Football
The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-hosts Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, and tackle the ins and outs of roster building. They meticulously follow the details of why we all love this sport and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. You want year-round draft coverage? You'll get that here, too, with draft expert Dane Brugler. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Open in HintoEpisodes to Learn English1447
Week 18 Recap: Seahawks and Broncos lock up top seeds, Panthers back into playoffs, and more
Jan 5, 20261h 23m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Jan 2, 20261h 13m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Jan 1, 20261h 3m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Dec 31, 20251h 8m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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?
Dec 30, 20251h 14m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Dec 29, 20251h 34m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Dec 26, 20251h 7m<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Dec 23, 202554 min<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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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
Dec 22, 20251h 42m<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 </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: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 Preview: Unlikely AFC division leaders step into the spotlight
Dec 19, 20251h 31m<p>Jaguars-Broncos is the Game of the Week. Patriots-Ravens is another game of the week, and it's the former that is leading its division as the latter fights for its playoff life. The defining characteristic of this NFL season—true contender turnover in largely unseen quantities—steps to the fore in Week 16. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman give it the full preview treatment on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:18 Game of the Week: Jaguars-Broncos</p><p>23:33 Game of the Week: Patriots-Ravens</p><p>42:08 One Thing From...Packers-Bears</p><p>47:18 One Thing From...Buccaneers-Panthers</p><p>57:12 One Thing From...Steelers-Lions</p><p>1:00:54 One Thing From...Cowboys-Chargers</p><p>1:06:07 Under the Hood: Texans offense</p><p>1:15:40 Jaxson Dart vs. Tyler Shough vs. JJ McCarthy...who would you take as your 2026 starter?</p><p>1:26:26 Falcons-Cardinals and the saddest Spiderman pointing meme ever</p><p>1:30:11 What do you wanna know in Week 16</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
The strongest analytic and schematic trends of 2025, with Sam Schwartzstein
Dec 18, 20251h 6m<p>Every NFL season brings us some sort of advance in analytics and schematics, and spending some time every December looking back at this season's developments is one of our favorite things to do before we turn the page to the playoffs. Sam Schwartzstein, Amazon Prime's analytics expert, joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to dive deep on this season's analytic and schematic trends, and preview the monster Week 16 TNF game between the Rams and Seahawks.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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: Alabama/Oklahoma and Miami/Texas A&M loaded with NFL Draft talent
Dec 17, 20251h 3m<p>The College Football Playoffs kick off this week, and while the results on the field will understandably dominate the discussion around the games, it's the performances of the NFL Draft prospects that we care about most here at The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast. Dane Brugler and Dave Helman dive into the draft-eligible players you need to be watching when you've got the CFP games on this weekend. Before that, the guys discuss the QB movement—or non-movement, as the case may be—for guys like LaNorris Sellers, Arch Manning and Brendan Sorsby.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Week 15 Hangover: The Ravens stay alive, and the 49ers notch their 10th win
Dec 16, 20251h 9m<p>We all realize that the 49ers have 10 wins and are a near-lock for the playoffs, right? Has a double-digit-win season ever gone more overlooked? And how dangerous might the Niners be, assuming they do get into the playoffs? Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen discuss that on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also dig into Ravens-Bengals and Vikings-Cowboys from Week 15, and take a couple of sad voicemails from the fans.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:35 Ravens-Bengals recap</p><p>24:57 Vikings-Cowboys recap</p><p>47:06 Titans-49ers recap</p><p>1:02:57 Voicemail from a sad Cowboys fan</p><p>1:09:34 Voicemail from a sad Packers fan</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 15 Recap: Broncos quiet doubters, Bills claw back to beat Patriots, and the Chiefs are officially done
