NFL in London

National Football League in London

2024 NFL london

Divisional Halfway-NFC

by

Welcome to November, as we begin the chilly part of the NFL season, and take a look at the Divisional Halfway-NFC, in a division that is really heating up.

With half of the season already done, teams should have a pretty good idea of what it takes to make that giant playoffs leap forward. Let’s break down each division and separate the wheat from the losers.

NFC EAST

What the Washington? Where did they come from? Dan Synder must be licking his wounds, or trading naked pictures of cheerleaders on the dark web, to see what the WFT has done in 2024. Jayden Daniels has made an immediate impact, even tossing a game winning Hail Mary to beat the Bears. With zero expectations going into the season, they sure like the hot hand in the East.

Philly might have something to say about that, after a slow start has suddenly invigorated their D, and put some punch back into Jalen’s legs. Saquon has been a beast for the Eagles, and they could look to ride him into a playoff berth.

Dallas is getting messy, and not in a good way. Jerry Jones has poor communication going on from the top down, as it’s not clear what them Boys are going to do. Dak is struggling with no O line, raging running backs, and only CeeDee in double coverage. Maybe they get dangerous after week 10, or just continue to implode.

New York got exposed on Hard Knocks, and it seems to have followed them like the stink of moth balls. Losing Saquon was a face slap, but maybe not as hard as how Daniel Jones has under performed this season. Is it the coaching, or does DJ lack the gusto to win? The Giants sure have.

NFC NORTH

The Motor City is the big cat in this division, as the Lions have continued to spank opponents in big fashion. Jared Goff has been solid, the running game has double punching power, and the receivers are top notch. Losing Hutchinson is a big blow for the D, but they seem to have recovered and look like the top picks in the NFC.

The Vikings are doing that totally Minnesota thing again. Starting great, and them flummoxing themselves to February with inconsistent play. After being exposed after running up 5 wins, they seem to be naked to their own advancement. Will they be able to rally, or will Darnold get the blame for a team a few weapons short.

Green Bay has had a surprising season of wins, when it looked like Love trouble after week 1. It all comes down to the coaching here, as Matt Lafleur has been clutch in reading teams, and calming his approach. Josh Jacobs has been a welcome addition as the Pack have made a bit of a run, but they always seem to shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to crush time.

Whoa those Bears! Caleb has been steady, but not as solid as the D has been at keeping Chicago in games. While there was a lot of expectations, Bears fans should be happy that they are at the beginning of a franchise whilst others falter. Eberflus should be relieved of play-calling, and stick to overall coaching, but the Bears might be able to sneak through with a cheeky wild card if they can make it through a tough last schedule.

NFC SOUTH

The dirty south runs through Atlanta, as Kirk Cousins has found his groove, and the Falcons have a running game that can do some damage. A slow start has led to the birds starting to flock together, although their D has shown they can take points hits. They are owning their division, which goes a long way to the playoffs.

Baker Mayfield tries so hard, but that hasn’t helped Tampa as they took a slew of injuries to thwart their fun run of W’s. It’s hard to see a way for the Bucs to continue, as Mayfield doesn’t have enough targets, or O line to stop the bleed. He might find a way to a wild card, but it’s doubtful.

Derek Carr and the Saints marched to 2 quick wins of 50 points, with Alvin Kamara trampling D’s, then the suck happened. Carr looks to return, but the Saints and Dennis Allen have shown that something isn’t right in New Orleans. Too inconsistent, too many injures, and not enough weapons. What will they trade away?

Oh Carolina, even Shaggy couldn’t write a song about your woes. Bring in Bryce, bring in Andy, what does it matter? The Panthers traded away the rest of their goods, so they’re trying to dress for the Oscars, with items from a charity shop. Only good thing about the Panthers is betting against them.

NFC WEST

The West use to be best, but it hasn’t looked that way to start the season, as this division is as wide open as the plains that separate them. The 49ers SHOULD be leading the way here, but big injuries, and close loses have fated them to a grind it out time. San Fran is a good team, they just haven’t shown it yet, and they better soon, or they could get usurped.

