The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Rams beat Vikings, advance to Divisional Round

<p>In a Wild Card Round characterized by one-sided victories, the Rams arguably saved the most impressive for last. They dominated from wire-to-wire in their 27-9 win over the Vikings, scoring on their first drive and taking a 24-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. Now, the Eagles await in the Divisional Round. The Vikings, meanwhile, saw their unlikely 14-win season end with a thud. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the final game of Wild Card Weekend on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

Wild Card Weekend Recap

<p>Wild Card Weekend started with the Texans defense throwing a perfect game in a 32-12 win over the Chargers. It ended with the Commanders notching the franchise's first playoff win in nearly 20 years. In between, the Ravens, Bills and Eagles all continued their excellent seasons by advancing to the Divisional Round. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap Wild Card Weekend on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders-Buccaneers recap</li><li>Packers-Eagles recap</li><li>Broncos-Bills recap</li><li>Steelers-Ravens recap</li><li>Chargers-Texans recap</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

NFC Wild Card Round Preview

<p>Our Wild Card Weekend preview is so jam-packed, we had to separate it into two episodes. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the three NFC games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Packers-Eagles? Get ready for plenty of run game on both sides. Commanders-Buccaneers? That's the two most unexpectedly fun offenses in the league. Vikings-Rams? Kevin O'Connell and Sean McVay matching wits for the second time this season. It's going to be a helluva weekend on the NFC side of the bracket. Robert and Derrik dive deep and get you ready for Wild Card Weekend on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Packers-Eagles preview</li><li>Commanders-Buccaneers preview</li><li>Vikings-Rams preview</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

AFC Wild Card Round Preview

<p>Our Wild Card Weekend preview is so jam-packed, we had to separate it into two episodes. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the three AFC games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Chargers-Texans is a matchup of arguably the most overachieving and underachieving teams in the playoff field. Steelers-Ravens is a rubber match, sure, but it's also a game between one team that faded down the stretch, and one that proved it is among the Super Bowl favorites. Finally, Broncos-Bills pits two elite units—the Broncos defense and the Bills offense—against one another. Robert and Derrik dive deep and get you ready for Wild Card Weekend on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chargers-Texans preview</li><li>Steelers-Ravens preview</li><li>Broncos-Bills preview</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

Patriots, Jaguars and Raiders join the Bears, Jets and Saints on the head coaching search

<p>The 2024-25 edition of Black Monday brought with it three coach firings—Jerod Mayo in New England, Doug Pederson in Jacksonville and Antonio Pierce in Las Vegas. Those three teams, along with the Bears, Jets and Saints will be spending the next few weeks finding their new head coaches. How do we expect those searches to unfold, and what does what we already know about them say about each of the teams? Mike Sando joins Robert Mays to break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Patriots fire Jerod Mayo</li><li>Jaguars fire Doug Pederson...but keep Trent Baalke</li><li>Bears coaching search</li><li>Jets coaching search</li><li>Saints coaching search</li><li>Colts retain Shane Steichen, Chris Ballard</li><li>Dolphins retain Mike McDaniel, Chris Grier</li><li>Giants retain Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen</li><li>BREAKING NEWS: Raiders fire Antonio Pierce</li><li>Titans fire Ran Carthon</li><li>Lou Anarumo headlines coordinator firings</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Mike on Bluesky: @sandonfl.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</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 18 recap: Lions lock up the top spot in the NFC, and now we're all playoff-bound

<p>The playoff puzzle was mostly put together going into Week 18, but there was still one huge piece that needed to be put in place. The Lions dropped that piece into the puzzle on Sunday night, knocking off the Vikings to lock up the top spot in the NFC. All that's left now is to put a bow on the regular season, and point ourselves toward the playoffs. That's exactly what Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen do on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Lions take care of Vikings, lock up 1-seed in NFC</li><li>The NFC South delivers in classic NFC South fashion</li><li>The NFC playoff field</li><li>The AFC playoff field</li><li>2025 NFL Draft order</li><li>Patriots fire Jerod Mayo</li><li>Dolphins, Colts not making any head coach or GM changes</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 18 preview: Vikings at Lions for all the (regular season) marbles

