiefs-Bills and Ravens-Steelers rivalries are here

<p>Chiefs-Bills week has become a hallmark of the Patrick Mahomes/Josh Allen era, and the 2024 edition is upon us. But hey, there's more! The first Ravens-Steelers game of the season is on Sunday, too. Seahawks-49ers, Falcons-Broncos and Bengals-Chargers, oh my! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all that, and a whole lot more, on a jam-packed Week 11 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders-Eagles recap</li><li>Game of the Week: Chiefs at Bills</li><li>Game of the Week: Ravens at Steelers</li><li>One thing from...Seahawks at 49ers</li><li>One thing from...Falcons at Broncos</li><li>One thing from...Bengals at Chargers</li><li>The sneaky fun part of Rams-Patriots</li><li>Could the Dolphins make the playoffs?</li><li>Take Tribunal: We need to rethink how we conceive of good and bad quarterback situations</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The awards races at midseason, with Bill Barnwell

<p>The best time to hand out midseason awards is one week beyond the halfway point of the season. Everybody knows this. Bill Barnwell of ESPN joins Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen to do just that on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys discuss Lamar's possible third MVP, the potential of Mike Tomlin winning his first—yes, first—Coach of the Year Award, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Dolphins-Rams recap</li><li>Bears fire Shane Waldron</li><li>Offensive Player of the Year</li><li>Defensive Player of the Year</li><li>Offensive Rookie of the Year</li><li>Defensive Rookie of the Year</li><li>Executive of the Year</li><li>Assistant Coach of the Year</li><li>Coach of the Year</li><li>MVP</li><li>Pleasant-est Surprise</li><li>Biggest Dissapointment</li><li>Strongest Narrative Changer</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Bill Barnwell</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Bill on X: @billbarnwell</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 10 recap: Steelers-Commanders lives up to the billing, Chiefs and Lions win ugly, and more

<p>The Game of the Week lived up to the billing in Week 10, with the Steelers pulling out a 28-27 win over the Commanders. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 10 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also marvel at the Chiefs voodoo magic, highlight the Cardinals' rise, raise an eyebrow in the 49ers' direction, and discuss the rest of the developments that grabbed them on Sunday.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Steelers remain atop AFC North with win over Commanders</li><li>The Chiefs black magic rolls on</li><li>The Cardinals are for real</li><li>The 49ers still feel off, even after a win</li><li>Lamenting the 2024 Buccaneers</li><li>Falcons...WTF?!?</li><li>Lions-Texans...WTF?!?</li><li>Bad Sam Darnold showed up on Sunday</li><li>Justin Herbert is doing his thing</li><li>Taron Johnson is cool</li><li>Bryce Young &gt; Daniel Jones...at least in Week 10</li><li>It's So Over for the Bears</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 10 preview: Welcome to the second half of the season

<p>If Bengals-Ravens is any indication of what we're going to get in the second half of the 2024 NFL season, we're in for quite the couple of months. Recapping that fireworks show is where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys then move on to our Week 10 Game of the Week, Steelers at Commanders. They also discuss the Falcons offense, the Eagles defense, sneaky worries over Sam Darnold, disappointment with the Texans, Christian McCaffrey's likely return, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens beat Bengals in TNF thriller</li><li>Steelers-Commanders preview</li><li>Take Tribunal: The Texans offense is the most disappointing unit in the league</li><li>The Eagles defense is coming together</li><li>Sam Darnold is keeping Derrik up at night</li><li>Under the Hood: Falcons offense</li><li>How real is the Rams defense?</li><li>Can Christian McCaffrey save the 49ers?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Trade deadline recap: Za'Darius Smith to the Lions, Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders

<p>The NFL trade deadline...no longer a snoozer! We had plenty of activity in the wide receiver market over the last few weeks, and the final day before the deadline brought us plenty of meaningful deals, highlighted by Za'Darius Smith to the Lions and Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders. Robert Mays and Mike Sando wrap up deadline day, plus recap recent news and look ahead to the second half of the season, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>The Chiefs seem awfully happy with DeAndre Hopkins</li><li>Za'Darius Smith to the Lions</li><li>Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders</li><li>The Steelers make a couple moves</li><li>Tre White to the Ravens</li><li>Smaller deadline day moves</li><li>What's next in New Orleans after the firing of Dennis Allen?</li><li>The Raiders clean house</li><li>The rudderless Cowboys</li><li>Looking ahead to the second half</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Mike Sando</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Make on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 9 recap: The best of the best—and the worst of the worst—are separating from the pack

