Scoop City: Inside The NFL

What’s the future of the NFL’s Pro Bowl? Is this Super Bowl lacking the usual buzz? What should we take away from Roger Goodell’s press conference? And what’s been the reaction in Cleveland to the Browns hiring Todd Monken?Scoop City returns with a new episode as the hype builds for Super Bowl LX. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins James Palmer from San Francisco to discuss everything from the Pro Bowl to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s annual press conference. Plus, the two discuss whether there’s growing buzz about bringing a Super Bowl overseas.Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Browns have a new head coach. Will Todd Monken want to retain Jim Schwartz on his staff? And what should the Browns do at quarterback? Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel failed to impress in their rookie seasons, while Deshaun Watson is still on the Browns’ roster. Senior columnist Jason Lloyd joins to share insight on the state of the Cleveland Browns.Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and turn notifications on so you can stay up to date with everything happening across the NFL.What do you think the Browns should do at QB? Leave us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Bowl week is officially here, and Scoop City kicks it off with a full-scale breakdown of Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots and the decisions that will decide Super Bowl LX. Can Sam Darnold guide Seattle’s balanced, explosive offense through New England’s pressure-heavy defense? Can Drake Maye and the Patriots generate enough big plays against what many believe is the best defense in football? And a shocking fire in Minnesota. What happened behind the scenes of one of the most bizarre timing changes at GM in recent memory?James Palmer and Chase Daniel pull back the curtain on what Super Bowl week is really like from a player’s perspective. From the downtime and routine management to preparation inside the facility, Chase explains how teams avoid overthinking the biggest game of the season.James and Chase then lay out the keys to victory for both Super Bowl teams, starting with the Seahawks offense and Sam Darnold, breaking down how Seattle’s top-10 unit can stress a Patriots defense that thrives on disguise and late movement. They examine Klint Kubiak’s role in adjusting on the fly, how Jaxon Smith-Njigba can be moved around to find matchups.From there, the spotlight turns to Drake Maye and the Patriots offense facing Seattle’s versatile, physical defense. James and Chase breakdown how Maye’s mobility, patience, and selective aggression can unlock opportunities, especially on deep passesNext, The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins the show with must-hear reporting on the coaching and front-office landscape. Russini breaks down the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to move on from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and how Sam Darnold's trip to the Super Bowl could be responsible for the move. Dianna also shares the latest in the coaching carousel, where the final two vacancies are set to be filled.James and Chase wrap the show locking in their Super Bowl predictions, final scores, and MVP picks,Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss a moment of Super Bowl week on Scoop City.Who has the bigger edge on Sunday: Seattle’s defensive dominance or Drake Maye’s ability to create explosive plays? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Bowl LX is around the corner, and Scoop City’s Thursday Road Trip makes final stops in Seattle and New England before the Seahawks and Patriots head to Santa Clara. Can Seattle’s explosive playmakers and pass rush tilt the game at Levi’s Stadium? Can New England’s offense and Drake Maye’s deep ball rise to the moment against a suffocating defense? How does this matchup of coaches change how franchises search for their next leader? And can the Steelers’ bold hire of Mike McCarthy reshape Pittsburgh’s future — including what it means for Aaron Rodgers?Our road trip begins in the Pacific Northwest with Michael-Shawn Dugar to trace how the Seattle Seahawks built a Super Bowl roster and who deserves the most credit for the climb. Then the focus shifts on the matchup: Seattle’s ability to win up front and create pressure without sending extra rushers, and what that means for New England’s protection.Next stop: Foxborough. Chad Graff explains the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl and why Drake Maye is the centerpiece of their postseason surge, including the reality of his shoulder and how it could affect the plan. They break down why explosive plays feel essential against Seattle, how New England can hunt matchups, and what Christian Gonzalez’s role could be in slowing down Seattle’s top weapon. It’s the Patriots’ path to a title — and the specific pressure points that could decide it.The Super Bowl head coaches move into the spotlight as Zak Keefer shares how finding the perfect head coach can accelerate your team to a Super Bowl. Keefer connects what Mike Vrabel and Mike Macdonald have done as “CEO” leaders to the broader coaching cycle, including why teams are chasing culture, structure, and fast rebuilds again. If you’re tracking the NFL’s next hiring wave, this conversation explains the trend and the why behind it.Finally, the Road Trip lands in Pittsburgh with Mike DeFabo breaking down what Mike McCarthy’s homecoming means for the Steelers and how Aaron Rodgers fits into the teams plans for next season. