The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

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.RundownRams win thriller over BillsSeahawks remain atop NFC WestPatrick Mahomes late-game mastery...You Have My Attention!Sam Darnold...You Have My Attention!The Buccaneers...You Have My Attention (grudgingly)Panthers take another brutal lossHow worried should we be about the Eagles passing game?The Giants' comical red zone numbersThe race for the top pick in the 2025 draft is onAaron Rodgers' first 300-yard performance in 35 games results in another Jets lossThe Dolphins sneaky retooling on offenseFiring Matt Eberflus didn't fix the BearsAnother Russell Wilson TD pass over the middle of the fieldThe Jaguars and Titans bring TNF to SundayWhat Did We Learn in Week 14?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: 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 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.

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.Host: Robert MaysWith: Brad SpielbergerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Chris FlannerySubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Brad on X: @SpielbergerBradTheme 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.

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.RundownLions win thriller over PackersGame of the Week: Chargers at ChiefsGame of the Week: Seahawks at CardinalsRams run game vs. Bills defenseBryce Young vs. Eagles defenseIs Falcons-Vikings a revenge game for Kirk Cousins?Who's better positioned for the next three seasons...Bengals or Cowboys?What Do You Wanna Know from Week 14?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: 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 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.

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.RundownBrowns-Broncos recapWhat's keeping the Steelers up at night?What's keeping the Vikings up at night?What's keeping the Packers up at night?What's keeping the Ravens up at night?What's keeping the Bills up at night?What's keeping the Chiefs up at night?What's keeping the Eagles up at night?What's keeping the Lions up at night?Another way the run game is backAn argument for quarterbacks should exhaust their college eligibilityWhat the rest of this season means for the 49ersHost: Robert MaysWith: Fran DuffyExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.socialFollow Fran on Bluesky: @fduffy.bsky.socialFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Fran on X: @FDuffyNFLTheme 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 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.RundownEagles make statement with win over RavensThe NFC West race...You Have My AttentionSeahawks knock off JetsVikings sneak past CardinalsWho will win the NFC West?Pittsburgh Steelers, the likely AFC North Champs...You Have My Attention!Kirk Cousins...WTF?!?Buccaneers narrowly avoid WTF statusOK, Bryce YoungWashington's offense isn't dead yetThe Texans find a way to let us down, even when they winA 19-play, game-winning drive from the Colts?!?What Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: 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 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.

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.RundownChargers-Falcons previewSteelers-Bengals previewCardinals-Vikings previewEagles-Ravens preview49ers-Bills previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: 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 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.

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.RundownRavens-Chargers MNF recapEmerging polarization in the 2025 NFL Draft classDane's initial flag plantingThe 2025 quarterbacks, headlined by Shedeur Sanders and Cam WardIntriguing pairings in the top 10Drake Maye is a dudeShould the Jets have taken Brock Bowers?Should the Falcons have taken Jared Verse?Why the Bo Nix/Broncos pairing is workingHost: Robert MaysWith: Daniel Popper and Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.socialFollow Daniel on X: @danielrpopperFollow 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.

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.RundownEagles dominate RamsPackers run game...You Have My Attention!Seahawks defense...You Have My Attention!Titans-Texans...WTF?!?Do the Texans have a Wild Card Round ceiling?Washington Commanders...WTF?!?Bryce Young nearly one-upped the ChiefsJonnu Smith is the Dolphins' top pass-catcher now?Baker Mayfield has found his place...and we're all better off for itAnthony Richardson has three types of gamesCaleb Williams' best performance of the seasonWhat Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

