The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter lead Dane Brugler's first Top 100 of 2025

<p>OK, enough with the 2024 season, it's time for 2025! Dane Brugler's post-Super Bowl Top 100 is out, and he joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to get us firmly pointed toward the combine and the draft.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Dane on X: @dpbrugler</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Super Bowl LIX recap: Eagles cap off dramatic turnaround from last season with dominant win over Chiefs

<p>The return to bully ball was one of the stories of the 2024 season. So perhaps it's fitting that the story of the Super Bowl was that of the Eagles utterly dominating the trenches on both sides of the ball in their 40-22 triumph over the Chiefs. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break down Super Bowl LIX on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Super Bowl LIX Preview

<p>The NFL season is a 285-game march to the Super Bowl. Friends, we have reached that 285th game. Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles is here, and Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. What are the key matchups? Who and what will the guys be watching on both sides of the ball? What does this mean for the legacies of the key players, coaches and executives involved. Robert and Derrik get into all that, and a whole lot more, on our Super Bowl LIX preview.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Super Bowl characters who have changed the way we think about them this season

<p>Consider what you thought about Saquon Barkley before this season. How about Trent McDuffie? How about Nick Sirianni? Might feel a bit different about them now, right? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discussed nine people involved in Super Bowl LIX who have changed the way we think about them this season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Saquon Barkley</li><li>Nick Sirianni</li><li>Howie Roseman</li><li>Vic Fangio</li><li>Zack Baun</li><li>Trent McDuffie</li><li>Joe Thuney</li><li>Andy Reid</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Chiefs hunt for a three-peat meets the Eagles march for redemption

<p>Way back in September, it didn't necessarily feel like we were going to end up here. The Chiefs may have enjoyed their status as the NFL's latest—and perhaps greatest—dynasty, but it was clear the Bills and Ravens would push them in the AFC. The Eagles, meanwhile, began the season 2-2, and saw their coach getting in shouting matches with fans at their own stadium. And yet, here we are, getting ready for Chiefs-Eagles in the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons. How did these teams make it here? What's at stake for them (beyond the obvious, of course)? Robert Mays sat down with Nate Taylor and Brooks Kubena, The Athletic's Chiefs and Eagles beat writers, respectively, to answer those questions on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Nate Taylor and Brooks Kubena</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Senior Bowl takeaways, coaching carousel roundup, and veteran quarterback intrigue with Dianna Russini

<p>Robert Mays and Dianna Russini kick off Super Bowl week with a crossover episode of The Athletic Football Show and Scoop City. The duo discusses Dianna's takeaways from the Senior Bowl, the behind-the-scenes elements of this year's head coach hiring cycle, the most interesting quarterbacks of the offseason, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Senior Bowl takeaways</li><li>Coaching carousel roundup</li><li>Brock Purdy/Niners negotiations</li><li>The Matthew Stafford domino</li><li>Sam Darnold's market</li><li>Could Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll reunite in Vegas?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Dianna Russini</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The TAFS mailbag is back!

<p>It's been far too long since we heard from you, our dear listeners. And so we're happy to say that the TAFS inbox is open! Not just for this episode, either. We're going to be doing this all offseason long. In the return edition of the mailbag, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss the point of fandom, the Bills best path to getting over the hump, if it's lame for neutral fans to root for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, what they'd do this offseason if they were Sam Darnold, and a whole lot more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>What can the Bills do to close the gap with the Chiefs in the playoffs?</li><li>What is it to be a sports fan?</li><li>Can Matt LaFleur get the Packers over the hump?</li><li>Is it lame to root for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl?</li><li>Assessing the staff around Ben Johnson in Chicago</li><li>What biases influence Robert and Derrik?</li><li>What would you do this offseason if you were Sam Darnold?</li><li>Could Matthew Stafford be on the move this offseason?</li><li>The role of elite tight ends in dynasties</li><li>Why hasn't Steve Spagnuolo's staff been picked over for DC jobs?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lessons learned from this season's final four teams (and the Lions)

