NFL in London

National Football League in London

2021 London NFL Games

Deck the League

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And just like that…COVID is back in the NFL!
Did you miss it?

Still more entertaining than a Sex & the City revival, COVID is the Carrie Bradshaw of the NFL, shredding the careers of fully grown men.

So what does this mean for Week 15 in the NFL?
We will break it all down for you in our Deck the League podcast.

Wade & Ryan are back and virus free, as they offer you a Christmas Party of a podcast.
Don’t worry about missing out on the pub, just crank this up to 11 and see what knowledge drip feeds into your lineups.

COVID Games

Thus far, 3 of the NFL games for Week 13 have been moved due to COVID, but more could come.

Sean Payton is already out for the big game against the Bucs after testing positive, too bad the trailer for his new Netflix movie had no tests of positivity.

We will let you know anything that we hear about the games, and when they might be played.

Among some of the games the guys look at in the episode include:

Patriots (9-4) vs -2 Colts (7-6) +45.5

The Patriots are one of the few teams not to get sidelined by the virus this weekend, as we all know that Bill Belichick plans for the biggest threat against them.
See ya virus.

The Colts are favoured by 2 points, despite having a worse record than New England? What does Las Vegas know that we don’t?

Ryan and Wade both like the Pats to keep moving on here, as they seem to dink and dunk enough to get the job done.

Ryan thinks that the game will be a low scoring one, and Wade thinks it will be a back and forth, tight chess match that could get boring for a late night UK fan.

Ryan-Pats 21 Colts 17
Wade-Pats 27 Colts 24

Panthers (5-8) vs -10.5 Bills (7-6)

Oh how the mighty have fallen, a statement that echoes for both of these teams.

Carolina started strong on the back of Christian Mc, and a solid defence.
Now the Panthers are struggling to stay in games, and Cam Newton is atrocious.

Buffalo has gone from number one on the division, to hoping to make a shot at the playoffs.
They need to win this one to stay in it!

Ryan likes his Bills to blow out the lowly Panthers, and get back to their winning ways at home.

Wade struggles to see the Bills covering such a large spread given injuries, COVID and western New York weather.

Ryan-Bills 35 Panthers 13
Wade-Bills 24 Panthers 14

Seahawks (5-8) vs -5 LA Rams (9-4) +45.5

Russ is cooking once again on the back of a rejuvenated running game, and Tyler Lockett getting his groove back.
The Seahawks are in a deep playoff hole, and the chances of them making a post season run fall deeper every week.

LA Rams finally got a win, batting down the pesky Cardinals in a game that saw them still stay in contention for a solid playoff chance. They also got COVID. A lot of it.

Ryan thinks that Seattle will continue their winning ways, sticking it to Matt Stafford and his bad back of infected team mates.

Wade thinks that even an LA Rams team covered in COVID is still better than a healthy Seattle team.

Ryan-Seahawks 30 Rams 24
Wade-Rams 26 Seahawks 23

Sports Bar Sunday

Join us at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street and Clapham this Sunday to catch all the NFL games.

Book a table in advance, and you can even watch your own game on your own TV.

Just make a booking and you’re good to go!

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet/party-booking

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

Home Marketing

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The NFL announced this week that they have granted marketing rights to 18 teams across 26 territories around the world.

Global NFL fans were left to ask themselves, ‘what the heck does this mean? Am I getting a VHS tape of NFL games?’
Not really, you’re getting Home Marketing!

With this new acronym (IMHA), the NFL is allowing teams to reach out directly to the fans, and fan groups to help promote their team(s), as well as develop more of a global following.

If you are looking for some old VHS tapes of NFL games, now you can ask the teams directly!

What Does it Mean for NFL Fans?

Being an NFL fan around the world, means you don’t get as much ‘love’ as the average NFL fan stateside.

Not only do fans have to watch the games at an ungodly hour, but they must suffer through some of the more popular local sports like soccer…rugby…or The Masked Singer. Uggghh!

