NFL in London

National Football League in London

Atlanta London 2021

Top 5 QBs

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The 2021 NFL season has barely even begun, and we are already starting to see some players who look to dominate the stats. 

Brady has been ageless, Lamar has been inspiring, Daniel Jones fleet footed, and Kyler Murray has just been sublime.

Let’s take a look at some of the top players to pop their heads up thus far this season, in our way too early ‘Top 5 QBs’ predictor. 

Tom Brady

It is rumoured that the fabled fountain of youth is somewhere in Florida after being discovered by Ponce de Leon.
Given that the way that TB12 and company have been playing thus far this season, it’s safe to say that the Bucs may have found that fountain. 

Boasting 9 touchdowns in only 2 games of the season, Brady is on target to have one of his best years yet.
Adding to this is that new, mental health smile that Tommy wears in every interview.

Unlike during his days on the Pats, Brady actually looks like he wants to be there, and is having fun.
That’s a huge motivator to his O line and rest of the team, as they get to watch an old man playing a game that he loves. 

Here’s his Insta if you want to help spread his love.
https://www.instagram.com/tombrady/

If Brady & Gronk keep connecting like they have been, Brady and the Bucs should be a shoo-in to make the final 4 of the 2021 NFL season. 

Matthew Stafford

Oh what the wonders of switching teams will do to a man. 

After a long suffering spell at the Lions with their shaky offensive line, Matthew Stafford has finally moved on to his forever team. 

Matt impressed with a definitive week 1 beatdown of the Bears, followed up by a tough, but inspired win against the frustrated Colts. 

Stafford has quickly found the hands of Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee, as he looks to turn the team into contenders after struggling under the arm of Goff. 

Just like Brady took a few games to get the Bucs going last year, it might be a few more weeks before we see the Rams in full punishing mode, as they look to find their feet in the season.

Derek Carr

Sorry, did you say Derek Carr?

Yep, this Las Vegas gunslinger has been lighting up the league early in the 2021 season, with wins over the Ravens and Steelers to solidify their status as ‘scary’ for upcoming opponents. 

Despite being bounced around in these contests, Carr is leading the league in passing this far, and it isn’t even close. 

Chucking for over 800 yards, Carr has been spreading the ball like peanut butter to his whole host of receivers and the big-balling Darren Waller. 

Critics are quick to predict the imminent downfall of the Raiders, ignoring the fact that they handled both AFC contenders quite easily. 

Losing Josh Jacobs in week 2 put a lot more pressure on Carr’s battered body, but his competitiveness has shone like a bright light on the strip. 

Russell Wilson

Do you smell that?
It’s Russ cooking in the kitchen, and things are starting to heat up.

Wilson has been peppering Tyler Lockett with deep balls, while feeding the beast that is DK.

Despite a tough second half in week 2, Russ has continued to pour on the points, adding 5 touchdowns to his career tally in 2021.
What’s even more impressive is that Wilson has zero interceptions thus far this season, something even Aaron Rodgers can’t boast about. 

The Seahawks often have mid-season break downs piled on by injuries, so we will have to see how chef Wilson is able to keep his kitchen cooking. 

Until then, the aroma in Seattle smells nice!

Kyler Murray

If good things come in small packages, then the Arizona Cardinals are sitting on one of the best small packages in the NFL.

Kyler Murray led his team to another dramatic victory in week 2, solidifying his status as a top NFL MVP candidate. 

Despite dropping out of MVP the race last season due to injury, Kyler (+750) is now pipped amongst Tom Brady (+750), and just behind Mahomes to snag the title this season. 

He leads the Cardinals into week 3 as 7.5-point favourites against the Jaguars.

https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/nfl/odds/

If Arizona takes home another win, expect Kyler Murray’s MVP odds to get even better. 

With upcoming games against the 49ers, Rams and Browns, the Cardinals and Kyler will be tested every week. 

Unlike like last season however, Murray has more speedster receivers, more confidence and JJ Watt. 

That’s it for our top 5, is there anyone that you think we missed on the list? 

Don’t forget, we have games coming to London soon, so watch this space for all the big NFL in London news .

 

Empire Fantasy Football

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With the NFL only days away, everyone is frantically getting ready for what the season ahead holds.
Will the season go on without any hiccups?
Will the extra week of games add to more injuries?
How will my fantasy season go?

Let’s face it, Fantasy Football is the lifeblood of NFL fans during the season.
Diehard fans bleed their teams, often splattering this information to anyone who will listen.
‘Is Zeke trying to screw me?’

Thankfully, this season there is something new to fill the void in your fantasy football life.

Empire Fantasy Football is a new way to play along with the NFL, in a season long contest like no other.

Billed as the ‘World’s Biggest Season Long Fantasy Football League’, Empire taps into a massive gap in the football betting market.
Too often UK players have lamented about the lack of season long fantasy options, and now we have a solution to smooth that gap.

Here’s the basic intro video to give you an idea of what Empire is:

The Basics

First off, Empire Fantasy Football is a new product, and with that comes a new learning curve.