Dec 15, 20251h 30m<p>One of the big stories of the 2025 season is the rise of new contenders and the fall of the traditional powers. We saw the former on Sunday, with the Denver Broncos winning their 11th straight game, this time taking down the mighty Green Bay Packers. We saw the latter, as well, with the Kansas City Chiefs being officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. And we also saw a team defy that storyline, with the Buffalo Bills clawing back from a 21-point deficit to beat the Patriots and keep the AFC East in play. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig into all those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Plus, some talk about the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 15 Preview: Prove-it time for the Patriots and Broncos
Dec 12, 20251h 25m<p>In this particuarly topsy-turvy season, there's perhaps nothing stranger than seeing the Broncos and Patriots on top of the AFC. Both of them in Week 15 have massive opportunities to prove they're not just great regular season stories, but legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman kick off the Week 15 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show by diving deep on Bills-Patriots and Packers-Broncos. They also discuss Lions-Rams, Dolphins-Steelers and Chargers-Chiefs, the return of Philip Rivers, the collapse potential of the Eagles, and the fall of the great quarterback conference.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:11 Game of the Week: Bills-Patriots</p><p>23:04 Game of the Week: Packers-Broncos</p><p>47:36 One Thing From...Lions-Rams</p><p>50:44 One Thing From...Dolphins-Steelers</p><p>55:38 One Thing From...Chargers-Chiefs</p><p>1:13:51 Sicko Street: Philip Rivers is back!</p><p>1:19:48 Sicko Street: Could it get worse for the Eagles?</p><p>1:23:08 What do you wanna know in Week 15?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Hop aboard the 2026 Coaching Carousel
Dec 11, 20251h 10m<p>The teams heading to the playoffs and putting themselves in the Super Bowl discussion are, understandably, in the NFL spotlight right now. Before long, however, the teams at the opposite end of the spectrum will steal that spotlight for a couple of days when they hire their new head coaches. Robert Mays and Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated and The MMQB get you ready for those couple of days on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:00 Why this will be a unique carousel</p><p>7:09 The top candidates</p><p>30:02 The second rung</p><p>1:04:20 The rest</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
The effects of Fernando Mendoza's rise and Notre Dame's fall on the 2026 NFL Draft
Dec 10, 202556 min<p>College Football Playoff controversy? What College Football Playoff controversy? You won't find any of that here on this episode of Building the Beast. What you will find, though, is Dane Brugler and Dave Helman digging into how the conference championship games and College Football Playoff field helped shape the state of the 2026 NFL Draft conversation as we approach the end of the year.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Week 14 Hangover: Hunting for relevant 2026 needles in the 2025 haystack for four also-rans
Dec 9, 20251h 12m<p>The Vikings, Commanders, Titans and Browns have dealt with varying degrees of disappointment this season, but they remain worthy of our attention as we get ready to close the book on them for 2025. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into the Vikings' 31-0 win over the Commanders, and the Titans' surprisingly fun 31-29 win over the Browns, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Then, the guys get into a particularly illustrative edition of Monday Mourning with calls from Colts and Falcons fans.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>3:27 Commanders-Vikings recap</p><p>30:08 Titans-Browns recap</p><p>59:25 Monday Mourning with the Colts and Falcons</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 14 Recap: Bears-Packers delivers, Jaguars and Steelers make big moves, and holy cow, Josh Allen
Dec 8, 20251h 39m<p>If you caught the Week 14 preview episode of The Athletic Football Show, you know we were excited about this Sunday. Bears-Packers, Colts-Jaguars, Texans-Chiefs, Steelers-Ravens and Bengals-Bills. Welp, the day lived up to the expectations, and the some. Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen dive deep into an awesome day of football—and consider its implications—on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>0:00 Welcome to the show</p><p>0:45 Texans-Chiefs</p><p>11:15 Andy Reid</p><p>20:30 Jags-Colts</p><p>20:45 Trevor Lawrence</p><p>27:00 Colts lose Daniel Jones</p><p>34:50 Packers-Bears</p><p>35:30 Caleb Williams & Bears offense</p><p>45:45 Jordan Love & Packers offense</p><p>52:30 Bills-Bengals</p><p>1:05:30 Steelers-Ravens</p><p>1:12:50 John Harbaugh’s future</p><p>1:17:00 Buccaneers-Saints</p><p>1:27:15 Romantic: Josh Allen</p><p>1:28:45 Romantic: Puka Nacua</p><p>1:30:00 Minnesota Vikings/JJ McCarthy</p><p>1:34:30 What did we learn today?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 14 Preview: Bears-Packers finally means something again
Dec 5, 20251h 34m<p>It’s a ton of fun anytime you get a game with first place on the line this late in the season. This week, we have three such games. And one of them is Bears-Packers. So yeah, Week 14 just might be the best week of the season. Robert Mays, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen preview everything we’ve got to come this week on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
What happened to the NFL's elite?
