The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

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  1. Chiefs dominate Broncos behind big night from Kenneth Walker

    15 september 2026 · 32 min

    Afspelen
    The Denver Broncos flipped the script on the Kansas City Chiefs last year, ending the latter's reign atop the AFC West and coming within one win of the Super Bowl. We're not going to draw any sweeping conclusions after one game, but if Week 1 is any indication, the Broncos might not want to get used to life atop the division. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman break down the Chiefs' comfortable 31-10 win over the Broncos on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Week 1 Recap: Bills, Bears & Jaguars shine, Chargers & Packers flop

    14 september 2026 · 1 uur 23 min

    Afspelen
    With all due respect to the first two games of this season, the NFL is truly back when we get our first full Sunday of action. We just put a bow on that, and we are oh so back. Josh Allen immediately commenced doing Josh Allen things. The Chicago Bears scored 59 points. The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a massive upset of the Los Angeles Chargers. The Minnesota Vikings sprung a massive comeback on the Green Bay Packers, and the New Orleans Saints nearly did the same to the Detroit Lions. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap Week 1 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 49ers manhandle Rams on Thursday Night Football

    11 september 2026 · 32 min

    Afspelen
    All the offseason narrative goes out the window the moment the actual games start, as the Rams learned the hard way on Thursday. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman break down the 49ers' 27-7 drubbing of the Rams on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Sponsored by @usbank. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Week 1 Preview

    10 september 2026 · 44 min

    Afspelen
    The 2026 NFL season is just getting underway. We've got plenty of time for in-depth breakdowns and thoughtful analysis on the most intriguing matchups a Sunday has to offer. For Week 1, it's all vibes. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman officially kick off the season by discussing what they're most excited to watch in Week 1 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Recap: Seahawks beat Patriots in season opener

    10 september 2026 · 29 min

    Afspelen
    Well, that's not exactly how the Seattle Seahawks drew up the start of their Super Bowl title defense. It's not exactly a portent of good things to come when your starting quarterback gets injured five plays into the season. But a great defense can do a whole lot for any team, and it did so for the Seahawks once again in the first game of the 2026 season, a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman recap the game on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Predictions and award picks for the 2026 NFL season

    9 september 2026 · 1 uur 21 min

    Afspelen
    Labor Day is behind us. The summer is effectively over. Over these last few months, we parsed every move made in free agency, broke down the NFL Draft, and pushed through the May and June doldrums. As the weather heated up, Robert Mays went out on the road for a month, visiting 21 training camps. More recently, we previewed all 32 teams in the league. There's only one thing left to do: make some predictions. Robert, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman make award selections, predict the division winners and wild card teams, and make their Super Bowl picks on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Building the Beast: Darian Mensah and Trinidad Chambliss put down NFL Draft markers in Week 1

    8 september 2026 · 49 min

    Afspelen
    Week 1 of the college football season is in the books, and we've already got 2027 NFL Draft prospects putting important moments on tape. Dave Helman and Dane Brugler jump into the earliest of early returns on this episode of The Athletic Football Show's Building the Beast. Lees meer

    Co-Hosts: Dane Brugler and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Follow Dane on X: @DPBrulger

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. The 2026 TAFS Wins Pool Draft

    7 september 2026 · 1 uur 1 min

    Afspelen
    Most competitions are about winning. Some, however, are about not losing. This is one of the latter. That's right, it's time for the 2026 TAFS Wins Pool Draft. Come in first or second, and breathe a sigh of relief. Finish in last, and get ready to embarrass yourself in front of all of cour colleagues at the Super Bowl. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman pick eight teams apiece in front of a live audience on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  9. 2026 NFC West preview

    4 september 2026 · 1 uur 52 min

    Afspelen
    We have done it. We've reached the end of the line. The eighth and final divison preview is here, and it is the loaded NFC West. Is it possible for the Rams to have a successful season without winning the Super Bowl? How do the Seahawks replace the key players who left last year's Super Bowl champ during the offseason? What must the 49ers do to keep their championship window ajar. And what's really at stake for the Cardinals in 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  10. 2026 NFC North preview

    3 september 2026 · 1 uur 55 min

    Afspelen
    The NFC North could very well be the deepest division in football. At the same time, there might not be an inner-circle Super Bowl contender among the four teams in the division. What must the Lions do to keep their championship window open? How do the Packers find their way through the playoff issues that have plagued them the last three years? What's the next step on offense for the Bears? And can Kyler Murray get the Vikings back on track? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  11. 2026 AFC South preview

