NFL in London

National Football League in London

Atlanta Falcons London 2021

Week 5 Preview

by

Welcome to London NFL!
We couldn’t be happier to have you, as the Atlanta Falcons and NY Jets touch down in the capital for a Sunday Funday match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Who’s going to win? What else is there to do in London? Who wins all the games Sunday?
All these questions answered and are, in this punchy podcast we call the Week 5 Preview.

London Game

The Jets and Falcons will face off at 2:30pm GMT (that’s 6:30am in California!), in an epic showdown at Tottenham stadium in north London.

Make sure that you double check all the rules, travel schedule and that you have your tickets before going!

If you show up with no vaccinations, carrying a garbage bag of your stuff, chances are you’re not going to have the best day.
Remember there are other people who also want to watch the game, so think about those people around you as well!

London Parties

We are throwing pre and after parties at the Sports Bar & Grill Clapham, Old Street, as well as the Princess Alex in Crouch End.

Clapham and the Alex will be open until 1am, while Old Street will keep the party rocking until 4am.

Book your table now from our events page.

Jets (1-3) vs Falcons (2-2)  +46

Yes, we have never had a set of winning teams play in a London game, but who cares? We have actual games here, so stop yer bitching.

Fortunately for the Jets, they finally won a game, after an inspired victory over the Titans. These emotions should carry them high into the sky for their flight across the pond.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons have another season of woe ahead of them, as the injury bug made an early visit to the team this season.
Kyle Pitts has yet to emerge as the big catch sensation that Atlanta envisioned, being needed more to shore up that patchy O line instead.

Ryan admitted on the podcast that he was ‘done’ betting on the Falcons, which leaves him no choice to bet on the Jets. He thinks that they will put out some inspiring play en route to a tight, tight victory.

Wade is big on Atlanta, as they seem to be the marginally better of the two struggling teams.
New York may have blown their celebration load last week, toasting their meagre victory like it would be their only win of the season. Experience wins in this low scoring game.

Ryan- Jets 24 Falcons 23
Wade- Falcons 24 Jets 20

Other games that the guys look at in this podcast.

Broncos (3-1) vs Steelers (1-3) -1  +40.5

The air is starting to leak out of Big Ben, as the Steelers slip further away from salvaging a rough season.
Their O line is atrocious, giving no one zero time to do anything.

Denver has quietly jumped to a 3-1 record off the back of an inspired defence, and mobile Teddy Bridgewater.
With Teddy down, it’s time for old man Drew Lock to return to face a patchy Pittsburgh D.

Ryan thinks that this is an easy, AFC get right game for the Steelers, as they stave off the bucking Broncos at home.

Wade doesn’t think that the fall from grace is down yet, with another batch of odd losses in the Pittsburgh future.
Drew Lock will be able to dink and dunk to get some plays off, while the running game will give the Steelers constant problems.

Ryan-Steelers 17 Broncos 13
Wade- Broncos 21 Steelers 18

If you want to hear the rest of our picks, listen to the whole podcast, you never know what tickles your fancy here.

Sports Bar & Grill Clapham is showing the Wilder vs Fury fight on Saturday night if you’re looking for a place to watch it.

Hope to see you Sunday night at one of our 3 fabulous NFL parties in London.

Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the game!

2021 Win Picks

by

NFL Training Camp is officially here, which means we finally get a chance to see these teams in action, kitted out with all their new players.
With the season almost upon us, it’s time to take a look at some of the pundits predictions, as we offer up our 2021 Win Picks.

With an extra week of games at play, all the records are either set to shatter, or just get an asterix for all eternity.

Looking at the 2021 NFL regular season win total odds, a few glaring things stick out.
Vegas is hot on some of the returning teams, while sluggish on some of the mediocre teams that showed promise at the end of the season.

Here are some of our picks for win totals in the 2021 season.

Indianapolis Colts (UNDER 9 wins)

In the snap heard round the world, Carson Wentz went down again in a rather predicable scenario for the Colts.
Despite starting strong under Rivers last season, the Colts faded away like ripped jeans, and impressive efforts from the likes of Jonathan Taylor were quickly forgotten.
Indianapolis hasn’t made that many changes to think that they will be that much better this year compared to their division rivals.
Heck, they may even lose to the Texans this year.

Carolina Panthers (OVER 7.5 wins)

The Panthers had a rough season of injuries last season (like most teams), but it was the loss of Christian McCaffrey that really sent the Panthers into tumble mode.
CMac is back, as well as a young studly from the Jets named Sam Darnold.
With fewer ghosts in Carolina, Darnold has the chance to connect with some very speedy receivers, and a comfortable O line to develop under.
Carolina is in a tough division, but they are also the most likely to be ignored by the big boys, given them a fighting chance.
Panthers will win over 8 games.

