The 2026 TAFS Wins Pool Draft
Summary
The Athletic Football Show hosts its annual "Wins Pool Draft," where the hosts pick eight teams to win the most games, with the loser facing a public punishment. Recorded live in Chicago, the episode features a 100-yard dash to determine draft order, followed by the hosts selecting the Rams, Ravens, Bills, Seahawks, Lions, Texans, Broncos, and Cowboys. The transcript includes a humorous interruption where Bill Barnwell calls in to verify Chiefs statistics, and the hosts discuss their emotional stakes and potential losses.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Discover Card and Walden University
Intro: Wins Pool Draft rules and audio glitch explanation
Recapping last year's punishment and discussing stakes
Picks 1-2: Rams and Ravens selection rationale
Picks 3-4: Bills and Seahawks selection rationale
Picks 5-6: Lions and Bengals selection rationale
Sponsors: U.S. Bank and Monarch Finance
Picks 7-8: Broncos and Cowboys selection rationale
Picks 9-10: Eagles and Chargers selection rationale
Picks 11-12: Commanders and Saints selection rationale
Picks 13-14: Chiefs and 49ers selection rationale
Sponsors: Bill and Superpower Health
Audio glitch recap and Ravens defense discussion
Picks 15-16: Vikings and Jaguars selection rationale
Picks 17-19: Packers, Saints, and Colts discussion
Picks 20-22: Steelers, Panthers, and Giants discussion
Final picks and reviewing the full draft board
Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners
Sponsors: Discover Card and Schwab
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