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for the latest news from around the NFL.Who has the bigger Super Bowl advantage: Seattle’s pressure and playmaking, or New England’s explosive passing and Vrabel’s situational edge?Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazon http://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coaches take the spotlight briefly off of the Super Bowl with two more hires and one major snub. Did the Cleveland Browns get it right by hiring Todd Monken? Why did the Buffalo Bills choose Joe Brady — and how much say did Josh Allen really have in the decision? What does the league-wide fallout look like after Bill Belichick was shockingly passed over as a first-ballot Hall of Famer?The coaching carousel takes center stage as Todd Monken is hired by the Cleveland Browns, and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini joins Scoop City to explain how the agreement came together. Russini details what separated Monken from other candidates, what Cleveland valued most in the process, and how this decision fits into a broader league trend. She also delivers updates on the ongoing head coaching searches for the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, including where those processes currently stand.In Buffalo, Russini breaks down how the Bills landed Joe Brady, why he emerged as the top choice over other candidates, and how involved Josh Allen was throughout the process. With the Bills still chasing their first Super Bowl, the discussion centers on why the organization believes Brady is the right coach to help unlock consistency, adaptability, and greater postseason success.Bill Belichick was snubbed by Pro Football Hall of Fame voters in his first year of eligibility, sending shockwaves across the NFL. ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham, who broke the story, joins James Palmer to explain how the decision unfolded, why politics — not accomplishments — played a role, and how the football world reacted to one of the most surprising Hall of Fame moments ever.Finally, Joe Buscaglia joins the show with reaction from Buffalo following the hiring of Brady and a look ahead to what the rest of the Bills’ offseason could hold. From roster decisions to lingering pressure points, Buscaglia explains what Buffalo must do to finally get over the hump — and whether this coaching move is the one that helps push the Bills to a Super Bowl next season.Don't forget to like and subscribe for all the latest NFL news from around the league.Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazonhttp://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Seattle Seahawks are headed back to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in their franchise history. Once again, they will face the New England Patriots. Plus, what’s next for the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams after losing their respective conference championships?Former NFL QB Chase Daniel breaks down how Sam Darnold was able to lead the Seahawks past the Rams. And what did Daniel see in Drake Maye’s performance? Now, they will face off against one another in Santa Clara in the Super Bowl.Elsewhere, many NFL teams are still looking for their next head coach. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider, Dianna Russini, shares the latest updates from around the league. The Buffalo Bills continue to interview candidates to replace Sean McDermott, and Russini explains why the Bills have included MVP QB Josh Allen in the search. Plus, the Cleveland Browns are interviewing candidates in a unique way. Russini shares who the finalists are in Cleveland, and the group discusses why nobody wants to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ next offensive coordinator.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.And drop us a comment! Which coaching vacancy do you think is the most intriguing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL is down to Championship Sunday — four teams, two conference titles, and one final step before the Super Bowl. Can the Broncos survive the moment with Jarrett Stidham stepping in under the brightest lights? Are the Patriots ready for the pressure that comes with being the team everyone expects to win? Can the Seahawks protect Sam Darnold (and his oblique) long enough to let their offense play free? And will the Rams keep finding ways to win even when they’re not playing perfect football?Scoop City kicks off the Thursday Road Trip: Championship Edition starting in the AFC with Broncos writer Nick Kosmider, diving into why Denver believes Stidham can keep the offense steady — and why this week might actually bring out the best in Sean Payton. From the details behind Stidham’s preparation to the confidence coming from inside the locker room, the Broncos aren’t shrinking from the moment… they’re leaning into it.On the other side of the AFC, Patriots writer Chad Graff, who explains what the week has felt like in Foxborough as the Patriots suddenly carry a different kind of burden: the pressure to win against a backup. Chad breaks down why Drake Maye’s postseason efficiency has dipped from his regular season level, what Denver’s defense can exploit, and how New England can avoid letting the moment — or the matchup — speed them up.Then it’s over to the NFC and the Seahawks with Michael-Shawn Dugar. The spotlight lands on Sam Darnold’s oblique injury, how it changes the game plan, and why the biggest priority is limiting pressure — especially with so many of his turnovers coming when defenders get home. If Seattle keeps Darnold clean and composed, the Super Bowl path is real.Finally, we close the team previews with a Rams report from Nate Atkins, focusing on how Los Angeles keeps stacking wins even when the performance isn’t flawless. With Matthew Stafford as the longest-tenured veteran QB still standing — and already a Super Bowl champion — plus Sean McVay’s experience, creativity, and the ability to win ugly when it matters most.James Palmer wraps the show with his end-of-season awards picks after today’s finalists were released — including MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Scoop City — and drop a comment: Who is your Super Bowl matchup with the Conference Championships on Sunday? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Championship Sunday is almost here — but can the Broncos really survive a playoff run with a backup quarterback? What does Jarrett Stidham change (or limit) in Sean Payton’s offense? Plus, what’s the key matchup in Drake Maye vs. Denver’s pressure looks, and can Matthew Stafford keep playing mistake-free football against a Seahawks defense built to hunt turnovers and win the margins? Meanwhile, why did the Bills move on from Sean McDermott after another postseason heartbreak, and what does that mean for Josh Allen and Buffalo’s future?James Palmer welcomes former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini as Buffalo’s coaching reset becomes the league’s biggest talking point. The conversation starts with the Bills’ fallout — including the tone of Terry Pegula’s press conference, what it signaled about where the organization believes it fell short, and how messy (or necessary) this change could be as the coaching carousel continues to spin.Then it’s time for a film session. Daniel breaks down what Denver’s offense can look like with Jarrett Stidham stepping in, why timing and cadence matter more than ever in a playoff environment, and how Sean Payton’s trust in Stidham goes back to his first days in Denver. Chase turns on the tape of Drake Maye against one of the NFL’s most aggressive pressure teams — and the big chess match of whether Denver sticks with its identity or adjusts for this moment.On the NFC side, we dive into the Rams-Seahawks matchup through Matthew Stafford’s film: Why he’s been so efficient against Seattle, what protection and pocket comfort mean for this offense, and what the Seahawks must do to speed him up.Before we wrap, Chase puts on his evaluator hat for a college-to-pros conversation on Fernando Mendoza — why scouts obsess over “eyes,” processing, and pocket feel, and how the Heisman winner fits into what Tom Brady and the Raiders might be looking for at the top of the draft.Stay with Scoop City for the latest NFL coaching news, playoff breakdowns, and quarterback film rooms all postseason. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your take in the comments.Do you think Jarrett Stidham can join the list of backup QBs to reach a Super Bowl?Take our Audience survey and get a chance to win $100 from Amazonhttp://theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Divisional Round delivered chaos, statement wins and a final four nobody is taking lightly. But the biggest shock came after the games — why did the Bills fire Sean McDermott, and what does it mean for Buffalo’s future? Plus, did the Seahawks just prove they’re the NFC’s true heavyweight, are the Rams built to survive a division-rival showdown for a trip to the Super Bowl, are the Patriots officially one win away from something special under new head coach Mike Vrabel, and can the Broncos keep their run alive after losing Bo Nix for the remainder of the playoffs?Buffalo stunned the league by moving on from head coach Sean McDermott, and now the pressure shifts directly to Josh Allen and a franchise that’s tired of falling short. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini breaks down how it unfolded after the Bills’ loss, when McDermott’s job security started to come into question, and what the decision means for the rest of the NFL coaching carousel.The conversation doesn’t stop there. The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia joins the show to outline what’s next for the Bills, what Buffalo should prioritize in its head coach search, how quickly the organization can rebuild trust inside the building, and how much influence Josh Allen could have in shaping the next era of Bills football.In the AFC, the Broncos knock off the Bills and keep their postseason run alive, but the next challenge is massive as they host the Patriots without their starting quarterback. Enter Jarrett Stidham — with ties not only to New England, but also to Broncos offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels — as Denver tries to survive and advance with a backup under center. Even without QB1, are the Broncos still good enough to push through to the Super Bowl?Stay with Scoop City for the latest NFL news, playoff coverage and coaching carousel updates from around the league. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and drop a comment below.Where does the Bills head coaching job rank among the current openings? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Divisional Round is here — and Scoop City is taking you around the league with the biggest questions heading into the weekend. The coaching carousel also had the first domino to fall. How does John Harbaugh landing with the New York Giants reshape the rest of the coaching landscape. Plus, can the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks hold onto home-field advantage, and which young QBs are ready for a defining moment?We open with the biggest news of the day: John Harbaugh is set to become the next head coach of the New York Giants. Dianna Russini breaks down how the deal came together so quickly, what it signals about where the Giants are headed, and how this move impacts the rest of the NFL’s coaching carousel.The first stop on the Divisional Round Road Trip is Denver, where Nick Kosmider goes inside the facility with the AFC’s top-seeded Broncos. Can Sean Payton’s vision push this team one step closer to a Super Bowl, and is Denver’s pass rush dominant enough to disrupt even the league’s most dangerous quarterback? The Broncos have been rolling for months — but can Bo Nix keep pace if this turns into a shootout?Then we head to Buffalo with Joe Buscaglia to preview the Bills’ biggest test yet in the altitude at Mile High. What is the “special trait” that makes this group feel ready for anything, and how does Josh Allen respond when the Broncos’ front starts hunting? Buffalo’s been here before — but this time the path runs straight through the AFC’s best defense.In the NFC, Michael-Shawn Dugar breaks down the Seahawks returning to the playoffs as the #1 seed — and finally hosting a true home game in front of their fans again. Seattle’s defense has been elite across the board, but can they turn dominance into a deep postseason run? And after years of waiting for another signature January win, is this the moment the Seahawks finally break through?On the other side of that matchup, Vic Tafur previews the 49ers’ path forward after surviving the Eagles — and dealing with yet another brutal injury. Can San Francisco overcome the losses and steal a divisional rematch in Seattle, especially after falling short in Week 18? Plus, could the team get Fred Warner back for the final weeks of the season? How the linebacker has looked at practice this week. The Niners have lived on the edge all year… and they’re still standing.In Chicago, Kevin Fishbain joins to preview the Bears hosting the Rams with Caleb Williams trending upward at the perfect time. Can the Bears avoid another slow start and keep Williams playing fearless football in the biggest moments? And with Chicago pulling off comebacks nobody else in the league can match, is this becoming their postseason identity?We wrap with Chad Graff on the Patriots hosting the Texans — and the key to Drake Maye surviving another week of playoff punishment. Can New England protect the football, handle Houston’s pressure, and force C.J. Stroud into mistakes the way they did against Justin Herbert? Plus: the latest on Christian Gonzalez and how disruptive this Patriots defense can be when it’s rolling.Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment for all the latest NFL News from around the league.Who’s getting upset this weekend — and who’s making the Super Bowl? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making sense of the wildest coaching carousel in years — what does Mike Tomlin stepping down actually mean for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and which franchise is next to feel the ripple effects? Plus, are we watching a true “team of destiny” run from the San Francisco 49ers, and how much heat is rising in Philadelphia with the Eagles after another frustrating finish?James Palmer is joined by The Athletic’s senior NFL writer Michael Silver to break down the atmosphere surrounding Tomlin’s final game and what the Steelers’ future looks like without one of the league’s defining head coaches. Then the conversation turns to another potential “last game” storyline — Aaron Rodgers — and whether the Packers could be staring at the next domino with Matt LaFleur.The 49ers eliminate the Eagles and keep finding a way to survive, pushing their run forward with more magic (and meaning) attached to this postseason. Meanwhile, Philly heads into another offseason full of big decisions — including what’s next for the roster and the long-term outlook around Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown.Meanwhile the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock — both with their draft position and their head coaching search — with Tom Brady’s influence as a minority owner looming large. James and Michael discuss the pressure of getting both positions right for Las Vegas after a tumultuous season.Don't forget to like and subscribe for all the latest NFL News from around the league.Is this the craziest coaching cycle you can remember in one offseason? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The longest tenured head coach in the NFL has stepped down. Mike Tomlin has coached his last game as the leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini and NFL insider James Palmer discuss Tomlin’s departure. What’s next for the now former Steelers head coach? And, where will Pittsburgh look to for their next head coach? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild Card Weekend was chaos — and it reshaped how we should think about the postseason with one AFC spot still up for grabs.What was the most impressive performance of the weekend — a coach winning a chess match, a QB putting on the cape, or a defense stealing points in the red zone? Which team gained the most belief from a win that felt bigger than the scoreboard? And which winners still left you uneasy even after surviving?The coaching carousel is already heating up. James Palmer and Chase Daniel share their thoughts, including why moving on from Matt LaFleur would be “utterly insane." The guys also share potential best fits for Mike McDaniel — where would his offensive creativity hit fastest, and what kind of situation would actually maximize his strengths?Then the conversation turns to the most impressive performances of Wild Card weekend. Chase points to Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ ability to win the schematic battle — even with injuries — and how their plan created answers in the middle of the field when it mattered. James adds his own standouts, including the Patriots