With this new Home Marketing plan, now fans and fan groups can directly work with the teams, and their marketing departments to offer a more comprehensive fan experience to those outside the country.

It means that fan groups can grow organically, and leaves less chance of fan groups being bullied by the league, local TV networks and bars for trying to support their favourite team(s).

UK Bound

The UK was one of the territories to be a part of this new program, with 6 NFL teams being selected to dance with the fans.

Although slightly less than Mexico’s 9 teams, the UK has once again been rewarded for having fans that not only truly the game, but also support it, no matter what kind of craziness is going on in the world.

NFL in London is one of the largest NFL promoters in Europe, so we will let you know what we hear, and any important news to NFL UK fans.

The six teams that have been selected to take part in the home marketing initiative in the UK includes:

Chicago Bears

Boasting one of the UK’s biggest Bear fans in our man Wade, this is exciting news for all Chicago fans.

The Chicago Bears are one of the few teams in the UK without an active social scene like some of the other fan clubs.
That could change with the Bears now able to pinpoint English fans, and provide them with plenty of Chicago Bears merchandise that has never been seen across the pond.

Welcome to London Chicago Bears!

Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s no surprise that the Jags were included in this list, given their boots on the ground policy from over a decade ago.

Jacksonville has continued to grow their UK fanbase, even while the home numbers dwindled.

Jags UK fans have suffered through expansion hiccups, the Bortles era, Minshew-Mania, and now Urban Decay…but they still keep coming back.

Shad Khan and the Jags team should be happy to reward such faithful fans over the years.

Minnesota Vikings

Tapping into their Scandi heritage, the Vikings have never shied from their European roots.

Minnesota has a new miracle, as the Vikes are another lucky team to be welcomed into the British fold.

The Vikings are another NFC north team to slip across the pond, and the fans couldn’t be happier!

Minnesota Vikings have a solid UK and European fanbase that truly deserves this honour, and will definitely not let the team down!

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have had a grip on the UK since the Marino and NFL Channel 4 years.

Miami has a surprising amount of fans in England, and might have something to do with the fact that the weather is exactly the opposite to the UK.

Poor Dolphins fans have also had a tough decade in the AFC East, watching TB12 and Billy Boy take title after title, despite a slew of draft picks.

If you needed a second NFL team from Florida, you got one now.

NY Jets

Ever since Jets owner Woody Johnson put the ‘ass; in Ambassador, the New York Jets have circled around the capital.

While Jets fans stateside have been wearing face coverings even before began, English fans have been able to travel in relative anonymity.

This will all change as the New York Jets are another team to grace our shores with their football.

It’s been a rough few years on the Jets, so be nice to them. Who knows you might even be able to make the team?

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisky? Hoo yeah!

Ever since Joe Montana did his thing in the 80s’, the 49ers have been a popular team logo to see on the streets of England.

San Fran and the 49ers are not only hugely popular in the UK, but they are also the most recent of all the teams to go to the Super Bowl!
So there’s that.

Welcome to the United Kingdom San Fran! Mind the gap.

NFL in London

For all those teams that don’t know us, why not reach out.

We love to host parties for all the fans, as well as get communities of fan groups involved in exciting activities.

Here we grow again NFL!

Biden Time

Joe Biden was out and about, and quick to remind NFL fans the need for health safety.

Or else he just hates Aaron Rodgers and wanted to make a fool of him.

Week 9 Tips

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What an explosive week in the NFL, as teams and players got shook by COVID news, last minute trades, and unfortunate accidents.

What does it mean for your Week 9 NFL fantasy lineups? Not a whole heck of a lot, but we will try to give some clarity as Wade and Ryan present their Week 9 tips.

Packing

Dirty, dirty Aaron, as it emerged this week he was ‘immunised’ and thought he could get away with trying to be smarter than everyone.

Sadly he’s still an NFL player, and beholden to the rules of the league, not of his own bodily choices.

Despite assurances from Dr. Joe Rogan, Rodgers tested positive this week for COVID and will miss the afternoon matchup against the Chiefs.