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.Host: Robert MaysWith: Andrew MarchandExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Chris FlannerySubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Andrew on X: @AndrewMarchandTheme 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 12 marks the end of the middle-third of the regular season and pushes us into the start of the stretch run toward the playoffs. What better way to celebrate that than with the third meeting between the Harbaugh brothers as head coaches in the NFL? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 12 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show by digging into Ravens-Chargers and 49ers-Packers. The guys also highlight one thing apiece from Eagles-Rams and Cardinals-Seahawks, consider the playoff chances for the Colts and Buccaneers, wonder if we've hit the Kliff Cliff, and more.RundownGame of the Week: Ravens at ChargersGame of the Week: 49ers at PackersOne Thing From...Eagles at RamsOne Thing From...Cardinals at SeahawksAre the Colts really still alive in the playoff hunt?Have we reached the Kliff Cliff?Wins Pool Update...it's not going well for RobertCaleb Williams and the Bears vs. Robert Flores and the VikingsThe Buccaneers' path to the NFC South titleHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Look, not everyone can be a Super Bowl contender. Plenty of teams aren't even playoff contenders. More than half the league misses the playoffs, and many of those teams are bad. Some are very bad. But that doesn't mean they can't take something from the 2024 season. Robert Mays and Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated and the MMQB find silver linings for those bad teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownTexans-Cowboys MNF recapJets fire Joe DouglasSilver lining for the 2024 JetsSilver lining for the 2024 PanthersSilver lining for the 2024 GiantsSilver lining for the 2024 PatriotsSilver lining for the 2024 RaidersSilver lining for the 2024 BrownsSilver lining for the 2024 TitansSilver lining for the 2024 JaguarsThe Ball Knower...all Lions, all the timeHost: Robert MaysWith: Conor OrrExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Conor on X: @ConorOrrTheme 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-Chiefs rivalry delivered yet again, with the Bills handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry delivered, too, and now the Steelers find themselves in command of the AFC North. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those games, plus the Broncos statement win over the Falcons, the befuddling 49ers—as well as the broader picture of the NFC West—Anthony Richardson's triumphant return, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownBills make a statement with win over ChiefsBengals and Chargers give us a great one on Sunday nightSteelers defense...You Have My Attention!The Denver Broncos...You Have My Attention!WTF is this 49ers season?Settling for a 46-yard field goal, Matt Eberflus? WTF?!?Anthony Richardson's triumphant returnTua's making plays on the moveThe Jaguars scored first against the Lions...and then the Lions won 52-6Taysom Hill's monster dayWhat Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Justin Jefferson: Four years, $140 million. CeeDee Lamb: Four years, $136 million. Amon-Ra St. Brown: Four years, $120 million. A.J. Brown: Three years, $96 million. The market for wide receivers has exploded in recent years. But what about the players tasked with slowing them down...the cornerbacks? Their market has stagnated. Moreover, the position that defined cool in the era of Deion Sanders seems almost devoid of superstars in 2024. What happened to the star cornerback? Robert Mays explores that question with Domonique Foxworth, who covers the NFL for ESPN and spent seven years playing corner in the league, on this episode of The Money Down, a special four-part miniseries from The Athletic Football Show focused on the business of the NFL.Host: Robert MaysWith: Domonique FoxworthExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Chris FlannerySubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Domonique on X: @Foxworth24Theme 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.

Chiefs-Bills week has become a hallmark of the Patrick Mahomes/Josh Allen era, and the 2024 edition is upon us. But hey, there's more! The first Ravens-Steelers game of the season is on Sunday, too. Seahawks-49ers, Falcons-Broncos and Bengals-Chargers, oh my! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all that, and a whole lot more, on a jam-packed Week 11 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownCommanders-Eagles recapGame of the Week: Chiefs at BillsGame of the Week: Ravens at SteelersOne thing from...Seahawks at 49ersOne thing from...Falcons at BroncosOne thing from...Bengals at ChargersThe sneaky fun part of Rams-PatriotsCould the Dolphins make the playoffs?Take Tribunal: We need to rethink how we conceive of good and bad quarterback situationsWhat Do You Wanna Know?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