    2 september 2026 · 1 uur 52 min

    Afspelen
    Once the butt of jokes across the league, the AFC South produced two teams that won at least 12 games last year, and for a time looked like it could get three teams into the playoffs. The Texans and Jaguars return this year as teams with legitimate aspirations to make deep postseason runs, while the Colts and Titans have reason to believe that they could notch the sorts of improvements that would push them to growth in 2026. Can the Texans offense do enough to make the most of an elite defense? Was the Jaguars second-half surge on offense for real? How do the Colts capture the magic from the first half of last season and keep it for a full 17-game slate? And just what would be a successful season for the Titans? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  12. 2026 AFC East preview

    1 september 2026 · 1 uur 50 min

    Afspelen
    The New England Patriots stopped the Buffalo Bills' streak of AFC East titles at six last year, then ran right through the AFC side of the playoff bracket to reach Super Bowl LX where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks. It's once again expected to be the Bills and Patriots at the top of the division, and if that sounds familiar it's only because they've won every AFC East crown dating back to 2009. What must the Bills do to finally break through to the Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era? Was the A.J. Brown addition enough for the Patriots to follow up on last year's surprise campaign? Can the offensive line and Geno Smith live up to their end of the billing, allowing the Jets to be a surprisingly fun offense? And just how should the Dolphins measure success this season? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  13. 2026 NFC South preview

    31 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 48 min

    Afspelen
    The NFC South remains the little brother of the league, coming into the season as the only division without an obvious Super Bowl contender. The Buccaneers have held sway over this division for most of the 2020s, but it was the Panthers last year who broke through and won the division, albeit with an 8-9 record. How do the Buccaneers get back to the top of the division this season? What must the Saints do to rollover the optimism they built up over the second half of last season into this year? How do the Panthers prove that last year wasn't a fluke? And is this the season that the Falcons can finally put it all together on offense, given their wealth of skill position talent? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  14. We're going camping! Broncos, Chiefs, Packers and Bears

    29 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 46 min

    Afspelen
    And with that, Robert Mays' 2026 training camp tour has reached its end. The final two stops on the tour were Green Bay and Chicago, where he spoke with Packers writer Matt Schneidman and Bears writer Kevin Fishbain. And just to wrap things up nicely, he checked in with Broncos writer Nick Kosmider and Chiefs writer Jesse Newell. Lees meer

    Host: Robert Mays

    With: Matt Schneidman, Kevin Fishbain, Nick Kosmider, Jesse Newell

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  15. 2026 NFC East preview

    28 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 46 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the Sept 1st live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    We flip over to the NFC for the first time in this season's division preview series, with the NFC East taking center stage. The division runs through Philadelphia until further notice, but the Eagles are far from an overwhelming favorite to win their third straight NFC East crown. How will the Eagles weather the losses of A.J. Brown and Jeff Stoutland? Is the unbounded optimism surrounding the Cowboys justified? Can the Commanders put a forgettable 2025 behind them and get back to being a team that has the promise inherent to one with a superstar quarterback on a rookie deal? Will this finally be the season the Giants break free from the doldrums and get back on a winning trajectory? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  16. 2026 AFC North preview

    27 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 41 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets to the Sept 1 live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    The AFC North is up next in our division preview series. Last year, this division featured two of the most disappointing teams in the league in the Ravens and Bengals, yet those two teams are expected to be right back at the top of the division, and potentially the entire conference, if they can once again find their respective fastballs. What will Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle bring to the Ravens in year one? Is this the year the Bengals defense finally lives up to its end of the bargain? Can the Steelers find a way out of Wild Card weekend purgatory? Will the Browns young core give their fans enough to be excited about in a season that appears likely to be defined by dreadful quarterback play? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  17. 2026 AFC West Preview

    26 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 48 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the Sept 1st live show in Chicago! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    We kick off our annual round of division previews with the AFC West. This division sent two teams to the playoffs last year, yet neither of those teams is favored to win the division. That's what happens when Patrick Mahomes calls the division home. How do the Chiefs bounce back this year? Can Mike McDaniel be the offensive coordinator to get the absolute most out of Justin Herbert? Are the Broncos truly the Super Bowl contender they appeared to be last season? And how should the Raiders define success in 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer those questions, and a whole lot more, on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  18. Quarterbacks at a crossroads in 2026

    25 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets to the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    C.J. Stroud went down to the crossroads, fell down on his knees. Bryce Young went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride. Justin Herbert will see you at the crossroads, so you won't be lonely. Yup, that's right, it's time for QBs at a crossroads. In addition to Stroud, Young and Herbert, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman discuss the pivotal seasons facing Jalen Hurts, Michael Penix and Malik Willis on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  19. What analytical trends and rule changes tell us about the 2026 season

    24 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for our September 1st live show: https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Let's face it: you can only learn so much about the season ahead from preseason football. So, we've turned to an alternate method of learning...Ryan Paganetti. Ryan chats with Robert Mays about the most interesting trends, rule changes, and what they tell us about what we could see in the 2026 NFL season.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  20. We're going camping! Bengals, Colts, Lions and Vikings