Dec 4, 20251h 25m<p>Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles and Lions; Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles and Lions. Look back over the last half-decade of the NFL, and you'll see those four teams at the top of the league, year in and year out. They're all such constants, in fact, that it seems we just chisel their names in stone into the playoff picture in August. But this year, the Eagles are sputtering their way into December, and the Chiefs, Ravens and Lions all could easily miss the playoffs. So, what happened to these assumed powerhouses? On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Diante Lee from The Ringer hops on with Robert Mays to cover the issues for the Ravens, Eagles and Lions, and then former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitch Schwartz joins Robert to break down the problems for his old team, and whether they can come back from them this season.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>8:26 Detroit Lions</p><p>24:33 Philadelphia Eagles</p><p>36:34 Baltimore Ravens</p><p>48:06 Any overarching lessons?</p><p>59:40 Kansas City Chiefs</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>With: Diante Lee and Mitch Schwartz</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: Dane Brugler's end-of-season mock draft
Dec 3, 202555 min<p>It's December. The college football regular season is over. It's Mock Draft Season. Dane Brugler's end-of-season mock draft is now live at The Athletic, and he and Dave Helman dig into it on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Week 13 Hangover: Division-leading Broncos and Buccaneers get wins, and we get in the muck with Saints-Dolphins
Dec 2, 20251h 4m<p>It doesn't always have to be pretty, especially when you're stacking wins. The Broncos and Buccaneers can tell themselves that after picking up victories over the Commanders and Cardinals, respectively, in Week 13. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dig into both of those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Then, they do some necessary due diligence and check in on the Saints and Dolphins. Finally, the guys wrap up the episode with sad voicemails from Lions and Colts fans.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 13 Recap: Division races heat up as the season heads into December
Dec 1, 20251h 34m<p>December has arrived, and there isn't much more separation among teams at the top of their divisions as there was back when everyone was 0-0. Three divisions—the NFC West, AFC South and AFC North—are tied. Two more—the NFC North and NFC South—have a half-game separating the top-two teams. The Cowboys now trail the Eagles by just 1.5 games in the NFC East. We're going to enjoy one helluva run to the playoffs over the next month. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap all the games that contributed to those tight standings, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>YT: <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: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 13 Sunday Preview: Texans-Colts, Bills-Steelers and a series of Don't-Step-on-the-Rake Games
Nov 28, 202549 min<p>With Thanksgiving Day now behind us, it's time to get to the rest of the Week 13 slate. Believe it or not, the AFC South is still very much up for grabs, and the Texans have an opportunity for a huge win when they visit the Colts on Sunday. The Bills and Steelers, meanwhile, are both coming off a loss and meet in a game that feels like neither can afford to lose. The 49ers, Jaguars, Buccaneers and Chargers are all comfortable favorites on Sunday, but there are rakes in each of their respective yards they need to make sure they avoid. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman preview all those matchups on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Preview: A Football Feast!