<p>We're halfway through the NFL season, and the best of the best are starting to separate. Two cases in point in Week 9...the Lions and Ravens. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those results on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Chargers latest win, concerns for the Bears, highlight reel plays from the Eagles, the Rams win over the Seahawks, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens dominate Broncos</li><li>Lions handle Packers</li><li>Los Angeles Chargers...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Joe Burrow...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Chicago Bears...WTF?!?</li><li>Seattle Seahawks...WTF?!?</li><li>Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith carry the Eagles</li><li>Drake Maye did something cool again</li><li>Terry McLaurin is out of QB hell</li><li>Chris Olave's health</li><li>It's So Over...the Miami Dolphins</li><li>It's So Over...the Dallas Cowboys</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 9 preview: An NFC North heavyweight battle, an unlikely top-tier defense in Los Angeles, and a strength-on-strength matchup in Baltimore

<p>Some Games of the Week sneak up on us. Others we can predict before the season even starts. Lions-Packers is one of the latter. We'll spend plenty of time between now and kickoff hoping Jordan Love is healthy enough to play and play well, but either way this is clearly the Game of the Week for Week 9. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break that one down, dig into the Chargers defense, highlight the matchup between the Ravens offense and Broncos defense, and get into so much more about Week 9 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Jets beat Texans on Thursday Night Football</li><li>Game of the Week: Lions at Packers</li><li>Fourth Screen email</li><li>Anthony Richardson benched</li><li>Under the Hood: Chargers defense</li><li>Matchup of the Week: Ravens offense vs. Broncos defense</li><li>Can the Cowboys pull a Falcons?...yes, this is a good thing</li><li>Can the Cardinals offense keep it going against the Bears defense?</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The highs and lows from this season's rookie quarterbacks with J.T. O'Sullivan; MNF recap and the state of the Giants with Dan Duggan

<p>Each of this season's four first-round starting quarterbacks—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix—have shown off some highs and some lows, with the possible exception of lows from Daniels. How does all that shake out in the aggregate? Former NFL quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, the brain behind The QB School, joins Robert Mays to break down what we've seen from the rookie quarterbacks so far this season. Before that, The Athletic's Giants beat writer Dan Duggan joins to recap the team's loss MNF loss to the Steelers and weigh in on the state of the franchise.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>The state of the Giants</li><li>Caleb Williams</li><li>Jayden Daniels</li><li>Drake Maye</li><li>Bo Nix</li><li>Upon Further Review: Anthony Richardson benched</li><li>The Ball Knower</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Rome Odunze needs to play more</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Matt LaFleur is an elite playcaller</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Rooting for Tua Tagovailoa</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Dan Duggan and J.T. O'Sullivan</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Dan on X: @DDuggan21</p><p>Follow J.T. on X: @theqbschool</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFL Week 8 recap: Never underestimate an NFL Sunday

<p>Alright, we'll admit it. We hand waved this week's slate back on our Week 8 preview episode. And then the league delivered one of the craziest days of the season. From the Browns upset of the Ravens, to Washington's walk-off Hail Mary against the Bears, Week 8 came through for us in a big way. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the week on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Bears-Commanders silliness</li><li>The Philadelphia Eagles...You Have My Attention</li><li>Time for a Bengals post-mortem?</li><li>The Buffalo Bills...You Have My Attention</li><li>The Atlanta Falcons...You Have My Attention</li><li>The first place Cardinals...You Have My Attention</li><li>Are the Dolphins done?</li><li>The New York Jets...WTF?!?</li><li>The Baltimore Ravens...WTF?!?</li><li>Anthony Richardson...WTF?!?</li><li>Did You See That?!?</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 8 preview: An unusual Game of the Week, a trio of confounding matchups, and a massive Rams return

<p>We're just more than a week out from the trade deadline, and we've already seen a number of impact deals. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dream up a few more that we could realistically see on this Week 8 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss Bills-Seahawks, the Bears defense, Eagles-Bengals and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Vikings-Rams recap</li><li>Bills-Seahawks preview</li><li>DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs</li><li>Realistic trades we'd like to see</li><li>Under the Hood: The non-Caleb parts of the Bears 4-2 start</li><li>Bummed out by the Colts and Texans offenses</li><li>The Eagles and Bengals aren't playing serious football—especially the Eagles</li><li>Huge game in the NFC South</li><li>What Do We Wanna Know?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

