NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL London

Wade’s Week 7

by

We’re a third of the way through the 2020 NFL season, and what a wacked out season it has been thus far.
Crazy trades, huge losing streaks, injuries, and of course a global virus intent on ruining our Sundays.
With that looming spectre of doom hanging over our every week, let’s take a look at some of the top picks for this week in the NFL.
Fortunately, there are some good value upsets this week which can help you make out on the sports books.
Here are Wade’s Week 7 picks to help you get value out of your NFL bets this week.

Cowboys (2-4) vs Washington (1-5)
Cowboys -2  +47

Poor Dallas, they’ve watched their whole season fall apart like assess chaps made out of felt. Dak is gone, and their O-line is about as effective as a bouncer at a bingo hall. Washington is rallying for cancer, as Coach Ron puts on a happy face for the troops every Sunday. Both teams are depleted, but it seems that the Washington team might have something to play for. Getting a second win can also put them near the top of the division, which is sad in itself.
Washington 24 Cowboys 20

Lions (2-3) vs Falcons (1-5)
Falcons -2.5  +56.6

It’s cute that people still have faith in Atlanta, despite them letting down more faithful than a doomsday cult. Weakened and lacking hope, the Falcons trudge out on the field every Sunday waiting for the moment that their lead weakens and then they collapse. These games are only fun to watch with Falcons fans, as who doesn’t like tears on a Sunday?
Matt Stafford tosses up a lot of junk, and scores plenty of points, and all signs point to that in this game.
The Lions now have a bit of a running game to compliment Golladay, which will give Stafford options.
Lions 31 Falcons 28

Browns (4-2) vs Bengals (1-4-1)
Browns -3.5  +51

Baker Mayfield seems to be injured leading up to this contest, which will add to the mental burden he seems to be carrying this season. Baker doesn’t seem to be all there, playing inconsistently in the past few weeks while he deals with his own demons. The Bengals and Burrow have finished a slew of tough opponents, so now it’s time to use that toughness on some opponents you can gain some ground on.
I like the Bengals here to take it to the Browns at home. Mixon should be healthy and Joe will be hitting his new fave target Tee Higgins who is a worthwhile target in DFS.
Bengals 28 Browns 26

Steelers (5-0) vs Titans (5-0)
Titans -1  +52

It’s the battle of the undefeated, in the most anticipated match of Sunday. Both of these AFC teams have boasted impressive victories leading up to this contest, with each demonstrating some tough obstacles to overcome if they want to win. The Steelers D has been fast and furious each week, reducing some of the best offences to shreds. The Titans have Derrick Henry, a running back the size of a linebacker who has the wheels to demolish every Sunday.
I have to give the edge to the Steelers here, who have immense potential on offence, with a raft of good receivers to choose from.
The Titans D will struggle to contain Ben and the Pittsburgh attack, but it will be the Steel Curtain on D that sees the biggest gains.
Steelers 30 Titans 28

Chiefs (5-1) vs Broncos (2-3)
Chiefs -7.5  +48

The Chiefs are 5-1, but some of those wins have come from a little too much ‘too close for comfort’ games.
After an emotional win last week, the Chiefs will be looking to solidify the team across the board and deal with some of the nagging injuries affecting the squad.
The Broncos are thriving after a big win against the Patriots last week, in which their front D wrecked havoc on Cam Newton. With key injuries to the Chiefs O line, this is going to cause problems for Mahomes and the boys.
Denver also benefits from having some healthy returns to the squad in Bouye and Jones, who will make life rougher for the Chiefs.
Add to this snow in the forecast, and the crowd being made up of all South Park cut outs, and all signs point to the home team. Broncos to cover this one.
Chiefs 28 Broncos 21

I got all of my upsets tips correct last week, which would have paid you out 6.5/1. Take all of these picks with a £10 bet, and you will a cool £338.09 as a profit.

DraftKings

We also have our own DraftKings League called ‘NFL in London’ where we play FREE and PAID contests. It’s free to join, just click on the link here and join in the fun.
https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

Have a great Sunday of football, and don’t forget the games start early today!

 

 

Head Gase

by

Adam Gase still has a job, which might be one of the more messed up things to happen in 2020. The Jets are the worst team in the NFL, which makes Gase the de facto worst coach in the NFL, so why is this happening?
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why:

Woody Johnson

Ambassador Johnson is a busy man. The Jets owner is not only an Ambassador to the UK, but also the scion to the Johnson & Johnson empire. Johnson has been busy working as a British interpreter to Donal Trump, as well as helping the US navigate the upcoming Brexit.
Johnson was supposed to devolve all Jets activities, but you have to wonder if his touch is missing on the team.
It’s like having your neighbours train your puppy. It might be convenient now, but what kind of dog are you going to get?
In the case of the Jets, a bad dog. A very bad dog.