Nov 26, 202555 min<p>If you've been a football fan for any meaningful amount of time, you know that great games on the Thanksgiving Day slate isn't a guarantee. That's what makes a Thanksgiving like this one so delightfully juicy. Packers-Lions! Chiefs-Cowboys! Bengals-Ravens, with Joe Burrow back! And then, to top it all off, Bears-Eagles on Black Friday. That's just about as good a set of games as you could hope for to kick off Thanksgiving weekend. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman preview those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>1:36 Packers-Lions</p><p>14:26 Chiefs-Cowboys</p><p>27:18 bengals-ravens</p><p>39:36 Bears-Eagles</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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: NFL Draft prospects to watch in Rivalry Week
Nov 26, 20251h 14m<p>Rivalry Week always has, and always will, mean so many things in the college football world. One of the newer elements of Rivalry Week, though, is that it's often the last time any NFL Draft prospects whose teams don't make the College Football Playoff will put something new on tape for pro teams to consider. It's on those players that Dane Brugler and Dave Helman focus their attention on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
Week 12 Hangover: The Seahawks and Patriots escape with road wins, Cam Ward is good, and JSN is a one-of-one player
Nov 25, 20251h 4m<p>Every contender needs to win a game or two on the road when they aren't necessarily at their best. That goes doubly so for surprise contenders like, say, the Seahawks and Patriots. That's exactly what they both did in wins over the Titans and Bengals, respectively. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen dive into those games on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Included: plenty of love for Cam Ward and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After that, the guys do what they can to console sad Vikings and Buccaneers fans.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate_</p><p>3:33 Seahawks with enough to get past Titans</p><p>31:11 Patriots get out of Cincinnati with a win</p><p>51:38 Monday Mourning with the Buccaneers and Vikings</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 12 Recap: Cowboys stun Eagles, Rams crush Bucs, Chiefs get much-needed win, Ravens take over first in AFC North, and more
Nov 24, 20251h 37m<p>We're through two-thirds of the NFL regular season. Thanksgiving Week is here. The beginning of the home stretch has arrived. And yet, do we even have a definitive Super Bowl favorite? Perhaps it's the Los Angeles Rams, who crushed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. But this thing is wide open and that was on full display leading up to that SNF game. The Dallas Cowboys rallied from a 21-0 hold to beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21. The Kansas City Chiefs came back from 20-9 to get a huge 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Baltimore Ravens moved into first place in the AFC North...but they weren't terribly impressive in the process. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions all kept pace with one another in the NFC North, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots took care of business, and the Jacksonville Jaguars won a silly one over the Arizona Cardinals. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman break it all down on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>4:00 Bucs-Rams</p><p>13:41 Colts-Chiefs</p><p>33:28 Eagles-Cowboys</p><p>49:00 Steelers-Bears</p><p>1:03:27 Ravens WTF</p><p>1:11:30 Jags-Cardinals WTF</p><p>1:21:54 Vikings WTF</p><p>1:28:10 Derrik/Gibbs Romantic</p><p>1:31:02 Robert Romantic...Game will humble you</p><p>1:34:00ish Dave Romantic...George Pickens</p><p>1:35:51 What did we learn today?</p><br><p><br></p><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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 12 Preview: Colts-Chiefs is the Game of the Week, but not in the way we expected
Nov 21, 20251h 18m<p>If we told you back in August that Colts-Chiefs would be the Game of the Week in Week 12, you probably would've nodded along. "Sure," you'd say to yourself, "I can see that. The Chiefs are doing their thing as a Super Bowl favorite, and the Colts are a surprise upstart on the fringes of the playoff picture. That adds up." Instead, it's the Colts who are leading their division, and the Chiefs who are desperate for a win to stay within shouting distance of the playoffs. That's where Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman begin the Week 12 Preview episode of The Athletic Football Show. The guys also discuss Buccaneers-Rams, Steelers-Bears, Eagles-Cowboys and Panthers-49ers; talk a stroll down Sicko Street with Cam Ward against the Seahawks defense and Shedeur Sanders getting his first ever start against the lowly Raiders; and wonder if it's time for a moratorium on Vikings talk until J.J. McCarthy shows us...anything.</p><br><p>Rundown (timestamps are approximate)</p><p>2:17 Game of the Week: Colts-Chiefs</p><p>22:35 Game of the Week: Buccaneers-Rams</p><p>40:24 One Thing From...Steelers-Bears</p><p>47:39 One Thing From...Panthers-49ers</p><p>52:06 One Thing From...Eagles-Cowboys </p><p>1:02:43 Sicko Street: Cam Ward vs. the Seahawks defense</p><p>1:05:07 Sicko Street: Myriad entry points for Browns-Raiders</p><p>1:08:21 Take Tribunal: It's time for a moratorium on Vikings offense talk</p><p>1:14:27 What do you wanna know after Week 12?</p><br><p>Connect with The Athletic Football Show</p><p>Take our listener survey: <a href="https://forms.gle/9CwBVwManjR9froy9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/9CwBVwManjR9froy9</a></p><p>X: <a href="https://x.com/TA_FootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/TA_FootballShow</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tafootballshow</a></p><p>YT: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TAFootballShow</a></p><p>TikTok: <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>
