NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL Picks

Hey Fantasy!

by

With the NFL officially less than a week away, fans will be assembling their fantasy teams for the 2021 football season.

To celebrate this annual last rite of summer, we offer you our ‘Hey Fantasy’ podcast, a look at some of the biggest fantasy news, picks and avoids for this year.

Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull flip through all the fancy NFL magazines from across the pond to compile their basic knowledge to offer you top tips for your draft, what to look at at each position selecting, as well as some basic draft psychology.

Among some of the things the guys talk about in this episode includes:

Strategy

Where you pick in the draft reflects the kinds of choices that you will need to make to be successful in this years’ draft.

Choosing early will get you those tempting top picks, but you’ll have to wait until it swings around again until you get 2 more picks.
Given that you will be picking in chunks, you need to adjust your picks so that you are still able to get top talent, but also to grab enough RBs and WRs to fill out a solid roster.

Middle picking in the draft seems like it would suck, but you actually get to a choice of players at a fast and furious pace.
Being mid-pick in the draft means that you really need to pay attention.
You can get really good value in the middle, as you can make those bold picks while carving away at the desperation of folks on the end who have to make two quick picks in a row.

Draft Dunces

There is always going to be that person who takes WAY too long to draft their team.
You COULD tell them that the draft is on another day, and that they ‘missed’ your draft do to some scheduling snafu (you need the other draftees in on it), but that’s a poor way to start out the season.

When it comes to Draft deadbeats, you need to be clear as to the outcomes.
2 minutes is more than generous these days for a player window thanks to digital drafting.
If it takes a person more than 2 minutes to make their pick, you are more than free to put up penalties and deductions for delating the draft.

Unless this person absolutely slaughters everyone in your draft, they shouldn’t be taking that long to hump down a roster.
Give them the parameters ahead of time, and make it get all nervy with 30 seconds left to pick.

Bad drafters are like bad dogs, you have to get that behaviour out before the draft even starts.

Flee Agents

Cam Newton couldn’t learn a playbook?
Maybe his big ass hat was in the way?

With Cam now looking to ride the season long bench, there are plenty of opportunities for teams to snag some value players moving forward.

AP, Mitchell Schwartz, Geno Atkins, Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and the gales Frank Gore are all now without an NFL home for this season.

Sure, some of these guys are old, but with the way injuries gut-punched the league last year, it’s safe to say that a lot of these guys will be back in a new uniform at some point this season.

Cam? Might be a hard stretch to get behind him as a starter.

Empire Fantasy Football League

Why is it so hard to find good , season long, fantasy football?

Well the team at Empire Fantasy Football League are here, and they have a fun new product to help you play season long NFL.

With no manager limit, Empire Fantasy football will allow thousands of us from around the world to compete against each other every week.

Just like DFS, you choose your team by balancing out an NFL fantasy roster.
Unlike DFS, there’s no daily, so that you can play and compete against other players from around the globe every week.

Make changes and tweaks to your roster each week, and you could be on your way to winning $1000 USD just for playing!

It’s FREE to play and the game is in beta mode, which means there are some features that haven’t been added yet.

Try Empire Fantasy Football League now, and take us on every week!

https://www.empireff.com/main

Clapham

Do you live in Clapham?
Well we’re showing NFL every Sunday in Clapham at the Sports Bar and Grill!

Get in touch with us and we can make sure that you get to watch EVERY NFL game that you want to see.
South London is now rocking the NFL!

Enjoy the latest podcast, we have more to come this week!

DraftKings League

by

The NFL is almost here, which means it’s time to get yourself ready for some NFL Fantasy.

Once again we are working with NFL Fantasy gurus DraftKings to be able to offer you weekly Sunday contests for FREE as well as some great paid contests.
So do yourself a favour, and join our DraftKings League.

Here’s the link to our NFL in London DraftKings League
ps://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

We at NFL in London have been down with DraftKings since prior to their arrival on UK shores.
It’s a great way to add some sporting and betting options to the hectic betting activities on the weekend.

If you haven’t played before, DraftKings offers daily fantasy NFL contests.
Of course when we say ‘daily’, we mean mostly on Sundays, as the best contests involve a Funday of NFL action.
All you have to do is create a winning NFL lineup of players from the required players from each contest.

We like to run traditional contests every Sunday, with a variety of FREE and paid contests for players of every ability.
If you’re new to DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports), feel free to join one of our free contests which give you a gradual introduction to gameplay.

NFL in London League

A DraftKings League is a way for us to get all of our players and members into one place.
By joining our League, you will have access to ask if the free and paid contests that we offer, as well as a chance to win DraftKings extras, like tickets to the London games, VIP party invites and much, much more.