flipping a major red-zone weakness into a winning formula, plus the reality of what it looked like watching Justin Herbert under constant pressure.Which team gained the most momentum? James makes the case for Buffalo, why Josh Allen's moment carried historical significance, and how their say-it-with-your-chest style travels in January. Chase counters with Chicago, focusing on the Bears’ late-game identity and what their comeback DNA says about their ceiling when the pressure spikes.Not everyone who advanced convinced. The guys dig into the winners that still raised red flags — what needs to clean up immediately, what could get exposed next, and why surviving isn’t the same as proving you’re built for a deep run.They also look at the teams whose seasons ended and what we actually learned in defeat. Chase breaks down what the Eagles’ loss revealed about their offensive construction and how fragile it becomes if the run element disappears. James points to the Jaguars as a team worth tracking into the offseason — what changed late in the year, what’s real, and why big swings could still be coming.To close, we chat about the thin line between competitive and petty. Ben Johnson’s postgame moment sparks a real debate: how much emotion is too much after a win like that — and who’s actually offended by it? James and Chase then share their own hang-ups - what are you irrationally competitive about that you probably shouldn’t be?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for the latest NFL news, insider reporting, and in-depth analysis.What was the most impressive performance of Wild Card Weekend — and who made you a believer after the first round? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild Card Weekend is here in the NFL — and with it comes chaos, pressure, and opportunity. Which teams are built to survive January football? Which quarterbacks can change their postseason narrative in one game? And which contenders have everything to lose as the playoff field opens up with no clear favorite?We start in the NFC with a massive North showdown as the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears host the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers. Can the Bears seize the moment and win their first playoff game in 15 years behind second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, or do the Packers find life after limping into the postseason on a four-game skid? With Jordan Love searching for answers and Chicago entering a new era, this matchup carries weight far beyond one weekend.Next, we head to Foxboro for the AFC’s No. 2 seed matchup as the New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers. Is this the moment Justin Herbert finally breaks through in the postseason after playing all season behind a battered offensive line? And how much can the Chargers rely on a defense that’s quietly been one of the league’s most complete units against a Patriots offense still finding its footing?The defending champions begin their road back to the Super Bowl as the Philadelphia Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers. With key starters returning on both sides of the ball, are the Eagles finally healthy at the right time — and does that change the ceiling for a repeat run? Or can the 49ers disrupt Philadelphia’s balance and expose cracks that didn’t show up down the stretch?In Jacksonville, the Jaguars’ late-season surge meets the ultimate test as Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills come to town. With the AFC playoff picture wide open, is there added pressure on Allen to deliver on the road? Can Buffalo establish the run against the league’s best run defense, and how dangerous is a Jaguars team that’s been winning with discipline, takeaways, and momentum?We close with Monday Night Football as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Houston Texans in a physical, high-stakes matchup. How will Aaron Rodgers handle a relentless Texans pass rush? What does the return of DK Metcalf mean for Pittsburgh’s offense? And with postseason expectations looming large, what does this game mean for Mike Tomlin’s future if the Steelers fall short?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for full Wild Card Weekend coverage, insider reporting, and playoff analysis all January long.Which Wild Card matchup are you watching closest — and which upset feels inevitable? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Harbaugh’s tenure in Baltimore is over — and the ripple effects are being felt across the entire NFL. Where do the Baltimore Ravens go from here? How does Harbaugh's exit change the coaching landscape? Will there be more coaching changes to come?The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini breaks down how Harbaugh’s firing unfolded behind the scenes, why the timing matters, and how his sudden availability reshapes the NFL coaching carousel for teams searching for their next leader.What’s next for the Ravens after parting ways with their head coach of 18 seasons? The Athletic’s senior Ravens writer, Jeff Zrebiec, joins the show to explain the immediate reaction inside the organization, how the locker room and facility are processing the move and what this decision means for a franchise still chasing a Super Bowl with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. How much will Lamar’s prime — and his future — influence Baltimore’s next head coaching search?The domino effect doesn’t stop there. Dan Duggan, The Athletic’s senior Giants writer, joins to discuss how Harbaugh’s firing impacts the New York Giants’ coaching search. With GM Joe Schoen retained, what traits are the Giants prioritizing in their next head coach? How important is the development of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in this process? And does Harbaugh’s availability change New York’s timeline or approach?