NFL in London

National Football League in London

2024 NFL season

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!

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!

AFC Predictions

by

The summer is almost over, which means that the NFL is back, and it’s time for our AFC Predictions!

Ryan and Wade have slaved over the schedules, building sleuthy algorithms, and getting some crazy info off the deep, dark web.
What does it all mean?
Probably nothing, but the boys are ready for the start of the season, and have a few thoughts as to who will win what and when.

If you want to hear all of their predictions, then why not pop up the podcast and you can listen in full HD sound?

So let’s take a look at some of the thoughts the guys have in each division.

AFC East

For Ryan’s Buffalo Bills, this is going to be another tough season with Aaron Rodgers finally healthy, and the Diggs distraction shuffling off to Houston.
Will Mike McDaniels be able to muster some Tua to kick this season up, or have the fish already jumped the shark of the 2020s’?
As for the Patriots, the only thing people are expecting out of them, is a last place finish in the league.
Wade likes AA-Ron and the Jets to finally see some W’s come their way, after a surprising 2023 season that saw Zach get ditched to Denver.
As for the Bills, Wade thinks that they will fall to second place in the division this year, off the running game of NYJ, not to mention their impressive D.

AFC North

The AFC North may very well be the best division in the NFL at the moment. With Burrow, Jackson, and Watson…wait, who? Ok, the other two guys at least.
Aside from the Steelers, the North is looking pretty stacked heading into ’24, and it is very likely that more than one team from this division will be making it to the post season.
Lingering questions still remain in this division however. Will Burrow be healthy for a full season? Can Lamar shake off his playoff woes? Can DeShaun and the Browns rub out a few good wins this year? Will Mike Tomlin finally eat a losing season?
The boys are divided in this one, with Ryan pipping the Bengals to win 11 games and lead the division, and Wade picking the Ravens to do that very thing.
Whatever happens in this division, look out for some pretty big games!

AFC South

The dirty south got a fresh wash from CJ Stroud and the Texans last year, who made a nice little playoff run despite having so many rookies.
The Texans have marched to the top of the south, while the Jaguars have let their backbone slide with Trevor Lawrence over the past few seasons. Can they only win in London?
Let’s not count out those Colts as well, with JT looking to lead the league in rushing, and Anthony Richardson hoping for an injury free season.
No one needs to worry about the Titans.
Both Ryan and Wade have Houston taking this one with a 12 win season.

AFC West

The West is best if you’re a Chiefs fan, and it’s hard not to see how KC can’t make a run for the Lombardi once again.
Sure, Kansas has had a pretty bad offseason for the squad, but they still have Patrick Mahomes, and that D. They also have the best coaches in the league, which inevitably is what matters.
Harbaugh will have a lot of eyes on him, as he hopes to get the most out of Justin Herbert this season, and try to find some winning ways where previously there were few.
Look for Vegas and Denver to battle it out for the lowest two spots.

Fantasy Time

We have a few spots left in our NFL Fantasy pools this season. We use the NFL app, and will be holding our Draft on Saturday August 31st in the UK afternoon.
Reach out to us if you would like to play for free in our pools!

Best Rookie Years

by

The NFL hype-train is in full effect, as fantasy fans start making their predictions as to who will be the best rookie in 2024.  But who are some of the players who had the Best Rookie Years?
Let’s take a look at the list at several rookies have made an immediate impact, leaving their mark from day one. These athletes didn’t just meet expectations—they exceeded them, setting the stage for illustrious careers. Here, we take a look at seven NFL rookies who had truly breakout seasons, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Who knows, maybe someone in 2024 will crack it as well?

1. Randy Moss (1998, Minnesota Vikings)

Randy Moss burst onto the NFL scene in 1998 and quickly became one of the most electrifying wide receivers the league has ever seen. Drafted 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings, Moss made an immediate impact with his unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism. During his rookie season, Moss caught 69 passes for 1,313 yards and an astonishing 17 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field with deep routes opened up the Vikings’ offense, helping them achieve a 15-1 regular season record. Moss’s rookie year set the foundation for a Hall of Fame career, and his 17 touchdown receptions remain a rookie record.

2. Cam Newton (2011, Carolina Panthers)

When the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high. Newton didn’t just meet those expectations—he shattered them. In his rookie season, Newton threw for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 706 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He became the first rookie quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards, and his 35 total touchdowns set a new record for rookie QBs. Newton’s dual-threat ability revolutionized the quarterback position and earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

3. Eric Dickerson (1983, Los Angeles Rams)

Eric Dickerson’s rookie season in 1983 is still considered one of the greatest by any running back in NFL history. Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Dickerson wasted no time making his presence felt. He rushed for 1,808 yards and scored 18 total touchdowns, setting a rookie record for rushing yards that still stands today. Dickerson’s combination of speed, vision, and power was unmatched, and he quickly became the focal point of the Rams’ offense. His performance not only earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award but also set the stage for a Hall of Fame career.

4. Lawrence Taylor (1981, New York Giants)

Lawrence Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, and his rookie season in 1981 was nothing short of spectacular. Selected second overall by the New York Giants, Taylor revolutionized the outside linebacker position with his aggressive and disruptive style of play. He recorded 9.5 sacks (unofficial at the time, as sacks were not an official statistic until 1982) and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Taylor’s impact went beyond the stats, as he transformed the Giants’ defense and struck fear into opposing quarterbacks. His rookie season was just the beginning of a legendary career that would include two Super Bowl titles and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

5. Ben Roethlisberger (2004, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Ben Roethlisberger took the NFL by storm in 2004, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 15-1 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. Drafted 11th overall, “Big Ben” was thrust into the starting role in Week 3 due to an injury to the Steelers’ starter. Roethlisberger quickly proved he was up to the challenge, throwing for 2,621 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 66.4% of his passes. He won all 13 of his regular-season starts, setting an NFL record for the most wins by a rookie quarterback. Roethlisberger’s poise under pressure and ability to make plays on the move laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually include two Super Bowl victories.

6. Gale Sayers (1965, Chicago Bears)

Gale Sayers, known as “The Kansas Comet,” had a rookie season in 1965 that remains one of the most impressive in NFL history. Drafted by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick, Sayers was a dynamic running back, receiver, and return specialist. He scored a staggering 22 touchdowns—14 rushing, 6 receiving, and 2 on special teams—amassing 1,374 yards from scrimmage. Sayers’ most iconic performance came in a single game where he scored six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers, showcasing his remarkable versatility and game-breaking ability. Sayers’ rookie season earned him the NFL Rookie of the Year award and solidified his place as one of the most exciting players to ever grace the field.

7. Dak Prescott (2016, Dallas Cowboys)

Dak Prescott wasn’t expected to see the field much in his rookie season after being drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. However, an injury to Tony Romo in the preseason thrust Prescott into the starting role, and he seized the opportunity in remarkable fashion. Prescott threw for 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions, leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and an NFC East title. His ability to protect the football and make smart decisions under pressure was reminiscent of a seasoned veteran. Prescott’s outstanding performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and set the stage for a promising career in Dallas.

These seven NFL rookies not only met the high expectations placed upon them but also exceeded them, setting records and laying the foundations for future success. Their impact on the game was immediate, and their rookie seasons remain some of the most memorable in NFL history. As new talents continue to enter the league, these players serve as benchmarks for what a truly exceptional rookie season can look like.

Will Caleb Williams or Marvin Harrison Jr. have this much of a deep impact in 2024? There certainly is a lot of pressure on them.