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The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, and tackle the ins and outs of roster building. They meticulously follow the details of why we all love this sport and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. You want year-round draft coverage? You'll get that here, too, with draft expert Dane Brugler. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Building the Beast: Darian Mensah and Trinidad Chambliss put down NFL Draft markers in Week 1
8. Sept. 202649 min<p>Week 1 of the college football season is in the books, and we've already got 2027 NFL Draft prospects putting important moments on tape. Dave Helman and Dane Brugler jump into the earliest of early returns on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast.</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Dane Brugler and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @DPBrulger</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The 2026 TAFS Wins Pool Draft
7. Sept. 20261h 1m<p>Most competitions are about winning. Some, however, are about not losing. This is one of the latter. That's right, it's time for the 2026 TAFS Wins Pool Draft. Come in first or second, and breathe a sigh of relief. Finish in last, and get ready to embarrass yourself in front of all of cour colleagues at the Super Bowl. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman pick eight teams apiece in front of a live audience on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 NFC West preview
4. Sept. 20261h 52m<p>We have done it. We've reached the end of the line. The eighth and final divison preview is here, and it is the loaded NFC West. Is it possible for the Rams to have a successful season without winning the Super Bowl? How do the Seahawks replace the key players who left last year's Super Bowl champ during the offseason? What must the 49ers do to keep their championship window ajar. And what's really at stake for the Cardinals in 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 NFC North preview
3. Sept. 20261h 55m<p>The NFC North could very well be the deepest division in football. At the same time, there might not be an inner-circle Super Bowl contender among the four teams in the division. What must the Lions do to keep their championship window open? How do the Packers find their way through the playoff issues that have plagued them the last three years? What's the next step on offense for the Bears? And can Kyler Murray get the Vikings back on track? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 AFC South preview
2. Sept. 20261h 52m<p>Once the butt of jokes across the league, the AFC South produced two teams that won at least 12 games last year, and for a time looked like it could get three teams into the playoffs. The Texans and Jaguars return this year as teams with legitimate aspirations to make deep postseason runs, while the Colts and Titans have reason to believe that they could notch the sorts of improvements that would push them to growth in 2026. Can the Texans offense do enough to make the most of an elite defense? Was the Jaguars second-half surge on offense for real? How do the Colts capture the magic from the first half of last season and keep it for a full 17-game slate? And just what would be a successful season for the Titans? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 AFC East preview
1. Sept. 20261h 50m<p>The New England Patriots stopped the Buffalo Bills' streak of AFC East titles at six last year, then ran right through the AFC side of the playoff bracket to reach Super Bowl LX where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks. It's once again expected to be the Bills and Patriots at the top of the division, and if that sounds familiar it's only because they've won every AFC East crown dating back to 2009. What must the Bills do to finally break through to the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era? Was the A.J. Brown addition enough for the Patriots to follow up on last year's surprise campaign? Can the offensive line and Geno Smith live up to their end of the billing, allowing the Jets to be a surprisingly fun offense? And just how should the Dolphins measure success this season? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 NFC South preview
