NFL in London

National Football League in London

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Week 10 Picks

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Another wild week of the NFL is behind us, as we head into the final European NFL game of the season.
If TB12 is wearing lederhosen, then it’s time for Week 10 Picks.

Wade & Ryan did ok in another tough week 9 of NFL picks, so hopefully they have some great picks for you this week.

If you want to hear ALL of their Week 10 Picks, then make sure that you check out the podcast here, or wherever else you find your podcasts!

 

Bears in London

As part of the home network initiative this season, the Chicago Bears have the rights to put on events and promote the team across the UK.

For Week 10, the Bears are hosting a viewing party in London’s Flat Iron Square, near London Bridge station. For all information, and to see if you can get tickets, just click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/official-chicago-bears-vs-detroit-lions-watch-party-tickets-452816013887?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse&keep_tld=1

Amons some of the things on tap for this event includes a wicked viewing party as the Bears host the Detroit Lions at 6pm GMT.

Not only will fans have a chance to win prizes, and Bears goodies, they will also be giving away a trip to Chicago to watch a Bears game courtesy of United airlines.

Not only that, Bears alumni Ruben Brown will be on hand to take pictures, and potentially table slam any Bills mafia who want to talk to him.

Should be a fun event, but expect London prices.

As far as some of the games this week, here are Wade and Ryan’s picks.

Seahawks (6-3) vs -3 Bucs (4-5)  +44.5

The division leading Bucs have 4 ugly wins, so it seems odd that a hobbled TB12 squad would be favoured over a surging Geno Smith and company.
The NFL didn’t do any favours to the Seahawks by having them fly a crazy length on a short week.
Will the Seahawks be too tired to even dip their pretzels on Sunday?

The Seahawks have the advantage when it comes to health and wealth. Their running game is solid, and the O line is finally giving them enough time for Geno to find Lockett and Metcalf.
They have 6 wins when many people figured that this would be a Seattle building year.

The Bucs suck. They have limped through games, struggled to get the run together, but at least Tommy boy isn’t smashing tablets any more.
Why the Bucs are favoured is a big surprise? Who is going to score of them?

Ryan doesn’t like the Seahawks disrespect, and is tipping them to upset the Bucs in their German home game.

Wade agrees, and thinks that Geno and Kenneth Walker will pip Tampa Bay in a close, low-scoring game.

Ryan-Seahawks 24 Bucs 20
Wade-Seahawks 23 Bucs 20

Lions (2-6) vs -3 Bears (3-5)  +48.5

The Lions are fresh off a win, after beating Aaron Rodgers and the slumping Packers at home.
While Hard Knocks may have excited fans at their prospect at the start of the season, woes are starting to pile up on Dan Campbell and Detroit.

The Bears are coming off an exciting loss, which sounds weird. Yes, they lost to the Cowboys last week, but Bears fans saw something they haven’t seen in a while…points be scored.
Justin Fields lit up the grass, setting QB records Chicago hasn’t seen in ages.

Ryan is Bearing down on Chicago in this one, as he doesn’t see the Lions being able to shoot out against Fields.

Bears fan Wade is happy that they are favoured over the divisional Lions, but still thinks that Detroit has the tools to keep it close at Soldier Field.

Ryan-Bears 27 Lions 20
Wade-Bears 24 Lions 23

Vikings (7-1) vs -3.5 Bills (6-2)  +44

Finally a match-up between two winning teams, but will they have their rosters in tack to make this one a shootout?

The Vikings are fresh off a win, and bolstered by trading TJ Hockenson in to help them with some muscle and yardage. Dalvin Cook continues to be a threat, while Kirk Cousins is feeling fine as his team cruises to an unchallenged domination of the NFC North.

Hello Josh? Are you there? Bills fans saw worry last week as Josh Allen went down to injury, as the Bills took one on the chin from the Jets.
Can the Bills rally at home to get a big W, and stop a two game losing skid?

Ryan likes his Bills to win in a tight one. The crowd could be the deciding factor here, as it looks to be a blustery one in Buffalo.

Wade too likes the Bills, but will be watching the injury status. He thinks that Case Keenum can also get the job done, and might be a sneaky fantasy add.

