NFL in London

National Football League in London

2021 London NFL

Callum’s Thanksgiving

by

THE PICKS SIX THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

Well, Corona has REALLY officially ruined 2020. As I was writing this, we’ve been hit by breaking news in Baltimore. Ravens-Steelers is postponed to Sunday… and we’re down to just TWO Thanksgiving football games. Sad. Obviously… there are much more important things. It’s absolutely the correct decision to keep everyone safe, but it is sad we’re losing a third of our Thanksgiving slate. 

As far as we’re concerned here at Picks Six, Sunday was a bit of a down day. An 8-5 record on the games was a bit disappointing – a couple of rogue upsets were thrown in there. I’ll update my season stats for this weekend’s column after these two games on Thursday. 

Anyway, on with the matter at hand. This is the first Thanksgiving I’ll have spent in the UK since 2012… I’m very sad about it, but determined to make the most of the day and make sure I do the 3 most important things on any Thanksgiving – Give many thanks, seriously over eat, and watch 9 hours of uninterrupted NFL football… guess it’s only gonna be about 6 hours this year. 

One of the bonuses of Thanksgiving football is that each game can receive your undivided attention. I usually live in the world of RedZone, and as a result miss out on some of the nuances of the “not so often on prime time” teams. So – a little bit different from the norm – let’s take a more in depth than usual look at both games on Thursday.

Houston Texans @ Detroit Lions

The Texans are still probably too far back realistically to get back into the AFC Playoff race, but beating the Patriots will always feel good. Surely Houston will be riding high following Sunday’s exploits? The Lions on the other hand… yikes. Matthew Stafford was shutout for the first time in his career, and not by one of the most elite defenses in the league. Happily, I donthink Detroit will shake off their atrocious offensive output vs Carolina on Sunday and help this one be a fun game. Both teams are better offensively than defensively, but the X-Factor in this matchup had to be Deshaun Watson. I correctly called a “Watson” game on Sunday as he pushed the Patriots deeper into the mire. Duke Johnson was held in check, but Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller are such a threat down the field that Houston can still be expected to score lots of points even without a typical run game. This game just feels like a classic Detroit Thanksgiving game where they’re just simply outmatched and not good enough to win. The return of Swift to their back field will help, but I don’t think their pass rush is good enough to stress Watson throughout the game. Houston should win this comfortably enough.

Washington Football Team @ Dallas Cowboys

Welcome back into playoff contention Dallas Cowboys. The big upset against Minnesota has breathed life into a season that looked a lost cause just a few weeks ago. On the other side of the coin… I am completely befuddled by the fact that Washington found a way to win 3 games this year – they might not win any more – but you have to credit Ron Rivera for instilling some drive and grit in this team. I think their defensive stats are a little skewed – Washington claims to have a top 5 pass defense, but the truth is teams have been up on them in almost every game and stuck with the run as a result – but Chase Young is already proving to be the game-wrecker he was advertised to be. The Cowboys hopes fall largely on being able to contain the Washington pass rush and give Andy Dalton time to find his weapons. Those weapons WILL find a way to be open, but that pocket needs to hold long enough for a play to develop. Yes, they should lean on Zeke, but when a pass is needed Dalton must be protected. Their defense appeared to take a big step forward against the Vikings and, with all due respect to Washington, Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson are nowhere near Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook. I’m taking the Cowboys every which way here and actually think they have enough left in the tank to get to 6-10, and win the NFC East. 

Picks

Okay, so, it’s a holiday… we deserve entertainment… we’re definitely backing both overs. Fill up with Turkey, then fill up with points. I’m a little biased with my past history of having lived in Texas, but it’s really hard not to see a double for the Lonestar State come Thursday. Texans and Cowboys both to win.

Thanksgiving Thursday Picks:

The Double Over –

Over 51.5 (Houston @ Detroit)

Over 46.0 (Washington @ Dallas)

The Texas Double Spread –

Houston Texans -3.0 

Dallas Cowboys -3.0

The Quad Touchdown Special –

Both Players to score a TD – TJ Hockenson & Brandin Cooks

Both Players to score a TD – Ezekiel Elliot & Antonio Gibson

£10 on this pays £165 depending on your bookmaker.

(Bonus Special Tip) – 

If you’re in the U.K., SkyBet are offering this at 16/1 which I LOVE with a capital L.O.V.E.

Brandin Cooks 100+ rec yds & Ezekiel Elliot 100+ rush yds.

Week 12 Sunday 

Obviously, thanks to the postponement, we now get Steelers-Ravens on Sunday, which adds itself to a pretty tasty slate already! Titans-Colts, Chiefs-Buccaneers & Packers-Bears (always guaranteed drama) as a Sunday nightcap is a very tasty way to spend an afternoon and evening. As always, I’m @callumjdsquires on Twitter and Instagram. Come say hi, and have a very happy Thanksgiving wherever you are. 