The best time to hand out midseason awards is one week beyond the halfway point of the season. Everybody knows this. Bill Barnwell of ESPN joins Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen to do just that on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys discuss Lamar's possible third MVP, the potential of Mike Tomlin winning his first—yes, first—Coach of the Year Award, and a whole lot more.RundownDolphins-Rams recapBears fire Shane WaldronOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the YearOffensive Rookie of the YearDefensive Rookie of the YearExecutive of the YearAssistant Coach of the YearCoach of the YearMVPPleasant-est SurpriseBiggest DissapointmentStrongest Narrative ChangerHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Bill BarnwellExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Bill on X: @billbarnwellTheme 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 Game of the Week lived up to the billing in Week 10, with the Steelers pulling out a 28-27 win over the Commanders. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 10 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also marvel at the Chiefs voodoo magic, highlight the Cardinals' rise, raise an eyebrow in the 49ers' direction, and discuss the rest of the developments that grabbed them on Sunday.RundownSteelers remain atop AFC North with win over CommandersThe Chiefs black magic rolls onThe Cardinals are for realThe 49ers still feel off, even after a winLamenting the 2024 BuccaneersFalcons...WTF?!?Lions-Texans...WTF?!?Bad Sam Darnold showed up on SundayJustin Herbert is doing his thingTaron Johnson is coolBryce Young > Daniel Jones...at least in Week 10It's So Over for the BearsWhat Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

If Bengals-Ravens is any indication of what we're going to get in the second half of the 2024 NFL season, we're in for quite the couple of months. Recapping that fireworks show is where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys then move on to our Week 10 Game of the Week, Steelers at Commanders. They also discuss the Falcons offense, the Eagles defense, sneaky worries over Sam Darnold, disappointment with the Texans, Christian McCaffrey's likely return, and a whole lot more.RundownRavens beat Bengals in TNF thrillerSteelers-Commanders previewTake Tribunal: The Texans offense is the most disappointing unit in the leagueThe Eagles defense is coming togetherSam Darnold is keeping Derrik up at nightUnder the Hood: Falcons offenseHow real is the Rams defense?Can Christian McCaffrey save the 49ers?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

The NFL trade deadline...no longer a snoozer! We had plenty of activity in the wide receiver market over the last few weeks, and the final day before the deadline brought us plenty of meaningful deals, highlighted by Za'Darius Smith to the Lions and Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders. Robert Mays and Mike Sando wrap up deadline day, plus recap recent news and look ahead to the second half of the season, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownThe Chiefs seem awfully happy with DeAndre HopkinsZa'Darius Smith to the LionsMarshon Lattimore to the CommandersThe Steelers make a couple movesTre White to the RavensSmaller deadline day movesWhat's next in New Orleans after the firing of Dennis Allen?The Raiders clean houseThe rudderless CowboysLooking ahead to the second halfHost: Robert MaysWith: Mike SandoExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Make on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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're halfway through the NFL season, and the best of the best are starting to separate. Two cases in point in Week 9...the Lions and Ravens. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those results on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Chargers latest win, concerns for the Bears, highlight reel plays from the Eagles, the Rams win over the Seahawks, and a whole lot more.RundownRavens dominate BroncosLions handle PackersLos Angeles Chargers...You Have My Attention!Joe Burrow...You Have My Attention!Chicago Bears...WTF?!?Seattle Seahawks...WTF?!?Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith carry the EaglesDrake Maye did something cool againTerry McLaurin is out of QB hellChris Olave's healthIt's So Over...the Miami DolphinsIt's So Over...the Dallas CowboysWhat Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Some Games of the Week sneak up on us. Others we can predict before the season even starts. Lions-Packers is one of the latter. We'll spend plenty of time between now and kickoff hoping Jordan Love is healthy enough to play and play well, but either way this is clearly the Game of the Week for Week 9. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break that one down, dig into the Chargers defense, highlight the matchup between the Ravens offense and Broncos defense, and get into so much more about Week 9 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownJets beat Texans on Thursday Night FootballGame of the Week: Lions at PackersFourth Screen emailAnthony Richardson benchedUnder the Hood: Chargers defenseMatchup of the Week: Ravens offense vs. Broncos defenseCan the Cowboys pull a Falcons?...yes, this is a good thingCan the Cardinals offense keep it going against the Bears defense?What Do You Wanna Know?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Each of this season's four first-round starting quarterbacks—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix—have shown off some highs and some lows, with the possible exception of lows from Daniels. How does all that shake out in the aggregate? Former NFL quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, the brain behind The QB School, joins Robert Mays to break down what we've seen from the rookie quarterbacks so far this season. Before that, The Athletic's Giants beat writer Dan Duggan joins to recap the team's loss MNF loss to the Steelers and weigh in on the state of the franchise.RundownThe state of the GiantsCaleb WilliamsJayden DanielsDrake MayeBo NixUpon Further Review: Anthony Richardson benchedThe Ball KnowerRome Odunze needs to play moreMatt LaFleur is an elite playcallerRooting for Tua TagovailoaHost: Robert MaysWith: Dan Duggan and J.T. O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Dan on X: @DDuggan21Follow J.T. on X: @theqbschoolTheme 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.

