The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Conference Championship Sunday Preview: Rams-Seahawks III meets the rise of the Broncos and Patriots

<p>Championship Weekend is upon us. On one side, we get a matchup that feels historically familiar, but no one predicted this year when the Patriots and Broncos meet in Denver. On the other, we get the third installment of Rams-Seahawks, making it arguably the best single-season series in NFL history. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep on both games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:06 AFC Championship Game preview</p><p>36:11 NFC Championship Game preview</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>Please take our listener survey: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/theathletic.com/survey26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theathletic.com/survey26</a></p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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 duality of this cycle's coaching hires, and the moves still to come, with Jourdan Rodrigue

<p>Nearly every coaching hire looks fine on paper. Many of them look good. Great, even! But we know not all of them turn out great or good or even fine. So how could each hire in this year's cycle go right, or go wrong? Robert Mays and Jourdan Rodrigue, Athletic NFL senior writer, go over all of them on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. After that, they play a game of "What this job is, and what this job ins't" with the openings still remaining, and highlight who they believe are the best candidates for each of those positions.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>5:03 Where John Harbaugh and the Giants could go right, where it could go wrong</p><p>15:26 Where Kevin Stefanski and the Falcons could go right, where it could go wrong</p><p>30:09 Where Jeff Hafley and the Dolphins could go right, where it could go wrong</p><p>36:34 Where Robert Saleh and the Titans could go right, where it could go wrong</p><p>44:17 What is, and what isn't, the Cardinals job?</p><p>50:23 What is, and what isn't, the Bills job?</p><p>58:26 What is, and what isn't, the Ravens job?</p><p>1:02:33 What is, and what isn't, the Steelers job?</p><p>1:05:18 Mike McDaniel as the Chargers OC</p><p>1:11:17 Drew Petzing as the Lions OC</p><p>1:12:52 Robert on the Browns job</p><p>1:16:17 Robert on the Raiders job</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>Please take our listener survey: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/theathletic.com/survey26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theathletic.com/survey26</a></p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Jourdan Rodrigue</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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: Shrine Bowl preview and CFP National Championship Game takeaways

<p>The end of the college football season is something of a starting bell for NFL Draft season, and the annual all-star games get everything going. It begins this week with the Shrine Bowl, a showcase event for draft prospects. Eric Galko, director of football operations and player personnel for the Shrine Bowl, joins Dave Helman and Dane Brugler on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast to preview the event. Before that, though, Dave and Dane highlight their takeaways from Indiana's thrilling 27-21 win over Miami in the CFP National Championship Game.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:00 CFP National Championship Game takeaways</p><p>31:22 Shrine Bowl preview with Eric Galko</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>Please take our listener survey: <a href="theathletic.com/survey26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theathletic.com/survey26</a></p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Co-Host: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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: @dpbrugler</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>

Divisional Round losers postmortem: What's next for Bills, 49ers, Texans and Bears?

<p>When you're one of the last eight teams playing football in a season, that final loss is hard to swallow. No matter how bright the future appears, there's no guarantee you get another shot quite like the one you just had. And yet, there's plenty of reason for optimism in 2026 and beyond for the Bills, 49ers, Texans and Bears after their respective Divisional Round losses. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen consider what the offseason ahead looks like for each of those teams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:00 Buffalo Bills</p><p>33:57 San Francisco 49ers</p><p>43:49 Houston Texans</p><p>59:05 Chicago Bears</p><p>1:17:20 Jeff Hafley to the Dolphins</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>Please take our listener survey: <a href="theathletic.com/survey26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">theathletic.com/survey26</a></p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

NEWS: Bills fire Sean McDermott

<p>The Buffalo Bills were great during Sean McDermott's nine-year run as coach, but not quite great enough. As such, the team relieved him of his duties as head coach two days after its Divisional Round loss to the Denver Broncos. Robert Mays and Dave Helman dive into what's next for the Bills on a special live edition 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>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Divisional Round Sunday Recap: Patriots handle Texans, Rams outlast Bears in OT