31. Aug. 20261h 48m<p>The NFC South remains the little brother of the league, coming into the season as the only division without an obvious Super Bowl contender. The Buccaneers have held sway over this division for most of the 2020s, but it was the Panthers last year who broke through and won the division, albeit with an 8-9 record. How do the Buccaneers get back to the top of the division this season? What must the Saints do to rollover the optimism they built up over the second half of last season into this year? How do the Panthers prove that last year wasn't a fluke? And is this the season that the Falcons can finally put it all together on offense, given their wealth of skill position talent? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
We're going camping! Broncos, Chiefs, Packers and Bears
29. Aug. 20261h 46m<p>And with that, Robert Mays' 2026 training camp tour has reached its end. The final two stops on the tour were Green Bay and Chicago, where he spoke with Packers writer Matt Schneidman and Bears writer Kevin Fishbain. And just to wrap things up nicely, he checked in with Broncos writer Nick Kosmider and Chiefs writer Jesse Newell.</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Matt Schneidman, Kevin Fishbain, Nick Kosmider, Jesse Newell</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 NFC East preview
28. Aug. 20261h 46m<p>Get your tickets for the Sept 1st live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>We flip over to the NFC for the first time in this season's division preview series, with the NFC East taking center stage. The division runs through Philadelphia until further notice, but the Eagles are far from an overwhelming favorite to win their third straight NFC East crown. How will the Eagles weather the losses of A.J. Brown and Jeff Stoutland? Is the unbounded optimism surrounding the Cowboys justified? Can the Commanders put a forgettable 2025 behind them and get back to being a team that has the promise inherent to one with a superstar quarterback on a rookie deal? Will this finally be the season the Giants break free from the doldrums and get back on a winning trajectory? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 AFC North preview
27. Aug. 20261h 41m<p>Get your tickets to the Sept 1 live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>The AFC North is up next in our division preview series. Last year, this division featured two of the most disappointing teams in the league in the Ravens and Bengals, yet those two teams are expected to be right back at the top of the division, and potentially the entire conference, if they can once again find their respective fastballs. What will Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle bring to the Ravens in year one? Is this the year the Bengals defense finally lives up to its end of the bargain? Can the Steelers find a way out of Wild Card weekend purgatory? Will the Browns young core give their fans enough to be excited about in a season that appears likely to be defined by dreadful quarterback play? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
2026 AFC West Preview
26. Aug. 20261h 48m<p>Get your tickets for the Sept 1st live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>We kick off our annual round of division previews with the AFC West. This division sent two teams to the playoffs last year, yet neither of those teams is favored to win the division. That's what happens when Patrick Mahomes calls the division home. How do the Chiefs bounce back this year? Can Mike McDaniel be the offensive coordinator to get the absolute most out of Justin Herbert? Are the Broncos truly the Super Bowl contender they appeared to be last season? And how should the Raiders define success in 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Quarterbacks at a crossroads in 2026
25. Aug. 20261h 11m<p>Get your tickets to the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>C.J. Stroud went down to the crossroads, fell down on his knees. Bryce Young went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride. Justin Herbert will see you at the crossroads, so you won't be lonely. Yup, that's right, it's time for QBs at a crossroads. In addition to Stroud, Young and Herbert, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman discuss the pivotal seasons facing Jalen Hurts, Michael Penix and Malik Willis on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
What analytical trends and rule changes tell us about the 2026 season
