Should the Washington Commanders have pulled quarterback Jayden Daniels before his injury? Is there cause for concern for the Kansas City Chiefs after their loss to the Buffalo Bills? How dominant can the Philadelphia Eagles' defense be after adding Jaelan Phillips? Can the Minnesota Vikings make a playoff push now that J.J. McCarthy is starting again?

The Commanders will be without Daniels after he suffered a dislocated elbow against the Seattle Seahawks late in the second half of Sunday night's blowout. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini shares reaction from inside the Commanders facility and details how long the team expects to be without its second-year quarterback.

After the Bills’ win over the Chiefs, former Kansas City quarterback and Scoop City co-host Chase Daniel discusses whether Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs Kingdom should be concerned. Daniel also breaks down who could emerge as Josh Allen’s top target in Buffalo’s offense.

Even during their bye week, the Eagles continue to make moves. General manager Howie Roseman remains active ahead of the NFL trade deadline, acquiring edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to bolster Philadelphia's pass rush. Russini reports what she’s hearing around the league as the deadline approaches.

Plus, the Vikings are turning back to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. Daniel examines what McCarthy’s return could mean for Minnesota’s playoff hopes and offensive rhythm.

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It’s a Halloween Week 9 edition of Scoop City with James Palmer and a stacked lineup of insiders from The Athletic! We’re serving up more treats than tricks as the NFL trade deadline approaches and several playoff contenders face must-win moments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for your insider breakdowns straight from the locker room.

The AFC playoff picture heats up as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs square off with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in one of Week 9’s biggest matchups. Joe Buscaglia breaks down the Bills’ must-win urgency, how Allen and Stefon Diggs can exploit Kansas City’s coverage, and what Sean McDermott’s defense must fix to keep pace with Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Can the Bills save their season—or will Kansas City prove they’re still the AFC’s top dog?

Next up, James Boyd joins James Palmer to dive into the surging Indianapolis Colts, led by Jonathan Taylor, who’s on an MVP-level tear. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns through eight weeks, and he’s doing it behind a balanced Colts attack. Can Taylor continue his dominance against a Steelers defense that’s been uncharacteristically inconsistent and struggling to stop the run?

Alec Lewis checks in to preview Vikings vs Lions, a massive NFC North battle. J.J. MCarthy returns to the starting lineup in a crucial divisional matchup. How will J.J. McCarthy’s growth define how the success of Minnesota's season.

Even on their bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles stay in the headlines. Brooks Kubena joins James Palmer to unpack his powerful new story on AJ Brown, one of the NFL’s most complex and competitive superstars. From his relentless work ethic with DK Metcalf at Ole Miss to his candid thoughts on frustration, fulfillment, and identity, Brooks explains why Brown’s intensity has nothing to do with being a “diva”—and everything to do with the unique pressure of playing wide receiver in today’s NFL.

To wrap the show, Jake Ciely brings his fantasy insight (and costume) for a special Halloween segment: ranking the best Halloween candies and revealing his buy-low and sell-high fantasy football targets ahead of the NFL trade deadline. From Baker Mayfield to breakout RB Quinshon Judkins, Jake and James debate who’s sweet, who’s stale, and who’s worth stashing.

Don’t miss this episode of Scoop City — your insider pass to the NFL.

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Welcome back to Scoop City! James Palmer and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini are breaking down the midseason stretch of the NFL heading into Week 9 — including which teams are surging, who’s slipping, and what’s still to come at the trade deadline.

As the NFL trade deadline nears, Palmer and Russini dive into the biggest questions around the league, including why big-name players like A.J. Brown and Chris Olave aren't likely to move, which front offices are actually taking calls, and how Week 9 results could change a team's outlook.

James and Dianna also take a closer look at the Vikings' quarterback situation with J.J. McCarthy returning under center this week against the Lions. What does Carson Wentz’s season-ending surgery mean for McCarthy and Minnesota's chances of making the playoffs?

Then, it’s time for some Scoop Superlatives: their midseason awards, high-school yearbook style. From "Most Unexpected Glow-Up" and "Best Couple" to "Most Popular," James and Dianna dole out their picks at the season's halfway mark.