<p>And then there were four. The Conference Championship games are set. Joining the Denver Broncos in the AFC are the New England Patriots after taking care of business against the Houston Texans on Sunday. On the NFC side of things, we get the third installment of Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, with the latter winning a thriller over the Chicago Bears in overtime on Sunday night. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the Divisional Round Sunday games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:00 Rams beat Bears to advance to NFC Championship Game</p><p>37:42 Patriots cruise past Texans to AFC Championship Game</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Divisional Round Saturday Recap: Broncos win but lose Bo Nix, Seahawks rout 49ers

<p>Divisional Round weekend never disappoints. The Seattle Seahawks turned in the most dominant performance of the day - maybe of the entire postseason - in a win over the San Francisco 49ers. What does the domination tell us about their path to the Super Bowl? And what's next for Kyle Shanahan and the oft-injured 49ers as they head into an early offseason? The Denver Broncos toppled the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller, benefiting from 4 uncharacteristic turnovers by Josh Allen. But the mood shifted quickly in Denver with the news that Bo Nix is out for the remainder of the postseason with a broken ankle. Who takes a majority of the blame for the Bills? And how much does the Broncos' ceiling change without Bo Nix? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman discuss that and more on this live episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate):</p><p>1:15 49ers-Seahawks</p><p>4:30 Seahawks defense</p><p>9:43 Brock Purdy</p><p>15:04 Lumen Field/Seahawks fans</p><p>21:27 Broncos-Bills / Bo Nix injury</p><p>29:28 Sean Payton playcalling</p><p>32:01 Josh Allen</p><p>41:24 Officiating</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Divisional Round Preview: The best weekend of the NFL season

<p>Four games, eight teams, all with legitimate designs on winning the Super Bowl. Friends, the best weekend of the NFL season is here. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman break down the Divisional Round games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>5:34 Bills-Broncos</p><p>32:21 49ers-Seahawks</p><p>53:30 Texans-Patriots</p><p>1:18:57 Rams-Bears</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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 jam-packed 2026 coaching carousel: It goes up and down, and around

<p>When we last checked in on the coaching carousel on Black Monday, it seemed like it could actually be a relatively quiet year for coaching moves. Since then, John Harbaugh was fired and Mike Tomlin stepped down. Just like that, the two longest tenured NFL coaches were back out on the market, and two potentially premium jobs opened up. Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated and The MMQB joins Robert Mays to take a ride on the coaching carousel on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:21 Steelers</p><p>19:20 Ravens</p><p>34:44 John Harbaugh and the Giants job</p><p>42:33 Falcons</p><p>45:44 Titans</p><p>56:24 Cardinals</p><p>1:01:54 Browns</p><p>1:09:12 Raiders</p><p>1:12:00 Dolphins</p><p>1:18:46 Coordinators</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>With: Conor Orr</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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: Did they stay or did they go now?

<p>We're on the doorstep of the NFL Draft declaration deadline, and most of the big dominos have fallen. One big one, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, remains at time of the recording of this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast. That's precisely where Dane Brugler and Dave Helman began their discussion. The guys also hit on the biggest decisions we do already have answers on, be they guys who are going to the draft or staying in school. Finally, they wrap up with a look at the CFP National Championship Game between Indiana and Miami.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:25 Waiting on Dante Moore</p><p>17:09 Ty Simpson headed to the NFL...for now</p><p>28:23 Guys headed to the 2026 NFL Draft</p><p>40:42 Guys staying in school one more year</p><p>52:22 Indiana/Miami CFP Championship Game preview</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Co-Host: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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: @dpbrugler</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>

NEWS: Mike Tomlin steps down as Steelers head coach after 19 seasons

<p>After 19 years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers—a run that included one Super Bowl Championship, two AFC titles, and eight AFC North crowns—Mike Tomlin stepped down on Tuesday. Robert Mays and Dave Helman discuss what's next for Tomlin, and what's next for the Steelers, 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>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Postmortems for Wild Card Round losers

<p>Five teams saw their seasons come to an end on Saturday and Sunday of Wild Card weekend. Where do they all stand as they start to turn the page to 2026? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into the immediate future for the Panthers, Packers, Jaguars, Eagles and Chargers on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:24 Carolina Panthers</p><p>19:48 Green Bay Packers</p><p>33:25 Jacksonville Jaguars</p><p>46:57 Philadelphia Eagles</p><p>54:02 Los Angeles Chargers</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Texans defense rolls over Steelers, leads team to Divisional Round