Alright, we'll admit it. We hand waved this week's slate back on our Week 8 preview episode. And then the league delivered one of the craziest days of the season. From the Browns upset of the Ravens, to Washington's walk-off Hail Mary against the Bears, Week 8 came through for us in a big way. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the week on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownBears-Commanders sillinessThe Philadelphia Eagles...You Have My AttentionTime for a Bengals post-mortem?The Buffalo Bills...You Have My AttentionThe Atlanta Falcons...You Have My AttentionThe first place Cardinals...You Have My AttentionAre the Dolphins done?The New York Jets...WTF?!?The Baltimore Ravens...WTF?!?Anthony Richardson...WTF?!?Did You See That?!?What Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

We're just more than a week out from the trade deadline, and we've already seen a number of impact deals. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dream up a few more that we could realistically see on this Week 8 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss Bills-Seahawks, the Bears defense, Eagles-Bengals and a whole lot more.RundownVikings-Rams recapBills-Seahawks previewDeAndre Hopkins to the ChiefsRealistic trades we'd like to seeUnder the Hood: The non-Caleb parts of the Bears 4-2 startBummed out by the Colts and Texans offensesThe Eagles and Bengals aren't playing serious football—especially the EaglesHuge game in the NFC SouthWhat Do We Wanna Know?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Back in August, 50 NFL coaches and executives told The Athletic's Mike Sando that Lamar Jackson is not a tier-one quarterback. Welp, so much for that. Lamar isn't the only QB playing outside his assigned tier this season. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Sando sits in for Robert Mays and discusses with Derrik Klassen four other quarterbacks who aren't lining up with where those coaches and execs placed them in Sando's 2024 QB tiers column. Then, the guys break down four more quarterbacks who have a ton at stake the rest of the season.RundownRavens-Buccaneers recapBaker MayfieldJared GoffGeno SmithAaron RodgersBrock PurdySam DarnoldKirk CousinsJalen HurtsHost: Mike SandoCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Sando on X: @SandoNFLFollow 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.

The Chiefs are the lone unbeaten team in the NFL as Week 7 comes to an end. They stayed that way by stifling the 49ers in a 28-18 win. The league's other undefeated team at the start of Week 7, the Vikings, suffered their first loss at the hands of the Lions, who also moved into first place in the NFC North. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss those two games, plus Saquon's revenge, disappointment in the Bengals, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownLions win thriller over VikingsChiefs take down 49ersPackers defense shuts down TexansSeahawks get back on track with win over FalconsAnother disaster for the PanthersBengals offense...WTF?!?Saquon's revengeAmari Cooper had some moments in his Bills debutGood Jaguars offense or bad Patriots defense?Drake Maye impresses againWhat We Learned TodayHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

On paper, Week 7 is the best week of the 2024 season to date. It's highlighted by the Super Bowl rematch, that doesn't quite feel like a Super Bowl rematch, between the Chiefs and 49ers, and it doesn't stop there. Vikings-Lions, Texans-Packers and Ravens-Buccaneers would all be worthy Game of the Week choices, as well. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show, but it is, of course, Chiefs-49ers that gets the full Game of the Week treatment. The guys also discuss the Giants front, the Chargers friskiness, their approval of midseason trades like Amari Cooper to the Bills, and more.RundownBroncos-Saints recapGame of the Week: Chiefs-49ersLions-Vikings: Ben Johnson vs. Brian FloresTexans-Packers: Appreciating C.J. Stroud and Jordan LoveRavens-Buccaneers: Can the Bucs offense keep up?This Might Only Interest Me, But...Wins Pool updateWhat Do You Wanna Know in Week 7?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Never a dull moment for the New York Jets, huh? The Athletic's Jets beat reporter Zack Rosenblatt joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to break down the tumultuous week in Jets land. Then, David Helman from Fox Sports hops on with Robert to separate all 32 teams into six tiers, from Super Bowl or Bust (think Chiefs, Ravens, Lions) to Mock Draft Enthusiasts (think Panthers, Browns, Patriots).RundownDavante Adams traded to JetsBehind the Robert Saleh firingSuper Bowl or BustLocked-In Playoff TeamsDeserving Wild CardsClinging to Playoff DreamsBREAKING: Amari Cooper to the Bills!Outside Looking InMock Draft EnthusiastsHost: Robert MaysWith: Zack Rosenblatt and David HelmanExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Zack on X: @ZackBlattFollow David on X: @davidhelman_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.