However this whole mess works itself out, Rodgers legitimacy took a knock here, as his arrogance once again showed he still marches to his own beat.

Somewhere Tom Brady is shaking his head in dismay.

Brown Town

The shit hit the fan in Cleveland, as OBJ Sr. took to YouTube to point out the mistakes of the struggling Baker Mayfield.

Despite displaying his superior acting ability, it became evident that Mayfield was indeed not happy with the critique, and soon OBJ found himself on the outs, and on the waivers.

The Browns have begun to sink into their own mess, and it’s hard to see ways that they will be able to not only salvage the season, but the past decade of draft building.

How did it all far apart so quickly?

Ryans Tips

Buffalo, Buffalo, Bills (-14.5) would be Ryan’s advice for Week 9, as they face the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars in swampy Florida.
Despite struggling last week against the pitiful Dolphins, the Bills could put some distance between them and the rest of the AFC with a definitive win.

Burrow and the Bengals (-3) took a sad loss to the Jets last week, propelling them down the rankings after a showing of such idiocy.
Ryan likes the Bengals to come back in this one to slip a punch into the jaw of the weakened Browns.

Shanahan’s Magic has been shining through in San Francisco (-2.5), and Ryan sees that continuing as the 49ers face off against a struggling Arizona Cardinals who have also been hit by injury and COVID.
San Fran has been on a roll as of late, and he likes them to lay a beat on the 1 loss Arizona team.

It’s been a tough week for the Raiders (-3), but Ryan thinks this is the kind of motivation that builds winners. Las Vegas has a chance to extract a beating from the Giants, and help them move up in a tight AFC West.
Ryan believes in the Carr-Do attitude that will help Vegas choke out Daniel Jones.

If you parlay Ryan’s 4 picks of the BILLS, BENGALS, 49ers, and RAIDERS at a £10 wager, you would win a payout of £151.48.

Wade’s Picks

Houston, we have a problem…Tyrod Taylor is back!
Sure, the Texans (+6.5) have been woeful this season, but Tyrod was one of the main guys to keep them in the game.
Miami is atrocious, and the Texans should be able to capitalise on the Florida drama by keeping this game at least close.

Bill Belichick may have haunted Sam Darnold with ghosts last year, but Sam’s not in New York anymore.
The Panthers (+4) have added Gilmore, as well as the return of Christian McCaferry who should provide some headaches for the Patriots D.
Carolina needs this home win, and they have the tools to get ‘er done.

It’s been a hell of a week to be a Raiders fan, coming off a bye week of tragedy.
Teams usually need a coach to help them rally, but oops, they lost him too.
The Raiders may have come off a bye week, but it might not seem enough time given what has happened.
The Giants (+3) might have loads of injuries, but they still have a pretty solid D that has kept them in some games, look for that D to do the same on Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers is a dirty boy, which means it’s time to clean up with Jordan Love.
Unlike other teams who were quick to roll out their top draft picks, the Packers (+7) have been stewing and simmering Love for the right time.
What could be better than a match up between a struggling Chiefs team, who suddenly find themselves in the limelight again?
Packers will keep this close, and might even win it.

If you like Wade’s picks of TEXANS, PANTHERS, RAIDERS, and PACKERS, a £10 bet could win you £148.10.

Sunday Funday

Come and party with us NFL style every Sunday at the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, as well as the Clapham location which is open until 11pm.

Book your tables here!

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet/party-booking

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

 

Week 8 Preview

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We’re almost halfway through the 2021 season! Where did it all go?

Ryan is back from Canada, as the guys look ahead to their Week 8 Preview podcast.

The London games might be over, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still put on great events every Sunday!
Join us at either the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, or Clapham so that you can watch all the games on their own TV.
Make sure you book a table now!

Among some of the other things that Wade and Ryan talk about in this episode of the podcast.

Fall Back

The clocks wind back at 2am on Oct 31st, allowing British fans more of an NFL witching hour.

NFL games in the UK will start at 5pm and 8:20pm for Week 8, so make sure that you kick out any relatives, and turn off any soccer that might get in your way.

