NFL in London

National Football League in London

Frankfurt NFL 2024

Week 1 Picks

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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!

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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!

Best Rookie Years

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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.

Tom Brady Roast Review

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With the NFL season still months away, fans are Jonesing for anything football related to satiate the feels, so when Netflix released the Roast of Tom Brady on Sunday, fans were thrilled to get a bit of football to soothe those DTs.

So was it any good? Is it worth watching? Does TB12 cry? Let’s break some of it all down in our Tom Brady Roast Review.

Roasts

Anyone with a love of comedy will remember the notorious Friar’s Club Roasts that emerged out of a vaudeville era. As the Roasts grew in the 70s’, so was the appetite for celebrities to be roasted by famous comedians and other celebs to validate their ego in a slosh filled affair.

When comedian Jeffrey Ross pushed to reinvigorate the format in the early 2000s’, we were treated to some of the most outrageous and bawdy comedic lines in history. The Roasts of David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson had the likes of Greg Goraoldo, Lisa Lampanelli, and some of the harshest take downs in history.

Recently however, celebrities have been coy to attend given that any of their past deeds to could be brought up, and flashed in their face. To put it plainly, celebs today are too much of a pussy to take it.

Brady Steps Up

Is was good of Tom Brady to put himself up for this, even if it was probably his management to add a bit of humanity to him before his Fox gig.

Brady was a good sport about the various digs about his failed marriage, leaving a pregnant ex, and deflating balls. It seems that the only thing that really irked Tommy was when Jeff Ross made a masturbatory joke at the expense of Robert Kraft, which caused Tom to get out of his seat and remonstrate Ross with a quick ‘don’t do that shit again.’

Apparently there were boundaries.

The Niki Glaser Show

They might as well have given the whole roast to comedian Niki Glaser, who was most definitely the funniest person on the dais Sunday night. Anyone who says ‘women aren’t funny’ might want to see the master craft set that Niki blasted at Tom in a relentless fashion.

Cool, collected and with impeccable Swiss timing, Glaser was able to set the bar so high, that even Randy Moss seemed high when he followed her. Her shots at Gronk were so savage, it’s doubtful that he even got them.

Niki is one of the ‘old school’ roasters on the panel, and it was easy to see why she was the best, and so hard to follow.

Jew Bledsoe

Aside from the typical American race-bait jokes, it was interesting to see Drew Bledsoe toss a little antisemitism Julian Edleman’s way. Not only did Drew shade Edelman’s heritage, but also threw in a few ‘Jewy’ jokes about him haggling his own contract, and be able to switch from a nickel to a dime with added value.

Bledsoe extolled the virtues of winery and marriage, neither of which seemed to be in attendance that night as he was cast off to the side by himself.

Kim K

It wouldn’t be LA (or Englewood) without having a Kardashian at the Roast, as Kim represented her clan to a shower of boos from the home crowd.

Despite the assistance of numerous writers, Kardashian, like many non-comics struggled to get the belly laughs, and consistent ribbing.

Tom was able to lob a funny ‘Kanye’ fathering joke at Kim, which deflated any reason for her to be there.

Roasts are a good indicator of the ‘natural funny’ of a person, and Kim certainly doesn’t have it.

Where’s the Booze?

For a 3+ hour affair that is usually flushed with booze, most of the panel seemed to hold an empty glass for most of the evening.

Drew Bledsoe was wireless as he talked about being winless, Brady had 2 empty glasses on the go, and Kevin Hart seemed like he was smashed from the start, and got drunker and surlier as the night went on.

Although Bill Belichick was never shown drinking, he bounced around that microphone like he had a few. And when Brady hit him later with the dig about doing the dirty and getting caught on a Ring, well that was just hilarious.

All in all it was a fun roast, but  along roast. Netflix will be hoping to smash more of these sports events down our throats to atone for those years of ‘wokrness’, but it will be interesting to see if anyone will have the stones to be able to take a good bashing.

Good on Tom Brady for taking it.

 

 

 

History of London Games

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The NFL has had a powerful impact on London, so much so that we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for their commitment to establishing it here. 