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for the latest NFL news, insider reporting, and in-depth analysis.Who do you think should be the next Ravens head coach? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL regular season is complete, the playoff field is set, and the coaching carousel is already spinning. On today’s episode of Scoop City, we break down everything that mattered from the Week 18 finish — how the final results locked in seeding, shaped the Wild Card Weekend matchups, and revealed which teams are entering the postseason with momentum and which ones raised new concerns.We run through the full playoff picture, including the Seahawks and Broncos securing the No. 1 seeds in the NFC and AFC, the Bears and Patriots locking up the No. 2 seeds, and how the rest of the bracket came together. Which top seed is actually the most dangerous? Which Wild Card team do we trust the most? And which playoff teams should be worried after ending the season in shaky fashion?From there, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving NFL coaching cycle. With Pete Carroll fired by the Raiders, Kevin Stefanski out in Cleveland, and Raheem Morris dismissed in Atlanta, several high-profile jobs are now open. We discuss the most appealing vacancies, the top head coaching candidates and coordinators generating buzz, and which coaches make the most sense based on roster construction, quarterback situations, and organizational direction. Plus, why some teams — like the Bengals, Colts, and Ravens — are choosing continuity instead of change.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications as the NFL officially shifts from the regular season to playoff football.Which Wild Card team do you trust the most heading into the weekend? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s truly at stake in Week 18 across the NFL? Which quarterbacks are rising at the perfect time — and which teams have everything to lose heading into the playoffs? Scoop City breaks down the biggest seeding battles, division title races, and QB storylines as the regular season reaches its dramatic finale.The NFC playoff picture comes down to a winner-take-all showdown in the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers face off with the division title — and the No. 1 seed — on the line. Is Sam Darnold proving last season wasn’t a fluke, or is Brock Purdy’s ability to win with a depleted roster the most impressive QB story of 2025?The race for the No. 2 seed in the NFC is just as compelling. A Bears win over the Lions locks Chicago into a critical playoff position, while an Eagles win over the Commanders and a Bears loss gets Philly the spot instead. Should fans be more encouraged by Caleb Williams’ performance against the 49ers — or more concerned by Jalen Hurts’ second-half struggles against the Bills?In the AFC, the Ravens and Steelers collide with the AFC North title and the No. 4 seed on the line. After Baltimore’s Week 17 win and Pittsburgh’s stumble, should the Ravens stick with what worked — or adjust to better suit Lamar Jackson? And with DK Metcalf suspended and tight end Darnell Washington out, where can Aaron Rodgers find offense when it matters most?Plus, with the New Year approaching, Scoop City hands out New Year’s resolutions to playoff teams coming off tough losses. What needs to change for the Rams after a surprising defeat? What must Josh Allen and the Bills clean up after the failed two-point attempt in Philly? And how can the Packers build momentum after Malik Willis' heroic performance?We close things out with a how parenting has changed the New Year's holiday. We'll tell you who stayed up, who stayed out and who is stayed put.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay locked in for Week 18 and the start of the NFL postseason. Which Week 18 matchup are you most excited for? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the Philadelphia Eagles be concerned about their offense? Did the Buffalo Bills make the right decision by going for two in their Week 17 loss to Philly? Can Brock Purdy carry the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl? What do we need to know about the Week 18 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens?The Philadelphia Eagles escaped Buffalo with a 13–12 win over the Bills. However, the Eagles’ performance left fans with questions. Jalen Hurts and Philly's unit were held to zero second-half completions and just 17 total yards. Is the Eagles' offense still a concern heading into the postseason?Did the Buffalo Bills make the correct decision by going for the win with a two-point conversion? The loss on Sunday lifted the New England Patriots to their first AFC East title since 2019. Can Josh Allen and the Bills win multiple road games to get to their first Super Bowl since the 1990s?Out west, the San Francisco 49ers continue to stack impressive wins. The 49ers exit Week 17 with a win over the Chicago Bears and a chance at the No. 1 seed. Brock Purdy has been impressive since returning from injury. Can Purdy carry the Niners to a Super Bowl?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Which team do you think earns a first-round bye in each conference? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who can’t afford to slip up in Week 17? And which quarterbacks are separating themselves as the postseason approaches?Scoop City returns with James Palmer and Chase Daniel breaking down a loaded NFL slate as the holiday week of football brings massive playoff implications. With most postseason spots nearly locked in, James and Chase explain what still matters — from the race for the No. 1 seed to which teams could be dangerous once January arrives.Attention then turns to last-ditch efforts to save seasons, as the Ravens and Lions are fighting against the odds to make the playoffs. Chase shares which team he’s most disappointed in for potentially missing the postseason.Chase and James then dive into a huge matchup between the Texans and Chargers. What would a win mean for C.J. Stroud or Justin Herbert as they head toward the playoffs?The 49ers and Bears face off Sunday night, and San Francisco QB Brock Purdy continues to play some of the best football of his career. James and Chase explain what Purdy does so well that often goes unnoticed — from ball placement to timing to total control of the offense despite the 49ers’ mounting injuries.Then the quarterback conversation takes center stage. How close is Patriots QB Drake Maye to really winning an MVP? Chase details why Maye’s football intelligence, command of the offense, and late-game confidence have impressed people around the league.Chase and James both agree that Matthew Stafford’s play this season will secure the veteran his first MVP trophy. Chase explains how Stafford’s pre-snap work and coverage reads make him the best active true pocket passer in the game.Plus, James shares insight from inside the Jaguars’ locker room as Trevor Lawrence continues the best stretch of his season. With four straight games without an interception and 12 touchdowns over that span, Lawrence looks fully comfortable in Jacksonville’s offense — and the Jaguars are suddenly a team nobody wants to face.The episode closes with a holiday twist as James and Chase hand out “Stocking Stuffers” — under-the-radar players making playoff-level impacts, from elite offensive linemen to shutdown corners avoiding throws altogether.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Which quarterback has impressed you most heading into Week 17? Drop us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the New England Patriots the most dangerous team in the AFC? Did the Jacksonville Jaguars make Sunday's biggest statement against the Denver Broncos? Are the Chicago Bears a playoff threat in the NFC? Will the Carolina Panthers capture the NFC South title?Scoop City returns following a thrilling Week 16. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini takes you inside the Patriots’ win over the Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Patriots QB Drake Maye bolstered his MVP résumé with an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback over Baltimore.Sunday’s other statement game happened in Denver, where the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Broncos. Scoop City co-host and NFL insider James Palmer shares insights from both locker rooms. Are the Jaguars an underrated AFC threat?On Saturday, the Chicago Bears continued to perform under pressure. Chicago came from behind to defeat the Green Bay Packers. Should we believe in this group in the postseason? James and Dianna discuss what the league thinks of this Bears team.Plus, the NFC South took an interesting turn, with Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers handing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their third straight defeat. The Bucs have now lost six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Panthers have taken sole possession of first place in the NFC South with two games to play.Come for the Week 16 recap — stay for the worst Christmas songs. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Drop an emoji to describe your team's Week 16 performance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lions head into the week 16 in must-win territory. How is Detroit is preparing for the final stretch of the season. The Ravens find themselves still with a chance to win the division, will Lamar Jackson get Baltimore back to the postseason. The 49ers continue to win despite their long list of injuries. How Kyle Shanahan kept his team in the fight for the #1 seed in the NFC?James Palmer takes Scoop City on a Thursday road trip with major playoff stakes across the league. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy opens the show from Detroit, breaking down the Lions’ slim postseason odds, what winning out vs. the Steelers, Vikings and Bears would mean, and how Dan Campbell’s play-calling has turned this offense into a big-play machine.In Baltimore, Jeff Zrebiec joins to sort out the Ravens’ playoff path, Lamar Jackson’s reduced rushing and uptick in interceptions, and why a Derrick Henry–powered offense has struggled so badly in the red zone. They also tackle the big-picture question: what happens with John Harbaugh if this finish doesn’t match expectations?Out west, Vic Tafur explains how Kyle Shanahan has kept the injury-riddled 49ers in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, what Brock Purdy has shown about leading a deep playoff run, and how the Brandon Aiyuk situation and defensive issues against the run and in the pass rush could define San Francisco’s postseason.Jake Ciely closes things out with fantasy advice as the playoffs heat up, from life without Patrick Mahomes to what Gardner Minshew and Baker Mayfield mean for key weapons — plus a quick detour into holiday music rankings.James wraps with an Extra Point on why this season’s parity, with new teams rising and traditional powers vulnerable, could make this one of the most wide-open postseasons in years.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Which Week 16 storyline has your attention? Drop us a comment! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.