Callum Squires is a UK based writer and friend of NFL in London. 

Thanksgiving Podcast

by

Gobble, gobble NFL fans, it’s time for the annual Thanksgiving podcast and we couldn’t be more excited.
Actually we could, but let’s not get into all that yet, as we know that everyone has had a pretty sucky 2020 thus far And if you haven’t, you must be a Steelers fan.
Wade & Ryan break down the terrible games we had in week 11, taking the time to reflect on all the players who screwed them on their bets.
They also preview the 3 games lined up for Thursday, although if you live in the UK the only REALLY good game takes place at 1:20 am Friday morning when the Steelers host the Ravens.
But we’ll get into all that.

Texans (3-7) vs Lions (4-6)
Texans -3  +51.5
5:30pm GMT

Once again the Motor City is hosting a Thanksgiving classic, although the guys think that the honour of hosting these games should switch if the team loses it in a contest. Wouldn’t it be more fun if your team earned a right to host Thanksgiving by winning it the year prior?
Houston is starting to get their groove together, and it only took 7 losses to do it. Their team is somewhat healthier, and the ghost of Bill O’Brien seems to have farted its way out the door.
Deshaun Watson looked better in his beating of the Patriots, but he is still taking way too much time in the pocket before making a decision. He needs to speed up his gameplay and hit targets earlier like big man Fuller if he wants a chance of getting an early lead here.
Detroit as a team is a reflection of the city itself. A paler, sicklier version of itself, beset by financial problems and a dwindling metropolis. They don’t work as hard as they use to, and as franchises go, could be one of the ones that moves first in the next decade.
Matt Stafford has club thumb, and the team is too riddled with ill to even make it through the rest of the season with their heads held high.
They will need their D huge in this game, as Watson looks to rampage across them with the help of Duke Johnson.
Ryan and Wade both like the Texans in a comfortable win here.
Ryan- Texans 27 Lions 12
Wade- Texans 30 Lions 21

Washington (3-7) vs Cowboys (3-7)
Cowboys -3  +46
9:30pm GMT

Dallas is also hosting another turkey bowl, although this year the title seems apt given the state of both of the teams playing in this game.
The Cowboys are bleeding money from the lack of fans, but it might have been a blessing given the injuries that they have suffered this season. Watching Dak get twisted would be enough to make any child fearful for years, not to mention what the Washington has suffered to their legs as well.
The Team has been staying in the hunt for the smelly NFC East title like a rat riding a giant turd down the sewer. Alex Smith brings a wince of anticipation every time he hobbles onto the pitch, as you wonder how long it is before he gets collapsed like a Buffalo tailgate table.
Their D keeps them in games, and if speedy McLaurin can find space, then the Team can stay in this and keep it close like most of their games this season.
Ginger Ninja Dalton is back, and it seems like his team respects him enough to stand up for him the next time someone decided to decapitate him midfield. The Cowboys have the most talented & healthy squad in this division, they just need to get the mojo rolling and this could be the game to kickstart it.
Ryan & Wade both like ‘Dem Boys in this game, although Wade thinks that they might open this game up if they get the lead and force Washington to pass more.
Ryan- Cowboys 24 Washington 20
Wade- Cowboys 28 Washington 20

Ravens (6-4) vs Steelers (10-0)
Steelers -4.5  +45
1:30am GMT Friday

The good thing about lockdown is not having to go to a sportsbar & hear the smarmy gip of a Steelers fan talking about a perfect season. We get it, you’re good, healthy, but you also have a lucky schedule. And Big Ben, who is known to turd it in big situations.
The Steelers host the limping Ravens in this late contest that is on at an enviable time here in the UK. Sadly most of us will have to watch this with our morning coffee, but it still looks to be a great game.
Baltimore is suffering after that beating at the hands of the Titans last week, and now they have to cower into the home of your biggest rival on the biggest stage of America.
Lamar Jackson isn’t the same without an impeccable offensive line. Guys are getting to him and rattling his confidence, leading to poor decision making. Not having a reliable running back also adds to the ills of this team that is looking to reclaim 2019 glory.
The Ravens are lacking on defense as well, with key injuries to some of their top players meaning Big Ben will have plenty of time to find one of his many receivers.
Pittsburgh just needs to hand the ball off to Conner and watch the points come in, with Ben throwing a few easy TDs given to him by his D.
Ryan likes the Ravens to comeback and slug the Steelers with their first loss of the season, Wade likes the idea, but still sees Pittsburgh rolling on to victory here.
Ryan- Ravens 27 Steelers 26
Wade- Steelers 24 Ravens 18

That’s it for this week so far on our Thanksgiving Podcast, we will be back with another podcast this week to preview Week 12 games, as well as review the turkey picks from Thursday.
Thanks for listening, please subscribe, share, laugh, love, and for God’s sake..sanitise.