<p>The regular season began four months ago with what very well could be an AFC Championship Game preview, Ravens at Chiefs. It ends with what very well could be an NFC Championship Game preview, Vikings at Lions. The location of that possible third meeting between division foes will be determined on Sunday night when they battle for regular season NFC supremacy. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep on that game to kick off the Week 18 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the remaining playoff spots up for grabs—AFC 7-seed and NFC South winner—choose their own adventure for the NFC Wild Card round, and consider the contrasting makeup of the playoff fields within the two conferences.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Vikings-Lions preview</li><li>Remembering the first Bucs-Saints game of the season</li><li>Building our ideal NFC Wild Card Round matchups</li><li>Bengals-Steelers preview</li><li>The AFC 7-seed</li><li>AFC's got the star QBs, NFC's got the expertly built teams</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen? It's the TAFS 2024 Awards Spectacular!

<p>Lamar or Josh, who's the MVP? It's the question that will define NFL awards season this year. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer it at the end of this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Before that, the guys hand out all the rest of the standard hardware—Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, you know the drill—as well as the extras that get at the heart and soul of TAFS—Assistant Coach of the Year, narrative changers, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><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>Pleasant Surprises</li><li>Biggest Disappointments</li><li>Narrative Changers</li><li>MVP</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 17 recap: With the playoffs around the corner, the Vikings make a statement

<p>Every serious Super Bowl contender picks up a signature win at some point of the regular season. The Vikings may have already had one, but they certainly got one on Sunday. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 17 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Commanders clinching a playoff berth, the Bengals (and Dolphins) staying alive in the AFC Wild Card race, the Colts falling out of the picture, the Jekyll and Hyde Rams, Saquon Barkley hitting the 2K mark, Brock Bowers breaking all the records, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Vikings make a statement with win over Packers</li><li>The fascinating Cincinnati Bengals</li><li>The Commanders secure a playoff berth, and the Bucs take control of the NFC South</li><li>The Jekyll and Hyde Rams</li><li>Colts eliminated from playoff contention by Drew Lock and the Giants</li><li>The Patriots move to the top of the 2025 draft board</li><li>Saquon Barkley hits the 2,000-yard mark</li><li>The Jets are the saddest team of 2024</li><li>Brock Bowers headlines a great day for rookies</li><li>The Chargers plan came together</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 best contracts in recent NFL history

<p>A good contract can be a sneaky differentiator for an NFL team. A bad one can torpedo half a decade or so. On the final episode of The Money Down, The Athletic Football Show's miniseries focused on the business of the NFL, Robert Mays and Bill Barnwell from ESPN highlight the best and worst deals of the last 10 to 15 years.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Bill Barnwell</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follw Bill on Bluesky: @billbarnwell.com</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</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 17 preview: Packers-Vikings the final, and best, gift of the holiday weekend

<p>There may not be a ton of playoff intrigue as we head toward the end of the regular season, but what we do have is about as good as it could be. Take, for example, the Week 17 showdown in the NFC North between the Packers and Vikings. A Vikings win sets up a likely win-and-get-the-1-seed game between them and the Lions in Week 18. A Packers win doesn't carry quite that level of playoff implication, but it would further cement them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into that game, recap the Christmas Day games, and check in on the other playoff races on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chiefs lock up the 1-seed in the AFC with win over Steelers</li><li>Ravens move into first place in AFC North with convincing win over Texans</li><li>Packers-Vikings preview</li><li>Handicapping the remaining playoff races</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

TAFS goes holiday shopping!