Matt Stafford and the Rams continue to find ways to win, because they were still recent Super Bowl champs. Coaching has been the big key in ’24, and Sean McVay has winning in his blood. Despite some early injuries, the Rams are starting to make a string of wins happen, and that’s dangerous for the NFC. Don’t be surprised if the Rams wild card it to the danger zone in 2025.

Seattle has been riding old man Geno hard over the past few seasons, with not a lot of support. The Seahawks have games where they look brilliant, and then play the Bills and looks totally outclassed. When it comes down to the tough games, the team crumbles under the pressure, and won’t see a lot of joy going forward.

Kyler Murray keeps trying, but it just isn’t enough for a Cardinals squad that can only play half a game. One minute he’s looking awesome, scrambling and hitting targets, and the other he looks lost in shuffle.
Arizona has never felt like they could put a full winning team together to win every game. Coming up short is their way, and they’ll do it again.

Who knows what the season will hold, but it looks like the Lions, Falcons, Redskins, and Rams will all be fighting it out in January.

Make sure you listen to our latest podcast, just give it a click here.

London Called

by

Another fantastic set of UK NFL games has gone off splendidly, as we take a look back at our triad of matches in a London Called segment.

First off, how about a hand to the NFLUK for once again pulling off another incredible international series at Tottenham and Wembley for our October 2024 matches. It was another fantastic three weeks f games, fans, and excitement.

Let’s take a look back at the games that London was treated to, and all the action in the league associated with them!

Week 5

NY Jets 17 Minnesota Vikings 23

October 6th was out first London game, and what a treat it was, as Aaron Rodgers came to town with his squad of undeniable talent to take on an undefeated Minnesota Vikings squad.

Tottenham Stadium rocked out with over 61,000 fans to see Garrett Wilson catch for over 100 yards in a losing effort to the stout Vikings D. Andrew Van Ginkel electrified the crowd when he ran back a pick-6 in the first quarter in a game that had north London shaking.

In the end the Jets took another ‘L’, but not as big as coach Robert Salah, who was fired after the trip, and may have enjoyed an extra few days on hitting a Wetherspoons and soaking up his shame over 99 pence Boddington’s.

A great first game to kick off the series, and whet the appetite of London fans.

Week 6

Jacksonville Jaguars 16 Chicago Bears 35

It was a Bears beatdown in north London, as Caleb Williams rocked into Spurs stadium with a demonstrative hammering of the Jaguars in front of their ‘home’ nation.

Once again the rafters were filled to the hilt, as over 61,000 fans filled Tottenham stadium in a swarm of blue and orange, as it was definitely a Chicago home game.

Making this game even sweeter was the fact it was one of the few London games to hit the ‘over’, with the Jags porous D allowing Caleb and company to put this game out of reach before it began.

The weather might have been chilly, but the warmth of the NFC north faithful made sure that the last game at Tottenham for 2024 was one that Bears fans would never forget.

Week 7

New England Patriots 16 Jacksonville Jaguars 32

It was a true double-up for the final London game, as the Jags were able to secure a ‘W’ with a much needed victory over the Patriots on a cloudy day at Wembley.

Much was made of the UK being given two 1-5 teams for the last of the series, but this one might have been one of the most exciting one for many reasons.

Perhaps it was the radiant smile of Drake Maye who brought the sun out in the second half, although he was no match for a fired up Trevor Lawrence who was looking to silence the salary-haters who have been chirping on his socials.

Tank Bigsby was the Jags workhorse on the ground, pounding into the Pats, and awakening a crowd of almost 90,000 NFL faithful in northwest London.

Both teams flew out immediately after the game, and as far as we know, no one has lost their job yet.

London 2025

It’s hard to believe that the 2024 season is already halfway done, as we round our way to Halloween and Christmas, knowing that the NFL is well and truly our real special holiday.

So who will be coming to London in 2025, and how many games will we get?
Wish we could answer those questions for you, you’ll have to wait until March 2025 to actually know who that might be.