Ravens-Commanders was the best game on paper in Week 6, and it absolutely lived up to the billing. And hey, that 0-2 start to the season for the Ravens feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen kick off the Week 6 recap on The Athletic Football Show with an in-depth look at the Ravens' win over the Commanders. The guys also talk about the disaster in Dallas, the ascendant NFC North, the suddenly relevant Chargers, and a whole lot more.RundownRavens take down CommandersYou Have My Attention: Bucs-Saints sillinessYou Have My Attention: The suddenly relevant ChargersYou Have My Attention: The NFC NorthDallas Cowboys...WTF?!?Eagles and Browns...WTF?!?The Patriots offense shows some life with Drake MayeCalvin Ridley isn't happy about his 0-ferTyler Allgeier does cool stuff, and the Falcons run game gets goingWhat We Learned in Week 6Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Some Games of the Week are easy to see coming. Other Games of the Week are Commanders-Ravens. And yet, that's not only the highlight of the Week 6 schedule, but one of the best games to date this season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen go deep on the Battle of the B-W Parkway on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also dig into Lions-Cowboys, the Broncos and Packers offenses, the 49ers' win over the Seahawks on Thursday night, and a whole lot more.Rundown49ers-Seahawks recapCommanders-Ravens previewLions-Cowboys previewWhat's on the Fourth Screen?Under the Hood: Broncos offenseThis Might Only Interest Me, But...Packers offense relative strugglesSpencer Rattler timeTake Tribunal: The Drake Maye panic is overblownWhat We Wanna Learn in Week 6Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

We're used to big news dropping on Tuesdays, but this one was entirely different. The Robert Saleh firing—especially the timing of it—surprised the NFL world, and that's where Robert Mays and Diante Lee of The Ringer begin this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also recap the Chiefs' win over the Saints on Monday Night Football, dig into the Seahawks' run defense and the deteriorating situation in Cleveland, and bat around questions for three good offenses—the Texans, Bengals, 49ers and Bills.Then, John Shipley from Sports Illustrated joins to engage in some franchise counseling for the Jacksonville Jaguars.RundownJets fire Robert SalehSaints-Chiefs recapUpon Further Review: Seattle's run defenseUpon Further Review: The nightmare in ClevelandThe Ball KnowerHouston's early down problemsSan Francisco's passing gameBuffalo's recent strugglesFranchise Counseling: Jacksonville JaguarsHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Diante on X: @DianteLeeFBFollow John on X: @_John_ShipleyTheme 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.