<p>No team advances to its Conference Championship Game by accident. They get there through a combination of players, coaches, scheme and the way they were built. So what lessons can we learn from the Chiefs, Eagles, Bills and Commanders—and the Lions, let's be real—this season that we can apply to finding winners in future years? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and old friend Nate Tice dig into that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Nate Tice</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Nate on Bluesky: @natetice.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Follow Nate on X: @Nate_Tice</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The wildest 48 hours on the 2025 NFL coaching carousel

<p>One of the signature NFL franchises announced its head coach on a Friday night at 10 pm, and that was the second craziest development of the weekend in the coach hiring cycle. So, yeah, it was a wild weekend on the coaching carousel. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss Pete Carroll to the Raiders, Brian Schottenheimer's ascension in Dallas, Liam Coen's on-again/off-again/on-again partnership with the Jaguars and more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Pete Carroll to the Raiders</li><li>Brian Schottenheimer takes over in Dallas</li><li>Liam Coen goes to the Jaguars</li><li>The Saints are getting shut out</li><li>Coordinator moves, headlined by Bobby Slowik and Dennis Allen</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Conference Championship Sunday Recap: It's the Chiefs and Eagles for the Super Bowl...again

<p>A season that presented us with so many possible new Super Bowl teams—the Lions! the Bills! the Ravens! the 14-win Vikings!—ended in an awfully familiar place. How did the Chiefs and Eagles win their respective conferences to advance to Super Bowl LIX? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap Championship Sunday on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Conference Championship Sunday Preview: Can the Bills finally slay the Chiefs dragon?

<p>Chiefs-Bills for the AFC Championship? Yeah, sure, anyone could've seen that coming back in August. Commanders-Eagles for the NFC Championship Game? Ummmm, what? These matchups—two predictable heavyweights adding another chapter to their recent playoff rivalry on one side, one mini-surprise and one out-of-nowhere team playing for the third time this season on the other—illustrate one aspect of what makes this sport so great. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen preview Conference Championship Sunday on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>NFC Championship Game preview</li><li class="ql-indent-1">The narrative aspects</li><li class="ql-indent-1">When the Commanders have the ball</li><li class="ql-indent-1">When the Eagles have the ball</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Supporting pieces to watch</li><li>AFC Championship Game preview</li><li class="ql-indent-1">The narrative aspects</li><li class="ql-indent-1">When the Bills have the ball</li><li class="ql-indent-1">When the Chiefs have the ball</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Supporting pieces to watch</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Aaron Glenn heads to the Jets as the brain drain in Detroit continues

<p>One week ago, the Lions were one of the favorites to win Super Bowl LIX. Now, they are an eliminated team that has lost both of its coordinators. Zack Rosenblatt joins Robert Mays to discuss Aaron Glenn signing on as head coach of the Jets on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Then, Colton Pouncy jumps on to dig into where the Lions go from here now that Glenn and Ben Johnson have left for head coaching jobs.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>With: Zack Rosenblatt and Colton Pouncy</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Bears get their man, the Jets seemingly close in on theirs, and the league has a coaching search + agent conundrum

<p>The Lions letdown turned out to be the Bears opportunity, with the latter hiring Ben Johnson 48 hours after the former's playoff loss. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays welcomes on Albert Breer of The MMQB and Sports Illustrated to cover the latest in this year's coaching cycle. Then, Kalyn Kahler from ESPN joins the show to discuss her story on the surprising amount of power agents hold in the head coach and GM hiring process.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Albert Breer and Kalyn Kahler</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Divisional Round Recap: Chiefs, Bills, Eagles and Commanders advance to Championship Sunday

<p>And then there were four. So how did we get to Bills-Chiefs on the AFC side of the bracket and Commanders-Eagles on the NFC side? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen break it down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Ravens-Bills recap</li><li>Commanders-Lions recap</li><li>Rams-Eagles recap</li><li>Texans-Chiefs recap</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Divisional Round Sunday Preview: Rams-Eagles and Ravens-Bills

