The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Week 2 preview

Sep 18, 2026 · 1h 26m

Summary

The Athletic Football Show breaks down Week 2 matchups, starting with the Texans-Bengals game where hosts analyze Houston’s elite defense and Cincinnati’s shift to an under-center offense. They then preview the Jaguars-Broncos clash, contrasting Jacksonville’s explosive start with Denver’s offensive line struggles and Bo Nix’s difficulties against the Chiefs. The episode also features a "Take Therapy" segment addressing existential dread over the Cowboys' defense and concludes with a discussion on key questions arising from the first week of the NFL.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Mod.com and fatigue management Sponsor: AlphaBrain nootropic formula Week 2 preview overview and segment breakdown Bengals vs Texans: Defense and Josh Allen's impact Bengals offense: Under-center shifts and Jamar Chase Bengals vs Bills: Personnel and offensive line comparisons Texans run game and defensive front analysis Bengals defense: New additions and alignment changes Jags vs Broncos: Broncos offensive struggles and pass rush Jaguars offense: Trevor Lawrence and empty set success Jags vs Broncos: Matchup analysis and defensive weaknesses Sponsors: The Athletic, US Bank, and Gusto Steelers vs Patriots: Defensive schemes and run game Chiefs vs Colts: Daniel Jones and offensive concerns Vikings vs Bears: Brian Flores blitzing and Caleb Williams Browns vs Bucs: Baker Mayfield and defensive talent Sponsors: Mod.com and Schwab Take Therapy: Cowboys defense communication issues Cardinals vs Chargers: Roster talent and schematic edge Packers vs Jets: Historical context and closing remarks
Listen ad-free on Castria