NFL in London

National Football League in London

2021 NFL London

Week 8 Podcast

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Halfway through the season, and what a journey is has been.
In our Week 8 Podcast, Wade & Ryan reflect on the season thus far, and some of the top stories that have dominated the league. (hint:Covid plays a big part).
The boys also look back at the Week 7 games in the league, with such storylines as ‘Patriots Piss Themselves’ ‘St. Justin Hubert’, and ‘Dalton Losses his Head’, leading the front pages.

Ryan and Wade then dive into their week 8 predictions, treading carefully not to touch on their own teams lest Lady Luck flick them in the nads.
Among some of the top predictions the guys make for Week 8 include:

LA Rams (5-2) vs Dolphins (3-3)
Rams -3.5  +46

The Rams are fresh after a beating of the Bears on Monday night, but are they really that good? Their D is fast and furious, but Goff and the O have been more of whimper.
Flores has taken Fitzmagic out of the magic hat, giving Tua his first shot at an NFL start.
Miami is at home, so it reckons that they have a plan for this one, as 4 wins would move them up nicely to second in the AFC East.
Ryan thinks that the Rams will dominate this one, but Wade smells a Miami upset.
Ryan- Rams 27 Dolphins 14
Wade- Dolphins 24 Rams 23

Patriots (2-4) vs Bills (5-2)
Bills -3.5  +44

These records would have been reversed a few years ago, as fans across the League are revelling in the Pats sucking off a start to the 2020 NFL season. The Bills have lost focus the last few games, with Josh Allen not looking like the beast he was to start.
The Patriots look like that they are in free fall, with rumours circling that they are having a ‘fire sale’ to get rid of some of their top talent to trades, in what looks to be a signal of a rebuild.
Ryan hates betting on his own Bills, especially on games where dildo’s are involved.
Wade likes betting on both teams, as he has no favour in either of them.
Ryan- Patriots 23 Bills 20
Wade- Bills 27 Patriots 21

Steelers (6-0) vs Ravens (5-1)
Ravens -3.5  +49

Teams coming off a bye usually have energy and focus to lay a beating on the first team that they face back, although the Steelers struggled with the Eagles a few weeks ago.
The Ravens spent their week off shoring up their D and adding Dez Bryant to their practice squad.
Pittsburgh has benefitted with a plethora of scoring options each week, with new receivers seemingly popping out of the woodwork to add TDs to the tally. Big Bloated Ben has been inconsistent, yet effective-which still gets wins.
The Ravens will be angry in this contest, which will make it tough for the Steelers to build up momentum on drives. They will need their D to stand on their heads in this one.
Wade & Ryan both see a big game here, with the Ravens ultimately coming out on top.
Ryan- Ravens 30 Steelers 20
Wade- Ravens 31 Steelers 26

Saints (4-2) vs Bears (5-2)
Saints  -4 +44.5

The Saints are marching in to Soldier Field, albeit with more injuries than they would have wanted.
The Bears are searching for their offence, which could use some Viagra as they could use a stiffening up.
Chicago is coming off a loss to the Rams, in which they were bloody awful at scoring. New Orleans is fighting some sort of drama, with Michael Thomas acting like a petulant wide receiver. One wonders if Thomas will ever really come back, as he seems more addicted to spreading misery.
Ryan is bullish on the Bears, and thinks that the Saints are not as good as they seem.
Wade isn’t as confident on his Bears, and sees things getting worse before they get better.
Ryan- Bears 26 Saints 24
Wade- Saints 30 Bears 22

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Have a great week 8, and make sure that you listen to the whole podcast.

TNF-Falcons vs Panthers

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Let’s take a stroll down to the dirty south, as the filthy Falcons visit the poo-stained Panthers in what should be another Thursday Night Game.
None of these teams would ever have expected to start the 2020 season only to be out of it halfway through.
Here we are on a dark, dank Thursday to see this one through, luckily most UK fans will be in bed.