<p>It seems as though this entire season in the AFC has been prelude to a three-team tournament among the Chiefs, Bills and Ravens. We've finally reached the beginning of that tournament, with what could ultimately be the game of the season wrapping up the Divisional Round. Will it be the Ravens or the Bills advancing to the Conference Championship Game. Will Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen put an exclamation point on what would be an deserving MVP season for either of them? We can't wait to find out.</p><p>Rams-Eagles, meanwhile, is a worthy appetizer before the main dish that we're getting served on Sunday evening. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into both games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Divisional Round Saturday Preview: Texans-Chiefs and Commanders-Lions

<p>The Divisional Round is the football junkie's round of the playoffs. It's the last week of the season with games on multiple days. Gone is the riff-raff that couldn't get past the Wild Card Round. Back are the 1-seeds, fresh off their well-earned bye. And those 1-seeds are both in action on Saturday, with the Chiefs hosting the Texans in a rematch of a game we just saw a month ago, and the Lions welcoming the surprising Commanders to Detroit. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into those two games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Some Mikes are in, some Mikes are out...it's an NFL coaching update; Plus, the state of the New York Giants

<p>A lot has happened on the NFL coaching carousel in the last week. Mike Vrabel is now the coach of the Patriots. Mike McCarthy is not the coach of the Cowboys, and there are Deion Sanders rumblings in Dallas. Plus, the most sought-after coach in the cycle, Ben Johnson, met with the Raiders, and somehow that actually makes sense. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen get into all of that on this episode of The Athletic Football show.</p><p>After that, The Athletic Giants beat writers Dan Duggan and Charlotte Carroll join Robert to discuss why Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen will be back in 2025, and what the team can hope to do to turn things around.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Patriots hire Mike Vrabel</li><li>Mike McCarthy out in Dallas</li><li>McCarthy and the Bears</li><li>Deion Sanders to the Cowboys?</li><li>Why Ben Johnson could pick the Raiders</li><li>Coordinator moves</li><li>The state of the New York Giants</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Rams beat Vikings, advance to Divisional Round

<p>In a Wild Card Round characterized by one-sided victories, the Rams arguably saved the most impressive for last. They dominated from wire-to-wire in their 27-9 win over the Vikings, scoring on their first drive and taking a 24-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. Now, the Eagles await in the Divisional Round. The Vikings, meanwhile, saw their unlikely 14-win season end with a thud. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap the final game of Wild Card Weekend on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Wild Card Weekend Recap

<p>Wild Card Weekend started with the Texans defense throwing a perfect game in a 32-12 win over the Chargers. It ended with the Commanders notching the franchise's first playoff win in nearly 20 years. In between, the Ravens, Bills and Eagles all continued their excellent seasons by advancing to the Divisional Round. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen recap Wild Card Weekend on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders-Buccaneers recap</li><li>Packers-Eagles recap</li><li>Broncos-Bills recap</li><li>Steelers-Ravens recap</li><li>Chargers-Texans recap</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

NFC Wild Card Round Preview

<p>Our Wild Card Weekend preview is so jam-packed, we had to separate it into two episodes. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the three NFC games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Packers-Eagles? Get ready for plenty of run game on both sides. Commanders-Buccaneers? That's the two most unexpectedly fun offenses in the league. Vikings-Rams? Kevin O'Connell and Sean McVay matching wits for the second time this season. It's going to be a helluva weekend on the NFC side of the bracket. Robert and Derrik dive deep and get you ready for Wild Card Weekend on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Packers-Eagles preview</li><li>Commanders-Buccaneers preview</li><li>Vikings-Rams preview</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