We also have DraftKings parties, a chance for you to play in love contests and to watch your score on  a big TV in our bar area.
We will have several of these cooking for the 2021-2022 NFL season, with our first one scheduled for Week 3.
To join our DraftKings League, make sure you join here.

https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

Win Big

What kinds of things can you win in our DraftKings League, aside from respect?
How about cash? Money just for being smart.
If that’s not enough, what about tickets?

That’s right, we will be running a Week 3 contest at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street.
Everyone playing that night will have a chance to win 2 tickets to the battle of Florida, as DraftKings has kindly offered the winner tickets to the big game between the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.

To be able to win, you will need to be in our League.

Join now to avoid disappointment.
Yes, you will be disappointed if you miss our on this FREE chance to play.

 

Early SuperBowl Picks

by

The 2021-2022 NFL season has yet to begin, but the excitement and anticipation is palpable.
COVID is starting to put itself in the rearview mirror, and all eyes are on the big prize as to who will hoist the Lombardy Trophy next.
To kick off the speculation and potential big bets, we have made some of our Early SuperBowl Picks.

Making early Super Bowl predictions can either make you look like a genius, or a flipping fool, but if you don’t take a chance on the wager, you’ll never know.

Betting

One would think that the big betting companies would have oodles of options and betting possibilities for wagering on who will be in the big game in February 2022…no dice.
Despite NFL fans wanting to start spending their cash, and testing their luck, there aren’t any betting sites where you can input two teams, and find out what the odds of those two teams meeting in LA next year.
Instead, if you want to make a bet on this, you’ll just have to find a friend who is willing to take the odds you give them.
Get it together betting industry!!!

SuperBowl LVI

The big game takes place on Sunday February 13th at the punchy Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles hasn’t hosted a Superbowl since 1973, so this will be a truly glam slam thank you ma’am kind of affair.
Teams who host the SuperBowl have the motivation to make it to the big game and thrive under the spotlight of the home fans, just like the Bucs were able to bask under last year.

Tampa Bay Bucs vs Kansas City Chiefs

Repeat! Repeat!
Despite the overwhelming odds of an unlikely return to the Bowl of the Bucs and Chiefs, both teams are heavily favoured to return to the big game at the end of the season.
The Chiefs (+500) and Bucs (+950) are poised for big things this year again, but will they both have the mustard to be able to make it to the big show after an extra week of regular games.
Injuries were the reigning star of the 2020 season, so it figures that this will have a massive affect on the closing records of both teams.
The Bucs are geared and steered towards a repeat, while the Chiefs will be hungry to avenge the beating that they took in front of the world.
Our odds on this: +2300

Buffalo Bills vs Green Bay Packers

Josh Allen and the Bills are the soft faves of many NFL fans around the world.
Their plucky play, snowy disposition and insane fans make Sundays even more Fundays.
The Bills mafia have put their team at +1200 to make it to Cali in February, which is respectable given their top 4 placing last season.
The Packers (+1200) have one last shot before the franchise goes into hibernation in 2022.
Aaron Rodgers has made it no secret that this is his last year in GB, and the team better do something to make him happy.
There is an even better chance that the soft egos in Lambeau implode before they actually make it to the playoffs, but some fans are wishing and hoping that A-A-Ron can help the fans answer all of their questions ‘Jeopardy-Style’.
Our odds on this one: +3800

Indianapolis Colts vs San Francisco 49ers

The Colts  have Good King Wentz-CilAss  straight trippin’ this year, as Indy fans try to recover from a trip down Philip Rivers last season.
Indianapolis (+2900) has been popping up on computer models in great frequency as of late, due to an impressive D, O-line, and solid running play from Jonathan Taylor.
If the computer says ‘yes’ to them being good this season, why not take a punt on them.
San Francisco (+1400) is another nugget that the computers have been pinging for a post season run.
Whether it’s Jimmy G, or Trey Lance the 49ers are post season faves thanks to a ridiculous defence and solid coaching.
The 49ers have been injury plagued for the past few years, so maybe this is the year where they are able to be healthy enough to make a run.
Indy vs San Fran? Could be a good game.
Our odds on this: +5500

Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns

It’s the battle of the working class, as the Brownies look for a chance to make the playoffs, and the Bears hope to be able to win a playoff game.
Chicago (+6000) is on the low, low end of the playoff spectrum, thanks to iffy play over the past few seasons of Mitch Trubisky.
Pace and Nagy bought the farm with Justin Fields, so all hope will rest on the young Buckeyes phenom.
The NFC North is a tough division, but a post season run is not impossible.
Cleveland (+2000) has been putting all the pieces together over the past few seasons, but have yet to get close to solving the puzzle.
The Browns have a serious chance of pushing through their division and potentially taking advantage of injuries from teams like the Chiefs and Bills.
Sure, this is a fan hopeful game, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a far gone conclusion.
Our odds on this game: +9300