    22 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 44 min

    Afspelen
    A full week in the Midwest? Robert Mays must be coming to the end of his training camp tour. This week saw Robert visit Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit and Minneapolis, which means conversations with Bengals writer Paul Dehner Jr., Colts writer James Boyd, Lions writer Colton Pouncy and Vikings writer Alec Lewis on this episode of The Athletic Football Show Lees meer

    Host: Robert Mays

    With: Paul Dehner Jr., James Boyd, Colton Pouncy, Alec Lewis

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  21. A Seat at the Table: The 10 true Super Bowl contenders at the start of the 2026 season

    21 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 25 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for our LIVE show at Lincoln Hall: https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    King Arthur's Table. Table Mountain. Mesa Verde. Teufelstisch. These are just four famous tables known the world over. Could the TAFS Contender's Table join their ranks? Likely not, but that won't stop us from asking the question. And it certainly won't stop us from bringing back our favorite bit from 2025 with improvements for the 2026 season. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman introduce the initial batch of legitimate Super Bowl contenders on this episode of The Athletic Football show by giving 10 teams a Seat at the Table.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  22. Building the Beast: The NFL prospects you should know in 2026

    20 augustus 2026 · 57 min

    Afspelen
    Accompanied reading: Arch Manning's potential, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7510943/2026/08/18/arch-manning-nfl-draft-film-study/ Lees meer

    The full set of preseason ranking articles, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/dane-brugler/

    The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and Building the Beast is BACK! Dane Brugler joins Dave Helman to dig into the top prospects at every position for the 2026 season. Arch Manning, Leonard Moore, Xavier Atkins, and so much more.

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Co-Hosts: Dane Brugler and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Follow Dane on X: @DPBrulger

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  23. The most interesting new playcallers in 2026

    19 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 18 min

    Afspelen
    We have an astounding 25 new playcallers on either side of the ball in 2026. Mike McDaniel with the Chargers. Jim Leonhard with the Bills. Those two are expected to be among the most important acquisitions of the offseason, players and head coaches included. But they aren't the only ones grabbing our attention. Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen highlight the playcallers in new places they can't wait to watch on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:45 Mike Rutenberg & Cleveland Browns

    11:44 Christian Parker & Dallas Cowboys

    23:59 Chris O'Leary & Los Angeles Chargers

    32:10 Sean Mannion & Philadelphia Eagles

    43:52 Tyler Biadasz injury

    45:01 Mike McDaniel & Chargers

    53:41 Drew Petzing & Detroit Lions

    1:04:47 Brian Daboll & Tennessee Titans

    1:09:27 Brian Fleury & Seattle Seahawks

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  24. Drafting the 15 best offenses in the NFL

    18 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 19 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Sure, we could rank the NFL's best offenses from 1 to 15 and then tell you the rankings of each host. But then we wouldn't hear Robert call himself a "spineless piece of shit," we wouldn't hear Dave talk about making an offense out of a "ham bone and a moldy shoe," and we certainly wouldn't hear Derrik agonize over picking another NFC North team. So we're doing it this way. Join Robert Mays, Dave Helman, and Derrik Klassen as they draft the NFL's best offenses for 2026.

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    3:05 Bills

    7:44 Cowboys

    13:59 Rams

    17:17 Patriots

    22:25 Lions

    26:31 Bears

    34:04 Ravens

    40:49 Chargers

    45:50 Bengals

    52:21 49ers

    56:13 Packers

    59:47 Jaguars

    1:04:07 Chiefs

    1:06:21 Vikings

    1:09:14 Broncos

    1:11:25 Honorable mentions

    1:18:37 TAFS live show!

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  25. First impressions of the rookie class in preseason action

    17 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 3 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Good news! All of the good stuff you saw from the players you like and all the bad stuff from players you don't like in preseason is real. But the things that don't affirm your existing opinion? Fake. Not going to happen again. Robert Mays and Dave Helman have a mix of both those opinions and more reactions to the first preseason action of 2026.