At the end of the day, the fact that we were able to watch 6 awesome teams play a game in our own backyard is beyond special.

Thanks again to the NFL, the teams, the players, the fans and everyone who made these NFL in London games well and truly magical.

Of course, we will still have loads more NFL events in London to promote.

Vikings vs Jets London Events

by

Are you ready for some NFL Jets and Vikings fans in the UK? As London gears up to host the highly anticipated NFL matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, fans from both sides are in for more than just game day excitement. Leading up to the big clash, both teams have a lineup of events that will bring fans closer to the action and create an unforgettable atmosphere across the city. So to help you plan your week more effectively, here’s a breakdown of all the Vikings vs Jets London events ahead of this thrilling NFL showdown.

Vikings Events in London

Although both teams aren’t expected until the very last minute, The Minnesota Vikings are ready to paint London purple with several exciting events planned throughout the week. Fans will have the chance to mingle, celebrate, and immerse themselves in all things Vikings in the lead-up to the game.

Greenwood Victoria Pub Takeover

Starting on Wednesday, October 2nd, Vikings fans can head to the Greenwood Sports Pub at 170 Victoria Street, London for an exclusive week-long takeover. The pub will be transformed into a Vikings-themed haven, providing a perfect pre-game atmosphere for the purple faithful. Not sure how far they are going to go with the Viking theme. 

Expect appearances from Vikings Legends, making it a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the team’s greats. Along with the chance to meet these former players, there will be plenty of competitions, giveaways, and quizzes to keep the energy high throughout the week.

Vikings events will be held at the notoriously pricey, Greenwood Pub, where we previously held a season of NFL in London events. Hopefully they have upped their food game, as most of our fans opted to buy McDonald’s from the station by week 3. The Greenwood is located near Victoria station, and not much else. 

Vikings Tailgate Party

For those wanting even more excitement, a Vikings Tailgate Party is also scheduled at the Greenwood for Friday October 4th. Despite being billed as a ‘Tailgate’ this event will be held indoors, and you cannot bring your own food or drink. There will also be NO NCAA football on, but they will be showing Sunderland vs Leeds. Fans can expect ‘fun games’ (sic), music, and plenty of Vikings-themed activities to get everyone in the mood for Sunday’s game. Fun games…in a bar?

The rally will be a fantastic opportunity for tourists to the UK to meet fellow Vikings fans, experience London beer prices firsthand, and gear up for what promises to be an intense battle against the Jets.

The Vikings UK group are also promoting an ‘Outernet Immersive Experience’, which sounds like something from a P Diddy party, but promises special guests and appearances, much like Diddy’s.
It’s being held at Outernet at Tottenham Court road, and no, we haven’t heard of it either. 

Prior to the game, the Vikings will have a FanZone inside the stadium, at the south-east corner. 

Jets Events in London

Not to be outdone, the New York Jets also have several events planned for their fans, ensuring that London turns a shade of green in the run-up to the game. Jets supporters can look forward to a range of exciting activities, with less of a corporate feel to the Vikings activities. 

Jets Kickoff Party

Jets fans looking to get their green on with fellow fans can head to the Jets Kickoff Party on Friday October 4th, at the Redwood Pub near London bridge. 

Located in east London, near Borough Market, this will be a great chance for Jets fans to cheer, drink beer, and sample some of Aaron Rodgers darkness retreat tricks. Although we have never been, it is owned by the same people as the Greenwood, so expect comparable prices and offerings. 

The party is advertised as going from 6pm-late, so make sure that you get there early to secure a seat. 

On Saturday October 5th, there is a Jets Touchdown Tailgate planned at Ely’s Yard in Shoreditch. Kicking off from noon to 9pm, this is the perfect chance to get day-wasted with fellow fans, and feel like a bag of toys in the morning just before the game.  Forecast is for rain all weekend, so be prepared.

Whether you’ve been following the Jets for years or are a new fan, this is an unmissable event that will bring you closer to the history and spirit of the team. It’s the perfect way to cap off a week of celebrations before the big game on Sunday.