Ryan-Bills 23 Vikings 20
Wade-Bills 27 Vikings 23

That’s it for our week 10 picks! Hope you make some money this weekend.

 

 

Week 9 Picks

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The season is halfway done, as we rock our way into our Week 9 Picks for the NFL season.

Winners are now losers, losers have become winners, and the Eagles are undefeated.
Matty Ice and Baker ride the pines, Brady and Rodgers are making whine, and Geno is looking like everybody’s MVP.
Oh, and the Raiders suck balsam.

Wade & Ryan have done well betting wise heading into week 5, then the next three weeks happened throwing the league into a topsy turvy Vegas bounce of betting badness.

How will it all turn around in Week 9?
The Bills continue to throttle opponents, while team alike the Bucs, Packers, Rams and Colts, have lost the lustre of previous years, cocooning into a shell of their former selves.
Giants, Seahawks, Vikings and Titans have also made surprising runs when they were thought to be fodder this year.
Don’t write off the Falcons, Jets, Dolphins, or Bears either.

If you want to hear all of our picks, why not listen to this weeks podcast, where you can get all the info, plus plenty of funny from the mediocre charms of Mr McElwain and Cull.
Listen to it on Soundcloud here, and look for it on all major podcast networks.

Here are some of the fun games Wade & Ryan are looking at in their Week 9 Picks.

-12.5 Bills (6-1) vs Jets (5-3)  +47

The Bills continue to steamroll through the AFC, as the hobbled Jets are next up in this New York throw down.
There’s no way that the Jets can upset the mighty Bills in this one (is there?), but they might be able to keep it close’ish if Buffalo lets off the gas.

Ryan is true blue Bills on this one, doubting that Zach can MILF his way to any offence in a one sided affair. The Jets are beaten down, and this one will be a Josh Allen and Gabe Davis bonanza.

Wade likes the Bills to win, but isn’t a big fan of the spread. Big lines have rarely paid this season, and the Thursday night Eagles gap proves you can’t rule out the home team to allow a blow out.

Ryan-Bills 30 Jets 14
Wade-Bills 30 Jets 20

-5 Dolphins (5-3) vs Bears (3-5)  +45.5

Miami and Chicago have made some trades of late, although in the opposite direction.
The Fins think that Chubbing it up will bolster their D enough so they don’t have to play catch up every game.
The Bears shed some expensive, and whiny D to build for the future, and let Fields roam in an homage to the improv scene of the city.

Ryan doesn’t think that the Dolphins will have as much luck against the Bears secondary, and sees a frustrating day for Tua, with the Bears keeping it close.

Wade also likes the Bears to keep it closer than the spread, with the weather forecast calling for horrible.

Ryan-Dolphins 27 Bears 24
Wade-Dolphins 23 Bears 20

-3.5 Packers (3-5) vs Lions (1-6)  +49.5

Winter has come to the NFC North, and if the white walkers had any idea how to play football, they would be quickly signed by either of these two struggling teams.

Aaron Rodgers is now blaming his ‘thumb’ for the woes, as he has run out of buses to throw his teammates under. The Packers need to beat the Lions for a divisional win, or else things are going to get trippy, but in a bad trip way.

Dan Campbell will probably lose his job and any potential soup sponsorship deals if he can’t get these Lions to finish a kill. They could score the points, then let the points get scored right back on them.
TJ’s gone, and he left salty. Hmmm.

Ryan thinks this is the week that Green Bay is ready to rock, and score some points. He thinks the running game of the Pack will be too much for Detroit.

Wade is calling an upset here, and not just because he is a Bears fan. Detroit is at home, Rodgers might be injured, and losing TJ might just be the motivation they need to flush out the toxins and get a win.

Ryan-Packers 30 Lions 17
Wade- Lions 27 Packers 26

Panthers (2-6) vs Bengals -7.5 (4-4)  +42.5

The Panthers have been declawed, neutered, and put up their kittens for adoption in a season that hasn’t gone the way anyone planned. Baker is on kitchen duty, and a stupid mistake last week cost them the game.