AFC Wild Card Round Preview

<p>Our Wild Card Weekend preview is so jam-packed, we had to separate it into two episodes. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the three AFC games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Chargers-Texans is a matchup of arguably the most overachieving and underachieving teams in the playoff field. Steelers-Ravens is a rubber match, sure, but it's also a game between one team that faded down the stretch, and one that proved it is among the Super Bowl favorites. Finally, Broncos-Bills pits two elite units—the Broncos defense and the Bills offense—against one another. Robert and Derrik dive deep and get you ready for Wild Card Weekend on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chargers-Texans preview</li><li>Steelers-Ravens preview</li><li>Broncos-Bills preview</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>The 2024-25 edition of Black Monday brought with it three coach firings—Jerod Mayo in New England, Doug Pederson in Jacksonville and Antonio Pierce in Las Vegas. Those three teams, along with the Bears, Jets and Saints will be spending the next few weeks finding their new head coaches. How do we expect those searches to unfold, and what does what we already know about them say about each of the teams? Mike Sando joins Robert Mays to break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Patriots fire Jerod Mayo</li><li>Jaguars fire Doug Pederson...but keep Trent Baalke</li><li>Bears coaching search</li><li>Jets coaching search</li><li>Saints coaching search</li><li>Colts retain Shane Steichen, Chris Ballard</li><li>Dolphins retain Mike McDaniel, Chris Grier</li><li>Giants retain Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen</li><li>BREAKING NEWS: Raiders fire Antonio Pierce</li><li>Titans fire Ran Carthon</li><li>Lou Anarumo headlines coordinator firings</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Mike Sando</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Mike on Bluesky: @sandonfl.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Mike on X: @SandoNFL</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 18 recap: Lions lock up the top spot in the NFC, and now we're all playoff-bound

<p>The playoff puzzle was mostly put together going into Week 18, but there was still one huge piece that needed to be put in place. The Lions dropped that piece into the puzzle on Sunday night, knocking off the Vikings to lock up the top spot in the NFC. All that's left now is to put a bow on the regular season, and point ourselves toward the playoffs. That's exactly what Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen do on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Lions take care of Vikings, lock up 1-seed in NFC</li><li>The NFC South delivers in classic NFC South fashion</li><li>The NFC playoff field</li><li>The AFC playoff field</li><li>2025 NFL Draft order</li><li>Patriots fire Jerod Mayo</li><li>Dolphins, Colts not making any head coach or GM changes</li><li>Did You See That?!?</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 18 preview: Vikings at Lions for all the (regular season) marbles

<p>The regular season began four months ago with what very well could be an AFC Championship Game preview, Ravens at Chiefs. It ends with what very well could be an NFC Championship Game preview, Vikings at Lions. The location of that possible third meeting between division foes will be determined on Sunday night when they battle for regular season NFC supremacy. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep on that game to kick off the Week 18 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the remaining playoff spots up for grabs—AFC 7-seed and NFC South winner—choose their own adventure for the NFC Wild Card round, and consider the contrasting makeup of the playoff fields within the two conferences.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Vikings-Lions preview</li><li>Remembering the first Bucs-Saints game of the season</li><li>Building our ideal NFC Wild Card Round matchups</li><li>Bengals-Steelers preview</li><li>The AFC 7-seed</li><li>AFC's got the star QBs, NFC's got the expertly built teams</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

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

<p>Lamar or Josh, who's the MVP? It's the question that will define NFL awards season this year. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen answer it at the end of this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Before that, the guys hand out all the rest of the standard hardware—Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, you know the drill—as well as the extras that get at the heart and soul of TAFS—Assistant Coach of the Year, narrative changers, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Offensive Player of the Year</li><li>Defensive Player of the Year</li><li>Offensive Rookie of the Year</li><li>Defensive Rookie of the Year</li><li>Executive of the Year</li><li>Assistant Coach of the Year</li><li>Coach of the Year</li><li>Pleasant Surprises</li><li>Biggest Disappointments</li><li>Narrative Changers</li><li>MVP</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 17 recap: With the playoffs around the corner, the Vikings make a statement

<p>Every serious Super Bowl contender picks up a signature win at some point of the regular season. The Vikings may have already had one, but they certainly got one on Sunday. That's where Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen begin the Week 17 recap episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss the Commanders clinching a playoff berth, the Bengals (and Dolphins) staying alive in the AFC Wild Card race, the Colts falling out of the picture, the Jekyll and Hyde Rams, Saquon Barkley hitting the 2K mark, Brock Bowers breaking all the records, and more.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Vikings make a statement with win over Packers</li><li>The fascinating Cincinnati Bengals</li><li>The Commanders secure a playoff berth, and the Bucs take control of the NFC South</li><li>The Jekyll and Hyde Rams</li><li>Colts eliminated from playoff contention by Drew Lock and the Giants</li><li>The Patriots move to the top of the 2025 draft board</li><li>Saquon Barkley hits the 2,000-yard mark</li><li>The Jets are the saddest team of 2024</li><li>Brock Bowers headlines a great day for rookies</li><li>The Chargers plan came together</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The best contracts in recent NFL history