Ravens 41, Bengals 38 in overtime. Texans 23, Bills 20. The Jaguars and Colts combining for 41 points in the fourth quarter. And that was all in the early window on Sunday. Yeah, Week 5 was the craziest week to date of this NFL season. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownRavens beat Bengals in OT thrillerYou Have My Attention: Texans get huge win over BillsYou Have My Attention: Caleb Williams stars in Bears' win over PanthersNFC West...WTF?!?Raiders...WTF?!?Did You See That?!?...Jayden Daniels shines, but in a different wayDid You See That?!?...Jaguars-Colts fourth quarter fireworksDid You See That?!?...Andrew Van Ginkel making big playsDid You See That?!?...Xavier McKinney is ballingWhat Did We Learn Today?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Four weeks into the season, the 49ers' offense has been predictably great...but in unpredictable fashion. Four weeks into the season, the Steelers' offense has been unpredictably effective. Ravens-Bengals and Bills-Texans as the Week 5 Games of the Week? Well, yeah, not everything can be unpredictable. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview Week 5 across the NFL on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownBuccaneers-Falcons recapRavens-Bengals previewBills-Texans previewWhat's on my Fourth Screen?Under the Hood: Steelers offenseFavorite realistic Davante Adams trade destinationsTake Tribunal: The Jets won't improve on last year's win totalThe bizarro version of an elite 49ers offenseJayden Daniels gets a much tougher testWhat I Wanna KnowHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Dane Brugler makes his triumphant return to The Athletic Football Show to start laying groundwork for the 2025 NFL Draft. He and Robert Mays take a big-picture look at the class, and dig deeper into prospects who have caught Dane's eye, including Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty. The guys start the show by recapping Seahawks-Lions and Titans-Dolphins, and wrap it up by discussing Malik Nabers, the rookies in the Rams' defensive front and the top-two quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft.RundownTitans-Dolphins recapSeahawks-Lions recapMovers on Dane Brugler's 2025 NFL Draft big boardUpon Further Review: Jalen MilroeUpon Further Review: Chargers defense and Chiefs offense check-insThe Ball Knower: Malik Nabers is already a top-10 WRThe Ball Knower: Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are doing workThe Ball Knower: Is Ryan Poles sweating yet?Host: Robert MaysWith: Dane BruglerExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow 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.

Ravens-Bills wasn't quite the close contest we were hoping for, but it still gave us plenty to discuss about two teams that are likely among the best in the league. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 4 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the surging Washington football team, the 4-0 Vikings, troubles for the Jets and Eagles, a silly little game between the Falcons and Saints, and a whole lot more.RundownRavens trounce BillsWashington Football Team...You Have My Attention4-0 Vikings...You Still Have My AttentionEagles...WTF?!?Jets offense...WTF?!?Falcons, Saints and the NFC South...WTF?!?Chiefs and Texans...you guys are almost hereDid You See That? Jaylon JohnsonDid You See That? Darnell Washington hurdle + Steelers-Colts wrapDid You See That? Ja'Marr Chase's ridiculous catch-and-runWhat We Learned TodayHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Vikings-Packers, Bills-Ravens and Seahawks-Lions highlight the 16-game Week 4 slate and, helpfully, they're all in different game windows. Now that's how you schedule helpfully for the football fan, NFL. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those three games, plus Jayden Daniels, the Broncos front, Todd Bowles as Jalen Hurts' kryptonite, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownGiants-Cowboys recapVikings-PackersBills-RavensSeahawks-LionsQB Spotlight: Jayden DanielsThis Might Only Interest Me, But...Broncos front vs. Jets offensive lineJalen Hurts vs. Todd BowlesThe Athletic's front office surveyWhat Do You Wanna Know by the end of Week 4?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Look, NFL, you can give us as many two-game Monday nights as you want, so long as we get to watch quarterback performances like we saw from Jayden Daniels, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow in Week 3. Mitch Schwartz joins Robert Mays to break down Commanders-Bengals and Jaguars-Bills on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also add their answers to the question about leaguewide offensive struggles and play a round of The Ball Knower.RundownCommanders-Bengals recapJaguars-Bills recapWhy are offenses struggling?The Ball KnowerWhat Mitch Knows He Knows: Josh Allen is the league's second-best quarterbackWhat Mitch Thinks He Knows: The Vikings are for realWhat Mitch Wants to Know: If the run game is back, where are the superstar running backs?Host: Robert MaysWith: Mitch SchwartzExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Mitch on X: @MitchSchwartz71Theme 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.

Four teams are 3-0 as we head into the final week of September. One is the Chiefs. The other three are the Vikings, Steelers and Seahawks. It's safe to say chaos remains the only constant in the NFL. Well, chaos and the Chiefs. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen wrap up a wild Week 3 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownChaos reigns supremeMore likely to win their division...Steelers or Seahawks?Minnesota Vikings...You Have My AttentionMatt LaFleur...You Have My AttentionSaquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert...You Have My AttentionTampa Bay Buccaneers...WTF?!?Raiders defense...WTF?!?Shane Waldron...WTF?!?Justin Fields attacking the middleMalik Nabers giving off Ja'Marr Chase vibesJauan Jennings has a big dayThe Cowboys defense just might be badIt's So Over for the DolphinsWhat We Learned TodayHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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.