<p>We've been talking about the Super Bowl potential of the Houston Texans defense for months, especially in a wide open AFC. That was on full display in their dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round on Monday night. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the Texans' 30-6 win on this live 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>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Wild Card Sunday Recap: Bills outlast Jaguars, 49ers take down Eagles, Patriots stifle Chargers

<p>Wild Card Saturday was one of the most exciting days of the season to date, and Wild Card Sunday proved to be a worthy encore. Here's a stat...Hunter Henry's fourth-quarter touchdown in the Patriots win over the Chargers marked the first time all day that any team had a multi-score lead. We went 170+ minutes of football with three games being played in a one-score window. That's a heck of a day. And it ended with the Bills, 49ers and Patriots advancing to the Divisional Round, and the Jaguars, Eagles and Chargers turning the page to the offseason. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the busy day on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:30 Patriots beat Chargers, 16-3</p><p>28:59 49ers beat Eagles, 23-19</p><p>54:18 Bills beat Jaguars, 27-24</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Wild Card Saturday Recap: Rams and Bears Leave With Clutch Wins

<p>Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the first games of the 2026 playoffs. Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears take down the Green Bay Packers after yet another improbable comeback. The Carolina Panthers gave the Los Angeles Rams a scare, forcing Matthew Stafford's squad into a close fourth quarter. What's next for the Panthers after being eliminated in Bryce Young's career postseason debut? And should Sean McVay be concerned about his team's flaws going into the divisional round?</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>0:05 Packers-Bears</p><p>11:30 Caleb Williams &amp; Bears offense</p><p>13:07 Colston Loveland</p><p>14:20 Packers defense</p><p>18:00 Should Packers loss result in firings?</p><p>27:55 Bears outlook</p><p>32:00 Caleb Williams pt 2</p><p>35:36 Rams-Panthers</p><p>39:03 Panthers defense</p><p>41:21 Matthew Stafford &amp; Rams offense</p><p>50:20 Panthers offense</p><p>53:20 How concerned should Rams be?</p><p>59:42 What's next for Panthers?</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Wild Card Sunday and Monday Preview

<p>The AFC has long been the quarterback conference, and that hasn't necessarily changed just because Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow aren't in the playoffs this year. Just look at the quarterbacks in Sunday's AFC Wild Card games. Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen in one, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert in the other. Throw in a classic styles-make-fights matchup between the Steelers and Texans on Monday night, and we've got an awesome trio of AFC games coming our way. The NFC side of the bracket, meanwhile, wraps up with 49ers-Eagles in a game between two teams that are predictably in this spot, but arrived here in perhaps unpredictable ways. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into all four games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:25 Bills-Jaguars preview</p><p>24:16 49ers-Eagles preview</p><p>35:53 Chargers-Patriots preview</p><p>53:07 Texans-Steelers preview</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Wild Card Saturday Preview: Rams-Panthers and Packers-Bears

<p>Wild Card Weekend kicks off on Saturday with the two games that occupy opposite poles in the round. First up is Rams-Panthers, where the Rams are 10-point favorites, the biggest spread on the board. The nightcap is Packers-Bears, where the Packers are the narrowest favorites of the round as we click publish on this episode. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep on these two games to get the playoffs rolling on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:45 Rams-Panthers preview</p><p>22:20 Packers-Bears preview</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Drake Maye or Matthew Stafford? It's the TAFS 2025 Awards Show!

<p>The regular season is over and the playoffs have yet to start. It's time to hand out some hardware. Are the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year winners as straightforward as they seem? Who emerges from a crowded Coach of the Year candidate pool? And who's the MVP, Drake Maye or Matthew Stafford? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman name their 2025 NFL season award winners on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:15 Offensive Player of the Year</p><p>15:52 Defensive Player of the Year</p><p>24:59 Offensive Rookie of the Year</p><p>31:43 Defensive Rookie of the Year</p><p>36:37 Protector of the Year</p><p>42:13 Assistant Coach of the Year</p><p>58:48 Executive of the Year</p><p>1:03:24 Coach of the Year</p><p>1:14:26 MVP</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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: 2026 NFL Draft order takeaways and Dane Brugler's All-Rookie team