Cincy showed signs of life, then got the Ohio pulp beat out of them by the Browns in a slap to reality that made us question if the Chase is gone from the Bengals.

Ryans is calling upset on this one, picking Carolina to kick the nards of a wounded Bengals squad, and pull off the upset on the road.

Wade likes the Bengals to win, but doesn’t see how the cats could be favoured by 7.5.
Cincinnati will win at home, but not by that much.

Ryan-Panthers 24 Bengals 23
Wade-Bengals 23 Panthers 18

That’s it for this weeks picks. Make sure you join us on DraftKings to play along in our NFL in London League!

Here’s the link!
https://dkn.gs/r/jPPbmLURQUWWfYH-Md1G9g

Good luck on your NFL bets this week, and thanks for listening.

Broncos Jags London

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It’s time for the final London game of the season, as the Denver Broncos visit the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in England.
Who wins the big game? Will Russell play? What to do in the city?

We can answer that in our Broncos Jags London edition!

Wembley Stadium

Visitors take note, this game is at a different stadium!
While the first two games were hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in northeast London, this game will be held at Wembley Stadium in northwest London.
If you go to the wrong stadium, it’s going to take you a wee bit to switch back.

Built in 2007, Wembley is the unofficial home of England’s football, and has hosted numerous NFL games before.

Anyone who visited Wembley for NFL games from 2007-2011 were possibly horrified at how nothing to do there was around the area.
Once the game was over, you got the heck out, and never partied prior to the game.

Boy has that changed! Around the stadium is now a Chi-Pah-Town of possibility, with numerous chains and pubs to entertain you and keep you safe before the game.
There are now lots of safe hotels around as well, which means you aren’t staying in a bedsit with some people who don’t speak the language.

Unlike Tottenham stadium, there is plenty to do around Wembley, and you will have options to look at after the game.
Do remember, London shuts early, so many of these pubs will close by 11.

Stadium Sports Bar near Wembley is very close and advertises that its open late. You will have to ask if they have Redzone, but if they show Skysports, they will have it.
You can find them here.
https://www.stadiumsportsbar.uk/

Mirage Sports Bar is also local and seems basic enough to be a place to occupy sporting bodies, and has reasonable drinks deals. You can find them here.
https://www.wembleyinternationalhotel.co.uk/restaurant-sports-bar/mirage-sports-bar-wembley/

The Game

London games usually bring two things.
One the scores are generally low as teams adjust to a new pitch, country, and fans of assorted jerseys, affiliations and newness.
Two, someone will get fired after this game. (probably Hackett)

Jacksonville are three point faves in this one, boasting a better offence than the Broncos.
Denver has a solid D that will give the Jags some frustrations, but look to Etienne Jr to have a booming day running the ball.

We think that the Jags will win by a bit to cover the spread in a low scoring affair.

After the Game

London has a lot to offer, unfortunately not late at night, and especially on a Sunday.

That being said there are a few cool areas you might want to check out.

Shoreditch

One of the few ares that will be open til the wee hours, there are a scant few places that might even put on NFL games if you ask nicely. (note they will need to have a Sky Sports sticker in their window to show Redzone).

Roadtrip near Old Street is a good old fashioned rock n roll bar that is not only open late on a Sunday, but they show LOTS of NFL. They have TVs indoor and out.
Food is a bit iffy, but loads of nibbles street side if you want to pop out.
Find them here.
https://roadtripbar.com/

Brewdog Shoreditch will definitely NOT show any NFL as they have no TVs. They do however have a great selection of beers, plenty of space, and are open til midnight.
Great place to meet up after the game to get the gang together.
https://www.brewdog.com/uk/brewdog-shoreditch

The Owl and the Pussycat is a fun pub in the hood to snag some beers and hit the garden. It’s open til 11pm on Sundays.
https://www.owlandpussycatshoreditch.com/

Other London

The Sports Bar & Grill was our original location for NFL after party fun. It’s located right in the train station, so it’s a quick blast back from the stadium into the city.
It gets very packed, so you will want to reserve a table. They will have the Sky NFL games plus Redzone.
The food is both lack and luster, so keep that in mind before ordering huge.
https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/marylebone

The King Sports Bar inside the Empire Casino is right in the filth of Leicester Square.
Americans expecting a Vegas size casino will want to tamper their expectations, as both it and the sports bar are quite modest in size.
That being said, this bustling area of London will most certainly be packed even before you decide to head there.
Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus have become less safe in recent years, so please be wary, travel in groups and avoid the side streets.
https://www.thecasinolsq.com/kings-sports-bar

Enjoy the game, have fun and stay safe and rock on Broncos Jags London!

