The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Hey, the Bengals finally didn't dig a massive hole in September. Things are going great, right? Right?!? Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 2 Hangover by discussing Joe Burrow's toe injury and the Bengals ability to stay afloat with Jake Browning starting for potentially the next three months. After that, the guys dig into Vikings-Falcons and Rams-Titans, and then listen to a couple of your sad voicemails to wrap up this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)1:20 Joe Burrow injury12:06 JJ McCarthy injury18:12 Falcons-Vikings recap37:35 Rams-Titans recap56:12 Sad Jaguars fan voicemail1:02:17 Sad Bears fan voicemailConnect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super Bowl LIX rematch was always going to be at the center of Week 2, and this one ended with the same winner as that one back in February did. The Eagles 20-17 win over the Chiefs is where Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 2 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the craziness of Giants-Cowboys, the hot start for the Colts offense, Joe Burrow's toe injury, Joey Bosa turning back the clock, and much more.Connect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 2 marks our first real preview episode of the season, and what a helluva week it is. For starters, we've got a Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs. We also get a number of teams or units that surprised us in Week 1—the Jaguars defense and Colts offense to name two—getting much different tests in Week 2. And hey, the internet's favorite quarterbacks, Justin Herbert and Geno Smith, are playing against one another on Monday night. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig deep into Week 2 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:05 Game of the Week: Eagles at Chiefs30:59 Brock Purdy's injury36:30 A much tougher test for the Colts offense43:52 Jets might not be the pushover opponent for the Bills they appeared to be50:32 Battle of the internet's favorite QBs, Justin Herbert and Geno Smith57:48 Sicko Street: The Jaguars defense1:05:34 Sicko Street: The Titans defense1:13:11 Under the Hood: J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense1:22:12 What Do You Wanna Know: Is the Bucs pass protection without Tristan Wirfs gonna be a problem1:25:31 What Do You Wanna Know: Cardinals front/defense vs. Panthers run game1:26:44 What Do You Wanna Know: How scared should I be about the Bears offenseConnect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best parts of Week 1 is that we finally get to see a bunch of new stuff in action. Like the Geno Smith/Chip Kelly offense in Las Vegas. Or Nick Caley running Houston's offense. Or Cam Ward playing in the NFL and Robert Saleh back with the 49ers. What are our first impressions of all these new things? Robert Mays and Dan Pizzuta of Snaps and Stats dig in on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Connect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysWith: Dan PizzutaExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Dan on Bluesky: @danpizzuta.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Dan on X: @DanPizzutaTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week 2 of the college football season may not have had the marquee matchups that Week 1 did, but it still gave Dave Helman and Dane Brugler more than enough to talk about from an NFL Draft perspective. The guys dig into John Mateer's big day against Michigan, Sawyer Robertson's second straight strong showing against a power four team, Jordyn Tyson's hot start to the season, and a whole lot more on this episode of Building the Beast on The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:12 Game Ball: Oklahoma QB John Mateer12:40 Game Ball: Oregon QB Dante Moore18:40 Sawyer Robertson leads another big week for Baylor's draft prospects28:45 I Was Not Familiar with Your Game: Cincinnati LB Jake Golday34:23 Prospect Snapshot: Louisville WR Chris Bell38:38 Prospect Snapshot: Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell42:21 Top-50 Stock Watch: Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson46:13 Top-50 Stock Watch: USC WRs Makai Lemon and WR Ja’Kobi Lane50:04 Top-50 Stock Watch: Iowa State DT Dominique Orange vs. Iowa C Logan Jones56:40 NFL Rookie Watch: Browns LB Carson Schwesinger and Jets OT Armand Membou1:05:33 Week 3 CFB previewHost: Dave HelmanCo-Host: Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerConnect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Follow Dane on X: @dpbruglerTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our return to five episodes per week means that the Weekly Hangover is back! Because look, Sundays are busy. We can't possibly talk about every game in the way that we'd like to on our Sunday night recaps. But we do still want to talk about every game. That's what the Hangover is for. In the Week 1 Hangover, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen get to two games we didn't discuss on Sunday night—the Commanders' 21-6 win over the Giants and the Cardinals' 20-13 win over the Saints. Plus, we listen to some of the best voicemails we got on the TAFS voicemail line on Sunday.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:00 Commanders-Giants recap31:50 Cardinals-Saints recap56:02 Your sad voicemailsConnect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Same Sunday night recap you know and love, brand spankin' new look. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman celebrate the return of the NFL with the Week 1 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show, the first from our new studio in Chicago. The guys discuss the Bills' dramatic win over the Ravens, the Packers' dominant victory against the Lions, the Jets and Steelers—really!—giving us the most exciting game of the day, troubles for the Dolphins and Titans, and a whole lot more.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:30 Bills-Ravens thriller15:15 Packers dominate Lions27:40 Steelers-Jets fireworks!39:00 Emeka Egbuka pays immediate dividends49:00 Dolphins embarrassed by Colts56:10 Titans fumble multiple chances to upset Broncos1:05:00 Seahawks endgame leaves a bit to be desired1:12:30 Bryce Young off to a rough start1:16:05 The Bengals get away with one1:22:15 Geno Smith starts his Raiders career with a bang1:27:00 The Stafford/Davante connection1:30:35 You can't ignore bad training camp vibesConnect with The Athletic Football ShowX: https://x.com/TA_FootballShowIG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshowYT: https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShowTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshowDiscord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BCall us: 847-448-0701Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And with that, the 2025 NFL season is officially underway. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the Eagles' 24-20 season-opening win over the Cowboys on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/sPp5md3BSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football friends, we have made it back to the start of another NFL season. We hope you enjoy the crazy six-month ride with us. To kick off the season, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman highlight what they're excited to watch in Week 1 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/npVXkk3cSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:43 We're in studio!9:57 Lamar vs. Josh13:52 Chiefs-Chargers21:50 The Ben Johnson Bears27:53 Can the Giants front create the weird Week 1 game?30:30 The sicko games on the noon slate36:31 Proof-of-concept matchups (HOU OL vs. LAR DL, Raiders offense vs. Patriots defense)38:30 The loaded afternoon slate43:22 The potential uh-oh games48:47 Aaron Rodgers vs. the Jets52:00 Michael Penix Jr. vs. Todd BowlesHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've previewed every division. We've pondered every lingering question. We've analyzed every roster from top to bottom and back to the top, again. There's only one thing left to do. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman offer up their awards, playoffs and Super Bowl predictions on this final preseason episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:35 Defensive Player of the Year15:18 Offensive Player of the Year23:09 Coach of the Year36:40 Offensive Rookie of the Year44:35 Defensive Rookie of the Year48:49 Assistant Coach of the Year55:03 Protector of the Year58:47 MVP1:07:07 NFC Playoff Picks1:16:25 AFC Playoff Picks1:21:46 Super Bowl picksHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We saw Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier and LaNorris Sellers all play in Week 1, to varying results. What are our first 2025 impressions of all of those quarterbacks? And who else should NFL Draft heads already be taking notice of this season? Dave Helman and Dane Brugler recap Week 1 of the CFB season on this episode of Building the Beast.Hosts: Dave Helman and Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Follow Dane on X: @dpbruglerTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The annual Wins Pool Draft is here. Three drafters, seven teams apiece, glory and ignominy at stake. What more could you ask for? In both of the last two seasons, Robert Mays has had to pay off an embarrassing bet on Radio Row. Will he make it three years in a row, or will Derrik Klassen or Dave Helman save him and fall into the TAFS Wins Pool basement? Listen along as they guys select seven teams—five good and two bad, with bad being defined as a win total over/under of 6.5 or fewer—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've done it. We've reached the end of the line. Our eighth and final division preview features what has long been one of the most competitive divisions in the league, the AFC North. The Ravens are back as one of the inner-circle Super Bowl favorites, while the Bengals are back as one of the very best offenses in the league. The Steelers, meanwhile, underwent a facelift this offseason that included bringing in Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns are finally trying to turn the page to a new chapter in their story. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into all four AFC North teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:58 Baltimore Ravens 2025 season preview36:34 Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 season preview1:07:01 Cincinnati Bengals 2025 season preview1:32:16 Cleveland Browns 2025 season previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every team in the NFC West has a win total over/under of 8.5 or better. The Rams are the favorite, but their quarterback has been hurt all summer. The 49ers have institutional power, but they went 6-11 last year and have undergone serious change. There's justifiable optimism for the Seahawks and Cardinals, with easy-to-see downsides, as well. In short, if there's one division that could finish in literally any order, one through four, it's this one. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into all four NFC West teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:07 Los Angeles Rams season preview41:08 Seattle Seahawks season preview1:09:32 Arizona Cardinals season preview1:38:58 San Francisco 49ers season previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AFC West has long been the domain of Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the Chiefs, winners of nine straight division titles. The Chargers and Broncos both made the playoffs last year, and the Raiders had an exciting offseason, but there's no question who reigns supreme over this division. Can the Chiefs make it a full decade of division championships? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into all four AFC West teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:23 Kansas City Chiefs 2025 season preview35:27 Los Angeles Chargers 2025 season preview1:04:52 Denver Broncos 2025 season preview1:38:53 Las Vegas Raiders 2025 season previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFC North put three teams in the playoffs last year, including the top seed in the conference and two teams with 14 wins. There's a chance the division is even better from top to bottom this year, even if it doesn't win quite as many games. Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen dive deep into all four teams in the NFC North on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:49 Detroit Lions 2025 season preview37:09 Minnesota Vikings 2025 season preview1:12:26 Green Bay Packers 2025 season preview1:43:03 Chicago Bears 2025 season previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AFC South is something of a punchline in the NFL, with its division champion seemingly locked into that Saturday afternoon Wild Card round game timeslot. You're there for a reason, you know? But is this the year the AFC South gets the last laugh? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into all four teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:00 Houston Texans preview34:46 Indianapolis Colts preview1:01:53 Jacksonville Jaguars preview1:33:34 Tennessee Titans previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've made it. Training camp is over. The season is just about here. And we've got one final Beat Writer Notebook for you to close it all down. On this episode, Robert Mays talks with Alec Lewis, Chad Graff and Nick Kosmider, The Athletic's Vikings, Patriots and Broncos beat writers, respectively, as well as national NFL reporter Jourdan Rodrigue, who remains very plugged in with the Rams.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:47 Robert Mays and Chad Graff from Vikings camp37:56 Robert Mays and Jourdan Rodrigue from Rams camp1:09:36 Robert Mays and Chad Graff from Patriots camp1:32:31 Robert Mays and Nick Kosmider from Broncos campHost: Robert MaysWith: Alec Lewis, Jourdan Rodrigue, Chad Graff, Nick KosmiderExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Alec on Bluesky: @aleclewis.bsky.socialFollow Jourdan on Bluesky: @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.socialFollow Chad on Bluesky: @chadgraff.bksy.socialFollow Nick on Bluesky: @nickkosmider.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Alec on X: @alec_lewisFollow Jourdan on X: @JourdanRodrigueFollow Chad on X: @ChadGraffFollow Nick on X: @NickKosmiderTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not hard to see why the NFC South is so often overlooked. The division hasn't put two teams into the playoffs since the 2020 season. It wouldn't be crazy for that streak to end this year, even in what feels like a loaded NFC. How do the Buccaneers continue their dominance over the division? How do the Falcons flip the script and get to the top? How optimistic should we be about the Panthers? How do we even measure success for the Saints? Robert, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into all four teams in the NFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers preview35:33 Atlanta Falcons preview1:04:43 Carolina Panters preview1:37:33 New Orleans Saints previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bills have won the AFC East five years in a row, and it looks like nothing can stop them from making that six this season. Still, as Robert Mays says at the top of our AFC East preview, there's something for everyone in this division. Can the Bills finally break through this season? Is this the end of the line for this era of the Dolphins? Are the Jets and Patriots really righting their respective ships? Robert, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into all four teams in the AFC East on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:17 Bills preview32:52 Dolphins preview1:01:38 Jets preview1:30:23 Patriots previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Division preview season is back, our friends, and we have to start with the division that houses the reigning Super Bowl Champions. Can the Eagles reload and avoid a Super Bowl Hangover? How do the Commanders build on a breakout 2024 season? How might the Cowboys rebound this season? Is the Giants defensive front enough to make them fun all season? The guys answer all those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:39 Eagles