The Sunday Night Game airs at a respectable 12:30 am Monday morning, which means you can still catch the game and get a good nights rest.

Work from home! You have our permission.

Watt-Age

The broken toy that is JJ Watt finally collapsed into a heap after another season of crippling injuries.

This isn’t the first time that Watt had to limp away from an NFL season due to injury, but with the amount of problems that JJ has been piling on his body, the finish line for his career must surely be in site.

Deshaun Watson

Watson looks like he might be cleared to be traded, but what doe that really mean in NFL terms?

While Deshaun has yet to be formerly charged (with anything), civil and criminal lawsuits are widely different in terms of the way that they are handled.

The NFL could clear him to play, then suddenly decide he needs to sit out 8 games for effrontery to the league.

Whatever the situation ends up being, the biggest loser here is Tua.

Here are some of the games that Wade and Ryan chat about in this episode of the podcast.

Eagles (2-5) -3 vs Lions (0-7)  +48.5

Dan Campbell might be the best 0-7 coach in the NFL right now, but that’s not much of a distinction given how bad Jared Goff and the Lions are playing right now.
The only thing that Detroit has going for it is the running game, but how can that last when it faces the pressure every week.

Jalen Hurts is an unappreciated QB as well, putting up big fantasy numbers every week despite the Eagles not being able to stay competitive. They have been close in good games, and beaten in bad ones. Philly does seem to be figuring it out however, with the team staying competitive in most matches.

Ryan thinks that Dan Campbell and the Lions will get their first win of the season here but stuffing out the Phily squad. He likes Goff and the boys to thwart the birds in their pursuit of a win in Michigan.

Wade likes Jalen and the guys to get it down in Motown. The Lions lost an emotional game against Matt Stafford last week, despite throwing every trick play they could at them.

Ryan-Lions 24 Eagles 17
Wade- Eagles 30 Lions 23

Steelers (3-3) vs Browns (4-3)  -3.5  +42.5

Bloated Big Ben is slowly easing his way out of what looks to be his final season.
There’s no more zip on that ball, and his O line is barely able to protect him and the running game on each drive.

Cleveland has been stuck in quicksand this season, slowly realising that Baker might not be the best chef in the kitchen to move this team forward. The Browns D and O line carries more of load than the rest of the team.

Ryan is betting on Big Ben and the running game to stick it to the flopping Browns, riding their bye week to a big W against a division rival.

Wade thinks that the Browns still have too much talent on D to rattle Ben and that shaky O line.
Chubb is back, and that’s all they’ll need to stick it to the Steelers.

Ryan- Steelers 24 Browns 20
Wade- Browns 26 Steelers 18

That’s it for some of our picks for Week 8, make sure you listen to the whole podcast to get all of our tips and predictions.

Sports Bar Old Street and Clapham are the place to be this Sunday for all the NFL games.
Make sure you book a table now to avoid disappointment!

See you Sunday!

 

Remembering Wesseling

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The NFL lost a good friend in 2021, as NFL pundit and personality Chris Wesseling passed away after a battle with cancer.

Remembering Wesseling as part of this loveable trio of NFL fans who entertained fans from Lincoln, Nebraska to London, England every week.

An outspoken and ‘big kid’ at heart when it came to the game, Wesseling had a profound impact on not only those who covered the game, but those who played it.

A key member of the ‘Around the NFL’ podcast with Dan Hanzus and Gregg Rosenthal, Wesseling was remembered as being so passionate about the NFL, his knowledge and energy became infectious for fans to watch and listen to.

Although Chris died earlier in 2021, it has only been until now that his wife Lakisha has been able to process this pain into a memorial video dedicated to Chris and their son Lincoln.

“For our son: The story of Chris Wesseling” is a beautiful tribute to Chris and his passion for the NFL and its fans.

We encourage you to watch this video, and remember Chris on Sunday when you’re making your lineups and drafting your picks.

It’s been a tough few years for everyone, but please make sure to check yourself, keep yourself in good health, and hug your families.