<p>It's the holiday season and we're getting in the spirit on The Athletic Football Show. From the right offensive coach for Caleb Wiliams to a new team for Myles Garrett, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen are giving gifts to players, teams and coaches across the NFL on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>A want for more from the Cowboys for Jerry Jones</li><li>A ball-winner for Lamar Jackson</li><li>The right offensive coach for Caleb Williams</li><li>The fountain of youth for Matthew Stafford</li><li>Wolverine blood for the Lions</li><li>Framed depth charts for John Schneider</li><li>A new team for Myles Garrett</li><li>One of the dudes for the Jaguars</li><li>A partner in crime for Christian Gonzalez</li><li>An apology card for the Falcons</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 16 recap: Lions, Vikings race for the NFC 1-seed, while Chiefs nearly put AFC's top spot out of reach

<p>So which team had the best Week 16? It's not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Sure, it might look like the Vikings, who kept pace with the Lions atop the NFC. It might look like the Chiefs, who took an impressive step toward locking up the top seed in the AFC. It might look like the Commanders, who brought back the early season offense in their win over the Eagles. It could even be the Rams, who put themselves on the doorstep of clinching the NFC West. So, who is it? Well, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen might not answer that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. But they will recap Week 16.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders take down an Eagles team clearly missing Jalen Hurts</li><li>The Vikings chances at the 1-seed...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The Ravens run game...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The potential of the Chiefs offense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Arizona Cardinals...WTF?!?</li><li>The top of the draft order...WTF?!?</li><li>Michael Penix brings some juice to Atlanta's offense</li><li>A strange win, but a win nonetheless, for the Rams over the Jets</li><li>Joe Burrow keeps on making plays on the move</li><li>Jonathan Taylor's big day and the Colts unlikely feat</li><li>The AFC Wild Card picture</li><li>Drake Maye's zone/man splits</li><li>The latest in Lions trickery</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 16 preview: Steelers-Ravens battle for AFC North supremacy at the center of the playoff push

<p>Broncos-Chargers on Thursday. Steelers-Ravens and Texans-Chiefs on Saturday. Eagles-Commanders on Sunday. The playoff push is on, seeming every single day of the week. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the jam-packed Week 16 slate on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chargers-Broncos recap</li><li>Steelers-Ravens preview</li><li>Texans-Chiefs preview</li><li>Eagles run defense vs. Jayden Daniels and the Washington offense</li><li>Can Minnesota's offense keep it rolling in Seattle?</li><li>What do we make of the staffs in Indianapolis and Tennessee?</li><li>Big offseason ahead for Tua Tagovailoa and Brock Purdy</li><li>Micah Parsons vs. the Buccaneers offensive line</li><li>It's Michael Penix Time</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

Bill Belichick goes back to school

<p>Bill Belichick, head coach at the University of North Carolina. It's going to take some getting used to. Robert Mays starts that process from two different angles on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. First, he's joined by Seth Wickersham of ESPN to discuss why a move to the college game would be attractive to Belichick at this stage of his career. Then, David Ubben, host of The Athletic's Until Saturday podcast, jumps on with Robert to dig into the Belichick/UNC pairing from the college football perspective.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Seth Wickersham and David Ubben</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Seth on Bluesky: @sethwickersham.bsky.social</p><p>Follow David on Bluesky: @davidubben.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Seth on X: @SethWickersham</p><p>Follow David on X: @davidubben</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>

Wide receivers wrapped, 2024, with Matt Harmon

<p>From the heroics of Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, to the breakouts from Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, and the letdowns from Bears and Texans passing games, the 2024 season gave us plenty to talk about at the wide receiver position. That's exactly what Robert Mays and Matt Harmon of Yahoo do on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Matt Harmon</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Matt on Bluesky: @mattharmon.bksy.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Matt on X: @MattHarmon_BYB</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 15 recap: Bills win a possible Super Bowl preview, and the Lions lose more than just the game

