Scoop City: Inside The NFL

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!

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

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!

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams will face off in a highly anticipated Thursday night matchup. Will Sam Darnold bounce back against the Rams? What’s next for the Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa? Will the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens both make the playoffs? And will the Super Bowl winner come out of the NFC?The marquee game of Week 16 is an NFC West rematch in Seattle, where the Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Rams. The last time these two teams faced one another, Darnold threw four interceptions. The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar explains why this meeting could be different for Darnold and the Seahawks.The Miami Dolphins are making a change under center. Head coach Mike McDaniel announced that Tua Tagovailoa will be benched in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers. What’s Tagovailoa’s future in Miami? The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini and Scoop City co-host James Palmer discuss the situation and what the Dolphins' options are this offseason.Plus, Dianna and James are buying or selling several storylines throughout the league. Will the Lions and Ravens make the playoffs? Are the Jaguars the least-talked-about 10-win team? Will the Super Bowl winner come out of the NFC? They answer these questions and more.All that and more on a packed episode of Scoop City. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.Drop your pick for the must-watch Week 16 game in the comments below