<p>A good contract can be a sneaky differentiator for an NFL team. A bad one can torpedo half a decade or so. On the final episode of The Money Down, The Athletic Football Show's miniseries focused on the business of the NFL, Robert Mays and Bill Barnwell from ESPN highlight the best and worst deals of the last 10 to 15 years.</p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Bill Barnwell</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Chris Flannery</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follw Bill on Bluesky: @billbarnwell.com</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Bill on X: @billbarnwell</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 17 preview: Packers-Vikings the final, and best, gift of the holiday weekend

<p>There may not be a ton of playoff intrigue as we head toward the end of the regular season, but what we do have is about as good as it could be. Take, for example, the Week 17 showdown in the NFC North between the Packers and Vikings. A Vikings win sets up a likely win-and-get-the-1-seed game between them and the Lions in Week 18. A Packers win doesn't carry quite that level of playoff implication, but it would further cement them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into that game, recap the Christmas Day games, and check in on the other playoff races on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Chiefs lock up the 1-seed in the AFC with win over Steelers</li><li>Ravens move into first place in AFC North with convincing win over Texans</li><li>Packers-Vikings preview</li><li>Handicapping the remaining playoff races</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

TAFS goes holiday shopping!

<p>It's the holiday season and we're getting in the spirit on The Athletic Football Show. From the right offensive coach for Caleb Wiliams to a new team for Myles Garrett, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen are giving gifts to players, teams and coaches across the NFL on this episode of TAFS.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>A want for more from the Cowboys for Jerry Jones</li><li>A ball-winner for Lamar Jackson</li><li>The right offensive coach for Caleb Williams</li><li>The fountain of youth for Matthew Stafford</li><li>Wolverine blood for the Lions</li><li>Framed depth charts for John Schneider</li><li>A new team for Myles Garrett</li><li>One of the dudes for the Jaguars</li><li>A partner in crime for Christian Gonzalez</li><li>An apology card for the Falcons</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Week 16 recap: Lions, Vikings race for the NFC 1-seed, while Chiefs nearly put AFC's top spot out of reach

<p>So which team had the best Week 16? It's not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Sure, it might look like the Vikings, who kept pace with the Lions atop the NFC. It might look like the Chiefs, who took an impressive step toward locking up the top seed in the AFC. It might look like the Commanders, who brought back the early season offense in their win over the Eagles. It could even be the Rams, who put themselves on the doorstep of clinching the NFC West. So, who is it? Well, Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen might not answer that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. But they will recap Week 16.</p><p><strong>Rundown</strong></p><ul><li>Commanders take down an Eagles team clearly missing Jalen Hurts</li><li>The Vikings chances at the 1-seed...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The Ravens run game...You Have My Attention!</li><li>The potential of the Chiefs offense...You Have My Attention!</li><li>Arizona Cardinals...WTF?!?</li><li>The top of the draft order...WTF?!?</li><li>Michael Penix brings some juice to Atlanta's offense</li><li>A strange win, but a win nonetheless, for the Rams over the Jets</li><li>Joe Burrow keeps on making plays on the move</li><li>Jonathan Taylor's big day and the Colts unlikely feat</li><li>The AFC Wild Card picture</li><li>Drake Maye's zone/man splits</li><li>The latest in Lions trickery</li><li>What Did We Learn Today?</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Subscribe to The Athletic Football Show...</p><p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-football-show-a-show-about-the-nfl/id1528622068">Apple</a></p><p><a href="https://spoti.fi/3waggUU">Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gWjMSDj7-8j3iCc2ZGo3g">YouTube</a></p><p>Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social</p><p>Follow Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</p><p>Theme song: Haunted</p><p>Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs</p><p>Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>