Las Vegas Raiders (OVER 7)

Can you still feel the NFL Las Vegas?
No? Well thank COVID for that.
The Las Vegas Raiders opened last season to a brand new stadium…with no fans.
Jon Gruden and the boys struggled in almost every capacity, except determination.
There were bright moments in Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr, and anytime that Darren Waller touched the ball, something magical happened.
The bright lights of Las Vegas are back, and so are the fans.
The Raiders are in a tough division, but they have the best home field advantage ever.
Too many visiting teams are going to get sucked into the seedy elements of Las Vegas on a Saturday night that makes them slow poke their Sunday.
Raiders win OVER 7 games.

Seattle Seahawks (UNDER 10 Wins)

Even with an extra week this season, it still is going to be tough for the Seahawks to eek out 10 wins.
The Seahawks haven’t really had a distinct running back in recent years, and Wilson is falling apart as fast as his O line.
Seattle’s D was also a mess last season, as they failed to stop even the worst opponents.
Pete Carroll is the oldest coach in the NFL, and a highly respected leader…but times change.
Seattle seems to have lost its fierceness, turning as damp and cold as the city itself.
Seahawks WON’T win 10 games.

There will be a lot of other factors at play this season.

COVID has the ability to come back harder & faster than a Tom Brady led Patriots.

Lockdown has led to a radical increase in fan violence at games since we have returned.
Every league has seen a shocking amount of fisticuffs, and even Week 1 of preseason NFL had several fights.  Do we really need THESE fans back?

It’s exciting to have the NFL back in any capacity, and extra week of games makes it all the more sweeter.

 

Why do UK sportsbooks suck at NFL?

by

With sports betting exploding around the world, we often get asked ‘what are the best websites for NFL betting’?
Surprisingly, there aren’t very many available to UK fans that actual focus on NFL games, odds and options.
In fact we always find ourselves asking ‘Why do UK sportsbooks suck at NFL’?
There are a few reasons for this, which we will explain, as well as point you in the direction of our Top 3 NFL betting websites. 

Betting Britain

Britain has been betting on sports for decades, so one would assume that the betting product would be sleek, slick and easy to navigate.
Nope.
Betting in Europe is more ‘football focused’ (aka soccer) meaning that many of the betting options and parlays simply aren’t available to the public.
While the NFL betting options accelerated during the 80s’ NFL boom in the UK, it didn’t really translate into dedicated product.
Even as UK sports books increase their offerings in the face of American growth, they still lack the gumption to tailor their products to North American sports. 

Moneyline

One of the biggest issues for NFL betting fans comes down to formatting.
Europe and the UK prefer the use of ‘Decimal Odds’ or 

‘Fractional Odds’ when it comes to setting their weekly lines, whereas North Americans prefer the standard ‘Moneyline.’

For anyone not used to seeing odds formatted in ‘Decimal Odds’ style, it can be a confusing and intimidating style of play.
Many European sports books lazily refuse to add Moneyline odds, which essentially deprives them of a new, hungry audience.
North Americans are new to NFL betting, and intimidating them right off the bat is no way to sign up new customers. 

Options

Any NFL fan who has ever walked into the sports bar of a Las Vegas casino, knows that a magical experience is about to happen.
Not only do Vegas sports bars display countless betting options, the employees who work at sports books are all too happy to help with the numerous different ways you can wager.
UK casinos rarely even sports books, as was the case when we ran events at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square.
Fans who were desperate to wager on games were pointed to the Ladbrokes down the street, which benefited HUGE from the thousands of fans who wanted to throw down money each week.
Betting became so big there, that Ladbrokes employees from down the road would attend viewing parties because they had ‘so many people coming to bet on games’, they wanted to see what it was all about. 

Authenticity

Real NFL bettors usually have a weekend plan for success.
If you know which of the games on Sunday are ripe for betting, you will work out how many parlays, over-unders, and long shots you are willing to make.
Attempting to then make those wagers on a UK betting app then begins the problems.
Not only are the odds radically different from the US, but the ability to make ‘out there’ bets is only possible if you go into a shop, and find a competent worker.
While it is rewarding to burn a lazy bookmaker for not paying attention to NFL news across the pond, it’s frustrating to have to Scooby Doo down all the information from an app. 

Over the years we have tried to discuss the poor NFL betting options with bookmakers, but it has always fallen on deaf ears.
Either they don’t care about making money from a massively untapped market, to they’re just lazy.