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    3:54 Arizona Cardinals-Las Vegas Raiders

    4:30 Jeremiyah Love injury

    8:29 Fernando Mendoza

    9:52 Jeremiyah Love pre-injury

    14:24 Chase Bisontis

    15:25 Ty Simpson

    16:39 Stetson Bennett

    21:16 R Mason Thomas

    21:42 Drew Allar

    23:50 Jager Burton & Aaron Banks

    28:24 Caleb Douglas

    28:49 Kadyn Proctor

    29:49 De'zhaun Stribling

    30:33 Jakobi Lane

    32:49 Jack Bech

    34:46 Matthew Hibner

    37:35 Marlin Klein

    39:55 Cincinnati Bengals-Detroit Lions

    45:06 Cleveland Browns quarterbacks

    52:20 Browns receivers

    54:21 Carolina Panthers-Buffalo Bills

    56:07 Seattle Seahawks-Dallas Cowboys

    56:46 Jamal Adams

    57:51 Tennessee Titans-San Francisco 49ers

    59:46 Other positive performances

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  26. We're going camping! Eagles, Steelers, Bills and Browns

    15 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 42 min

    Afspelen
    Robert Mays slowly but surely made his way back to the Midwest from the mid-Atlantic on his training camp tour this week, kicking things off with the Eagles and wrapping it up with the Browns. In between, he made stops in Pittsburgh and Buffalo. As such, you'll hear from Eagles beat writer Zach Berman, Steelers beat writer Mike DeFabo, Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia, and Browns beat writer Zac Jackson on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

    4:06 Eagles

    31:00 Steelers

    1:00:03 Bills

    1:25:15 Browns

    Host: Robert Mays

    With: Joe Person, Nate Atkins, Daniel Popper and Jon Machota

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  27. Kyler Murray takes the reins & and other training camp stories worth caring about

    14 augustus 2026 · 52 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Between starter announcements, preseason game statuses, and late-camp signings...we couldn't possibly cover all of the big NFL training camp news in one show. So we didn't! Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen run it back for part two of training camp storylines.

    Accompanied reading: Bo Nix's area of improvement, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7503885/2026/08/11/broncos-bo-nix-quarterback-improvement-progressions/

    2:43 Kyler Murray & Minnesota Vikings

    7:40 What's next for JJ McCarthy

    13:19 Bo Nix & Denver Broncos

    18:06 Michael Penix Jr & Atlanta Falcons

    19:07 Penix vs Tua Tagovailoa

    20:14 Caleb Williams/Ben Johnson & Chicago Bears

    25:01 Deebo Samuel & San Francisco 49ers

    30:41 Elandon Roberts & Pittsburgh Steelers

    33:40 Devin White & Detroit Lions

    34:39 Darren Waller & Carolina Panthers

    37:47 Jonathon Brooks

    40:11 Marlon Humphrey/Nate Wiggins & Baltimore Ravens

    41:50 Cade Mays

    46:18 Jadeveon Clowney & Houston Texans

    50:05 Emmanuel Ogbah & Kansas City Chiefs

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  28. Drafting the best defenses in the NFL

    13 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 34 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Tired: Ranking. Wired: Drafting. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman draft who they think will be the best defenses in the NFL. Three drafters, five teams apiece, whoever's quintet ends the season with the best EPA per play wins. Derrik is on the clock...

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    4:35 Houston Texans

    10:14 Seattle Seahawks

    16:02 Los Angeles Rams

    22:01 Philadelphia Eagles

    27:21 Denver Broncos

    33:00 Cleveland Browns

    42:23 Pittsburgh Steelers

    49:18 Baltimore Ravens

    53:30 Minnesota Vikings

    59:09 Jacksonville Jaguars

    1:06:01 Buffalo Bills

    1:12:36 Kansas City Chiefs

    1:15:44 New York Giants

    1:20:20 New England Patriots

    1:20:45 New Orleans Saints

    1:20:57 Dallas Cowboys

    1:25:50 Los Angeles Chargers

    1:29:11 Indianapolis Colts

    1:31:39 Recap

    1:33:09 LIVE SHOW!

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  29. 13 players who can swing the 2026 NFL season

    12 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 22 min

    Afspelen
    Get your tickets for the live show! https://lh-st.com/shows/09-01-2026-the-athletic-football-show-with-robert-mays/ Lees meer

    Nick Emmanwori. Parker Washington. Darnell Wright. All of these guys weren't necessarily getting a ton of attention at this time last year, and then they went on to completely swing how good their teams were. Who could do the same in 2026. Allow Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman to bring you the players who could swing the 2026 season on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.

    Accompanied watching: Texans training camp notebook (https://youtu.be/dW-SINQBEiU), Seahawks training camp notebook (https://youtu.be/2C5ZH-Qm-wE).

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    3:46 Marlon Humphrey

    10:53 Nnamdi Madubike

    17:01 Garrett Bradbury

    20:32 Bears left tackles

    24:15 Ed Oliver

    31:35 Rashan Gary

    34:43 Cobie Durant

    38:35 Derrick Brown

    48:48 Jadarian Price

    55:40 Josh Jobe

    1:01:25 Keylan Rutledge

    1:06:12 Jayden Higgins

    1:10:00 AJ Brown

    1:20:51 TAFS live show!