Week 11 Podcast

by

Week 10 was a wet and wild weekend, as bettors and fantasy enthusiasts alike were gut-punched by some tough games.
Wade & Ryan look back on the nasty week that was, and sum up their thoughts on what happened, and what it means for the season ahead.
Week 11 brings it with some interesting games with playoff implications, with questions for every division.
Will the Packers upset and dominate? Can the Steelers go 10-0 with ease? What’s up with Miami?
All of these and more in this week’s podcast.
Some of the games the guys look at include:

Falcons (3-6) vs Saints (7-2)
Saints -3.5  +51

Matt Ryan continues to lead the league in passing, torching defences in deficit as his team leaks even more points. Atlanta has strung a few wins together, and need to continue that focus in this divisional contest.
New Orleans is Brees-less this week, as Taysom Hill takes the reins in his first start of the season. He will need to be more than a flash in the pan this week to get the Saints sizzling on all fronts. Hopefully Hill will take some deep ball throws, something New Orleans his lacked with noodle-arm at the helm.
Ryan likes the Falcons for the upset win, while Wade thinks that Atlanta will cover.
Ryan- Falcons 27  Saints 23
Wade- Saints 26 Falcons 24

Eagles (3-5-1) vs Browns (6-3)
Browns -3.5  +48

Philly is nothing special this year, and Carson Wentz should be seriously worried about a job next season. They don’t have much clicking and after a beating by the Giants last week, you have to wonder what motivates the Eagles given their abhorrent play.
Baker Mayfield looks like he is zoned out this year, with a lack lustre effort in a home win last week. Sure, the wind sucked, but you should be able to get more than 10 points if you claim to be a calibre qb.
Ryan is big on a Philadelphia revenge in this game, and likes Wentz to put on a solid game. Wade isn’t as convinced, and likes the Browns to finally score at home and add another w to their tally.
Ryan- Eagles 20 Browns 17
Wade- Browns 27 Eagles 23

Titans (6-3) vs Ravens (6-3)
Ravens -6.5  +49

Tennessee has some major issues to address after such a commanding start. Relying solely on Henry isn’t the answer, as Tannehill is struggling with an offensive line that is making him work. Their own D has injuries as well, but they’ll need to pull together on this one to stop a stinky slide.
Baltimore is favoured by almost a touchdown after losing to Cam in the rain? The Ravens lost more than the game in Foxboro, as their D was besieged by injuries across all fronts. Luckily Tennessee doesn’t have the rushing squad, so Lamar will need to start running if he wants to confuse them.
Ryan likes the Titans on this one, and sees Henry having a big one. Wade agrees that the Titans are going to challenge and cover, but the Ravens should still win.
Ryan- Titans 27 Ravens 24
Wade- Ravens 24 Titans 21

Packers (7-2) vs Colts (6-3)
Colts -1.5  +51.5

Las Vegas has spotted the Colts in this one, obviously impressed by their recent wins after getting much of their team back from ill. They also saw what the Jags did to the Pack in week 10, and forsee more of the same visiting Indy.
Green Bay did struggle against Jacksonville, but you have to give credit to that fast front of the Jags, who rushed at Rodgers all game. The Packers may have been looking ahead to this game, as beating an AFC rival is a good show of strength heading into the stretch.
Indianapolis has looked good as of late, but Rivers hasn’t been that impressive. Hines has been a nifty addition, but they will need the speed of Taylor this week if they can hope to take advantage of the Packers weakness against the run.
Ryan and Wade both like Green Bay here, as Rodgers is never one you want to paint the underdog sign on when he’s feeling hot.
Ryan- Packers 28 Colts 20
Wade- Packer 30 Colts 26

That’s it for week 11 podcasting, make sure you subscribe to the podcast so that you are kept up to date with the latest news. We will be doing an earlier podcast this week for Thanksgiving, so make sure you look out for it.

TNF Cardinals vs Seahawks

by

Finally a great Thursday night NFL game as the Cardinals face the Seahawks, while most of the UK will be blanket dozed through the drizzle during this one. Those brave enough to stay up for this game will be treated to an epic match-up between two heavy hitting teams.
Will Seattle be able to hoist out a much needed victory against the fast moving Arizona squad?