Gameday Excitement at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

On Sunday, October 6th, all roads lead to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the big game. With a 14:30 p.m. BST kickoff, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in front of a sold-out crowd. The energy inside the stadium will be electric as fans of both teams come together for this monumental NFL clash.

The Vikings are entering the game with an undefeated season, while the Jets are hungry to make their mark. As Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets against his former backup Sam Darnold, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

If you don’t have tickets for the game, you can join fellow Jets fans at the Redwood Pub near London bridge, where they will be showing the game. 

Matchup Preview

The Vikings enter as 2.5-point favorites, but the Jets, led by their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are sure to put up a fight. This game holds special significance for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, facing his former team on an international stage.

Historical context adds another layer of intrigue:

  • All-time series: Jets lead 8-4
  • Last meeting: Vikings won 27-22 (2022)
  • Recent trend: Vikings have won the last three encounters
  • London games tend to go Under

The Other Football

For any NFL fans making their way to the game this Sunday, just a reminder that you are in the land of ‘soccer’. 

You won’t find dozens of TV’s showing NCAA here, rather a few tiny pubs with a small screen playing the beautiful game.
This will be even more poignant on Saturday and Sunday, when there are plenty of matches on all day. 

That being said, many of the Saturday footie matches are London based, meaning you can try to get tickets in the busy city. 

On Saturday October 5th, home games are being played for Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, and Arsenal. Sunday sees Chelsea at home, and a 4:30 Tottenham away match, which will be on every TV in the sports pubs. 

With a lineup of  Vikings and Jets events scheduled throughout London, the build-up to the NFL showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises to be thrilling for fans of both teams.

Make sure to soak in all the events, and get ready for an unforgettable NFL experience in London, culminating with the big game on Sunday. It’s going to be a week to remember!

Have fun Jets and Vikings fans, and welcome to London!

Bears London

by

As the Chicago Bears make their way across the pond for another thrilling October NFL showdown in London, there’s no better time to explore all the “bear-y” fun that the capital of the UK has to offer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears or just tagging along for the ride, London has plenty of bear-related sights and stories to entertain you before and after the big game. From historical bears to famous bear-related landmarks, here’s everything Chicago Bears fans need to know about the ‘other’ bears of London.

Fun Fact-Just because someone is wearing a Chicago Bears jersey, doesn’t mean that they know anything about the Bears. All you have to is say ‘Bear Down’ to them, and watch for the look on their face. 

Queen’s Bearskins

When in London, it’s hard to miss the stoic Queen’s Guard soldiers standing tall at Buckingham Palace. Whatever you do, don’t get up in their grill, or this could happen.

What might catch your eye more than their unflinching demeanor, though, are those giant fuzzy hats perched on their heads. Yes, those iconic headpieces are made of real Canadian bearskin! No Canadians were hurt in the process, although the bears were. 

The bearskin hat is a towering 18 inches tall and weighs about 1.5 pounds, and it’s as much a symbol of London as Big Ben or Tower Bridge. These towering hats were originally designed to make the guards look more imposing, and they date back to 1815 when British soldiers wore them to celebrate their victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

Of course, today’s hats are made with ethically sourced bearskin, and alternatives have been explored. But for now, these regal hats remain a reminder that bears are part of London’s royal heritage, and you can catch a glimpse of these bear-inspired accessories during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Paddington Bear

It wouldn’t be a trip to London without mentioning one of the most beloved bears in British pop culture – Paddington Bear. Created by Michael Bond in 1958, this little bear from Peru found his way to London with nothing but a suitcase and his trusty marmalade sandwiches.

True bear fans will know that Paddington in Peru movie comes out in November, so this autumn truly is the place to be a bear in the capital. 

If you’re in the mood for some bear-themed sightseeing, head to Paddington Station where a bronze statue of the bear himself waits to greet visitors. Nearby, you can also visit the Paddington Bear Shop to grab some adorable souvenirs, from teddy bears to marmalade jars. For Chicago Bears fans, Paddington is a reminder of how the city of London embraces all things bear-related with open arms.