Sam Darnold

Gase chose a solid rookie QB in Sam Darnold, now we can all watch as Gase slowly crumbles the young mans career. Darnold is getting absolutely smoked with no O-line to protect him, and he is aging far too fast in NFL years. Giving Darnold to Gase was like giving a Fabrege Egg to a toddler. He’s just going to smash it up, then ask for a new one.

Player Vacation

The Jets are jettisoning players like someone threw a grenade in their fuselage. They have lost talent on every side of the ball, and it will take years to recover the amount of guys who had fled the sinking Jet. In doesn’t instils much confidence in fans when no one wants to play for your team, as well as thinking that you have the worst playable field in the league. Until Gase leaves, this haemorrhaging will continue to bleed New York of talent.

Play Calling

Someone needs to take Gase off the play calling role. He has too many fingers in too many pockets, which ultimately leads to step in and take the reigns away from him. The Jets plain old suck across everything, so it might make sense for him to take a step back and let someone else tank the team.

Adam Gase will probably make it until the end of the NFL season. The Jets are unlikely to fire the idiot, which means that they will be looking to destroy a new QB next year. Stay in school Trevor Lawrence.

 

Sky Week 7

by

What a nut bar of a week it was in the NFL, as it had more surprises than a gender reveal at a polygamy cult.
There’s nothing like seeing Aaron Rodgers strip on an imaginary belt only to have Tom Brady yank it off of him throughout the night.
Week 7 is upon us, and Sky has released their schedule of games so you know which games will be blacked out on NFL Gamepass.

Time Change

‘Spring forward, fall back, 2020 is a punch in the nut sack’ as the old farmers expression goes. Clocks in the UK fall back on Sunday am, not that anyone will be awake to see it happen this year.
Those of you planning on watching NFL this weekend, be aware that the games are EARLY. That means they start an hour ahead, so you can stay up later.
It also means football (soccer) will clash with even more games, not that we can go to pubs and watch the games.

TNF

Giants vs Eagles
1:20am

If you stay up late to watch this one, you might have some problems. These two teams, who have a combined 2 wins between them will be duking it out Friday morning to fewer viewers than the stuttering girl on Babestation. At least you want to see her make it to the end of the night, this game-not so much.

Sunday

Steelers vs Titans
5pm 

Warm up that Sunday roast, we have a battle on our hands! The battle of the undefeated kicks off at 5pm, allowing us to see a game when the sun is up. But since the clocks change, we also lose that 5pm sunshine. Carry on 2020! You won’t be able to watch this game on NFL Gamepass (unless you have a VPN). Sadly none of the bars we work with are planning on showing this game…so get the BBQ started and safe distance this bad boy.

49ers vs Patriots
8:25pm

This game looked great at the start of the season, but now both of these teams are adequate at best. The Seahawks vs Cardinals will be on Gamepass if you’re looking for an ‘action game’, but this one should be ok.
Billy B will be looking to stymie Kittle in this match, as Jimmy G climbs out of his hole to see if he can win a big game. This game will finish by midnight, which means you can watch it with the kids who are still on half term.

Monday

Bucs vs Raiders
12:20am 

Midnight is still late, but not too late when 2020 is a perpetual holiday of pain. TB12 and the boys are flocking to Vegas to beat on Carr & the boys. This game might actually be worth staying up for, as Tom & Gronk look to have the band back together again. It finishes before 4am, so you have plenty of time to start your paper route a few hours later.

Tuesday

Bears vs Rams
12:15am

Not too late to be able to catch the Bears visiting LA for this Monday Night/ Tuesday am matchup.
This game should be exciting, as the Rams are somehow favoured in this contest. How many times will Goff get sacked? A few. This game is also available on Channel 5 and Amazon Prime.

DraftKings

Join our DraftKings League so that you can play along with us this weekend! We have loads of contests to choose from-either free to play or paid contests. All you need to do is join right here!
https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

Watch this space, as we will update you on all the news and any potential cancelations for Week 7.

 

 

Week 6 Tips

by

Week 6 is here, which puts us 1/3 way this wacky season. True victors have emerged, stinkers exposed, & even the heavy faves have seen miscues and mistakes that cost them the game.
Who will be the big upsets in week 6? Here are my top picks.

Bears vs Panthers (-1.5) +44.5

I know your not supposed to bet on your team, but I like this match up, The line was originally -2.5, which shows you that even Vegas smells that the Bears might vaunt the Panthers. Carolina has built up some big wins, but against pretty weak teams. The Bears pass rush has to feel good after they threw Brady around, and Teddy might be facing sacks o’plenty.
Bears 28 Panthers 24

Redskins vs Giants (-2.5) +43

The Giants suck, and giving them points ahead of a Washington team that has shown some zip in their game seems lofty. New York has put some scoring drives against weak teams, but this Team has some fast front dudes that can put Jones on his ass. Not to mention McLaurin and a solidly average Kyle Allen.
Washington 21 Giants 17

Packers (-1) vs Bucs +54.5

I’ve been back and forth on this one, as I think that Rodgers could just splooge all over the poor Bucs. Then again Brady is 14-1 when he is an underdog after a loss, so there’s that. Tampa has had 10 days off and some fast fellas back on the squad. This will be a good game, but I kind of like the Bucs to boast a home town win.
Bucs 28 Packers 26

Take a treble on these 3 as upsets, and at £10 you can win £65.65. We don’t have a betting sponsor yet, but Bet365 is a good choice as they give you bonuses and let you watch the games on the app.