24. Aug. 20261h 11m<p>Get your tickets for our September 1st live show: https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Let's face it: you can only learn so much about the season ahead from preseason football. So, we've turned to an alternate method of learning...Ryan Paganetti. Ryan chats with Robert Mays about the most interesting trends, rule changes, and what they tell us about what we could see in the 2026 NFL season.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
We're going camping! Bengals, Colts, Lions and Vikings
22. Aug. 20261h 44m<p>A full week in the Midwest? Robert Mays must be coming to the end of his training camp tour. This week saw Robert visit Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit and Minneapolis, which means conversations with Bengals writer Paul Dehner Jr., Colts writer James Boyd, Lions writer Colton Pouncy and Vikings writer Alec Lewis on this episode of The Athletic Football Show</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Paul Dehner Jr., James Boyd, Colton Pouncy, Alec Lewis</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
A Seat at the Table: The 10 true Super Bowl contenders at the start of the 2026 season
21. Aug. 20261h 25m<p>Get your tickets for our LIVE show at Lincoln Hall: https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>King Arthur's Table. Table Mountain. Mesa Verde. Teufelstisch. These are just four famous tables known the world over. Could the TAFS Contender's Table join their ranks? Likely not, but that won't stop us from asking the question. And it certainly won't stop us from bringing back our favorite bit from 2025 with improvements for the 2026 season. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman introduce the initial batch of legitimate Super Bowl contenders on this episode of The Athletic Football show by giving 10 teams a Seat at the Table.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Building the Beast: The NFL prospects you should know in 2026
20. Aug. 202657 min<p>Accompanied reading: Arch Manning's potential, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7510943/2026/08/18/arch-manning-nfl-draft-film-study/</p><p>The full set of preseason ranking articles, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/dane-brugler/</p><br><p>The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and Building the Beast is BACK! Dane Brugler joins Dave Helman to dig into the top prospects at every position for the 2026 season. Arch Manning, Leonard Moore, Xavier Atkins, and so much more.</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Dane Brugler and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @DPBrulger</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The most interesting new playcallers in 2026
19. Aug. 20261h 18m<p>We have an astounding 25 new playcallers on either side of the ball in 2026. Mike McDaniel with the Chargers. Jim Leonhard with the Bills. Those two are expected to be among the most important acquisitions of the offseason, players and head coaches included. But they aren't the only ones grabbing our attention. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen highlight the playcallers in new places they can't wait to watch on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:45 Mike Rutenberg & Cleveland Browns</p><p>11:44 Christian Parker & Dallas Cowboys</p><p>23:59 Chris O'Leary & Los Angeles Chargers</p><p>32:10 Sean Mannion & Philadelphia Eagles</p><p>43:52 Tyler Biadasz injury</p><p>45:01 Mike McDaniel & Chargers</p><p>53:41 Drew Petzing & Detroit Lions</p><p>1:04:47 Brian Daboll & Tennessee Titans</p><p>1:09:27 Brian Fleury & Seattle Seahawks</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Drafting the 15 best offenses in the NFL
18. Aug. 20261h 19m<p>Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Sure, we could rank the NFL's best offenses from 1 to 15 and then tell you the rankings of each host. But then we wouldn't hear Robert call himself a "spineless piece of shit," we wouldn't hear Dave talk about making an offense out of a "ham bone and a moldy shoe," and we certainly wouldn't hear Derrik agonize over picking another NFC North team. So we're doing it this way. Join Robert Mays, Dave Helman, and Derrik Klassen as they draft the NFL's best offenses for 2026.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:05 Bills</p><p>7:44 Cowboys</p><p>13:59 Rams</p><p>17:17 Patriots</p><p>22:25 Lions</p><p>26:31 Bears</p><p>34:04 Ravens</p><p>40:49 Chargers</p><p>45:50 Bengals</p><p>52:21 49ers</p><p>56:13 Packers</p><p>59:47 Jaguars</p><p>1:04:07 Chiefs</p><p>1:06:21 Vikings</p><p>1:09:14 Broncos</p><p>1:11:25 Honorable mentions</p><p>1:18:37 TAFS live show!</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