preview43:47 Commanders preview1:21:53 Cowboys preview1:52:37 Giants previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After visiting 23 teams in person over the last month, Robert Mays is finally back home. While he was out on the road, he asked the 50 or so NFL coaches he spoke to about the trends they see starting to take root across the league. That's great information for Robert to have, and it's also fun information to share with our audience. From three-high-safety looks on defense to more under center straight dropbacks on offense, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the trends coaches in the league are watching on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)7:41 Vikings-style pressure looks15:17 Three high safeties20:56 Even more motion on offense31:12 The designed QB run game36:34 The return of under center straight dropbacks44:13 Packers-style backfield actions in the run game52:49 The "escort screen"56:15 How 4th down aggressiveness affects 3rd down play callingHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dane Brugler is back on The Athletic Football Show year-round. Every week through the draft, Dane and Dave Helman will bring you Building the Beast, giving you a week-by-week look at how The Beast comes together. In this debut episode, Dane explains the process of building his initial top 50, and then he and Dave go through the top draft prospects and five key positions. They wrap things up with prospects to watch in Week 0 and Week 1 of the college football season.Hosts: Dave Helman and Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Follow Dane on X: @dpbruglerTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mays is just about off the road, but we've still got a double Beat Writer Notebook weekend for the masses. This episode features Kevin Fishbain, Tashan Reed and Matt Barrows, The Athletic's Bears, Raiders and 49ers beat writers, respectively. Can Ben Johnson be exactly what Caleb Williams needs? Is Pete Carroll the man to get the Raiders on track? Are the 49ers as ready for a rebound season as they appear to be? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)2:44 Robert Mays and Kevin Fishbain from Bears camp32:56 Robert Mays and Tashan Reed from Raiders camp1:02:57 Robert Mays and Matt Barrows from 49ers campHost: Robert MaysWith: Kevin Fishbain, Tashan Reed, Matt BarrowsExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Kevin on Bluesky: @kfishbain.bsky.socialFollow Tashan on Bluesky: @tashanreed.bsky.socialFollow Matt on Bluesky: @mattbarrows.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Kevin on X: @kfishbainFollow Tashan on X: @tashanreedFollow Matt on X: @mattbarrowsTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Training camp is winding down, and so, too, is Robert Mays' Beat Writer Notebook. We've got two more for you this weekend, though, beginning with Paul Dehner Jr., James Boyd and Matt Schneidman, The Athletic's Bengals, Colts and Packers beat writers, respectively. Can the Bengals defense simply be good enough? What should we make of the Colts quarterback situation? Is this the season this version of the Packers takes off? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:00 Robert Mays and Paul Dehner Jr. from Bengals camp32:13 Robert Mays and James Boyd from Colts camp1:01:57 Robert Mays and Matt Schneidman from Packers campHost: Robert MaysWith: Paul Dehner Jr., James Boyd, Matt SchneidmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Paul on Bluesky: @pauldehnerjr.bsky.socialFollow Matt on Bluesky: @mattschneidman.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Paul on X: @pauldehnerjrFollow James on X: @RomeovilleKidFollow Matt on X: @mattschneidmanTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First impressions are pretty important in all facets of life. So what sort of first impressions did some of the youngsters across the league make in Week 1 of the preseason? Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen dig into the QBs, the key offensive linemen, Travis Hunter, the rookies on the 49ers defense and more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for an annual bit on The Athletic Football Show. And what better way to stage a bit on an NFL podcast than against the backdrop of the Super Bowl. As much upheaval as there is in the NFL every year, we all know that there's an inner circle of Super Bowl contenders to start the season. They are the teams with A Seat at the Table. The composition of the table will change as the season goes on, and we'll be there for every twist and turn. But for now, as the beginning of the season draws near, these are the 10 teams with A Seat at the Table.Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year at this time, no one was expecting much from the Commanders offense or the Broncos defense. By the end of the season, they were among the units that defined 2024. Which units can pull off the same feat and come from out of nowhere to carry their teams this season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen point to eight candidates—four offenses and four defenses—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:52 Cowboys offense13:33 Titans offense24:43 Raiders offense34:31 Panthers offense46:35 49ers defense52:52 Cardinals defense1:04:50 Colts defense1:11:20 Patriots defenseHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL expanded to 14 total playoff teams, seven per conference, in 2020. In each of the five seasons since expansion, at least one division sent three teams to the playoffs. It was two last season, with the AFC West and NFC North pulling off the trick. So we can say with relative certainty that at least one division will have three playoff teams this season. Which division is going to keep the streak alive? Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen rank them from least to most likely on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look, you visit with eight teams in one week, you gotta have two Beat Writer Notebooks. In this edition, Robert talks with Joe Person, Zac Jackson and Nicki Jhabvala, The Athletic's Panthers, Browns and Commanders beat writers, respectively. How legitimate is the optimism for the Panthers offense? How do the Browns even measure success this season? What can the Commanders do to follow up on last season's unexpected breakthrough? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:01 Robert and Joe Person from Panthers camp27:21 Robert and Zac Jackson from Browns camp48:08 Robert and Nicki Jhabvala from Commanders campHost: Robert MaysWith: Joe Person, Zac Jackson, Nicki JhabvalaExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Joe on Bluesky: @josephperson.bsky.socialFollow Nicki on Bluesky: @nickijhabvala.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Joe on X: @josephpersonFollow Zac on X: @AkronJacksonFollow Nicki on X: @NickiJhabvalaTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mays is coming off his busiest week of training camp yet, having spent the previous seven days with eight different teams (gotta love joint practices). In this edition of the Beat Writer Notebook, Robert talks with Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic's Bills beat writer, and Mike DeFabo, The Athletic's Steelers beat writer. How do the Bills finally get over the hump? Can Aaron Rodgers find enough of the fountain of youth to push the Steelers to another level? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Plus, Robert and Derrik Klassen cover the injuries to Rashawn Slater and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)3:10 Rashawn Slater and C.J. Gardner-Johnson injuries17:25 Robert and Joe Buscaglia at Bills camp45:36 Robert and Mike DeFabo at Steelers campHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Joe Buscaglia, Mike DeFaboExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Joe on Bluesky: @joebuscaglia.bsky.socialFollow Mike on Bluesky: @mikedefabo.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Joe on X: @JoeBuscagliaFollow Mike on X: @MikeDeFaboTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teams have been at training camp for a couple weeks now, so you know what that means. We've got plenty of storylines floating around out there. Some of them matter. Many of them don't. Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen wade through them and separate what actually has meaning from what doesn't on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:09 Matthew Stafford's back injury13:27 Ben Johnson's aggressive approach to training camp24:07 The Saints QB battle32:20 Depth chart silliness52:57 Rookie WRs turning heads1:01:45 Aireontae Ersery pushing for a starting job in HoustonHosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a subset of quarterbacks for whom the 2025 season is an inflection point. For some of them, it's about their future in the league. For others, it's due to the massive changes around them. For still others, it's about their legacy. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss eight quarterbacks at a crossroads this season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:11 Kyler Murray21:22 Jared Goff34:26 Trevor Lawrence46:47 C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love55:56 Brock Purdy1:03:05 Patrick MahomesHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some takes are meticulously crafted, with each ingredient perfectly balanced to create a rational, thought-out, deeply held belief. Others are slapped together, thrown in the oven for, you know, whatever length of time feels right, and dropped down on the table to consume at your own risk. These are the latter. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman offer up their half-baked takes for the 2025 season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown7:00 Micah Parsons isn't getting traded and Jerry Jones isn't serious about winning football games (this is a fully baked take)10:43 The Niners will win 12+ games17:02 The Vikings will finish last in the NFC North24:45 This is the year the Steelers crash out35:42 The NFC will have massive playoff turnover this season41:50 This is the season the Packers go nuclear48:14 Abolish the draft so players like Myles Garrett don't get stuck on teams like the Browns forever55:57 The NFL needs a leaguewide standardized bye week1:05:40 Bo Nix was just kinda getting away with it last year, and that's not gonna happen this year1:15:56 Zac Robinson is this year's Liam CoenHost: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We should know better. We really should. We've been at this for a long time, and we know that believing in certain teams and players is bad for us. And yet, come this time of year, we can't help ourselves. We go back to that well. So who are we ready to be hurt by again this season? Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen open up and get vulnerable on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mays went to so many training camps in the previous week, we had to split this weekend's Beat Writer Notebook into two episodes. On this edition of the Beat Writer Notebook, Robert speaks to Brooks Kubena and Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic's Eagles and Jets beat writers, respectively. What do the Eagles do to live up to a Super Bowl encore? How does Aaron Glenn transform the Jets? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysWith: Brooks Kubena, Zack RosenblattExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Brooks on Bluesky: @bkubena.bsky.socialFollow Zack on Bluesky: @zackblatt.bksy.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Brooks on X: @BKubenaFollow Zack on X: @ZackBlattTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mays began the previous week in Seattle. He ended it in New York, by way of the southeast and mid-Atlantic. So, yeah, he's been around a bit. Robert checks in with Michael-Shawn Dugar, Josh Kendall and Jeff Zrebiec—the Athletic's beat writers for the Seahawks, Falcons, Ravens and Eagles, respectively—on this edition of the Beat Writer Notebook. What's the ceiling for the very good Seahawks defense? What are the expectations for Michael Penix in his first season as the starter? How do the Ravens finally get over the hump? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)4:27 Seattle Seahawks41:36 Atlanta Falcons1:07:14 Baltimore RavensHost: Robert MaysWith: Michael-Shawn Dugar, Josh Kendall, Jeff Zrebiec, Brooks KubenaExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Michael-Shawn on X: @MikeDugarFollow Josh on X: @JoshTheAthleticFollow Jeff on X: @jeffzrebiecTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most offseason acquisitions are going to bring some change to their new teams. There's a reason why their new teams went out and got them, after all. A select few of those acquisitions, however, aren't simply going to bring a little change. They're going to completely change their new team's DNA on their side of the ball, opening up an entirely different style of play and new look for the unit. Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman run through their top DNA changers for the 2025 season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)5:30 Cam Bynum12:14 Poona Ford19:47 Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga28:54 Haason Reddick34:30 Will Fries and Ryan Kelly41:44 Omarion Hampton48:42 Andre Cisco57:23 Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.1:06:03 Armand MembouHosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A whole lot has happened during the first week of training camp. A bunch of good players got contract extensions. Injuries are unfortunately already changing plans across the league. Storylines are emerging, and not all of them are your usual July camp silliness. Some of them are worth digging into! Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman round up the first week of training camp news on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every NFL season is important to every person in the league. But we know that some players, coaches and executives have more at stake in any given season than others. So who has the most at stake in 2025? Robert Mays and Dave Helman answer that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysCo-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best teams in the league can keep their secret sauce secret for only so long. Teams are always hunting for an edge wherever they can find it, and it's never been easier to tap into how other teams are finding success. That's especially true on the offensive side of the ball, where you are holding the pen more often than not. So what can we learn from the best offenses in the league? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen are joined by Bobby Peters, owner and operator of the Alert the Post Substack, to answer that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Bobby PetersExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Bobby on X: @b_peters12Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Mays' Homeric tour of the NFL world is underway, with stops across the previous week in Detroit, Los Angeles and San Diego. While there, he spoke with Colton Pouncy, Daniel Popper and Jon Machota, The Athletic's beat writers for the Lions, Chargers and Cowboys, respectively. How will the Lions handle the brain drain? Where can the Chargers find more juice on offense? How do the Cowboys feel different under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer? Learn the answers to those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football ShowHost: Robert MaysWith: Colton Pouncy, Daniel Popper, Jon MachotaExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Colton on Bluesky: @coltonpouncy.