Falcons (1-6) vs Panthers (3-4)
Panthers -3  + 49

Falcons

The Falcons have allowed more come from behinds than a tramp-stamp, boasting some of the most embarrassing scores thus far this season. Despite Matt Ryan throwing up hundreds of yards every game, Atlanta has looked like a hot mess in every aspect thus far.
Their O-line is as porous as a tea bag, their D is shot, and have so many injuries that they should qualify for benefits.
Last week against the Lions was a debacle, as Gurley did the one thing Matt Ryan asked him not to do…score a TD.
Fortunately for them however, they are starting to get some of their team mates back, including Old Faithful Julio Jones.
The last time these teams played a few weeks ago, the Falcons lost 23-26, but that doesn’t seem likely again this week.

Panthers

Carolina started the season out by losing the top running back in the game, only to string some wins together despite the key injury. Teddy Bridgewater looked good, Mike Davis was a nice surprise, and Robby Anderson and DJ Moore were suddenly fantasy studs…then they started to lose.
The Panthers have struggled recently, as their defence hasn’t been able to keep up with other teams that are scoring at will.
Christian McCaffery is still out, which means the Panthers will struggle once again against an Atlanta team who finally won a game in week 6.
Carolina is in free fall, and they are going to need some healthy returners if they want to even think at making a playoff run.

Prediction

Atlanta will be pissed from losing last week when they were favoured to win 99%-1% with 60 seconds left in the game. Todd Gurley should have a bounce back game, and Ridley will score at least 1 TD.
Not worth staying up for, but will be a great game to catch up on with your coffee on Friday morning.

Falcons 26 Panthers 23

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Wade’s Week 7

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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.

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

 

 

The Picks Six

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Okay… well… let’s call that an inauspicious start. In the debut week of this column, my week 6 picks were… largely disappointing. My overall week predictions (9-5) salvaged my tips which did not have a particularly impressive showing. Largely, the blame for this falls squarely at the feet of two teams: The New England Patriots, who inexplicably made the beaten up Denver Broncos look like the ‘85 Bears, and the Cleveland Browns who… ugh… Browns-d it right up against the Steelers. Should I have seen that coming? Probably. Anyway, new week, new me! Let’s go again. Redemption starts here. Same concept: Six sections, including sure things, longshot punts and a prediction for every game. 

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The 1st and Goal from the 1. (Season Record: 1-1)

So somehow went 1-1 last week on this. Shoutout the Dolphins for doing what they were supposed to, even when Cam was too incompetent to do his job… 

Okay. Simple things. That’s what we’re looking for here. So… Who is the worst team in the NFL? Gang Green: The 0-6 New York Jets. And who are said Jets playing this week? Oh, the Bills of Buffalo? With one Joshua Allen at Quarterback? He who has a rocket arm and legs that carry his big sturdy frame forward at alarming speed and momentum? I like him. He wasn’t good against the Chiefs – but we’ll blame the conditions a bit – so I expect Josh to bounce back big here. The Jets are firmly planted in the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. The Bills win this game. ZERO doubt.

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The 45yd Field Goal (Season Record: 0-1)

This line should be posted all over the Cowboys’ locker room walls. The UTTER disrespect… Dallas are ONE POINT favourites against the 1-4, very average, lacking in any real talent beyond Terry McLaurin and Chase Young Washington Football Team. Yeah, I get it: The Cowboys were awful on Monday. Dalton didn’t sling it like we were expecting (see, my over losing), Zeke’s hands have been replaced with sticks of butter, and their defense couldn’t stop a team of referees from picking up a first down. BUT this is still the Dallas Cowboys offense. Zeke will not keep putting the ball on the ground. The Cowboys should run (and throw) all over this team. Dallas Cowboys -1.0. Yes please.

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The Hail Mary (Season Record: 0-1)

So we need a long shot, or at least big odds for this one. There aren’t many underdogs I like on the board this week, so I’m sticking to heavily backing a favourite I love. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet, but the Jets are AWFUL. Even with Sam Darnold back, they’re not good enough to put a fight up against the Bills. The Bills defense held up quite respectably against the Chiefs passing attack, and Frank Gore is not going to run through the Bills like Clyde Edwards-Helaire did. Josh Allen will sling it, the Bills will score points. I like the Bills to win every quarter at 7/1. 