<p>Sure, the NFL playoff field is set. Cool. You know what's really cool, though? The top 18 of the 2026 NFL Draft order being locked in place. At least that's what's really cool as far as Building the Beast is concerned. Dave Helman and Dane Brugler offer up their takeaways from the draft order on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast. Then, Dane and Dave debate the toughest picks on Dane's All-Rookie Team.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:00 The 2026 NFL Draft order is set</p><p>45:12 Don't forget about Trinidad Chambliss</p><p>57:00 Dane's All-Rookie Team</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Co-Host: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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: @dpbrugler</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>

NEWS: Ravens Fire John Harbaugh

<p>The Baltimore Ravens have fired head coach John Harbaugh. Robert Mays and Dave Helman break down the news and react to what's next for Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the rest of the roster.</p><br><p>For more Athletic Football Show content:</p><p>- Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</p><p>- Follow The Athletic Football Show wherever you listen to podcasts: https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</p><p>- Twitter: https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</p><p>- IG: https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</p><p>- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Black Monday fallout: Four teams turn over a new coaching leaf

<p>Another Black Monday has hit the NFL, and with it came plenty of expected news. Raheem Morris out in Atlanta. Pete Carroll out in Las Vegas. Jonathan Gannon out in Arizona. It also saw the firing in Cleveland of two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, who might just be a victim of circumstance more than anything else. Six teams are now on the coaching carousel, which we can expect to spin for most of the next month. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into all the Black Monday news on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:14 Falcons fire Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot</p><p>16:45 Browns fire Kevin Stefanski, retain Andrew Berry</p><p>30:17 Raiders fire Pete Carroll</p><p>36:21 Cardinals fire Jonathan Gannon</p><p>47:14 Titans update</p><p>49:36 Giants update</p><p>52:26 Teams not making any changes</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 18 Recap: Seahawks and Broncos lock up top seeds, Panthers back into playoffs, and more

<p>Week 18 had a little bit of everything, as far as stakes are concerned. A game for the 1-seed in the NFC? Check. Winner-take-all divisional matchups? Check. Glorified exhibition games? Oh yeah, big check. And when it all wrapped up, we got our first look at this season's playoff field. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman put a bow on the regular season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><br><p>0:01 Ravens-Steelers</p><p>17:10 Seahawks-Niners</p><p>34:11 Panthers/NFC South</p><p>52:20 Playoff picture</p><p>1:02:00 Draft order</p><p>1:03:55 How can you not be romantic about football?</p><p>1:15:10 What did we learn today?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 18 Preview: Three division titles on the line, including Seahawks-49ers for all the NFC marbles

<p>It'd be easy to sit here and complain about the lack of juice in Week 18. We're not going to do that. We've got Seahawks-49ers for the 1-seed in the NFC. We've got two other divisions hanging in the balance. And we've got a ton of seeding implications on the line, all of which could affect what ends up happening in the playoffs. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman preview Week 18 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:59 Seahawks-49ers preview</p><p>30:03 Ravens-Steelers preview</p><p>46:24 Panthers-Buccaneers preview</p><p>1:03:25 Playoff seeding</p><p>1:09:05 Stats and incentives to keep an eye on in Week 18</p><p>1:14:42 TAFS Wins Pool Update</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Silver linings for 2025's bad teams

<p>Look, not everyone can win the Super Bowl. Or make the playoffs. Or win at least five games. But even if you're a fan of one of those bad teams, there's probably something positive you can take forward with you into 2026. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen find those silver linings for the worst teams in the league on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:34 Las Vegas Raiders</p><p>9:18 New York Giants</p><p>17:25 New York Jets</p><p>30:00 Tennessee Titans</p><p>36:00 Arizona Cardinals</p><p>43:13 Cleveland Browns</p><p>54:44 Washingon Commanders</p><p>1:01:44 New Orleans Saints</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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 Draft prospects with the most at stake in the CFP quarterfinals

<p>The CFP quarterfinals take place on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the eight teams remaining are absolutely loaded with NFL talent. So, who among the draft prospects as the most at stake in the quarters? Dane Brugler and Dave Helman dive into that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:00 Miami-Ohio State</p><p>27:30 Texas Tech-Oregon</p><p>46:33 Alabama-Indiana</p><p>59:24 Georgia-Mississippi</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Dave Helman</p><p>Co-Host: Dane Brugler</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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: @dpbrugler</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>

Why did these eight teams flop in 2025?