<p>If the Week 15 game between the Bills and Lions proves to be a Super Bowl LIX preview, then we're all one for one helluva rematch in New Orleans in a couple months. In the meantime, the Bills scored one of the biggest wins of the season in taking down the Lions on the road. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 15 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Texans defense, Jalen Hurts acing the litmus test, the Buccaneers offense, the Chiefs woeful pass protection, the Bengals-Titans slopfest, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Bills-Lions recap</li><li>Texans defense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Jalen Hurts...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Buccaneers offense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Bengals-Titans...WTF?!?</li><li>Chiefs pass protection...WTF?!?</li><li>Washington Commanders...WTF?!?</li><li>Indianapolis Colts...WTF?!?</li><li>Lamar Jackson making sure that Josh Allen doesn't run away with the MVP</li><li>The Seahawks offense cannot function without Geno Smith</li><li>Who's going to win the NFC West, Week 15 edition</li><li>Brian Thomas is really good</li><li>Davante Adams isn't done yet</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

What are NFL and college insiders saying about Belichick's new job? (Check out The Athletic's Scoop City!)

<p>Hungry for more inside scoop on the NFL? We've got a great show in our network to share with you: Scoop City.</p><p>Twice a week, The Athletic's senior NFL insider Dianna Russini and longtime quarterback NFL Chase Daniel share what they're hearing and seeing from their own unique perspectives.</p><p>And their latest episode is just a taste of all you get from them in your feed. You'll hear them dishing with The Athletic's Bruce Feldman about what people inside the NFL and college football are saying about Bill Belichick taking the head coaching job at UNC.</p><p>Check it out and let us know what you think!</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 15 preview: Bills-Lions, a potential Super Bowl preview, highlights a loaded week

<p>Super Bowl LIX is eight weeks from Sunday. Would any of us be surprised if we're talking about the Bills and Lions in New Orleans? Of course not! And that's just one thing that makes their Week 15 matchup so much fun. Bills-Lions highlights a loaded week in which we also get Steelers-Eagles, Packers-Seahawks, Broncos-Colts (the biggest game on the slate in terms of the makeup of the playoff field), Buccaneers-Chargers and Dolphins-Texans. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the week ahead on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Bills-Lions preview</li><li>Colts-Broncos is a huge game</li><li>Steelers-Eagles is a litmus test for both offenses</li><li>What to watch in Packers-Seahawks</li><li>Buccaneers offense vs. Chargers defense</li><li>What do the Texans look like coming out of their bye?</li><li>Chiefs-Browns...is this the game the Chiefs drop?</li><li>Sam Darnold's future in Minnesota</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

Can this season's failed, would-be contenders bounce right back in 2025?

<p>In another world, the Week 14 Monday night game between the Bengals and Cowboys could've been a Super Bowl preview. In our world, it was just another game between a couple of teams that won't make the playoffs. Where did this season go so wrong for the Bengals, Cowboys and three other teams—the 49ers, Jets and Dolphins—most of the football world believed could be contenders? And can they turn things around in short order? First, Robert Mays is joined by The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. to discuss the Bengals, then Derrik Klassen hops on to tackle the other four teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Cincinnati Bengals</li><li>Dallas Cowboys</li><li>San Francisco 49ers</li><li>New York Jets</li><li>Miami Dolphins</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Paul Dehner Jr.</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Paul on Bluesky: @pauldehnerjr.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Paul on X: @pauldehnerjr</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>

Let's take a ride on the 2025 coaching carousel with Conor Orr + the rise of Kevin O'Connell with Jourdan Rodrigue and Alec Lewis

<p>The 2025 coaching carousel has been spinning since the Jets surprisingly fired Robert Saleh in October. Since then, the Bears and Saints have officially hopped on board, and we know at least three or four more are going to join them. Who else might be looking for a coach after the season? What should we expect from Bill Belichick, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn? Who might be the surprise candidates that emerge in January? Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated joins Robert Mays to break down the upcoming coaching cycle on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Then, The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue and Alec Lewis discuss with Robert a recent success on the coaching carousel: Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Head coach openings</li><li>Potential surprise openings</li><li>Good job or bad job?</li><li>Bill Belichick</li><li>Ben Johnson</li><li>Aaron Glenn</li><li>Brian Flores</li><li>Mike Vrabel</li><li>Liam Coen</li><li>Todd Monken</li><li>Joe Brady</li><li>Off-the-beaten path candidates</li><li>First-time coordinator candidates</li><li>The rise of Kevin O'Connell</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Conor Orr, Jourdan Rodrigue and Alec Lewis</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Conor on Bluesky: @conororr.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Jourdan on Bluesky: @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Alec on Bluesky: @aleclewis.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Conor on X: @ConorOrr</p><p>Follow Jourdan on X: @JourdanRodrigue</p><p>Follow Alec on X: @alec_lewis</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 14 recap: Bills-Rams Game of the Year sends us into the final month of the season