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  30. The teams we just can't figure out going into the season

    10 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 15 min

    Afspelen
    No matter how well you know the NFL, a handful of teams every year are going to throw you for a loop on the doorstep of the season beginning. That doesn't mean they'll be bad, or even that you think they'll be bad. It just means you can't quite put a finger on what they're going to be and how they're going to play. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman name the teams they can't quite figure out in 2026 on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    4:41 Packers

    18:42 Saints

    28:41 Chargers

    38:11 Vikings

    44:41 Cardinals

    52:59 Patriots

    1:05:28 Commanders

    1:08:35 Chiefs

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  31. We're going camping! Seahawks, Falcons, Commanders and Ravens

    8 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 44 min

    Afspelen
    Robert Mays wrapped up his west coast swing at the end of last week, before heading down to the southeast and mid-Atlantic on his training camp travels. That means you get Michael-Shawn Dugar on the Seahawks; Josh Kendall on the Falcons; Nicki Jhabvala on the Commanders; and Jeff Zrebiec on the Ravens on this episode of The Athletic Football Show Lees meer

    Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

    Seahawks 4:52

    Falcons 36:22

    Commanders 54:25

    Ravens 1:20:09

    Host: Robert Mays

    With: Michael-Shawn Dugar, Josh Kendall, Nicki Jhabvala, Jeff Zrebiec

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  32. The training camp storylines worth buying into

    7 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 1 min

    Afspelen
    August comes with salt air, the rust on your door, and a whole bunch of hollow training camp storylines. But how many of those storylines are actually worth believing? Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dig into the running back market, the Vikings QB competition, Aaron Donald, and more of the trendy storylines coming out of training camp. Lees meer

    Accompanied reading: Alec Lewis on Vikings run game, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7494772/2026/08/06/minnesota-vikings-run-game-training-camp/

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    0:53 Jahmyr Gibbs contract and disclaimer

    2:48 Bijan Robinson/Jonathan Taylor contracts

    8:46 Aaron Donald & Los Angeles Rams official workout

    14:32 Jakobi Lane & Baltimore Ravens

    18:33 Tylan Wallace nostalgia

    19:26 JJ McCarthy vs Kyler Murray

    23:56 Frank Smith & Minnesota Vikings run game

    27:59 Bud Clark & Seattle Seahawks

    32:38 Philadelphia Eagles receivers

    35:53 KC Concepcion/Denzel Boston & Cleveland Browns

    37:33 Browns trade for Spencer Rattler?

    43:00 New Orleans Saints optimism

    44:20 Darnell Wright & Chicago Bears contract

    48:37 MarShawn Lloyd & Green Bay Packers

    50:26 Packers offensive line

    52:40 Max Iheanachor & Pittsburgh Steelers

    56:18 Dexter Lawrence & Cincinnati Bengals

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  33. The stories teams are willing themselves to believe

    6 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 14 min

    Afspelen
    Long before Ted Lasso was a smash hit TV show, professional sports teams had been willing themselves to "BELIEVE." Sometimes, that works out wonderfully, as in the case of the Bears believing that Ben Johnson was just what the doctor ordered for Caleb Williams. Other times, it doesn't quite work out, like when the Giants told themselves they only had a Daniel Jones problem. So, what are the stories that NFL teams must believe about themselves this season? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman crack open the storybook on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    5:11 Jaguars

    13:20 Giants

    25:30 Commanders

    25:45 Stefon Diggs news

    39:50 Eagles

    51:27 Colts

    57:16 Bills

    1:02:45 Chiefs

    1:05:43 Bengals/Cowboys

    1:08:30 Broncos

    1:10:30 Titans

    Accompanied reading: Sando's QB tiers, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nfl-quarterback-tiers-insider-rankings-2026/

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  34. Nine players who can change their teams DNA

    5 augustus 2026 · 1 uur

    Afspelen
    Every season, a handful of players on new teams completely change the way their unit plays. Think of what Talanoa Hufanga did for the Broncos defense and what George Pickens did for the Cowboys offense last year. Those players are DNA changers. Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen do their best Crick and Watson and pick out nine potential DNA changers on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    1:44 Bijan Robinson & Atlanta Falcons

    2:12 Zay Flowers & Baltimore Ravens

    10:27 Jauan Jennings & Minnesota Vikings

    17:09 Riq Woolen & Philadelphia Eagles

    22:57 Osa Odighizuwa & San Francisco 49ers

    27:50 Sauce Gardner & Indianapolis Colts

    32:12 Kenny Moore & Colts

    33:16 Dre’Mont Jones & New England Patriots

    38:42 Jaylen Waddle & Denver Broncos

    43:38 Reggie Gilliam & Patriots

    49:36 Carnell Tate & Tennessee Titans

    54:03 T’Vondre Sweat & New York Jets

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  35. Half-baked takes for the 2026 season