LA Chargers vs LA Rams

The Battle for Los Angeles sounds like some sort of post apocalyptic nightmare, or a great title for the upcoming Super Bowl.
The Chargers (+3000) got a hefty dollop of Herbert last year, and NFL fans were treated to a fantasy stud that has all the makings of a quality, career QB.
Despite horrible coaching and injury gaps a plenty, the Chargers looked quite respectable in his debut.
LA Rams (+1300) on the other hand were missing one key piece in their puzzle, that being former Lion tamer Matthew Stafford.
Aaron Donald is a beast of a freak, and should return to causing panic and mayhem on O lines.
With Cam Akers out for the season with injury (don’t draft him) the Rams will need to get a running back if they have any hope of making the post season, but luckily we’re early in in the season.
An LA vs LA Super Bowl in LA?
Damn, that would be one heck of a game!
Our odds on this game: (+4500)

We will be throwing wicked Super Bowl parties this year, so hopefully you can join us for the big game.

Who do you have in the show?

Why not like our Facebook Page while you’re at it?

https://www.facebook.com/nflinlondon

 

 

2021 Win Picks

by

NFL Training Camp is officially here, which means we finally get a chance to see these teams in action, kitted out with all their new players.
With the season almost upon us, it’s time to take a look at some of the pundits predictions, as we offer up our 2021 Win Picks.

With an extra week of games at play, all the records are either set to shatter, or just get an asterix for all eternity.

Looking at the 2021 NFL regular season win total odds, a few glaring things stick out.
Vegas is hot on some of the returning teams, while sluggish on some of the mediocre teams that showed promise at the end of the season.

Here are some of our picks for win totals in the 2021 season.

Indianapolis Colts (UNDER 9 wins)

In the snap heard round the world, Carson Wentz went down again in a rather predicable scenario for the Colts.
Despite starting strong under Rivers last season, the Colts faded away like ripped jeans, and impressive efforts from the likes of Jonathan Taylor were quickly forgotten.
Indianapolis hasn’t made that many changes to think that they will be that much better this year compared to their division rivals.
Heck, they may even lose to the Texans this year.

Carolina Panthers (OVER 7.5 wins)

The Panthers had a rough season of injuries last season (like most teams), but it was the loss of Christian McCaffrey that really sent the Panthers into tumble mode.
CMac is back, as well as a young studly from the Jets named Sam Darnold.
With fewer ghosts in Carolina, Darnold has the chance to connect with some very speedy receivers, and a comfortable O line to develop under.
Carolina is in a tough division, but they are also the most likely to be ignored by the big boys, given them a fighting chance.
Panthers will win over 8 games.

Las Vegas Raiders (OVER 7)

Can you still feel the NFL Las Vegas?
No? Well thank COVID for that.
The Las Vegas Raiders opened last season to a brand new stadium…with no fans.
Jon Gruden and the boys struggled in almost every capacity, except determination.
There were bright moments in Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr, and anytime that Darren Waller touched the ball, something magical happened.
The bright lights of Las Vegas are back, and so are the fans.
The Raiders are in a tough division, but they have the best home field advantage ever.
Too many visiting teams are going to get sucked into the seedy elements of Las Vegas on a Saturday night that makes them slow poke their Sunday.
Raiders win OVER 7 games.

Seattle Seahawks (UNDER 10 Wins)

Even with an extra week this season, it still is going to be tough for the Seahawks to eek out 10 wins.
The Seahawks haven’t really had a distinct running back in recent years, and Wilson is falling apart as fast as his O line.
Seattle’s D was also a mess last season, as they failed to stop even the worst opponents.
Pete Carroll is the oldest coach in the NFL, and a highly respected leader…but times change.
Seattle seems to have lost its fierceness, turning as damp and cold as the city itself.
Seahawks WON’T win 10 games.

There will be a lot of other factors at play this season.

COVID has the ability to come back harder & faster than a Tom Brady led Patriots.

Lockdown has led to a radical increase in fan violence at games since we have returned.
Every league has seen a shocking amount of fisticuffs, and even Week 1 of preseason NFL had several fights.  Do we really need THESE fans back?

It’s exciting to have the NFL back in any capacity, and extra week of games makes it all the more sweeter.

 

Why do UK sportsbooks suck at NFL?

by

With sports betting exploding around the world, we often get asked ‘what are the best websites for NFL betting’?
Surprisingly, there aren’t very many available to UK fans that actual focus on NFL games, odds and options.
In fact we always find ourselves asking ‘Why do UK sportsbooks suck at NFL’?
There are a few reasons for this, which we will explain, as well as point you in the direction of our Top 3 NFL betting websites. 