<p>Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and ran for three more scores on Sunday...and the Bills lost. On the other side of that game, the Rams vaulted themselves right back into the NFC West race. We're staring down a wild final month of the regular season, and it all got started in Week 14. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the week on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Rams win thriller over Bills</li><li>Seahawks remain atop NFC West</li><li>Patrick Mahomes late-game mastery...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Sam Darnold...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The Buccaneers...You Have My Attention (grudgingly)</li><li>Panthers take another brutal loss</li><li>How worried should we be about the Eagles passing game?</li><li>The Giants' comical red zone numbers</li><li>The race for the top pick in the 2025 draft is on</li><li>Aaron Rodgers' first 300-yard performance in 35 games results in another Jets loss</li><li>The Dolphins sneaky retooling on offense</li><li>Firing Matt Eberflus didn't fix the Bears</li><li>Another Russell Wilson TD pass over the middle of the field</li><li>The Jaguars and Titans bring TNF to Sunday</li><li>What Did We Learn in Week 14?</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 evolution of quarterback contracts

<p>The quarterback position is the most important in all of sports, and it comes with the trappings that such a designation commands. Including, of course, money. All 32 teams in the NFL revolve around their quarterback in a way that is unique among professional sports. It's not just about how good of a quarterback he is. The amount and length of his contract is just as important. The way teams handle that can often help determine who is playing in the Super Bowl at the end of the season. And, like so many things in the league, that approach is ever-evolving. Brad Spielberger of Grand Central Sports Management joins Robert Mays to break down the evolution of quarterback contracts on this episode of The Money Down, a four-part miniseries on the business of the NFL presented by The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Brad Spielberger</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Brad on X: @SpielbergerBrad</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 14 preview: Symmetry returns to the standings as playoff races take shape

<p>You know what the best part of Week 14 is? No, not learning if the Chiefs can keep getting away with this in their showdown with the Chargers. No, not the huge NFC West matchup between the Seahawks and Cardinals. It's not even that awesome Lions-Packers game we all watched on Thursday. Week 14 is the final week with byes. After Week 14, every team will have played 13 games, and we'll finally be back to standings equilibrium. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview the week ahead, and recap the Lions' thrilling Thursday night win over the Packers, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Lions win thriller over Packers</li><li>Game of the Week: Chargers at Chiefs</li><li>Game of the Week: Seahawks at Cardinals</li><li>Rams run game vs. Bills defense</li><li>Bryce Young vs. Eagles defense</li><li>Is Falcons-Vikings a revenge game for Kirk Cousins?</li><li>Who's better positioned for the next three seasons...Bengals or Cowboys?</li><li>What Do You Wanna Know from Week 14?</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

What's keeping this season's Super Bowl contenders up at night?

<p>As we head into the final month of the 2024 regular season, we know who the true Super Bowl contenders are. What's just as clear, however, are their flaws. Robert Mays and Fran Duffy from PHLY of the ALLCITY Network dig into those flaws on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Browns-Broncos recap</li><li>What's keeping the Steelers up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Vikings up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Packers up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Ravens up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Bills up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Chiefs up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Eagles up at night?</li><li>What's keeping the Lions up at night?</li><li>Another way the run game is back</li><li>An argument for quarterbacks should exhaust their college eligibility</li><li>What the rest of this season means for the 49ers</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Fran Duffy</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Fran on Bluesky: @fduffy.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Fran on X: @FDuffyNFL</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 13 recap: Did the Eagles just notch the biggest win of the season?