As recently as two weeks ago, we might not have thought that Texans-Vikings and Lions-Cardinals would be the games we'd most be looking forward to in Week 3. Therein lies much of the beauty of the NFL. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig deep into those matchups on the Week 3 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss who's more desperate for a win in the Ravens-Cowboys game, which of the 2-0 Steelers and 2-0 Chargers is more for real, the relative struggles of the Colts offense through two weeks, and a whole lot more.RundownPatriots-Jets recapTexans-VikingsLions-CardinalsWhat's on My Fourth Screen?Desperation Bowl: Ravens-CowboysChargers-Steelers...Which 2-0 team is more for real?Under the Hood: Colts offenseAiring of GrievancesWhat Do You Wanna Know?Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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 permanent statistical revolution going on in the NFL, and there is no end in sight. Amazon Thursday Night Football's analytics expert Sam Schwartzstein joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to detail what you're seeing on the Prime TNF broadcasts, and why you're seeing what you're seeing. After that, noted Panthers fan Steven Ruiz from The Ringer joins Robert to go through some QB Counseling for Bryce Young.RundownFalcons-Eagles recapThe state of stats in the NFLQB Counseling for Bryce Young and the PanthersHost: Robert MaysWith: Sam Schwartzstein and Steven RuizExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Sam on X: @schwartzsteinsFollow Steven on X: @theStevenRuizTheme 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 Chiefs and Bengals gave us another classic, this one with the Chiefs escaping with a 26-25 win. The Saints offense went off for the second week in a row. The Buccaneers went into Detroit and beat the Lions. The Vikings upset the 49ers, while the Raiders tripped up the Ravens. Yup, it was a crazy Week 2. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen wrap it all up on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownQuick Bears-Texans thoughtsChiefs get past BengalsYou Have My Attention: Saints offenseYou Have My Attention: Tampa Bay BuccaneersYou Have My Attention: Minnesota VikingsWTF?!?...The Rams season feels over?The Cardinals might have somethingWTF?!?...The Colts run defenseWTF?!?...The Ravens lost another game they should've wonGeno Smith is ballingKeion White shines againAidan Hutchinson wrecked the Buccaneers offenseQuentin Johnston caught two touchdowns!It's So Over for the JaguarsWhat Derrik Learned Today: It's gonna take some time for Mike Zimmer in DallasWhat Robert Learned Today: We don't know anything about what will work and what won'tHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