First impressions of the rookie class in preseason action
17. Aug. 20261h 3m<p>Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Good news! All of the good stuff you saw from the players you like and all the bad stuff from players you don't like in preseason is real. But the things that don't affirm your existing opinion? Fake. Not going to happen again. Robert Mays and Dave Helman have a mix of both those opinions and more reactions to the first preseason action of 2026.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:54 Arizona Cardinals-Las Vegas Raiders</p><p>4:30 Jeremiyah Love injury</p><p>8:29 Fernando Mendoza</p><p>9:52 Jeremiyah Love pre-injury</p><p>14:24 Chase Bisontis</p><p>15:25 Ty Simpson</p><p>16:39 Stetson Bennett</p><p>21:16 R Mason Thomas</p><p>21:42 Drew Allar</p><p>23:50 Jager Burton & Aaron Banks</p><p>28:24 Caleb Douglas</p><p>28:49 Kadyn Proctor</p><p>29:49 De'zhaun Stribling</p><p>30:33 Jakobi Lane</p><p>32:49 Jack Bech</p><p>34:46 Matthew Hibner</p><p>37:35 Marlin Klein</p><p>39:55 Cincinnati Bengals-Detroit Lions</p><p>45:06 Cleveland Browns quarterbacks</p><p>52:20 Browns receivers</p><p>54:21 Carolina Panthers-Buffalo Bills</p><p>56:07 Seattle Seahawks-Dallas Cowboys</p><p>56:46 Jamal Adams</p><p>57:51 Tennessee Titans-San Francisco 49ers</p><p>59:46 Other positive performances</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
We're going camping! Eagles, Steelers, Bills and Browns
15. Aug. 20261h 42m<p>Robert Mays slowly but surely made his way back to the Midwest from the mid-Atlantic on his training camp tour this week, kicking things off with the Eagles and wrapping it up with the Browns. In between, he made stops in Pittsburgh and Buffalo. As such, you'll hear from Eagles beat writer Zach Berman, Steelers beat writer Mike DeFabo, Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia, and Browns beat writer Zac Jackson on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:06 Eagles</p><p>31:00 Steelers</p><p>1:00:03 Bills</p><p>1:25:15 Browns</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Joe Person, Nate Atkins, Daniel Popper and Jon Machota</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Kyler Murray takes the reins & and other training camp stories worth caring about
14. Aug. 202653 min<p>Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Between starter announcements, preseason game statuses, and late-camp signings...we couldn't possibly cover all of the big NFL training camp news in one show. So we didn't! Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen run it back for part two of training camp storylines.</p><br><p>Accompanied reading: Bo Nix's area of improvement, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7503885/2026/08/11/broncos-bo-nix-quarterback-improvement-progressions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7503885/2026/08/11/broncos-bo-nix-quarterback-improvement-progressions/</a></p><br><p>2:43 Kyler Murray & Minnesota Vikings</p><p>7:40 What's next for JJ McCarthy</p><p>13:19 Bo Nix & Denver Broncos</p><p>18:06 Michael Penix Jr & Atlanta Falcons</p><p>19:07 Penix vs Tua Tagovailoa</p><p>20:14 Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson & Chicago Bears</p><p>25:01 Deebo Samuel & San Francisco 49ers</p><p>30:41 Elandon Roberts & Pittsburgh Steelers</p><p>33:40 Devin White & Detroit Lions</p><p>34:39 Darren Waller & Carolina Panthers</p><p>37:47 Jonathon Brooks</p><p>40:11 Marlon Humphrey/Nate Wiggins & Baltimore Ravens</p><p>41:50 Cade Mays</p><p>46:18 Jadeveon Clowney & Houston Texans</p><p>50:05 Emmanuel Ogbah & Kansas City Chiefs</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Drafting the best defenses in the NFL
13. Aug. 20261h 34m<p>Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Tired: Ranking. Wired: Drafting. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman draft who they think will be the best defenses in the NFL. Three drafters, five teams apiece, whoever's quintet ends the season with the best EPA per play wins. Derrik is on the clock...</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>4:35 Houston Texans</p><p>10:14 Seattle Seahawks</p><p>16:02 Los Angeles Rams</p><p>22:01 Philadelphia Eagles</p><p>27:21 Denver Broncos</p><p>33:00 Cleveland Browns</p><p>42:23 Pittsburgh Steelers</p><p>49:18 Baltimore Ravens</p><p>53:30 Minnesota Vikings</p><p>59:09 Jacksonville Jaguars</p><p>1:06:01 Buffalo Bills</p><p>1:12:36 Kansas City Chiefs</p><p>1:15:44 New York Giants</p><p>1:20:20 New England Patriots</p><p>1:20:45 New Orleans Saints</p><p>1:20:57 Dallas Cowboys</p><p>1:25:50 Los Angeles Chargers</p><p>1:29:11 Indianapolis Colts</p><p>1:31:39 Recap</p><p>1:33:09 LIVE SHOW!</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