Globe Theatre, Bankside, Southwark the Bear Garden c1599 (1825). The Bear Garden was a site of bear-baiting.

The Bear Garden

Bear garden, not beer garden, although you’ll probably hit both during a successful London trip. Chicago has its Wrigley Field, and London has… the Bear Garden? It sounds like the perfect place for Bears fans to gather! In the Elizabethan era, bear-baiting was a popular form of entertainment (though thankfully no longer practiced today). Close to the famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, there once stood an arena known as The Bear Garden, where Londoners would watch bears fight against dogs in brutal displays.

Although bear-baiting is long gone (thank goodness), the site is worth visiting for history buffs who want to know more about the wild, colorful history of London’s past. Just imagine the fanfare of old London crowds rooting for their favorite bear to take down its opponent – quite the spectacle, but one best left in the past! Today, the area is a cultural hub dedicated to Shakespeare’s works, and you can catch a performance at the Globe Theatre to see how Londoners have shifted from violent bear spectacles to high culture.

Feel free to wear your Bears jersey, so that people know that you are a fan of both literature and sport. 

Winnie Pooh’s

While Paddington might be London’s official bear ambassador, Winnie the Pooh is another beloved British bear with strong connections to the capital. A.A. Milne, the author of “Winnie-the-Pooh”, was inspired by his son Christopher Robin’s love of a real bear at the London Zoo.

This bear, named Winnie, was originally from Canada and became a star attraction at the zoo after being adopted by British soldiers during World War I. Today, Pooh’s legacy lives on in books, movies, and merchandise that continue to delight fans of all ages. While there isn’t a specific Winnie the Pooh landmark in London, a visit to the zoo or a quick stroll through Harrods – where Pooh merch reigns supreme – will satisfy any bear lover’s appetite.

Another fun fact is that the trademark on Winnie has expired, which is why you’ll see him in acting in low-budget horror flicks as of late, in case you were thinking he went full Nick Cage. 

Bears vs Jags 

And of course, the reason you’re here – to support the Chicago Bears in their London appearance, when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham stadium. 

London has become a second home for the NFL over the last decade, with multiple games being played each season as part of the league’s International Series. The city’s stadiums transform into a haven for American football fans, bringing together die-hard supporters from all corners of the globe.

Make sure to immerse yourself in the local NFL culture, as Londoners have fully embraced American football. You’ll find Bears jerseys mingling with fans from all teams, creating a unique international atmosphere you won’t experience anywhere else. We will let you know the NFL events as they come out, so watch this space. From tailgate parties to interactive fan zones, to make the most of your London NFL experience, make sure you follow us for all the cool things to do in London. 

Bear Pubs 

Finally, no trip to London is complete without a pint (or 12) at a local pub. You might even stumble across a pub named after a bear, God knows they have enough lion themed pubs!
So if you’re looking to knock off a pub crawl of Bear-themed pubs, here are a few to consider:

The Bear-Paddington
The aptly named Bear near Paddington station is the perfect place to start your London pub crawl.
An independent pub since 2011, the pub serves up local and craft beers, as well as having its own private hire room.

The Bear and Staff-Soho
Located right in the heart of Soho, is this chain-pub boozer close to all the action. Dating back to 1714, the Bear and Staff has a fine selection of real ales, and is close enough to the Thames for those late night strolls to work off the pints.

Thirsty Bear-South Bank
Just across the river is the aptly named Thirsty Bear, which even offers self-serve taps at your very own table! A very busy pub that is famed for sport, hit the Thirsty if you’re looking to expand on your Bear-Themed pub crawl. 

Brown Bear-White Chapel
Head east young folks if you want to sample the traditional atmosphere of the Brown Bear in Whitechapel. With loads of live sport and whiskey, you might find the pub crawl stalling here for a bit.

White Bear-Farringdon
We love independent pubs, which is why the White Bear in Farringdon is such a sweet treat. With fresh artisan pizzas, rotating local beers, and yummy cocktails, it’s easy to see why this pub is such a popular haunt for locals, and tourists alike.