Giants-Packers London

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Wowza! What a heck of a game that was between the Saints and Vikings last Sunday, as the sun came out to bring London one beauty of a game!

And guess what? We do it all again this week, as it’s Giants-Packers London this weekend!

To help you figure out what to do, where to do, and all the latest news, we have a packed little diary of ‘to-do’s’ to make your trip extra special.

Here’s what you need to know for the weekend of October 7th to 9th.

Transit Strike

Get ready to go nowhere, as the transit union is once again using this weekend to try to shame a Tory Party Conference with stagnation, catching NFL fans in the crossfire.

A national rail strike is due to go ahead on Sat Oct 8th, meaning that trains into London, out of London and some of the national rail lines will be affected.
Tubes and buses should be fine, but you might experience a knockoff affect of noticeable gaps.

If you are planning on travelling this weekend, make sure you plan ahead, as it will be a slow start on Sunday before the trains are up and running again at full tilt.

Getting to the Game

There are quick a few ways to get to the game, with the tube, overground and parking nearby all being options.

Direct trains from Liverpool street will have you at Tottenham within 25 minutes, and the busy Victoria line will take you to Seven Sisters or Tottenham Hale where you have easy access to the stadium.

Some folks also like to park a few Overground stops away, and just zip south to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

UK vs USA

It’s America versus the United Kingdom in Women’s Football (soccer), with a high profile friendly game kicking off on Friday October 7th at Wembley stadium.

The last time these two teams played was in 2020, when America delivered a 2-0 victory over the Lionesses.

Kickoff will be at 8pm on Friday night, and coverage will be available on ITV.

The game is SOLD OUT, so if you are looking for tickets, make sure you find someone who isn’t going to steal from you.

Football (soccer)

If you’re looking to watch football (soccer) this weekend, you’re in luck!
If you’re looking to watch college football this weekend…you’re kind of SOL.

It’s another big weekend in the Premier League, with some massive London derbys to check out if you can find the time.

Saturday kicks of with some major matches, as posh club Chelsea host Wolverhampton at 15:00GMT, and if you fancy a trip to the coast-Brighton and Hove host Tottenham in the 17:30 match.

There are some great traditional pubs to watch the games in, so make sure you explore the neighbourhoods to find a lovely local boozer.

Sunday might be the NFL, but it’s also a major day in English football, with games on all day-but it’s the later games that might be a problem.

Arsenal host Liverpool in an exciting 16:00GMT match, that will be on most tvs in most pubs across the country.

Later, Everton play host to Manchester United in a 19:00 GMT corker than will also predominate TVs in pubs and bars across the capital.

Comedy

London loves to laugh, so why not check out some of the great comedy on this weekend to laugh it up?

The Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green has a great line-up on this weekend, and it’s one of the places Dave Chappelle likes to warm up before destroying larger venues.
Get your tickets here.

https://backyardcomedyclub.co.uk/event/backyard-comedy-club-saturday-night-427/

American comedy fans will have no idea British comedy icon Stewart Lee is, but they can find out as Lee performs in a series of intimate London comedy dates.
There are still some tickets available, and American comedy fans will be pleasantly surprised at the different stylings of Lee.
Tickets here:

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/live-dates/

Fair Time

The fall fair is a classic of Americana, with rides, fun games, and novelty foods sure to choke arteries.

South London is hosting its’ own, with Fairgame Funfair setting up in Canary Wharf.

Loads of games, digitally updated games from your past and plenty of booze to make this an all day fun day.

Tickets and info here:

https://www.wearefairgame.com/

Sundays

As we have mentioned in the past, London is not a late night city-and Sundays are the worst of the bunch.