13 players who can swing the 2026 NFL season
12. Aug. 20261h 22m<p>Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/</p><br><p>Nick Emmanwori. Parker Washington. Darnell Wright. All of these guys weren't necessarily getting a ton of attention at this time last year, and then they went on to completely swing how good their teams were. Who could do the same in 2026. Allow Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman to bring you the players who could swing the 2026 season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Accompanied watching: Texans training camp notebook (https://youtu.be/dW-SINQBEiU), Seahawks training camp notebook (https://youtu.be/2C5ZH-Qm-wE).</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>3:46 Marlon Humphrey</p><p>10:53 Nnamdi Madubike</p><p>17:01 Garrett Bradbury</p><p>20:32 Bears left tackles</p><p>24:15 Ed Oliver</p><p>31:35 Rashan Gary</p><p>34:43 Cobie Durant</p><p>38:35 Derrick Brown</p><p>48:48 Jadarian Price</p><p>55:40 Josh Jobe</p><p>1:01:25 Keylan Rutledge</p><p>1:06:12 Jayden Higgins</p><p>1:10:00 AJ Brown</p><p>1:20:51 TAFS live show!</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The teams we just can't figure out going into the season
10. Aug. 20261h 15m<p>No matter how well you know the NFL, a handful of teams every year are going to throw you for a loop on the doorstep of the season beginning. That doesn't mean they'll be bad, or even that you think they'll be bad. It just means you can't quite put a finger on what they're going to be and how they're going to play. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman name the teams they can't quite figure out in 2026 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>4:41 Packers</p><p>18:42 Saints</p><p>28:41 Chargers</p><p>38:11 Vikings</p><p>44:41 Cardinals</p><p>52:59 Patriots</p><p>1:05:28 Commanders</p><p>1:08:35 Chiefs</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
We're going camping! Seahawks, Falcons, Commanders and Ravens
8. Aug. 20261h 44m<p>Robert Mays wrapped up his west coast swing at the end of last week, before heading down to the southeast and mid-Atlantic on his training camp travels. That means you get Michael-Shawn Dugar on the Seahawks; Josh Kendall on the Falcons; Nicki Jhabvala on the Commanders; and Jeff Zrebiec on the Ravens on this episode of The Athletic Football Show</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>Seahawks 4:52</p><p>Falcons 36:22</p><p>Commanders 54:25</p><p>Ravens 1:20:09</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Michael-Shawn Dugar, Josh Kendall, Nicki Jhabvala, Jeff Zrebiec</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The training camp storylines worth buying into
7. Aug. 20261h 1m<p>August comes with salt air, the rust on your door, and a whole bunch of hollow training camp storylines. But how many of those storylines are actually worth believing? Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig into the running back market, the Vikings QB competition, Aaron Donald, and more of the trendy storylines coming out of training camp.</p><br><p>Accompanied reading: Alec Lewis on Vikings run game, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7494772/2026/08/06/minnesota-vikings-run-game-training-camp/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7494772/2026/08/06/minnesota-vikings-run-game-training-camp/</a></p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>0:53 Jahmyr Gibbs contract and disclaimer</p><p>2:48 Bijan Robinson/Jonathan Taylor contracts</p><p>8:46 Aaron Donald & Los Angeles Rams official workout</p><p>14:32 Jakobi Lane & Baltimore Ravens</p><p>18:33 Tylan Wallace nostalgia</p><p>19:26 JJ McCarthy vs Kyler Murray</p><p>23:56 Frank Smith & Minnesota Vikings run game</p><p>27:59 Bud Clark & Seattle Seahawks</p><p>32:38 Philadelphia Eagles receivers</p><p>35:53 KC Concepcion/Denzel Boston & Cleveland Browns</p><p>37:33 Browns trade for Spencer Rattler?</p><p>43:00 New Orleans Saints optimism</p><p>44:20 Darnell Wright & Chicago Bears contract</p><p>48:37 MarShawn Lloyd & Green Bay Packers</p><p>50:26 Packers offensive line</p><p>52:40 Max Iheanachor & Pittsburgh Steelers</p><p>56:18 Dexter Lawrence & Cincinnati Bengals</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