<p>The Lions, Chiefs and Ravens entered the 2025 season among the inner-circle Super Bowl favorites. The Lions and Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention before Christmas, and while the Ravens might still win the AFC North, they clearly are nowhere near what they were expected to be. The Falcons were supposed to take a step this year. Instead, they could be handing a top-10 pick to the Rams. The Bengals, Cowboys and Vikings were mostly afterthoughts all year, and the Colts suffered a dramatic second-half collapse. Where did things go so wrong for these eight teams this season? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive deep into the octet on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 17 Recap: 49ers win thriller over Bears, Eagles outlast Bills, Drake Maye dazzles, and more

<p>Week 17 was all about the upstarts that have defined this season. The San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears gave us a game of the year candidate, with the 49ers coming out on top. The New England Patriots clinched the AFC East and Drake Maye made a case for MVP. The Jacksonville Jaguars took another step toward the AFC South crown. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos inched closer to locking up the top seeds in their respective conferences. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman look back at the week that was and set the stage for the final week of the regular season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:52 Niners beat Bears in SNF thriller</p><p>21:25 Eagles take down Bills</p><p>39:00 Texans keep rolling, beat Chargers</p><p>49:44 Ravens stay alive with win over Packers</p><p>1:06:10 Browns upend Steelers</p><p>1:13:15 The NFC South remains the NFC South</p><p>1:24:20 What made us romantic about football in Week 17?</p><p>1:33:10 What did we learn in Week 17?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 17 Preview: Massive division title and playoff seeding stakes on the line

<p>Eleven of 14 playoff berths have already been claimed this season, and one that remains up for grabs—the final Wild Card in the AFC—all but belongs to the Texans. And yet, there is still a ton on the line in Week 17. The 1-seed and bye in both conferences hang in the balance. Seven of the eight divisions have yet to be clinched. We might know who's going to be in the playoffs this year, but the overall playoff picture remains cloudy. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman preview the Week 17 games with all the stakes on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 16 Hangover: Bills and Texans get necessary, but unconvincing, wins over bad teams

<p>The Bills and Texans both appear ticketed for the playoffs, but neither exactly covered itself in glory in Week 16 wins over the Browns and Raiders, respectively. So, were those performances cause for concern? Or were they simply late-season, "do-what-we-gotta-do" wins that don't really have much, if any, bearing on their playoff prospects? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig in on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>5:00 Bills-Browns recap</p><p>24:55 Raiders-Texans recap</p><p>41:07 Monday Mourning: Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers</p><p>49:29 Monday Mourning: Is it all over for the Lions</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Host: Derrik Klassen</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Robert on X: @robertmays</p><p>Follow Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>

Week 16 Recap: Bears stun Packers, Jaguars throttle Broncos, Panthers take NFC South lead, and more

<p>We're just two weeks away from the end of the regular season, and exactly one team that won its division last year is in first place this year. That would be the Philadelphia Eagles, who clinched the NFC East with a win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Every other division, however, is looking quite possibly at a new division winner. That includes the Chicago Bears, who took firm control of the NFC North with a win over the Green Bay Packers. It includes the Jacksonville Jaguars, who went into Denver and took down the Broncos. And it includes the Carolina Panthers, who moved into first place in the NFC South with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen recap a crazy Week 16 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:28 Ravens-Patariots</p><p>15:09 Jags-Broncos</p><p>33:33 Packers-Bears&nbsp;</p><p>54:06 Buccaneers-Panthers</p><p>1:04:57 Chargers-Cowboys</p><p>1:12:49 Steelers-Lions</p><p>1:20:56 How could you not be romantic about football?</p><p>1:37:51 What did we learn in Week 16?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>Podcasts: <a href="https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-football-show/view</a></p><p>X:&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@tafootballshow</a></p><p>Discord: <a href="http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow</a></p><p>Call us: 847-448-0701</p><p>Email us: <a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/67f9268d2308a71dab8db95a/shows/681cc905bdc60241406b737f/episodes/athleticfootballshow@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athleticfootballshow@gmail.com</a></p><br><p>Host: Robert Mays</p><p>Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman</p><p>Executive Producer: Michael Beller</p><p>Video Producer: Katy Duffy</p><p>Audio Producer: Michael Beller</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 Derrik on X: @QBKlass</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>