2024 QB tiers revisited: Who has the most at stake the rest of the season?

<p>Back in August, 50 NFL coaches and executives told The Athletic's Mike Sando that Lamar Jackson is <em>not </em>a tier-one quarterback. Welp, so much for that. Lamar isn't the only QB playing outside his assigned tier this season. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Sando sits in for Robert Mays and discusses with Derrik Klassen four other quarterbacks who aren't lining up with where those coaches and execs placed them in Sando's 2024 QB tiers column. Then, the guys break down four more quarterbacks who have a ton at stake the rest of the season.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens-Buccaneers recap</li><li>Baker Mayfield</li><li>Jared Goff</li><li>Geno Smith</li><li>Aaron Rodgers</li><li>Brock Purdy</li><li>Sam Darnold</li><li>Kirk Cousins</li><li>Jalen Hurts</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Mike Sando</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Sando on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 7 recap: Lions win thriller over Vikings, Packers squeak past Texans, Saquon gets his revenge, and more

<p>The Chiefs are the lone unbeaten team in the NFL as Week 7 comes to an end. They stayed that way by stifling the 49ers in a 28-18 win. The league's other undefeated team at the start of Week 7, the Vikings, suffered their first loss at the hands of the Lions, who also moved into first place in the NFC North. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss those two games, plus Saquon's revenge, disappointment in the Bengals, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Lions win thriller over Vikings</li><li>Chiefs take down 49ers</li><li>Packers defense shuts down Texans</li><li>Seahawks get back on track with win over Falcons</li><li>Another disaster for the Panthers</li><li>Bengals offense...WTF?!?</li><li>Saquon's revenge</li><li>Amari Cooper had some moments in his Bills debut</li><li>Good Jaguars offense or bad Patriots defense?</li><li>Drake Maye impresses again</li><li>What We Learned Today</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 7 preview: Why doesn't Chiefs-49ers have the juice of a typical Super Bowl rematch?

<p>On paper, Week 7 is the best week of the 2024 season to date. It's highlighted by the Super Bowl rematch, that doesn't quite feel like a Super Bowl rematch, between the Chiefs and 49ers, and it doesn't stop there. Vikings-Lions, Texans-Packers and Ravens-Buccaneers would all be worthy Game of the Week choices, as well. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show, but it is, of course, Chiefs-49ers that gets the full Game of the Week treatment. The guys also discuss the Giants front, the Chargers friskiness, their approval of midseason trades like Amari Cooper to the Bills, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Broncos-Saints recap</li><li>Game of the Week: Chiefs-49ers</li><li>Lions-Vikings: Ben Johnson vs. Brian Flores</li><li>Texans-Packers: Appreciating C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love</li><li>Ravens-Buccaneers: Can the Bucs offense keep up?</li><li>This Might Only Interest Me, But...</li><li>Wins Pool update</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know in Week 7?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

From Super Bowl or Bust to Mock Draft Enthusiasts, breaking all 32 teams into six tiers; Plus, Davante Adams to the Jets and Amari Cooper to the Bills

<p>Never a dull moment for the New York Jets, huh? The Athletic's Jets beat reporter Zack Rosenblatt joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to break down the tumultuous week in Jets land. Then, David Helman from Fox Sports hops on with Robert to separate all 32 teams into six tiers, from Super Bowl or Bust (think Chiefs, Ravens, Lions) to Mock Draft Enthusiasts (think Panthers, Browns, Patriots).</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Davante Adams traded to Jets</li><li>Behind the Robert Saleh firing</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Super Bowl or Bust</li><li>Locked-In Playoff Teams</li><li>Deserving Wild Cards</li><li>Clinging to Playoff Dreams</li><li>BREAKING: Amari Cooper to the Bills!</li><li>Outside Looking In</li><li>Mock Draft Enthusiasts</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Zack Rosenblatt and David Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Zack on X: @ZackBlatt</p><p>Follow David on X: @davidhelman_</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 6 recap: Ravens beat Commanders, the NFC North rises, the Cowboys hit rock bottom, and more

<p>Ravens-Commanders was the best game on paper in Week 6, and it absolutely lived up to the billing. And hey, that 0-2 start to the season for the Ravens feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 6 recap on The Athletic Football Show with an in-depth look at the Ravens' win over the Commanders. The guys also talk about the disaster in Dallas, the ascendant NFC North, the suddenly relevant Chargers, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens take down Commanders</li><li>You Have My Attention: Bucs-Saints silliness</li><li>You Have My Attention: The suddenly relevant Chargers</li><li>You Have My Attention: The NFC North</li><li>Dallas Cowboys...WTF?!?</li><li>Eagles and Browns...WTF?!?</li><li>The Patriots offense shows some life with Drake Maye</li><li>Calvin Ridley isn't happy about his 0-fer</li><li>Tyler Allgeier does cool stuff, and the Falcons run game gets going</li><li>What We Learned in Week 6</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 6 preview: Commanders-Ravens is must-see TV, just like we all predicted