So what betting websites would we recommend?
They’re pretty limited, but here you go.

1. Bet365

When it comes to NFL betting in Europe, Bet365 seems to be the only one with their head in the game.
Not only do they offer the best betting options for the NFL, but they also have a wide selection of parlays and novelty bets on offer.
Sure, the layout is a bit laborious, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to get betting.
You can also switch between betting pricing, allowing players to compare moneyline vs decimal options.
The best past about Bet365 however is the ability to watch the games.
Provided that you have bet on some NFL matches, bettors have the option of being able to stream the game to their phone or device.
With limited viewing options in Europe, this is a ‘MUST HAVE’ feature for NFL fans, as it allows you to watch the game in real time, for no extra cost.
Expats in Europe have been raving about this option for years, as it also extends to MLB, NBA and NHL games, which are hard to find across the pond.
Bet365 has pretty good customer service as well, which is really helpful if you are looking to bet on specific options. 

2. Betway

Second on the list is Betway, which has seen a drop in its NFL product in recent years.
With a very simple and straightforward layout, Betway’s NFL betting is a far simpler option than that of Bet365.
Parlays are quite easy to manipulate, and the overplay is quite crisp and simple.
Betway’s NFL product dropped in quality in 2020, so we are curious to see if they are going to improve on it.
Customer service is slow, but effective once they’re on it. 

3. Paddypower

Remember when Paddypower use to be edgy and funny?
Good times.
The Irish lads have gone corporate, and it shows in their North American sports betting options.
Like Betway, the NFL offerings on Paddy are pretty straightforward.
Nothing too fancy, and there are some muddled parlays and novelty bets in the mix, although they usually look like they were assembled by a soccer fan.
Customer service at Paddy is hit and miss, and on a busy game day, you’re more likely to encounter snark than satisfaction. 

We are still holding out that one day a UK sports book will actually take North American sports in Europe seriously.
With bookmakers on the continent on a frenzied mission to gobble up as many American betting properties as possible, you would think that they would actually look at what is successfully stateside and try to replicate it in Blighty.
 
The NFL is only going to get bigger in Europe, which bookmaker is finally ready to take it seriously?

2021 London Tickets

by

The NFL is back in London, and all feels right with the world! 

The league announced this week that the 2021 London Tickets would be going on sale this week  for the two October games.
The Jets face the Falcons in an autumn donnybrook in north London first, followed by a gator roll into the battle of Florida, with the Jaguars and Dolphins in the final game.
What are you doing October 10th and 17th? 

First off, we have nothing to do with the ticket sales, and hosting of the game itself.
All of this is handled by the NFL, so make sure you do your due diligence before buying something off the internet.
Do NOT buy tickets off of third party sellers, we can’t stress this enough.
We have heard horror stories of fans getting bamboozled by shifty sellers online, do make sure that you’re not snagging tickets off of dodgy sites, Craigslist or Facebook.

NFL Tickets

This is the official link to the NFL tickets for the game.
If you have any issues, questions or concerns-please reach out to them, and they should be able to help you.
https://www.nfl.com/uk/ticket-prices

Premium Tickets

If you’ve got the dosh like Richie Rich, or corporate connections-you might be lucky enough to get your hands on Premium Tickets.
According to the NFL, these will be the first to go on sale on August 10th at 10am GMT.
If you’re looking to have a ‘quality’ time at the games, than these tickets might fit your pocket.
Ranging from £259-£799 ($330-$900), these tickets will provide you Insta-jealous photos for all your friends, as well as the potential to hob-knob with the NFL UK elite. 

Tottenham Holders

Tottenham Hotspur Season Ticket Holders jump to the front of the queue here, as they have first crack at tickets when they go on sale on Thursday 12th August at 10am, until Monday 16th August at 10am. 

It’s been a tough few years for season ticket holders, so this is a nice reward for live-sport starved fans who need that NFL fix.
If you are a Spurs season ticket holder, don’t hesitate, as these tickets will be gone quickly. 

Wembley Holders

The OG of NFL UK stadiums, Wembley is still relevant in the 2021 games.
If you are a Wembley ticket holder, purchase single game yickets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium go on sale from 10am on Wednesday 18th August until 5pm on Friday 20th August.

Don’t delay in getting yours now!

The Rest if Us

If you don’t have season tickets to Tottenham or Wembley, you will probably be looking at general audience tickets, which go on sale will take place from Wednesday 25th August at 10 am GMT (5am EST).
Don’t be a greedy goblin and buy a bunch of tickets to resell them, it’s not cool & people hate you.
COVID might limit the amount of tickets initially offered, so keep checking the official NFL website on any releases.
We will also let you know if we hear of anything.  

