NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL News

TNF Week 6

by

Thursday Night Football is back, after Covid scheduling put it on the back burner last week. Looking at the match-up between the Giants & Eagles, you would hope thatchy would put it back on that burner and let both teams go up in flames.

The NFC East is 2020 personified. We started out with hope in the division, only to watch it continually disappoint as it drags itself towards a fetid gutter. It must be how the rest of the Trumps feel about Tiffany.

TNF tonight features two teams who would be better off speeding this game up so we only see 7 minutes of highlights. The Eagles host the Giants, whose combined record is still worse than the Miami Dolphins.
The Giants were able to get their first win of the season off the lowly Washington team, while the Eagles have shot themselves in the foot so much this season, you wonder if they will run out of bullets or toes first.

The Eagles will be missing their main man Myles Sanders, as well as the only guy that can catch-Zach Ertz. DeSean Jackson should return to help out Fulgham, provided Carson Wentz can actually hit them with a pass. Injuries are the star for the Eagles this season, although it looks doubtful they will be able to trade them this season.

The Giants suck. Their O-line is as about as suspect as getting medical advice off of Facebook, and Daniel Jones looks terrified every time the pass rush is in his face. You wonder if Saquon saw this and started the season with ‘screw this, I’m outta here.’

In this battle of dumpsters, I’m taking the Eagles, as they are little less maggoty than the Giants. Both are trash, but Philly is a little less so.

I will not be staying up to watch this 1:20am game, instead I will give this game the attention it deserves. Watching it on the toilet Friday morning as I scroll between the game and Bumble.

Prediction:

Eagles 24 Giants 18 

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

 

DraftKings Week 6

by

Who had Claypool in Week 5 in DraftKings? The Canadian sensation celebrated Canuck Thanksgiving with a bounty of 4 exceptional touchdowns. Did you have him in your fantasy? Neither did I.
Here are some of the picks I have in store for week 6 in the NFL.

QBs

Ryan Fitzpatrick $5900

Are you mad Wade? Taking Fitzmagic as a DK starter? Well, he is playing the Jets, and after the points he dumped on San Fran last week, I like his momentum at home. Fitzpatrick has been having fun this season, and you can see it in the way Flores makes his plays. The Jets are trash, and the Dolphins should have some fun here.

Kirk Cousins $6100

You like that? Not so much, I mean the Vikings have really struggled this year, but their ship will come in this week as they host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta has been a defensive mess this season, allowing more points than a drunken fencer. I like matching Cousins with the Thielen for maximum points.

RBs

David Montgomery $5800

Montgomery hasn’t really had much of a break out this season, as the Bears haven’t really racked up too many points. That could change Sunday, as the Bears visit the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have allowed 133 rushing yards per game, which will only get worse this week. Hopefully they use him more in the slot option, rather than trying to bum rush Patterson for short gains.

Alexander Mattison $7200

He’s pretty pricey considering that it’s his first start as RB1, but the Vikings are facing the Falcons who struggle to contain the rush all season. Mattison will see loads of carries, and should gash the Falcons worse than 2020 has devastated the sports bar industry. I like him for at least 2 TDs.

DeVante Parker $6300

Miami is playing New York Jets, this game is going to be score-ific. Parker is the fave target of Fitzpatrick and he will easily find open holes in the Jets D. Loads of yards and maybe a few TDs to boot. Can’t go wrong for $6300.

WRs

Adam Thielen $7300

Stealin’ Thielen will look for loads of yards today as Hot-Lanta will be a steaming dump of hot on Sunday to control him. Atlanta sucks, and his pairing with Cousins will give you plenty o’points in this contest. ‘Contest’ is a funny word, since this game looks to be anything but.

Kenny Golladay $6200

Jacksonville has been falling apart as of late, as Minshew struggles anytime he doesn’t have a healthy Chark Jr. at his disposal. Gollday is Stafford’s favourite man, an he will see plenty of passes against a Jacksonville secondary who gushes zone coverage. He’s a good value for the number 1 receiver in this game.

DeVante Parker $6300

Miami is playing New York Jets, this game is going to be score-ific. Parker is the fave target of Fitzpatrick and he will easily find open holes in the Jets D. Loads of yards and maybe a few TDs to boot. Can’t go wrong for $6300.

TEs

Evan Engram $4900

Pretty much the only guy that Daniel Jones can hit on the field since he barely goes further than 8 yards a play. Engram is also the only player that can actually catch, so he is useful in short yardage. The Giants have proven they can score, they just can’t win.

Robert Tonyan $5100

Tonyan exploded 2 weeks ago for 3 touchdowns, so it’s unlikely he will match those highs, but he should be able to snag at least a TD. Rodgers will target RT often, which will also add to your point tally on the day.

DEF

Dolphins $2900

They’re playing the Jets. Last week the Miami D picked off Jimmy G so much, they pulled him from the game. Joe Flacco won’t have much success against this squad who are pumped up from recent victories, including the beat down from last week.

NFL in London League

Have you joined our DraftKings League yet? You should. We play free and paid contests every week, so join the fun by clicking here.
https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA
Enjoy the weekend and please submit articles and ideas if you have them,

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.