The stories teams are willing themselves to believe
6. Aug. 20261h 14m<p>Long before Ted Lasso was a smash hit TV show, professional sports teams had been willing themselves to "BELIEVE." Sometimes, that works out wonderfully, as in the case of the Bears believing that Ben Johnson was just what the doctor ordered for Caleb Williams. Other times, it doesn't quite work out, like when the Giants told themselves they only had a Daniel Jones problem. So, what are the stories that NFL teams must believe about themselves this season? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman crack open the storybook on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>5:11 Jaguars</p><p>13:20 Giants</p><p>25:30 Commanders</p><p>25:45 Stefon Diggs news</p><p>39:50 Eagles</p><p>51:27 Colts</p><p>57:16 Bills</p><p>1:02:45 Chiefs</p><p>1:05:43 Bengals/Cowboys</p><p>1:08:30 Broncos</p><p>1:10:30 Titans</p><br><p>Accompanied reading: Sando's QB tiers, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nfl-quarterback-tiers-insider-rankings-2026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nfl-quarterback-tiers-insider-rankings-2026/</a></p><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Nine players who can change their teams DNA
5. Aug. 20261h<p>Every season, a handful of players on new teams completely change the way their unit plays. Think of what Talanoa Hufanga did for the Broncos defense and what George Pickens did for the Cowboys offense last year. Those players are DNA changers. Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen do their best Crick and Watson and pick out nine potential DNA changers on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>1:44 Bijan Robinson & Atlanta Falcons</p><p>2:12 Zay Flowers & Baltimore Ravens</p><p>10:27 Jauan Jennings & Minnesota Vikings</p><p>17:09 Riq Woolen & Philadelphia Eagles</p><p>22:57 Osa Odighizuwa & San Francisco 49ers</p><p>27:50 Sauce Gardner & Indianapolis Colts</p><p>32:12 Kenny Moore & Colts</p><p>33:16 Dre’Mont Jones & New England Patriots</p><p>38:42 Jaylen Waddle & Denver Broncos</p><p>43:38 Reggie Gilliam & Patriots</p><p>49:36 Carnell Tate & Tennessee Titans</p><p>54:03 T’Vondre Sweat & New York Jets</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Half-baked takes for the 2026 season
4. Aug. 20261h 11m<p>Here’s a simple recipe for baking a take: 1. Have a thought or feeling. 2. Look up facts, stats, etc to support or disprove that thought or feeling. 3. Ponder the scope of the thought or feeling (a day, a season, a decade). 4. Mix in some outside opinions. 5. Enjoy your take. For this episode, we’re stopping about halfway through step two. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman share their half-baked takes for the 2026 season.</p><br><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>2:52 Coby Bryant injury</p><p>7:10 Baltimore Ravens & Maxx Crosby/Trey Hendrickson</p><p>13:56 DaVonta Smith</p><p>19:31 San Francisco 49ers & Ricky Pearsall</p><p>27:55 Washington Commanders & Jayden Daniels</p><p>31:29 Mike McDaniel</p><p>34:12 Houston Texans</p><p>42:17 Field goals</p><p>47:47 Los Angeles Rams</p><p>54:10 Natural grass fields</p><p>57:46 Picking playoff teams</p><p>1:03:17 New Orleans Saints</p><p>1:06:21 Dak Prescott</p><br><p>Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
We're going camping! Panthers, Rams, Chargers and Cowboys
1. Aug. 20261h 39m<p>Robert Mays kicked off his annual training camp tour last week, and as always, he'll be speaking with every Athletic beat writer he crosses paths with to get the on-the-ground expertise from people who are with these teams every day. In the first installment of this year's Beat Writer Notebook, Robert speaks with Joe Person on the Panthers, Nate Atkins on the Rams, Daniel Popper on the Chargers on Jon Machota on the Cowboys.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:30 Panthers</p><p>32:03 Rams</p><p>58:59 Chargers</p><p>1:23:00 Cowboys</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Joe Person, Nate Atkins, Daniel Popper and Jon Machota</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Senior Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Social Producer: Scott Krinch</p><br><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays</p><p>Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_</p><br><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