Play in our DraftKings League as well, the Buck a Chuck is fun for a £1.

https://www.draftkings.co.uk/draft/contest/94338083

 

Kevin Cadle

by

It’s been 3 years since we lost ‘Ma Man’ Kevin Cadle, and the UK sports broadcasting scene still has a gaping hole in talent from his passing. We really miss you dude.

I first saw Kev hosting sports on Sky, and I thought ‘wow, this guy is actually really good.’
Having moved to London from North America, I was struck at generally how bereft the UK scene was for quality sportscasters. Flipping through Channel 5, BBC and Sky Sports the presenters not only seemed like that they had no experience or personality or presence, but they also seemed to be responsible for their own wardrobe.
One pundit on C5 was so bad, my friends and I would tune in just to watch the train wreck unfold. He was a pretty obese guy with a penchant for wearing tight purple sweaters, we nicknamed ‘Grimace’.
Kevin Cadle stood head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. Literally.
Kevin was always well dressed, dapper, and could helm a show as a proper presenter.

The more I got to know Kev, the more I was drawn into his aura. He epitomised cool, and his relaxed demeanour on screen was just as chill when you were having a drink with him.
This made him a ‘star’ in the UK, as fans genuinely gravitated towards him, because he was the man who helped them not only learn about North American sports, but love them.

One would think that this ‘fame’ would feed his ego as it did to several Sky Sports presenters, but it did quite the opposite. It made him appreciate the love from the UK, and he would spend hours talking to everyone who approached them, giving them his full attention and flashing that wonderful smile that charmed us all.
His laugh was something that could rip across a room, and as a comedian it gave me great pleasure in unleashing it in public. When he laughed, people looked (and usually laughed as well).

Few Sky Sports viewers knew just how famous Kevin Cadle was. Not only was he the most successful UK basketball coach in the history of the sport here, he is also recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for his time coaching the Kingston Kings in the late 80s, early 90s.
Basketball might have been his jam, but he certainly knew how to butter up every other sport with a thoughtful and balanced voice of a true journalist.

Like many UK sports fans I was shocked when his role on Sky Sports was continually relegated. From watching him as the main host to being shuttered to the sidelines, or even worse reporting from empty bars under the auspices that he was the man on the street.
Several times Kevin would text me asking if I could send some fans down to the bar in focus that week as it was ‘dead-ass’. Of course I did, as I couldn’t stand the thought of such a respectable man being disrespected.
I wasn’t alone in this feeling, as all you had to do was pop onto social media to see a flurry of hashtags wondering where Kevin was.

When Kev was eventually replaced by different flavours willing to trek out to Osterley, fans across the UK felt like a family member was missing from the dinner table.
I pushed the Hippodrome to bring him down for appearances during Sunday nights, convincing them that his presence would spur on the fans that came down to watch the games.
Boy was I right!
Upon entering the theatre in the casino, all eyes turned to the big man, as did the whispers. Then the chants came ‘Kev! Kev! Kev’, he waved to the fans and happily acknowledged the genuine love in the room.
Not only that Kevin took a picture with everyone who asked. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
He would sit and talk with fans for hours about everything and anything.
Occasionally he would look up to the scores, but never took his focus off the most important person in the room, the person talking with him.

Once Kevin was eventually led out to pasture by Sky, I made it my mission to get him back on the telly.
Not only was Kev a British sporting icon, but sports fans really missed him on their screens.
UK television commissioners were less enthused however, citing a lack of ‘passion for American sports’ Kevin’s age, and alternatively suggesting younger, female presenters whose only media experience came from reality TV.
Undeterred, I continued pitching the show until we got some solid interest to develop a program in September 2017.
Sadly Kevin Cadle passed on October 16, 2017.

In November 2017 we hosted ‘Kev-Giving’ at the casino, honouring Kevin and giving thanks to him for all that he gave to us as British sports fans.
His family said a few words, some fans shed tears, and the casino raised money for his family in this time of need.

It’s been three years since his passing, and every year as the NFL season starts I think about him and what life would like here if we still had him in our lives.
He brought smiles to all UK sports fans, and enriched our viewing experiences with class, dignity and a huge beaming smile.

I miss my friend, and I’m angry with the way he was treated by the British entertainment industry.
But I also know that Kevin wouldn’t want me to be angry, he would want us all to remember the joy he brought us every time the camera light flicked on.
He will always be ‘Ma Man’, and we will always be his.

‘Never accept good over best’-Kevin Michael Cadle

-Wade McElwain is a comedian, TV producer and host of NFL in London live.