    4 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    Here’s a simple recipe for baking a take: 1. Have a thought or feeling. 2. Look up facts, stats, etc to support or disprove that thought or feeling. 3. Ponder the scope of the thought or feeling (a day, a season, a decade). 4. Mix in some outside opinions. 5. Enjoy your take. For this episode, we’re stopping about halfway through step two. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman share their half-baked takes for the 2026 season. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:52 Coby Bryant injury

    7:10 Baltimore Ravens & Maxx Crosby/Trey Hendrickson

    13:56 DaVonta Smith

    19:31 San Francisco 49ers & Ricky Pearsall

    27:55 Washington Commanders & Jayden Daniels

    31:29 Mike McDaniel

    34:12 Houston Texans

    42:17 Field goals

    47:47 Los Angeles Rams

    54:10 Natural grass fields

    57:46 Picking playoff teams

    1:03:17 New Orleans Saints

    1:06:21 Dak Prescott

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  36. We're going camping! Panthers, Rams, Chargers and Cowboys

    1 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 39 min

    Afspelen
    Robert Mays kicked off his annual training camp tour last week, and as always, he'll be speaking with every Athletic beat writer he crosses paths with to get the on-the-ground expertise from people who are with these teams every day. In the first installment of this year's Beat Writer Notebook, Robert speaks with Joe Person on the Panthers, Nate Atkins on the Rams, Daniel Popper on the Chargers on Jon Machota on the Cowboys. Lees meer

    Rundown (timestamps are approximate)

    3:30 Panthers

    32:03 Rams

    58:59 Chargers

    1:23:00 Cowboys

    Host: Robert Mays

    With: Joe Person, Nate Atkins, Daniel Popper and Jon Machota

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  37. 2026 versions of 2025 things

    30 juli 2026 · 59 min

    Afspelen
    Past may not be prologue, but it can give us an idea of what to look for when considering what might come next. For example, Byron Murphy's ascent was critical to the Seahawks' defense turning into a dominant unit. Could another player follow a similar script this year? It's in that spirit that Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen hunt for 2026 versions of 2025 things on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  38. The second-year players that are X-factors in 2026

    29 juli 2026 · 1 uur 6 min

    Afspelen
    We know it's not very humble to say, "I told you so." But...we told you so! At this time last year, we highlighted Cole Bishop and Kris Jenkins—among others—as potential X-factors. And for better or worse, both Bishop and Jenkins were X-factors during the 2025 season. So, we're running it back. Robert Mays, Dave Helman, and Derrik Klassen bring you 15 more players that are X-factors for their teams in 2026. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:21 Vita Vea & Jalen Carter news

    15:00 Jared Wilson

    18:30 Will Campbell

    21:21 Barrett Carter & Demetrius Knight

    28:52 Anthony Belton

    34:54 Terrance Ferguson

    40:35 Matthew Golden

    47:11 Travis Hunter

    51:25 Tyleik Williams

    55:05 Tate Ratledge

    59:45 TJ Sanders

    1:00:12 Pat Bryant

    1:00:38 Lathan Ransom

    1:02:50 Donovan Ezeiruaku

    1:03:32 Several 49ers

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  39. Who has the most at stake in 2026?

    28 juli 2026 · 1 uur 7 min

    Afspelen
    Every single person in the NFL—players, head coaches, coordinators, position coaches, executives, you name it—has something at stake every season. But some people have more at stake in one individual season than most everyone else. So who has the most at stake in 2026? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer that question on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:27 Zac Taylor

    10:40 Todd Bowles

    14:59 Baker Mayfield

    21:48 Kyler Murray

    28:46 Kevin O'Connell

    34:53 Monti Ossenfort

    44:23 Brian Daboll

    49:13 Chris Ballard

    54:00 Quentin Johnston

    58:26 George Pickens

    1:00:39 Jermaine Johnson

    1:01:21 Tariq Woolen

    1:03:05 Pick your Ram

    1:03:22 2024 receivers

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  40. Our biggest questions heading into training camp

    27 juli 2026 · 55 min

    Afspelen
    *GENERIC TRUMPET BLASTS SOUNDING A CALL TO ARMS* That's right, training camp is here and the 2026 NFL season is basically underway. We have plenty of questions around the league as all 32 teams open camp across the next few days, so many that we can't possibly get into all of them. This episode of The Athletic Football Show is reserved for our biggest questions as training camp begins. Robert Mays and Dave Helman find themsleves wondering about topics such as the Texans offensive line, the Raiders' development plan for Fernando Mendoza, the new-look Bills defense, and plenty more. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:12 Patrick Mahomes