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Colton on X: @colton_pouncyFollow Daniel on X: @danielrpopperFollow Jon on X: @jonmachotaTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's easy to overlook second-year players who A) didn't have huge rookie seasons, or B) aren't quarterbacks. But you don't have to be Jayden Daniels or Malik Nabers or Jared Verse to be an X-factor for your team—and, by extension, the league—in your second season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen highlight six sneaky second-year X-factors on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:22 Any second-year Falcons defensive lineman13:16 Christian Mahogany, Lions LG20:37 Cole Bishop, Bills S26:56 Kris Jenkins, Bengals DT36:51 Renardo Green, 49ers CB44:34 Blake Fisher, Texans RTHosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a temptation to believe that surprise teams from the previous season are on a clear upward trajectory. But we know that isn't always true. Just ask the 2022-23 Giants or 2021-22 Raiders. Four of last year's playoff teams significantly outperformed preseason expectations and made the playoffs: the Commanders, Chargers, Broncos and Vikings. Is the arrow really pointing up for those teams? Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen break it down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Rundown (timestamps are approximate)6:07 Washington Commanders21:19 Los Angeles Chargers35:41 Denver Broncos53:40 Minnesota VikingsHosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take a moment to think about the unexpected developments that helped define the 2024 NFL season. The Washington Commanders going to the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers missing the playoffs entirely. Jared Verse immediately taking the league by storm. Saquon Barkley changing teams and having a season for the ages. Each of those was a huge story last year that was felt across the league. What might be the 2025 versions of those stories? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig into that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're listening to this episode the day it comes out, the Lions and Chargers are at training camp. If you're listening to it a few days later, even more teams are at camp. No matter when you're listening to it, training camp is here. And we have questions. Oh boy, do we have questions. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman talk through their biggest questions as camp begins on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Free Lunch is a new podcast in The Athletic podcast network. Hosted by former NFL star Ndamukong Suh, No Free Lunch talks to athletes and experts about how the most successful people in sports manage their money and grow their wealth.On this episode, Ndamukong talks with his former teammate and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vita Vea. They discuss what goes into rookie contracts - specifically the cost of being a young player in the NFL. From fines and rookie dinners to helping family and offseason training— players can have a lot of expenses. Ndamukong and Vita also discuss the importance of building the right financial team to help with budgeting and investing.Host: Ndamukong SuhExecutive Producer: Grace Piro DeliaProducer: Danny SellersEditor: David CaputoInstagram: @nofreelunchshowTik Tok:@nofreelunchshowhttps://www.youtube.com/@NoFreeLunchWithSuh-------T. Rowe Price proudly sponsors No Free Lunch. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect those of T. Rowe Price. Their sponsorship supports the platform and does not imply endorsement of specific content or perspectives.The information provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified financial and/or legal professional before making any legal or financial decisions or investments.Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group, Column N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC.#nfl #money #finance #jordan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're deep into July. Training camp is right around the corner. NFL people have all taken their vacations. It's official...the offseason is over. And with that comes the end of regular TAFS mailbag episodes. In our final mailbag of the offseason, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen tackle questions on the league's most cursed franchise, the most important non-QB factors for floor and ceiling, Zac Taylor and his merits, Nick Caserio and his merits, one last question on fandom, and a whole lot more.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Michael BellerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Beller on Bluesky: @mbeller.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassTheme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our own Derrik Klassen loves talking about honorable and dishonorable play across the NFL. Perhaps you've found yourself sitting there saying to your device, 'Hey Derrik, what exactly does it mean to be honorable?' Well, today is your lucky day. Using the quarterback position as a vehicle, Derrik walks through his Honorability Index with Dave Helman on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone—literally everyone—people would place Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow among the top-five quarterbacks in the NFL. An overwhelming majority would round out that list with Justin Herbert. Ask 10 people who the sixth-best QB is, though, and you could get 10 different answers. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman try to pin who that sixth-best QB is on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik KlassenWith: Dave HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...⁠Apple⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠YouTube⁠Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Dave on X: @davehelman_Theme song: HauntedWritten by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love SongsCourtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.