<p>The Eagles' win over the Ravens in Week 13 wasn't just the team's best on its current eight-game winning streak. It was quite possibly the best win of the season for any team. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 13 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Steelers winning a game in which they needed to score more than 38 points, Kirk Cousins' terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, the crazy NFC West race, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Eagles make statement with win over Ravens</li><li>The NFC West race...You Have My Attention</li><li>Seahawks knock off Jets</li><li>Vikings sneak past Cardinals</li><li>Who will win the NFC West?</li><li>Pittsburgh Steelers, the likely AFC North Champs...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Kirk Cousins...WTF?!?</li><li>Buccaneers narrowly avoid WTF status</li><li>OK, Bryce Young</li><li>Washington's offense isn't dead yet</li><li>The Texans find a way to let us down, even when they win</li><li>A 19-play, game-winning drive from the Colts?!?</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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 13 preview: Eagles-Ravens takes center stage as the final third of the regular season begins

<p>If the first third of the season is about deciphering fact from fiction, and the middle third is about learning who teams really are, the final third is about the playoff push. The final third of the season begins in Week 13, and we've got five great games that are going to help us determine what the early stages of that playoff push look like. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chargers-Falcons preview</li><li>Steelers-Bengals preview</li><li>Cardinals-Vikings preview</li><li>Eagles-Ravens preview</li><li>49ers-Bills preview</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 Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</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>

A pre-Thanksgiving NFL Draft feast with Dane Brugler

<p>The college football regular season is winding to a close, which means our discussions around the 2025 NFL Draft are heating up. Dane Brugler joins Robert Mays to check in on where the class stands on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the rookie campaigns being put together by Drake Maye, Brock Bowers, Jared Verse and Bo Nix. Before all that, though, The Athletic's Chargers beat reporter Daniel Popper gets on the mic with Robert to recap the Ravens' win over the Chargers on Monday night.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens-Chargers MNF recap</li><li>Emerging polarization in the 2025 NFL Draft class</li><li>Dane's initial flag planting</li><li>The 2025 quarterbacks, headlined by Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward</li><li>Intriguing pairings in the top 10</li><li>Drake Maye is a dude</li><li>Should the Jets have taken Brock Bowers?</li><li>Should the Falcons have taken Jared Verse?</li><li>Why the Bo Nix/Broncos pairing is working</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Daniel Popper and 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 Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Daniel on X: @danielrpopper</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 12 recap: Everything gets real at Thanksgiving

<p>On the 49ers-Packers broadcast in Week 12, Tom Brady said that teams aren't who they really are until Thanksgiving. We might not be at Turkey Day quite yet, but it's a late Thanksgiving this year, so we can make an exception. We saw a whole lot of true colors on the field in Week 12. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen are here to break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Eagles dominate Rams</li><li>Packers run game...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Seahawks defense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Titans-Texans...WTF?!?</li><li>Do the Texans have a Wild Card Round ceiling?</li><li>Washington Commanders...WTF?!?</li><li>Bryce Young nearly one-upped the Chiefs</li><li>Jonnu Smith is the Dolphins' top pass-catcher now?</li><li>Baker Mayfield has found his place...and we're all better off for it</li><li>Anthony Richardson has three types of games</li><li>Caleb Williams' best performance of the season</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 future of the NFL on TV

<p>If you're the type of NFL fan who wants to watch every game, you've tuned into at least seven different networks and streamers this season. It isn't likely that sort of market segmentation is going away any time soon. So how will we be watching football in 2030, 2040 and beyond? Robert Mays is joined by Andrew Marchand, The Athletic's senior sports media columnist, to dive deep into the NFL broadcasting future on this episode of The Money Down, a special four-part miniseries on the business of the NFL from The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Andrew Marchand</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 Andrew on X: @AndrewMarchand</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>