Finally, Chris Branch, author of The Pulse newsletter, drops in with two questions fans are debating this week: Should NFL overtimes end in a tie or continue until there’s a winner? And is it more likely the Ravens clinch a playoff berth in 2025 or John Harbaugh is fired after 18 seasons at the helm in Baltimore?

Don’t miss this episode of Scoop City — your insider pass to the NFL.

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What does Jordan Love and the Packers’ win over the Steelers mean for the NFC? Did Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles correct their offensive issues? Should Drake Maye be at the top of the MVP conversation? Did Justin Fields prove the doubters wrong? And, can the Dallas Cowboys correct their defensive woes?

The Green Bay Packers made a statement on Sunday night with a dominant win over their former QB, Aaron Rodgers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jordan Love impressed, throwing for 360 yards and three touchdowns, while Rodgers and the Steelers' offense struggled to keep up. Does the NFC's road to the Super Bowl now run through Green Bay?

In Philadelphia, the Eagles appeared to correct their offensive issues by scoring 38 points on the New York Giants. However, it was the run game leading the way. Saquon Barkley ran for 150 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Hurts tossed four touchdown passes but only threw for 179 yards. The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini takes you inside the Eagles' facility and shares what Philly personnel are thinking following their win over the Giants. Former NFL QB Chase Daniel shares insights into the Eagles’ offense.

In New England, the Patriots continue to impress after their sixth win of the season. Should Drake Maye be in the MVP conversation? Daniel says it’s time to start thinking about the Patriots QB as one of the league’s best.

And, the Denver Broncos are riding mile-high following their 20-point victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Did Bo Nix get back on track against the Cowboys? And what should Jerry Jones do to address his defense’s struggles? Daniel breaks down what he is seeing on tape.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

Drop us your thoughts on Week 8 in the comments below!

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Will Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers spoil the Green Bay Packers’ trip to Pittsburgh? Are the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes back? Which quarterback has impressed Chase Daniel through seven weeks? And which Carolina Panthers running back should crack your starting lineup in fantasy football?

Scoop City returns with a “stock up or stock down” report on quarterbacks across the league. Former NFL QB Chase Daniel breaks down Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, Drake Maye, Matthew Stafford, and Caleb Williams.

It may not be a revenge game in the eyes of Aaron Rodgers, but Sunday night’s matchup between the Packers and Steelers is intriguing. To set the stage, James Palmer welcomes The Athletic’s Steelers beat writer, Mike DeFabo.

In another primetime matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Washington Commanders. Have the Chiefs returned to form after their early struggles? The Athletic’s Chiefs beat writer, Jesse Newell, shares intel from inside the Chiefs facility.

And how does your fantasy team look after seven weeks of football? The Athletic’s senior fantasy football writer, Jake Ciely, returns to share advice on running backs and backup wide receivers. Plus, don’t miss his favorite WWE entrances.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

Drop your thoughts for Week 8 in the comments!

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🎤 The Philadelphia Eagles are searching for answers, the Los Angeles Chargers might have found a star in Ladd McConkey, and the New York Giants’ new tight-end weapon Theo Johnson is heating up. It’s a jam-packed Week 7 edition of Scoop City with James Palmer diving across the league with insiders and players who know what’s really going on.

🏈 First up, The Athletic’s Zach Berman breaks down what’s wrong with the Eagles offense heading into their matchup with the Vikings. Philadelphia hasn’t topped 100 rushing yards in weeks, and questions are swirling around new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Can the Eagles rediscover the balance that powered their Super Bowl run, or will Brian Flores’ defense expose even more cracks?

⚡️ Then, Dan Popper checks in from Los Angeles, where Justin Herbert is quietly putting together one of his most complete seasons yet. Dan and James preview a pivotal AFC matchup between the Colts and the Chargers.

🐴 Over in Denver, Nick Kosmider weighs in on the Broncos defense, which leads the league in sacks and has turned into one of the NFL’s most disruptive units. But after a sluggish offensive showing in London, can Denver find enough consistency to handle a sneaky Giants team?

🔋 Chargers WR Ladd McConkey sits down with James Palmer to talk about his clutch moment from last week's win over Miami. McConkey opens up about earning Justin Herbert’s trust and looks ahead to the Chargers’ matchup with the Colts and shares what it’ll take to keep their offense humming.