Week 2 is one of the best weeks of the year because we get our first opportunity to learn how much of what we saw in Week 1 was real. For instance, the Buccaneers offense was electric last week. That, however, was against a Washington defense that could be the worst in the league. How will the Bucs fare against the Lions on Sunday. That's one of our Games of the Week, along with Bengals-Chiefs. Speaking of, how worried should we be about the Bengals? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into those games, reconsider some preseason takes, unveil a few new segments and make an argument for you to watch a particular game on Sunday on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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 1 often leaves us asking this simple question...is this real? Bengals panic after the loss to the Patriots...is this real? The Saints and Buccaneers offenses under new playcallers? Really good! The Falcons offense under a new playcaller? Pretty bad! Is this real? Robert Mays and Mike Sando dig into those situations, and more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Plus, the guys also recap Jets-49ers and scoop up news items coming out of the weekend.RundownJets-49ers recapAnother suit against Deshaun WatsonJustin Fields likely to start for the Steelers in Week 2Malik Willis to start in place of injured Jordan LoveRams injuriesIs This Real? Bengals panicIs This Real? The Saints offense is fun and goodIs This Real? The Buccaneers offense can light it upIs This Real? The Falcons offense looks broeknIs This Real? The Eagles offense is backIs This Real? No more passing touchdownsHost: Robert MaysWith: Mike SandoExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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 1 represents 100% of the regular season football we've seen this season, so it's only natural to overreact. Not every reaction is an overreaction, though. For instance, it's not an overreaction to say that Dak Prescott had a great day...or that Josh Allen is a football superhero...or that the Bengals and Falcons were massive letdowns. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss all that, and a whole lot more, on the Week 1 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownRams-Lions OT thrillerDallas Cowboys...You Have My AttentionJosh Allen and the Bills/Cardinals game...You Have My AttentionHouston Texans run game...You Have My AttentionCincinnati Bengals...WTF?!?Jordan Love's injury...WTF?!?Atlanta Falcons...WTF?!?Did You See That?...JK Dobbins runs wildDid You See That?...The Saints are committed to the bitDid You See That?...Baker Mayfield dropping dimesIt's So Over for the PanthersIt's So Over for the GiantsWhat Did We Learn Today?...The Jaguars are still super frustratingWhat Did We Learn Today?...The vibes in New England are differentWhat Did We Learn Today?...It's hard to be a rookie QBHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Mike SandoExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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 did it. We made it. The 2024 NFL regular season is here. In fact, one game is already in the books. We kick off this episode of The Athletic Football Show with a recap of the Chiefs' thrilling 27-20 win over the Ravens, featuring Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Mike Sando. Then, Robert and Derrik preview the rest of the games by highlighting five things they're excited about watching in Week 1, including Packers-Eagles, Lions-Rams, the potentially resurgent Cardinals and Jets, and Caleb Williams' NFL debut (approximate start time of 25 minutes).RundownChiefs-Ravens recapPackers-Eagles will be funCardinals upset potential over BillsWe finally get to see the Aaron Rodgers JetsGood test for the JaguarsC.J. Stroud vs. Anthony RichardsonJoe Alt gets Maxx Crosby in his first real NFL gameRams-Lions reduxBaptism by fire for the Cowboys' new offensive lineCaleb Williams' NFL debutThere are a lot of young quarterbacks in the league!Host: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenWith: Mike SandoExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow Robert on X: @robertmaysFollow Derrik on X: @QBKlassFollow Mike on X: @SandoNFLTheme 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 2024 NFL season is on our doorstep. There's just one item of business left...predictions! Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen offer up their playoff picks, award winners and Super Bowl Champions—along with some favorite bets—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownDefensive Player of the YearOffensive Player of the YearCoach of the YearAssistant Coach of the YearOffensive Rookie of the YearDefensive Rookie of the YearRushing LeaderPassing LeaderReceiving LeaderMVPDivision Winners and Wild CardsSuper BowlHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

We've come to the end of the division preview line for the 2024 NFL season, and we arrive here with a bang. The NFC West is on the shortlist for most exciting division in the league, one that includes the defending conference champion and a Super Bowl favorite. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into the 49ers, Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownSan Francisco 49ers previewLos Angeles Rams previewSeattle Seahawks previewArizona Cardinals previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

So this division got pretty fun pretty fast, huh? The Texans look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Jaguars have their guy at quarterback, and the Colts just might, too. The Titans, meanwhile, are getting a lot of, "they may not be great, but they sure look frisky" love this offseason. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into the AFC South on this episode of The Athletic Football show.RundownHouston Texans previewIndianapolis Colts previewJacksonville Jaguars previewTennessee Titans previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

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

The Lions are inner-circle Super Bowl contenders. The Packers are potential Super Bowl contenders. The Bears have Caleb Williams and a ton of justified optimism. And there's plenty of intrigue for the Vikings, even with J.J. McCarthy out for the year. Is the NFC North the most exciting division in the league? It just might be. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownDetroit Lions previewGreen Bay Packers previewMinnesota Vikings previewChicago Bears previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.

The Chiefs and everyone else...that's the AFC West. While it'd be a massive upset if the Chiefs don't run away with this division, it still has its fair share of storylines and intrigue. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all of it on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.RundownKansas City Chiefs previewLos Angeles Chargers previewLas Vegas Raiders previewDenver Broncos previewHost: Robert MaysCo-Host: Derrik KlassenExecutive Producer: Michael BellerProducer: Michael BellerSubscribe to The Athletic Football Show...AppleSpotifyYouTubeFollow 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.