Empire bills itself as a single format league where you compete against an unlimited amount of players.
This makes the game bigger, and better given that you are taking on the world each week, opening up the global appeal.

Players are given 200 ‘credits’ to start the season, on which they can draft their rosters.
You must have 2 QBs, 3 RBs, 3 WRs, 1TE, and 6 Bench players.
Buying and selling of players occurs throughout the season in The Market, and you can get more credits by wagering on other weekly games.

Winning is a 50/50 chance, with the top half of managers being declared the ‘winners’ each week, and adding to your season record.

Credits for weekly betting can be used in the Market to add or drop players.
Savvy bettors will like the reactive process of being able to use your knowledge of the NFL to win big.

The top player of the season will win $1000 USD, and some pretty big bragging rights.

Gameplay

Obviously we don’t know how the gameplay works yet, as the NFL season hasn’t started.

The layout of Empire Fantasy Football is pretty straight forward, and the positioning map makes it easy to be able to see who you need, and for what role.

A search function would be nice, instead of scrolling through the list trying to find those value picks.
Given that the game is beta, this function should surely be added down the line.

Once your line-up is set, now comes the waiting game, as you follow along to see how your team fared during week 1.
We’re not there yet, so we will be keen to test this out week on week.

It’s always great when a new NFL product arrives on the market for fans.
The simplicity of Empire Fantasy Football makes it an easy addition to any weekly activity for NFL fans.
It’s also great that fans in the UK can compete with other fans from around the world, and a chance to show off our NFL knowledge.

To play along with Empire Fantasy Football League, just sign up here.

https://www.empireff.com/

 

 

Draft Review

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The 2021 NFL Draft is now done and dusted…on with the season!

Ok, so the season is still a summer away, but at least we have this to distract us until then.
Wade & Ryan look at the whole dang draft, (ok-the good bits) in our 2021 Draft Review podcast.

After a year of crappy Covid, it was nice to reach some level or normalcy once again.
Yes, fans were masked and distanced…but they could boo Roger Goodell again!
Say what you will about RG, but his playfulness with the fans on his likeability is refreshing.
He seems to even relish in it year on year.
Keep it up Rog, we need a heel these days.

(but we’ll get to Aaron Rodgers soon)

In terms of winners of the 2021 NFL Draft, the guys will look at all the teams, but also focus on what teams did to enhance their whole squad.
Our 2021 NFL Draft Review winners are:

  1. Chicago Bears

    The Bears came out on top of a draft? Is this some feverish dream? In some sort of odd Tetris scenario, Justin Fields fell to the Bears in an opportunity.
    While the Broncos could have grabbed Fields, they allowed the Bears to move up to swap with the Giants and snag this Ohio State great.
    Add to this a solid OT, and the Bears were able to make something out of nothing.
    Now…what will they do with it.

  2. Miami Dolphins

    Too gets his Waddle, as well as a whole host of talent. Miami is looking to add to a surprising 2020 team by adding more depth in D and the offensive weapons.
    The Dolphins got sweet heat for that pre-Draft trade with the 49ers and Eagles.
    Miami made enough moves to make the AFC East interesting…now it’s only up to Tua.

  3. Cleveland Browns

    The Browns have added more danger to their 2021 squad in their vision for a shot at the AFC title this year. With 8 picks, Cleveland immediately spent 5 of those on D, all of whom could feasibly start this year.
    Where Cleveland really shone was some offensive line steals early on.
    James Hudson will give Baker plenty of protection…and time.

  4. NY Jets

    Will the Jets squander all of their picks only to end up back here in a few years? Sadly, it’s possible. The Jets have the control and responsibility of a crack-head when it comes to their draft picks.
    They make them, break them, then line up again at the trough complaining that they ‘didn’t get a good one.’
    Even a petulant child should only be given so many toys.
    With Adam Gase managing a local Wendy’s, it should give the Jets plenty of inspiration.

  5. LA Chargers

    Are you ready for some support Justin Herbert? The Chargers made some great moves to not only protect Herbert, but to also give him a bit of mustard on D.
    LAC fizzled out on injuries as the season drew on, so it’s good that they found some fresh meat to give Herbert some time downfield.
    With Lynn out, the Chargers could make a hefty push for the AFC playoffs this season.

Have a laugh and a listen to this weeks 2021 Draft Review podcast. Please feel free to share, care and listen in your underwear.

The NFL schedule is released on May 12th, so we should have a better idea of who is coming to London this season.

Spring Loaded

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Spring has sprung, the grass is rise, when the heck is the NFL Draft finally going to happen?!?
We look at the Draft, the League, London Games, and so much more in our Spring Loaded podcast.

In this episode, Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull look at some of the biggest news heading into the final week before the 2021 NFL Draft.
Covid still reigns supreme but the league has other plans, how much normal will fans see at games this season?