For Chicago Bears fans, it’s a chance to unwind in true British fashion. And who knows, you might even meet some UK-based Bears fans who share your love for the team – proving once again that “Bear Down” knows no borders. Unless of course you have no idea what that means.

Bear Down in London

London is ready to welcome Chicago Bears fans with open arms (and paws). Whether you’re exploring bear-related landmarks or just soaking in the city’s rich history and culture, there’s plenty to see and do before and after the game. From Paddington to Winnie the Pooh, the bears of London might not have the flash of Caleb Williams, but they’ll certainly add a fun twist to your NFL weekend abroad.

So grab your Chicago Bears jersey, prepare to Bear Down, and enjoy everything London has to offer – from royal bearskin hats to pint-sized Paddington Bear. It’s going to be a roaring good time!

Watch this space, as we will have loads more info here as we release it.

Week 1 Picks

by

That unexplainable feeling of excitement rushing through your veins right now is football, because the NFL is back baby! Let’s start this season right with our Week 1 Picks for the 2024 season.

To hear all of the picks, and to listen to all the reasoning from Ryan and Wade, just click on this link here for all the glory of the full episode.

Of course, if you’re far too lazy to listen to 45 minutes of punditry, we can also give you some of the boys top tips for the week, so that you can just roll into your betting app, and drop some jingles.
It is week 1, which means predictions don’t usually mean squat, but if you make them with attitude, they seem to have a bit more mustard.

Week 1 Picks

So let’s take a look at some of the top tips for Sunday and Monday, after the Chiefs and Eagles have already secured their W’s for the weekend.

Ryan

It’s all about the Bills again for Ryan this year, as his Canadian-ness propels him to root for a border city team. Will the Bills be able to make the playoffs this year after another season of disappointment?
Ryan’s first big upset is the Jacksonville Jags over the Dolphins in the battle of Florida. With the Fins losing loads of D this year, he likes Trevor and the Jags to cause a little upset in the sun on Sunday. Despite Miami being favoured by 3, he likes Jacksonville to win by 2.
Chugging on with his upset train, Ryan has the Panthers getting their first W of the year with a win over division rivals New Orleans. Despite a sucky season in 2023, Ryan likes Bryce Young and the team to move the chains against a limp Saints squad.
His last upset of the 1pm games sees the feisty Colts getting a victory at home over the visiting Texans. Overlooking the heroics of CJ Stroud last year, Ryan likes the horses to apply the pressure and era out a win.

Wade

Wade also has a series of upsets on tap for his Week 1 Picks, and some of them might surprise you.
Wade has the G-Men winning at home over the Vikings, as he likes Daniel Jones and the home squad over a Sam Darnold led team which has way to many question marks on it. It’ll be tight, but he thinks the Giants will prevail.
Much to Ryan’s dismay, Wade is also taking the Cardinals for an upset against the Bills at home. Buffalo has a notoriously slow start, so he likes Arizona to start the season with a fierce and fast start against the Bills.
Another upset that he is eyeing up is the 4pm contest between the Raiders and Chargers in LA. With Justin Herbert suffering a foot injury at the start of the season, things suddenly look questionable for the Chargers with such a nagging problem. Antonio Pierce likes to start with lots of energy, something that Las Vegas will be opening a can of.

DraftKings

Do you like to play Weekly Fantasy Football? Then why not join our DraftKings League, where you can play for free and paid every week.
All you have to do is click below, and join one of our many weekly contests. You don’t need to pay to play, unless of course you want to win some cash!

https://dkn.gs/r/jPPbmLURQUWWfYH-Md1G9g

NFL Viewing Parties

Does your bar or pub show the NFL in the UK? Are you looking to promote your venue to attract more NFL fans? Just reach out to us, and we can help put some bums in your seats, so that you can be an exclusive NFL in London approved venue.

We can help you promote the events, add NFL trivia or comedy, as well as help you create some authentic North American menu options.

Just reach out, and we can help!