🗽 And speaking of the Giants, breakout tight end Theo Johnson stops by to talk about Jaxson Dart’s rise, his own red-zone hot streak, and what it’s been like facing off against some of the AFC’s toughest defenses.

☑️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay locked on Scoop City — your insider guide to all things NFL.

💬 Drop your thoughts below: Are the Eagles still contenders, or are we seeing another mid-season meltdown in Philly?

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🎤 What’s the state of quarterbacks across the NFL right now? Can Caleb Williams keep elevating the Chicago Bears’ offense? What coach is the perfect fit for rookie Cam Ward in Tennessee? And what’s really wrong with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills offense? Scoop City is back to tackle all the biggest QB questions heading into Week 7.

🏈 The trade deadline is approaching fast — November 4th — and teams are already positioning themselves as buyers or sellers. Which contenders are ready to make a splash, and which front offices might hit reset? The Athletic's Senior NFL Insider Dianna Russini breaks down what we're hearing around the league.

🔥 Chase Daniel's weekly “Cut to the Chase” focuses on Caleb Williams and the Bears, who are rolling — winners of three straight — with Williams showing massive growth under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. His pressure-to-sack rate has been cut in half from his rookie year, and he’s on pace to top 4,000 yards, something no Bears QB has ever done.

💪 Meanwhile, Drake Maye and the Patriots have quietly won three straight of their own. If Maye hits 200+ passing yards with a 100+ passer rating again this week, he’ll join Patrick Mahomes as the only under-24 QBs to do it in six straight games. Are the Patriots finally building an identity around their rookie QB?

😬 Over in Buffalo, the Bills have lost two straight — and the concern level is rising. Can Josh Allen and Joe Brady fix the offense before things spiral? The crew debates what’s really plaguing one of the league’s most talented rosters.

⚔️ In Tennessee, the Brian Callahan firing shakes up everything for Cam Ward. How does the move impact his development — and why have the last four No. 1 overall picks all lost their head coach during their rookie season? The team dives into what’s next for the Titans and their young QB.

💬 Plus, The Athletic’s Chris Branch joins for another edition of The Pulse to debate a big question: Would you rather be the Eagles or Chiefs at this point of the season?

🗳️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

📣 Drop your thoughts below — who’s the next great QB to rise out of the chaos this season?

00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Trade Deadline Buyers

08:25 - Cut to the Chase: Caleb Williams film breakdown

15:35 - Cut to the Chase: Drake Maye continues to impress

20:55 - Cut to the Chase: How can the Bills fix their offense?

29:00 - How does the firing of Brian Callahan impact Cam Ward?

46:45 - The Pulse Newsletter Questions

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🎤 Did the Kansas City Chiefs put the rest of the league on notice? Are the Pittsburgh Steelers actually contenders? Can the New York Jets salvage their season? Is the Sam Darnold experiment working for the Seattle Seahawks? And, the Tennessee Titans have fired Brian Callahan. Scoop City is back to react to Week 6 in the NFL.

🏈 The Kansas City Chiefs made a statement in their decisive win over the Detroit Lions. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense rebounded against a stout Lions defense, putting up 30 points for the second time this season. Should the rest of the league be concerned that the Chiefs have righted the ship? The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue joins the show to discuss the Kansas City's win.

🤔 Are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers legitimate contenders? The Steelers currently sit atop the AFC North after starting 4-1. Pittsburgh takes a commanding divisional lead following its latest win over the Cleveland Browns. Do the Steelers have a real shot at contending this year?

😤 Is the New York Jets season a total loss? The Jets' loss to the Denver Broncos drops New York to 0-6. Are the Jets stuck with Justin Fields at quarterback? Will Aaron Glenn survive the season? The Athletic’s Mike Sando shares what the Jets organization is facing.

🐎 Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts experienced one of the most bizarre pregame warm-ups in NFL history, losing two players to injury. The Athletic’s James Boyd shares insights from the Colts’ pregame. Plus, Daniel Jones and company held off the Arizona Cardinals and are in first place in the AFC. Is Indy as good as its record indicates?

☑️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on all things NFL with Scoop City.

💬 Drop your thoughts for Week 6 in the comments!

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