Betting Britain

Britain has been betting on sports for decades, so one would assume that the betting product would be sleek, slick and easy to navigate.
Nope.
Betting in Europe is more ‘football focused’ (aka soccer) meaning that many of the betting options and parlays simply aren’t available to the public.
While the NFL betting options accelerated during the 80s’ NFL boom in the UK, it didn’t really translate into dedicated product.
Even as UK sports books increase their offerings in the face of American growth, they still lack the gumption to tailor their products to North American sports. 

Moneyline

One of the biggest issues for NFL betting fans comes down to formatting.
Europe and the UK prefer the use of ‘Decimal Odds’ or 

‘Fractional Odds’ when it comes to setting their weekly lines, whereas North Americans prefer the standard ‘Moneyline.’

For anyone not used to seeing odds formatted in ‘Decimal Odds’ style, it can be a confusing and intimidating style of play.
Many European sports books lazily refuse to add Moneyline odds, which essentially deprives them of a new, hungry audience.
North Americans are new to NFL betting, and intimidating them right off the bat is no way to sign up new customers. 

Options

Any NFL fan who has ever walked into the sports bar of a Las Vegas casino, knows that a magical experience is about to happen.
Not only do Vegas sports bars display countless betting options, the employees who work at sports books are all too happy to help with the numerous different ways you can wager.
UK casinos rarely even sports books, as was the case when we ran events at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square.
Fans who were desperate to wager on games were pointed to the Ladbrokes down the street, which benefited HUGE from the thousands of fans who wanted to throw down money each week.
Betting became so big there, that Ladbrokes employees from down the road would attend viewing parties because they had ‘so many people coming to bet on games’, they wanted to see what it was all about. 

Authenticity

Real NFL bettors usually have a weekend plan for success.
If you know which of the games on Sunday are ripe for betting, you will work out how many parlays, over-unders, and long shots you are willing to make.
Attempting to then make those wagers on a UK betting app then begins the problems.
Not only are the odds radically different from the US, but the ability to make ‘out there’ bets is only possible if you go into a shop, and find a competent worker.
While it is rewarding to burn a lazy bookmaker for not paying attention to NFL news across the pond, it’s frustrating to have to Scooby Doo down all the information from an app. 

Over the years we have tried to discuss the poor NFL betting options with bookmakers, but it has always fallen on deaf ears.
Either they don’t care about making money from a massively untapped market, to they’re just lazy.

So what betting websites would we recommend?
They’re pretty limited, but here you go.

1. Bet365

When it comes to NFL betting in Europe, Bet365 seems to be the only one with their head in the game.
Not only do they offer the best betting options for the NFL, but they also have a wide selection of parlays and novelty bets on offer.
Sure, the layout is a bit laborious, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to get betting.
You can also switch between betting pricing, allowing players to compare moneyline vs decimal options.
The best past about Bet365 however is the ability to watch the games.
Provided that you have bet on some NFL matches, bettors have the option of being able to stream the game to their phone or device.
With limited viewing options in Europe, this is a ‘MUST HAVE’ feature for NFL fans, as it allows you to watch the game in real time, for no extra cost.
Expats in Europe have been raving about this option for years, as it also extends to MLB, NBA and NHL games, which are hard to find across the pond.
Bet365 has pretty good customer service as well, which is really helpful if you are looking to bet on specific options. 

2. Betway

Second on the list is Betway, which has seen a drop in its NFL product in recent years.
With a very simple and straightforward layout, Betway’s NFL betting is a far simpler option than that of Bet365.
Parlays are quite easy to manipulate, and the overplay is quite crisp and simple.
Betway’s NFL product dropped in quality in 2020, so we are curious to see if they are going to improve on it.
Customer service is slow, but effective once they’re on it. 

3. Paddypower

Remember when Paddypower use to be edgy and funny?
Good times.
The Irish lads have gone corporate, and it shows in their North American sports betting options.
Like Betway, the NFL offerings on Paddy are pretty straightforward.
Nothing too fancy, and there are some muddled parlays and novelty bets in the mix, although they usually look like they were assembled by a soccer fan.
Customer service at Paddy is hit and miss, and on a busy game day, you’re more likely to encounter snark than satisfaction. 

We are still holding out that one day a UK sports book will actually take North American sports in Europe seriously.
With bookmakers on the continent on a frenzied mission to gobble up as many American betting properties as possible, you would think that they would actually look at what is successfully stateside and try to replicate it in Blighty.
 
The NFL is only going to get bigger in Europe, which bookmaker is finally ready to take it seriously?