<p>Some Games of the Week are easy to see coming. Other Games of the Week are Commanders-Ravens. And yet, that's not only the highlight of the Week 6 schedule, but one of the best games to date this season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen go deep on the Battle of the B-W Parkway on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also dig into Lions-Cowboys, the Broncos and Packers offenses, the 49ers' win over the Seahawks on Thursday night, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>49ers-Seahawks recap</li><li>Commanders-Ravens preview</li><li>Lions-Cowboys preview</li><li>What's on the Fourth Screen?</li><li>Under the Hood: Broncos offense</li><li>This Might Only Interest Me, But...</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Packers offense relative struggles</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Spencer Rattler time</li><li>Take Tribunal: The Drake Maye panic is overblown</li><li>What We Wanna Learn in Week 6</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Did the Jets find an answer, or merely a scapegoat, by firing Robert Saleh?

<p>We're used to big news dropping on Tuesdays, but this one was entirely different. The Robert Saleh firing—especially the timing of it—surprised the NFL world, and that's where Robert Mays and Diante Lee of The Ringer begin this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also recap the Chiefs' win over the Saints on Monday Night Football, dig into the Seahawks' run defense and the deteriorating situation in Cleveland, and bat around questions for three good offenses—the Texans, Bengals, 49ers and Bills.</p><p>Then, John Shipley from Sports Illustrated joins to engage in some franchise counseling for the Jacksonville Jaguars.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Jets fire Robert Saleh</li><li>Saints-Chiefs recap</li><li>Upon Further Review: Seattle's run defense</li><li>Upon Further Review: The nightmare in Cleveland</li><li>The Ball Knower</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Houston's early down problems</li><li class="ql-indent-1">San Francisco's passing game</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Buffalo's recent struggles</li><li>Franchise Counseling: Jacksonville Jaguars</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Diante on X: @DianteLeeFB</p><p>Follow John on X: @_John_Shipley</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 5 recap: Ravens-Bengals shootout, Texans outlast Bills, Caleb Williams' big day, and more

<p>Ravens 41, Bengals 38 in overtime. Texans 23, Bills 20. The Jaguars and Colts combining for 41 points in the fourth quarter. And that was all in the early window on Sunday. Yeah, Week 5 was the craziest week to date of this NFL season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens beat Bengals in OT thriller</li><li>You Have My Attention: Texans get huge win over Bills</li><li>You Have My Attention: Caleb Williams stars in Bears' win over Panthers</li><li>NFC West...WTF?!?</li><li>Raiders...WTF?!?</li><li>Did You See That?!?...Jayden Daniels shines, but in a different way</li><li>Did You See That?!?...Jaguars-Colts fourth quarter fireworks</li><li>Did You See That?!?...Andrew Van Ginkel making big plays</li><li>Did You See That?!?...Xavier McKinney is balling</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 5 preview: Ravens-Bengals, Bills-Texans, digging into the Steelers' and 49ers' offenses, and more

<p>Four weeks into the season, the 49ers' offense has been predictably great...but in unpredictable fashion. Four weeks into the season, the Steelers' offense has been unpredictably effective. Ravens-Bengals and Bills-Texans as the Week 5 Games of the Week? Well, yeah, not <em>everything </em>can be unpredictable. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview Week 5 across the NFL on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Buccaneers-Falcons recap</li><li>Ravens-Bengals preview</li><li>Bills-Texans preview</li><li>What's on my Fourth Screen?</li><li>Under the Hood: Steelers offense</li><li>Favorite realistic Davante Adams trade destinations</li><li>Take Tribunal: The Jets won't improve on last year's win total</li><li>The bizarro version of an elite 49ers offense</li><li>Jayden Daniels gets a much tougher test</li><li>What I Wanna Know</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lions and Seahawks put on a show, our first 2025 NFL Draft check-in of the season, and more with Dane Brugler