Some of the other big issues that Wade & Ryan look at in this podcast includes:

Aaron Donald

When everyone first heard the news that Aaron Donald was in a fight, the collective consciousness could be heard to say ‘yeah, right.’
Donald does not only strike you as a street fighter, but the way that the fight was described just smelled of fish.
Turns out, the guy was making it up.
A new video has emerged of Donald rushing to help a friend get out of the situation and to safety.
A full on blatant lie to attempt to condemn a young man who wants nothing more than to play the game he loves.
When will we (and the league) start holding these accusers more accountable for the damage that they do?

Browntown

The Cleveland Browns have a stacked team ready to deliver some results this season.
They have the most first round picks of any team on their roster, yet still wouldn’t be the top pick for AFC champ next season.
Is this the year for Cleveland, or are they lined up for another year of disappointment?
Wade & Ryan break down some of the team, and what they need to do to make sure that they come out on top next year.

Blarty-Gate

Paul Blart Mall Cop is back, and this time he is taking on the Saints.
Comedic actor Kevin James will be playing Saints head coach Sean Payton in a new direct to VHS movie.
Fans will remember that Payton was suspended for ‘Bountygate’, in which he put prices on the heads of opposing players, so that his players would collect by injuring them.
Classic New Orleans!
This movie however will focus on Payton’s choice to coach his 12 year old son’s football team during his downtime.
No word if there will be children being paid to injure each other.

Washington Football Chumps

So the Washington team has finally buried the ‘Redskins’ in a dusty plain somewhere near Wyoming.
Now that the team has officially decided to move on, they have pitted 4 new team names for DoC residents to vote on.
Given that the names sound like that they were developed by a Chinese AI that had never seen an NFL game before, there might be a few more votes down the line.
‘Wild Hogs’ in a gesture to the feral pigs of Maryland, ‘Demon Cats’ as an homage to the imagination of a 3 year old, ‘Presidents’ is a reflection that the whole city is ‘fixed’, or the simple ‘DC Football Club.’
Of course most Washington fans would probably happy with ‘Time to go Dan Snyder, you Creep Machine.’
Or just ‘Creep Machine.’

Have a listen to the Spring Loaded podcast, and share it with your friends.
We keep creeping up the charts and adding new listeners every week, so thanks a bundle for that!

April Showers

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It’s raining NFL free agents this month, as we delve into the state of the league in our April Showers podcast.

Wade McElwain and a hungover Ryan Cull take to the waves to discuss some of the landing spots and potential trades that could shake, rattle and roll some of the teams heading into the start of the 2021 season.

Teams are QB-rabid heading into the draft, but is this clouding the overall judgment for the team going forward?
One of these young men will turn into a bust, but which one will it be?

Among some of the hot topics that Wade & Ryan twerk on in this April Showers episode includes:

Dam Sarnold

Sam is gone from the Jets, so now we can figure out whether it was him, or the putrid Jets.
New York has traded away 6 straight number one picks, which is a troubling sign for a franchise that has trouble shooting straight.
The Jets have spent too long being bad, and if they aren’t able to right the ship after the past few years of opportunities, then they really do suck.

Draft Chat

Colts stud Darius Leonard thinks that the current Draft class ‘talks too much’, which could just be a sign of youth.
Thanks to social media, many of these youngsters are actually engaging and responding to criticism prior to the draft.
It’s one thing that we have learned from Twitter and the ilk, saying something stupid in your youth will NEVER come back to haunt you.

Sorry Buffalo

It took long enough! The Buffalo Bills finally received an apology from the NFL this week after admitting that they got a playoff call ‘wrong.’
A blindsided chop-block called against Cody Ford in a 2019 playoff game against the Houston Texans was deemed a ‘bad call’ in hindsight by the league.
Not only did the chop-block call take the Bills out of potential field goal range, but Ford was also fined $28,075 for the dirty deed.
No word from the NFL if they plan on repaying the huge fine to Ford, or whether they are happy to just to ignore him.
The real anger must stir with Bills fans who are now only getting the apology a few years later, and not a lot of justification.

Drunkest & Most Stoned Fans

Real fans of the NFL are passionate across every facet of the league.
So when it came down to determining which fans not only draw the most, but consumed the most weed…one could see what fans became so darn patriotic.
After all, Buffalo prides itself on throwing it’s drunken fans through tables-surely that must put them on top of the heap?
Surprisingly…no.
In terms of potheads, weed isn’t fully legal across the country, so it would be expected that a ‘green’ state would once again lead the way in cannabis culture.
Again…wrong.
So what team leads the league in both alcohol and marijuana consumption?
It’s the Atlanta Falcons!
Not surprising, since they blown more leads than a pitbull owner.
Maybe it’s the cheap food and drink, or southern hospitality, but ATL is the place to partay.
Can’t wait to have you guys in London this year!

We are still patiently waiting on news about who the Atlanta Falcons coming to London this year, but given recent data-we will be stocking up on booze and weed to make them feel right at home.
Let’s see how that goes!

Here’s the podcast!
Make sure that you share it, listen to it with loved ones, or blare it really loud to get back at neighbours that you might hate.
It’s a pretty pliable podcast.