Please be careful in areas like Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, as they are very dangerous at night.

Areas like Shoreditch, Highbury & Islington, and Finsbury Park all have late night options.

Stay safe, and watch this space for more info!

 

 

Week 1 Picks

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After a long, long wait-the NFL is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited!

COVID is long gone, the ballsy hot days of summer are a mere scar from the sunburns, and everything is coming up pumpkin spice.
It’s NFL time!

Wade and Ryan are back at it, making their predictions in our Week 1 Picks podcast.

Make sure you listen to it over, and over to get all the nuggets of information distilled by the boys.

Among some of the things and games the boys talk about in this podcast includes:

Eagles (-5) vs Lions +48.5

Has everyone had a big gulpy slurp of Dan Campbell juice from Hard Knocks? Be careful, it’s full of caffeine!

HBO and the smooth voice of Liev Schreiber once again lulled us into believing that slick editing and inspirational music would help make a 3 win team better.
Only the season will tell.

What was telling was how the Eagles were able to make the playoffs in a ‘re-building’ year. Jalen Hurts and the Philly running game were able to put together a respectable season last year, and they only look to get better with some key additions to make for a deeper push this year.

Detroit has been Hard Knocking it, but they still have Jared Goff and a QB bench that even the Steelers could look down on.
Great running game, improved D, but you still gotta score.

Ryan likes the Lions to lickety-split the Eagles. He thinks that the running game and speedy receivers will be too much for the Eagles.

Wade is big on Philly, and thinks that this game will show that Detroit is not the motor city that people are hyping it up to be this season.

Ryan- Lions 23 Eagles 20
Wade-Eagles 31 Lions 24

Browns vs Panthers (1.5) +42.5

These lines have shifted quicker than an earthquake at a California cocaine party.

It started with the Browns being favoured, moved to the Panthers, had no line, was even and last was at 1.5 points for the Browns.

All eyes on Baker, as Mayfield hosts his former team in an ego battle like no other.
Matt Rhule needs a win here-not only to keep his job safe, but to also not lose the fans to start the season.
Christian McC is back, and Robbie Anderson might have the playmaker he needs to gash the backfield with incredible plays.

The Browns have been rubbed down, iced, and given a little moisturiser to start their season, as all eyes and hands have been rubbing down Deshaun.
Facing the ire of their fans, and the league, the Browns have opted to let Brissett take the reigns of a very capable Cleveland team.

Ryan has Baker and the boys laying a little beating on Cleveland, with revenge hot on his mind for week 1.

Wade on the other hand thinks that the Browns and the pressure might be a bit much for Baker in week 1, with Chubb and Hunt doing most of the work for the Browns.
He also sees loads of turnovers in a sloppy game.

Ryan-Panthers 28-Browns 20
Wade-Browns 24 Panthers 20

Raiders vs Chargers (3.5) +52

Lock up your china mom, the boys are battling it out in the living room tonight!

The AFC West battle starts out in fine form, as the LA Chargers and their fanless stadium host the under the influence Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s Carr vs Herbert in a showdown, throw down!

Vegas has blown many wads over the past few years, having many of their draft picks burn up quickly in the desert sun.
Through attrition the Raiders have found their squad, adding in Devante Adams as well as some O line pieces to give Derek a wee bit more time.
Don’t forget about Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs as well.

The LA Chargers were a thrill to watch last year, as Justin Herbert challenged Joe Burrow for newbie QB you wish was on your fantasy.
LA added Mack to the D, as well as giving Herbert some supporting tools for a longer distance drive into the playoffs this year.

Ryan likes the Chargers to win, but doesn’t think that Vegas will be an easy opponent.
Too much talent on both sides to allow the Raiders to keep it close.

Wade also thinks that this AFC doozy will be close, with the Chargers having that extra spark for victory. There will be plenty of fantasy points in this one.

Ryan-Chargers 30 Raiders 27
Wade-Chargers 33 Raiders 30

Week 1

Let’s not forget that it’s week 1, so whatever you thought you knew is most likely wrong.

No one really knows what the heck is going on until week 5, so at least find solace in that if you suck a big stone in week 1.