    3:55 Chiefs offense

    5:53 Jaguars skill positions

    9:45 Seahawks running backs

    14:45 Ravens offense & Bills defense

    21:27 Vikings QB competition

    24:26 Vikings run game

    26:24 Falcons QBs

    30:44 Fernando Mendoza sitting

    40:14Year 2 of Cam Ward

    42:25 Eagles & Commanders offenses

    42:56 Texans offensive line

    46:22 Nic Scourton injury

    47:47 Eagles receiving core

    49:50 Mike McDaniel transformation

    51:43 Late camp signings

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Host: Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  41. How Klayton Adams helped build one of the NFL's most exciting offenses

    24 juli 2026 · 59 min

    Afspelen
    The 2025 Cowboys offense ranked fifth in EPA/play and eighth in DVOA. The man at the head of that was first-year offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who arrived in Dallas after a two-year run as the Cardinals offensive line coach. The Cardinals were a top-10 rushing offense by EPA/rush and DVOA in both of Adams' seasons there. In other words, he certainly appears to have a strong grip on how to put together a successful, multi-faceted offense in today's NFL. He dove into his process, and a whole lot more, with Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  42. The ideal way to build a WR room in 2026

    23 juli 2026 · 1 uur 22 min

    Afspelen
    We have long understood wide receiver as a premium position in the NFL, but the natural evolution of offenses and schemes has influenced everything—including the way you want to build out and balance your wide receiver corps. So what's the ideal way to put the pieces together in today's NFL? Matt Harmon from Yahoo Sports joins Robert Mays to fit it all into place on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    4:09 What should your receiver group look like?

    9:43 First piece of a receiver room

    13:53 Building around a WR1

    25:51 Impact on offense as a whole

    32:31 What to surround a WR1 with

    43:12 Impact of heavy personnel

    48:35 Ideal skill sets for receivers in heavy personnel

    56:09 Underrated skill sets for receivers

    59:45 How to project a WR success in NFL

    1:03:07 Changing landscape of slot receivers

    1:07:43 Examples of properly-built receiver groups

    1:11:42 Deploying pure speed

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  43. The 2026 Scheme Change All-Stars

    22 juli 2026 · 58 min

    Afspelen
    Sometimes all a player needs to break through is a new coach or a change of scenery. A new scheme can unlock something can unlock something in any number of players, and those guys can go on to dramatically affect the landscape of the league. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman highlight potential Scheme Change All-Stars on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    0:29 Live show announcement

    5:19 Ashton Jeanty & Las Vegas Raiders

    10:07 Jack Bech & Raiders

    15:59 Mike Evans & San Francisco 49ers

    23:44 Jalen Thompson & Dallas Cowboys

    31:23 Marvin Harrison Jr & Arizona Cardinals

    36:57 Chris Rodriguez & Jacksonville Jaguars

    43:57 Jalen Ramsey & Pittsburgh Steelers

    49:04 Logan Hall & Houston Texans

    54:09 A'Shawn Robinson & Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  44. Which team has the healthiest roster construction in 2026?

    21 juli 2026 · 1 uur 11 min

    Afspelen
    Do you remember the chart your teacher used in health class to show that 50% of your food should be fruits and vegetables? Maybe you also remember that little tiny sliver showing fatty or sugary foods. Well, think of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's four-year, $168.6 million contract as a bowl of ice cream and Bo Nix's four-year, $18.6 million rookie contract as a plate of broccoli. The ice cream tastes great, but you'd feel pretty sluggish if you didn't have a whole bunch of broccoli to go with it. On this episode of The Athletic Football Show, Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen discuss which NFL teams are best balancing indulgent superstar extensions with vitamin-packed rookie contracts. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    5:05 Los Angeles Rams

    10:51 Philadelphia Eagles

    15:55 New England Patriots

    21:15 Chicago Bears

    26:55 Seattle Seahawks

    31:25 Detroit Lions

    35:22 Los Angeles Chargers

    38:52 Cleveland Browns

    42:10 Houston Texans

    43:39 Green Bay Packers

    47:20 Dallas Cowboys

    48:35 Jacksonville Jaguars

    50:37 Denver Broncos

    55:16 Carolina Panthers

    58:44 Tennessee Titans

    1:03:18 Buffalo Bills

    1:07:11 Washington Commanders

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  45. Aaron Donald's return could happen, but SHOULD it?

    20 juli 2026 · 59 min

    Afspelen
    Dear TAFS friends, we have reached the end of the line for the summer mailbag this year. You guys brought it week after week, and you certainly sent us off with a bang. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman answer questions on the influence of the Doug Pederson Eagles, the best way to be a bad team, the potential return of Aaron Donald, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:45 Eagles/Doug Pederson influence

    12:46 Titans new offense

    23:05 Ideal way to be a bad team

    33:00 Evaluating cornerbacks

    39:47 Aaron Donald return

    48:24 Third-place game?