So let’s take a look at the History of the London Games to give us a little perspective on how indelible the league has been in setting up shop in London, allowing it to pivot internationally to great success. 

And we’re very happy that they did!

In October 2007, Wembley Stadium witnessed history as it hosted the inaugural NFL game in London. The matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants marked the beginning of a new era for American football fans in the UK and Europe. With over 81,000 spectators filling the iconic venue, the atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly embraced the opportunity to experience the excitement of NFL football on British soil.

Evolution of the International Series

What started as an experimental venture to gauge international interest in American football has since evolved into an annual tradition cherished by fans across the globe. Over the years, the NFL International Series has grown in scope and significance, with multiple games now held at various venues across London. From Wembley Stadium to Twickenham Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, each venue has played host to thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.

Now look at the NFL, it’s everywhere on TV and streaming shows. The sheer power of the league and its commitment to London is a testament to the power of the game, and the NFL. 

Camaraderie Among Fans

One of the most remarkable aspects of the NFL’s presence in London is the sense of camaraderie and community it fosters among fans. Regardless of team allegiance, supporters from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared love of the game. Tailgate parties, fan rallies, and meet-and-greets with NFL legends have become integral parts of the London game-day experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere that transcends borders and cultures.

Look at any London NFL game and you’ll see a swath of various jerseys from current to fantasy. The Brits love fancy dress, so don’t expect them to come dressed in battle uniform, it’s supposed to be about personality. 

Thrilling Comebacks and Overtime Dramas

On the field, NFL games played in London have produced no shortage of memorable moments and dramatic finishes. From thrilling come-from-behind victories to nail-biting overtime showdowns, each game has provided fans with heart-stopping excitement and edge-of-your-seat action. Whether it’s a game-winning touchdown catch in the final seconds or a game-saving interception in overtime, every play leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans.

Every year the games get better, and that’s a good thing. 

NFL’s Impact on UK and European Culture

Beyond the gridiron, the NFL International Series has had a profound impact on UK and European culture. Through initiatives such as NFL UK Academy and NFL Flag Football, the league has invested in grassroots development programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, the NFL has not only expanded the reach of American football but also enriched the sporting landscape in the UK and Europe.

You can see it on the high streets and shops, as NFL merch is growing in street popularity with the kids. The NFL is cool yo!

The Bright Future of the NFL in London

As the NFL International Series continues to evolve and grow, the future looks brighter than ever for American football in London and beyond. With the recent addition of regular-season games in other European cities, such as Mexico City and Munich, the league’s global footprint continues to expand. With each passing year, the spirit of the game continues to unite fans across continents, celebrating the shared joy of gridiron glory.

And a a week 1 game in Brazil between the Eagles and Packers? C’mon!

We here at NFL in London sure look forward to putting on more fantastic events for the fans. 

Highest Scoring London Games

The London games have been notoriously low scoring affairs thanks to numerous reasons, but that doesn’t mean that the capital hasn’t seen its share of exciting matches.

Here are some of the highest scoring NFL games that London has hosted over the past 17 years, and there have been a lot of them.

Please let us know what your favourite London games have been, and be sure to add photos!

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
October 2, 2016

Jaguars 30, Colts 27

In a thrilling matchup, the Jaguars and Colts traded blows throughout the game. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown, while running back T.J. Yeldon rushed for a score. The Colts, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, mounted a late comeback attempt, but a decisive interception by Jaguars’ safety Clayton Geathers sealed the victory for Jacksonville in front of a raucous London crowd.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
October 13, 2019

Panthers 37, Buccaneers 26

The Buccaneers and Panthers engaged in a high-scoring shootout, with both offenses lighting up the scoreboard. Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Christian McCaffrey dominated with over 150 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston countered with over 400 passing yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Panthers’ offensive onslaught.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
October 21, 2018

Chargers 20, Titans 19

In a closely contested battle, the Chargers and Titans exchanged field goals and touchdowns throughout the game. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota orchestrated a late scoring drive to put Tennessee ahead, but a missed two-point conversion sealed their fate. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers led a game-winning drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Williams. The Chargers’ defense held firm in the final moments to secure the narrow victory.