<p>Dane Brugler makes his triumphant return to The Athletic Football Show to start laying groundwork for the 2025 NFL Draft. He and Robert Mays take a big-picture look at the class, and dig deeper into prospects who have caught Dane's eye, including Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty. The guys start the show by recapping Seahawks-Lions and Titans-Dolphins, and wrap it up by discussing Malik Nabers, the rookies in the Rams' defensive front and the top-two quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Titans-Dolphins recap</li><li>Seahawks-Lions recap</li><li>Movers on Dane Brugler's 2025 NFL Draft big board</li><li>Upon Further Review: Jalen Milroe</li><li>Upon Further Review: Chargers defense and Chiefs offense check-ins</li><li>The Ball Knower: Malik Nabers is already a top-10 WR</li><li>The Ball Knower: Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are doing work</li><li>The Ball Knower: Is Ryan Poles sweating yet?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 4 recap: Ravens upend Bills, Washington's surge continues, the Vikings keep rolling, and more

<p>Ravens-Bills wasn't quite the close contest we were hoping for, but it still gave us plenty to discuss about two teams that are likely among the best in the league. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 4 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the surging Washington football team, the 4-0 Vikings, troubles for the Jets and Eagles, a silly little game between the Falcons and Saints, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens trounce Bills</li><li>Washington Football Team...You Have My Attention</li><li>4-0 Vikings...You <em>Still </em>Have My Attention</li><li>Eagles...WTF?!?</li><li>Jets offense...WTF?!?</li><li>Falcons, Saints and the NFC South...WTF?!?</li><li>Chiefs and Texans...you guys are almost here</li><li>Did You See That? Jaylon Johnson</li><li>Did You See That? Darnell Washington hurdle + Steelers-Colts wrap</li><li>Did You See That? Ja'Marr Chase's ridiculous catch-and-run</li><li>What We Learned Today</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 4 preview: Vikings-Packers, Bills-Ravens, Seahawks-Lions, Jayden Daniels under the QB spotlight, and more

<p>Vikings-Packers, Bills-Ravens and Seahawks-Lions highlight the 16-game Week 4 slate and, helpfully, they're all in different game windows. Now <em>that's </em>how you schedule helpfully for the football fan, NFL. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those three games, plus Jayden Daniels, the Broncos front, Todd Bowles as Jalen Hurts' kryptonite, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Giants-Cowboys recap</li><li>Vikings-Packers</li><li>Bills-Ravens</li><li>Seahawks-Lions</li><li>QB Spotlight: Jayden Daniels</li><li>This Might Only Interest Me, But...</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Broncos front vs. Jets offensive line</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Jalen Hurts vs. Todd Bowles</li><li>The Athletic's front office survey</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know by the end of Week 4?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders-Bengals recap</li><li>Jaguars-Bills recap</li><li>Why are offenses struggling?</li><li>The Ball Knower</li><li class="ql-indent-1">What Mitch <em>Knows</em> He Knows: Josh Allen is the league's second-best quarterback</li><li class="ql-indent-1">What Mitch <em>Thinks</em> He Knows: The Vikings are for real</li><li class="ql-indent-1">What Mitch <em>Wants</em> to Know: If the run game is back, where are the superstar running backs?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Mitch Schwartz</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Mitch on X: @MitchSchwartz71</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chaos reigns supreme</li><li>More likely to win their division...Steelers or Seahawks?</li><li>Minnesota Vikings...You Have My Attention</li><li>Matt LaFleur...You Have My Attention</li><li>Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert...You Have My Attention</li><li>Tampa Bay Buccaneers...WTF?!?</li><li>Raiders defense...WTF?!?</li><li>Shane Waldron...WTF?!?</li><li>Justin Fields attacking the middle</li><li>Malik Nabers giving off Ja'Marr Chase vibes</li><li>Jauan Jennings has a big day</li><li>The Cowboys defense just might be bad</li><li>It's So Over for the Dolphins</li><li>What We Learned Today</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Mike on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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 offense through two weeks, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Patriots-Jets recap</li><li>Texans-Vikings</li><li>Lions-Cardinals</li><li>What's on My Fourth Screen?</li><li>Desperation Bowl: Ravens-Cowboys</li><li>Chargers-Steelers...Which 2-0 team is more for real?</li><li>Under the Hood: Colts offense</li><li>Airing of Grievances</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Mike on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>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.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Falcons-Eagles recap</li><li>The state of stats in the NFL</li><li>QB Counseling for Bryce Young and the Panthers</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Sam Schwartzstein and Steven Ruiz</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Sam on X: @schwartzsteins</p><p>Follow Steven on X: @theStevenRuiz</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>