    Join The Athletic Football Show Discord Server: http://discord.gg/theathleticfootballshow

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  46. The storylines we didn't talk enough about this offseason

    17 juli 2026 · 1 uur 5 min

    Afspelen
    Believe it or not, we're just about at the end of the true NFL offseason. The two teams that play in the Hall of Fame Game—the Panthers and Cardinals—open training camp next week. We at The Athletic Football Show think we do a comprehensive job covering every team during this stretch on the calendar, but we have to admit that a few teams become a bit fainter on our radar. So why didn't we talk much about teams like the Falcons, Vikings, Bills and Eagles? Why did the Broncos, Patriots, Panthers and Ravens spend most of these last two months out of the TAFS studio? And, what should we have been talking about related to those eight teams during the offseason? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman finally give those teams some attention on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    3:26 Falcons

    10:36 Panthers

    20:32 Vikings

    28:47 Bills

    36:08 Ravens

    43:40 Eagles

    50:10 Broncos

    55:36 Patriots

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  47. The breakout players we're counting on for the 2026 season

    16 juli 2026 · 1 uur 32 min

    Afspelen
    Breakout seasons from Azeez Al-Shaair, Byron Young and Tuli Tuipulotu helped define the 2025 season. Who might be those players this year? Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman introduce the Breakout Player Draft on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:14 The rules

    6:30 Paris Johnson

    12:04 Omarion Hampton

    15:40 Walter Nolen

    19:34 Luther Burden

    25:12 Amarius Mims

    27:43 Nohl Williams

    32:25 Malaki Starks

    35:12 Yaya Diaby

    37:19 Josh Simmons

    40:09 Dallas Turner

    44:02 Jonas Sanker

    45:49 Craig Woodson

    48:58 Warren McClendon

    53:05 Nic Scourton

    56:18 Dylan Fairchild

    59:10 Patrick Paul

    1:02:31 Tykee Smith

    1:03:57 Ricky Pearsall

    1:09:23 Rome Odunze

    1:13:06 Cedric Gray

    1:18:40 Austin Booker

    1:20:55 Upton Stout

    1:21:54 Billy Bowman

    1:24:05 Jalen Travis

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  48. Nine lessons we learned from the NFL's best defenses

    15 juli 2026 · 1 uur 10 min

    Afspelen
    Last season marked the third-straight year in which a team driven by its defense won the Super Bowl. What can the success of last year's Seahawks—not to mention the Texans, Eagles, Vikings and Broncos—teach us about the NFL in 2026? Cody Alexander from Match Quarters joins Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen to share the lessons learned from last season's best defenses on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    2:43 Run defense

    4:00 Run defense on first down

    19:44 Edge-linebacker hybrid

    28:17 Base defense

    30:00 Nickel defense

    38:38 Zone coverage

    45:35 Weaponizing dime

    50:34 Blitz efficiency

    58:52 Split-field coverages

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  49. Which outlier stats are most likely to remain outliers?

    13 juli 2026 · 1 uur 6 min

    Afspelen
    We're approaching the end of mailbag season but we aren't quite there yet, so Dave Helman and Derrik Klassen opened up the mail and found eight great questions in there. The guys tackle questions on linebacker tiers, outlier statistics, the Lions' 2023 draft, and a whole lot more on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    1:35 Linebacker tiers

    18:47 Outlier stats for QBs

    26:36 Favorite odd records

    31:50 Teams that disappeared when stakes were high

    43:30 Saving past RBs

    49:22 Reversing Matthew Stafford’s career

    57:05 Lions 2023 Draft: Witherspoon or Gibbs?

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  50. What really was Caleb Williams' 2025 season? & More lingering questions

    10 juli 2026 · 1 uur 3 min

    Afspelen
    We've reached the end of our Lingering Questions series for the 2026 offseason, and we close it out with a trio of questions that loom large over the year to come. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman dive deep into critical questions about Caleb Williams, the Bengals offense, and the Steelers defense on this episode of The Athletic Football Show. Lees meer

    0:00 Welcome to the show

    1:58 What was Caleb Williams' 2025 season?

    30:19 Is the Bengals offense really Super Bowl ready?

    50:20 How should we feel about Patrick Graham (and the Steelers defense)?

    Host: Robert Mays

    Co-Hosts: Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman

    Executive Producer: Michael Beller

    Senior Producer: Katy Duffy

    Social Producer: Scott Krinch

    Follow Robert on Bluesky: @robertmays.bsky.social

    Follow Derrik on Bluesky: @qbklass.bsky.social

    Follow Dave on Bluesky: @davehelman.bsky.social

    Follow Robert on X: @RobertMays

    Follow Dave on X: @DaveHelman_

    Theme song: Haunted

    Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs

    Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.