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons
October 26, 2014

Lions 22, Falcons 21

The Lions staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Falcons in a thrilling contest. Trailing by 21 points at halftime, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford rallied his team with over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns. The game-winning score came on a late touchdown pass from Stafford to wide receiver Golden Tate, capping off a dramatic comeback victory for Detroit in front of an enthusiastic London crowd.

Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets
October 4, 2015

Dolphins 27, Jets 14

The Dolphins controlled the game from start to finish, dominating the Jets on both sides of the ball. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense stifled the Jets’ offense, forcing multiple turnovers. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled to find rhythm against Miami’s defense, managing only one touchdown pass in a disappointing performance for New York.

These game highlights showcase the excitement and drama of the highest-scoring NFL games played in London, underscoring the growing popularity of American football in the UK and Europe. It’s only getting bigger and better thanks to the bright, big minds at the NFLUK.

Hopefully with more NFL games hitting Europe in upcoming years, we’ll see some big scores to reward the fans who love the NFL so much. 

Super Bowl 58 Picks

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It’s finally the last game of the season, the big one, as we bring you our Super Bowl 58 Picks.

The NFL in London team has been making their lists, checking them twice, and then factoring in Mahomes again to make the predictions for Super Bowl Sunday.

If you want to listen to the whole podcast where Ryan and Wade chat it all out, just click here and you’re on your way to a super fun time.

Super Bowl Sunday

Have you made your plans for Super Bowl Sunday yet? If you’re having a party at home, just make sure to tag us with #nflinlondon so we can see what kind of set up you’re running!
Getting some of the fun out of the way….let’s get into the big game.

-2 San Francisco 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs  +47.5

It’s a repeat of 4 years ago, when we hadn’t heard of Covid yet, but we had heard of Jackson Mahomes, and that was considered much worse.
As we remember from that game, the 49ers were up with only 7 minutes left to go, when some questionable calls, and Mahomes momentum were able to propel the Chiefs to victory.
So can that happen again?
The 49ers could be considered lucky to have made it this far, despite being the number 1 seed.
With marginal victories over the Packers, and Lions, the Niners have had to ‘dig deep’ to rally back, something that was a bit foreign to them.
Let’s also not forget that beating that they took at the hands of the Ravens at the end of the season that had many questioning their ability to put away good times.
Brock Purdy can get flustered, and this much hyped D has been gashed in the past few games by coaches who were able to find all the little holes.
San Fran are 2 point favourites, which also seems a bit of a surprise given the way that the Chiefs have played since December.
Patrick Mahomes has that special touch, whereas Jackson Mahomes, has that no so special touch.
Watching Patrick Mahomes in the postseason brings memories of Tom Brady, a guy who puts it all together when it matters most, to make those miraculous plays.
So how can the 49ers beat Mahomes when he plays like this?
Seriously.
Not only do we know that PM can rally his team with time to spare, but he can also rely on his solid defence to back them up and keep them in the game.
So why has Vegas given the 49ers the 2 points in a game where all signs are pointing to a Chiefs win?

Ryan Takes Chiefs

Despite the Chiefs taking out his Buffalo Bills once again, Ryan is backing the Chiefs to win their second ring in a row. He thinks that it will be a low-scoring, and plodding game, where the Chiefs D is able to choke out Brock Purdy for the win.

Wade Tomahawk Chops

Mmmm…tomahawk chops…the main thing that Wade thinks will be cooking on Sunday will be the Chiefs D, as Spagnoulo will have lots of tricks up his sleeves for Purdy and CM. He thinks that the Chiefs will get an early lead, the Niners will chip, but it should be another W for Kansas City.
Wade also thinks that Kelce will win the MVP after scoring 2 touchdowns.
Ryan-Chiefs 24-49ers 21
Wade-Chiefs 23-49ers 20
That’s it for our Super Bowl 58 picks, hope that you all have a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday!
Be dafe, and have fun!