Vax Status

If you’re looking to attend the NFL games in London, you’re going to have to get vaxxed.
While it’s not confirmed yet, it’s a general policy of sport in the UK, and good practice given the gravity of the games.
Anti vax folks might be dismayed, but this is the price of freedom of your veins. Your body your choice, their stadium, their choice.
International travellers will have to provide proof of vaccination as per current UK rules.
These rules constantly change, so make sure that you look at the UK government advice on COVID, as well as any pertinent info from your country if you are looking at visiting England.
There is always the chance of temperature checks, masks requirements, and what not, so be prepared and be cool.
You finally get to watch an NFL game again, chill-axe, vax up and go with the flow. 

In Stadium

Keep it lean.
Whenever you’re going on a sporting trek, the crap you bring with you has the potential to be a drunken liability later.
An umbrella, jumper, hat, sunglasses, phone charger, vape, phone, all become a scavenger hunt later, and a hassle for the rest of the night.
Pack smart, or even designate a buddy as ‘bag holder’ so that the most sober has the responsibility.
General stadium policy is a clear plastic bag, with no outside food, booze, or drugs.
If you really need it, you can always buy it.
Just not the drugs.
Alcohol will probably we available in the galleria, but maybe not the seats.
Again, these things change ALL THE TIME, so just follow the stadium.

That’s all we know for now. Follow our social media for more information and the latest news.

 

Training Camp

by

The NFL is back…sort of, and we’ll take it!

On this episode of the podcast, Wade McElwain is joined by Atlanta Falcons fan Chapman Maddox, as they discuss oodles of NFL news now that Training Camp has begun!

We all know what training camp means!
A chance to see flickers of potential in your team as you imagine them hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.
But in reality, Training Camp is also an eye-opener as to how fat your players got, the ego problems that will hover the locker room all season, and the possibility that one of your star players will go down for the season.

Heck, Carson Wentz is already injured, and that only took 2 days. Going to be a long season for the Colts.

Some of the other topics that Wade and Chapman break down in this podcast includes:

London Games

Are you double vaxxed? Do you have the latest booster?
The London games are a go ahead for October 2021, but we still have no idea what the landscape of the NFL and COVID will look like.
Tickets have yet to go on sale, so if you did buy some already…it’s a scam, sorry.
The most likely scenario for being able to attend the games will be having to be double vaccinated, as well as the potential for testing prior to the games.
We all want the NFL to come back, we all want to watch the games, but we need to make sure that people are safe going forward.
There’s no sense in rushing things if we’re just going to have to step back 4 months from now.

Roddy Weed

Formers Falcons player(s) Julio Jones and Roddy White are finding themselves at the hot end of the bong this week, after being accused of pilfering money from a cannabis company.
Weed is a bug business, and while retired players are getting into the investment sector, current players might find themselves facing a federal issue promoting these products.
As for Julio and Roddy, this smoke will most likely blow over.

Player Vax

Some players just don’t want to get vaxxed period.
America’s battle lines of freedom are being drawn, as many players are turning down the vaccine for personal reasons.
This is all well and good…except their employer (the NFL) has a business to run, and doesn’t really care about your opinion(s), especially if it cause them to lose money.
Teams are already starting to draw the lines on vax safety, just as players are finding their social media groove of supporters encouraging them not to ‘get the jab’.
This is something that we will see all season, and the NFL has already laid down the law in terms of its expectations.
Will players choose ‘freedom’ or ’employment’?

Cheetah Cheetah

Still claiming to be the ‘fastest man in the NFL’, speedster Tyreek Hill has upped his ego game by challenging Olympic phenom Usain Bolt to a race.
There’s no doubt that Hill is fast, but there is a difference between ‘NFL fast’, and ‘100 m fast’, just as there is a difference between the NFL and the XFL.
Bolt doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, and Hill would be totally outclassed by the worlds fastest man.

Rodgers

The drama is over and Aaron Rodgers is back with the Packers…but is the drama over?
Nope.
After returning to training camp, Rodgers went on a media tear, as did Gutekunst, offering a press banter without actually talking to each other.
Aaron got the one year contract he wanted, and restructured his deal to be able to walk away easily in 2022.
Broken teams don’t win Super Bowls, and there is no way the Packers are winning a Super Bowl with a fractured locker room.
There’s way more talent on the table in 2022, with an extra week of games, and a whole new sizzle of new, exciting players.
The ‘favourites’ better look out!

Have a listen to the podcast, and make sure you share and care this bad boy to your friends, family and enemies.