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The Over (Season Record: 0-1)

Oooooooh there could be some points scored this weekend… lots of tasty matchups which I can see disintegrating into shootouts and garbage time touchdowns. So I’m gonna rattle off a few here:

Browns vs Bengals – Over 50.5

Well, Baker HAS to bounce back. The Browns really need this game, but a scrappy Cincinnati team (who pushed the Colts close last week) can put up some resistance. The Browns have been quietly very good on offense aside from in their two lopsided losses. I don’t think they lose this game; I think they score 30+ on a below-par Bengals defense. Joe Burrow is good enough and determined enough to keep himself in the game – despite the absence of Joe Mixon. Points. 

Lions vs Falcons – Over 55.0

Yep, the line is high, but Stafford and Ryan could very legitimately shred each other’s DBs all afternoon long. D’Andre Swift has started to break out a little bit, and Gurley and Hurst are providing a nice compliment to Atlanta’s stacked WR room. It’s high, but I think it’ll get there. 

Seahawks vs Cardinals – Over 56.0

Another high line, but the newly-flexed Sunday Night Football matchup is one of the most electric of the weekend. Russ gets back in the kitchen, ready to cook after his bye week. Kyler is fast becoming the one rival to Lamar’s title of biggest dual threat Quarterback. Hopkins, Kirk and Fitz vs Lockett, Moore and Metcalf. Carson vs Drake. Carroll vs Kingsbury. Nobody on the field will want to defend. 28 points each has been almost a guarantee for these two teams so far. Let’s keep that run going. 

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The Parlay (Winning Parlays: 0/1, Winning Legs: 3/5) 

Browns -3.0

I know. I know. I know. We took Cleveland last week, and they burned us. I know. BUT this is a new week, and much less formidable defense for Baker to throw against. The Browns torched the Bengals earlier this season and I think a Cleveland win by a TD or more is likely. 

Panthers +7.0

Now, I do think the Saints win this game, but Teddy Bridge is good enough to keep it close. 7 points feels like a lot for a Saints team who – whilst coming off a bye – are missing their top two WRs to injury and the COVID-list. I expect a heavy dose of Alvin Kamara and Mike Davis respectively. Tight game, Saints win, Panthers cover the 7 points. 

Cowboys -1.0

See above… this line feels fraudulent. The Cowboys comeback story arc starts here. 

Bills -10.0

Yuuuuuuup, it’s a lot of points. How many did the Jets lose by last week? 24!? 24 to 0!? Against the Dolphins!? Okay, ha, yeah, definitely Bills -10.0.

Patriots -2.0

Bill is angry. Cam is angry. Stephon is angry. The whole of Boston is angry. The Patriots conspired to lose a game where their opposition didn’t score a Touchdown… HUUUUUH!? Yup. Somehow, that’s what happened. But this is the perfect bounce back game. Bill gets to shut down the guy he traded away. I don’t believe Jimmy G is good enough to beat the team who had earmarked him as the heir to TB12. They traded him for a reason. Shanahan will have some plans cooked up, but I think the Niners are still too injury ravaged to hand the Patriots another loss. 

£10 on this parlay pays about £235 depending on your bookmaker.

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The Full English (Season Record: 9-5)

Bills vs Jets – Bills

Panthers vs Saints – Saints

Browns vs Bengals – Browns

Washington vs Cowboys – Cowboys

Lions vs Falcons – Falcons

Packers vs Texans – Packers

Steelers vs Titans – Steelers (But this is such a toss up, won’t be at all surprised if Tennessee win)

Buccaneers vs Raiders – Buccaneers (piss off please Covid… I want to watch this game)

Jaguars vs Chargers – Chargers

Chiefs vs Broncos – Chiefs

49ers vs Patriots – Patriots

Seahawks vs Cardinals – Seahawks

Bears vs Rams – Rams 

Enjoy your week 7! As ever, I’m @callumjdsquires on Twitter & Instagram. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see me discuss or suggest picks for… Come chat and tell me why I’m wrong and your team is going to win this week. Jets fans need not contact me. Cheers.

All lines accurate as of 11pm Friday.

-Callum Squires is a British writer and former college athlete in America

Kevin Cadle

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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.