Cardinals (6-3) vs Seahawks (6-3)
Seahawks -3  +58

Kyler Murray is lighting up the league with his rapid fire arm, and quick moves on the field-this kid is really something to watch. Arizona has taken some tough beatings in their 3 losses, but their 6 wins point to a team that can wreck havoc on the NFC, and challenge anyone in a fight. That last minute meteoric pass to Hopkins to crush the Bills is still something I watch in slow mo for fun, and to tease Ryan.
Something is wrong with Russel Wilson. He may not be physically ill, but mentally something just doesn’t look right. He just doesn’t seem to have his head in the game, and looks listless with such great talent at his disposal. Their defence is horrendous, and other teams have essentially defecated yards while they watch helplessly.
The Cardinals have to feel buzzy after that buzzer beater in Buffalo, riding high knowing that they can beat anyone. The Seahawks are wondering what to do, where it’s all going wrong, and what they need to do to right the ship. It’s rudderless and careening towards the playoff rocks at this point, and Pete Carroll needs to do something.
I like Arizona to keep thumping here. Kyler Murray is known for his revenge tactics, and after the beating that Seattle laid on Arizona earlier this season, KM will be looking to ruin the homecoming party for the Hawks.
Seattle won’t be able to correct their D woes in this contest, it’s going to take time, and sadly they just don’t have that.
I like Arizona to win this one and move on to a 7-3 record.
Seattle will take another L on the chin and hopefully no more injuries.

Cardinals 31 Seahawks 27 

Wade’s Week 10

by

Like doing Charlie on a beach, the lines change as fast as the wind blows in week 10 of the NFL.
Having made my picks on our podcast for week 10, I have had to make some adjustments due to injuries, line-ups and weather for the games on Sunday.
Every good sports pundit should be watching the rosters and action prior to kickoff, even mediocre ones like me.
While I did take a bit of a beating in week 9, I’m still 24-4 on my upsets going into week 10.
Hopefully I can help you out here.

Week 10 is bringing some nasty weather with it. Predictions for middle America and the east coast point to strong winds and wet along the coast. Florida is also coming down from another late hurricane, which will make it moister than the front row of a Justin Bieber concert.

Here are some of my upsets for Week 10:

Texans (2-6) vs Browns (5-3)
Browns -4  +45.5

The line in this game has been changing all week thanks to the return of players on both sides.
Cleveland will have Nick Chubb and Wyatt Teller back, which will help them immensely to get the ball down the field. With OBJ out for the season. Mayfield is going to need to find some rhythm at home, which is predicated to be very windy and wet. Not too many long passes in this game, which is why the over/under went from 55 points to 45.5.
The Texans struggled against Luton and the Jags in week 9, and needed last minute heroics from DeShaun Watson to save the day. They will probably require that this weekend as well. Bradley Roby is due to return to the Texans D, which will help them out immensely.
The Bengals were able to toss the ball all over the Browns, so DW will also be looking to do that as well.
My initial prediction was that Cleveland should have no problems at home, and should easily cover. With the Texans getting healthier and the need for a crucial win, I like the Texans for an upset here.
I’m taking the under as well, as the weather looks very nasty.
Texans 21 Browns 18 

Broncos (3-5) vs Raiders (5-3)
Raiders -3.5  +50.5

Denver continues to thwart the paths of NFL teams in their wake, disrupting and demolishing teams that should beat them on paper. Despite numerous injuries, the horsey’s have been able to stay competitive, even though they have a losing record.
The Broncos are missing most of their defensive line, while the Raiders are missing most of their O-line. Fair trade? Denver should have some corner backs returning, which will allow them to pick off Carr when he does downfield with his wobblers.
While I picked Las Vegas initially to cover this game, I am turning more towards the antics of the Broncos to mess up their mojo in this game.
I like Denver to cover this one, and continue to cause waves in the league.
Raiders 26 Broncos 23

Washington (2-6) vs Lions (3-5)
Lions -4  +46

It really is a truly craptastic week of games on Sunday. There is a real ugly mess of matchups, and as someone who likes to wager, am looking to lay off on Week 10 given how many factors are up in the air.
Washington has played well for a bad team, their D has kept them in contests, while their quarterbacks spend most of their time breaking their own legs for fun. They have solid running backs, and Gibson should hopefully have a solid day against a Detroit D who is weak against RBs.
Detroit is as messy as the city itself, and with injuries to Flowers and Golladay, they will have to rely on the other guys to make the big plays. This could be too much for Marvin Jones and Hockenson, as the Washington team actually believe that they have a chance to win this division.
Washington Team is just playing too loose right now, and I like them to cover against a Lions team who continually disappoints at home.
Lions 27 Washington 25

Betting it

If you decide to parlay these picks, we suggest you try Bet365 which has some of the best NFL odds, as they offer bonuses for bigger parlays.
When you wager £10 on the 3 picks I made; Texans (-105) Washington (+110) Broncos (-110), you can get a return of £80.99, which is a tidy £70 profit.
Don’t bet what you don’t have, bet responsibly, don’t be an idiot.
Have fun, and good luck on Week 10!