NFL in London

National Football League in London

Green Bay Packers

Top 10 NFL Drafts of the Past 30 Years

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With the NFL draft looming on the horizon, it’s time to look at some of the best NFL Drafts from the past thirty years.
The Draft is an exciting time for football fans as they eagerly await to see which players their favourite teams will select. Over the past 3 decades, there have been some remarkable drafts that have produced many stars and legends of the game.
Here we will take a look at the top 10 NFL drafts of the past 30 years, as this one isn’t going to crack any ‘top lists.’

  1. 1996 NFL Draft

    This draft produced some of the greatest players in NFL history. The top three picks in this draft were all future Hall of Famers: Keyshawn Johnson, Kevin Hardy, and Jonathan Ogden. Other notable players in this draft include Ray Lewis, Eddie George, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, and Zach Thomas. The 1996 Draft had some of the top players across every position. Those were the days.

  2. 2011 NFL Draft

    The 2011 draft was one of the deepest in NFL history, producing many future stars who are still playing today. Cam Newton was the first overall pick, and he went on to win the NFL MVP award in 2015. Other notable players in this draft include Von Miller, A.J. Green, Julio Jones, J.J. Watt, Richard Sherman, and Colin Kaepernick.

  3. 1989 NFL Draft

    The 1989 draft produced three players who would go on to win the NFL MVP award: Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, and Deion Sanders. Other notable players in this draft include Derrick Thomas, Steve Atwater, and Mark Carrier. Check out some of the pictures of the 1989 Draft, and the fashion choices alone should let you know that it was totally different era.

  4. 1991 NFL Draft

    The 1991 draft produced many future Hall of Famers, including Brett Favre, Aeneas Williams, and Herman Moore. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Watters, Ted Washington, and Mike Croel. Hard to believe that this draft was over 32 years ago.

  5. 2012 NFL Draft

    The 2012 draft produced many top QB stars of the future, including Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Russell Wilson. Other notable players in this draft include Luke Kuechly, Fletcher Cox, and Bobby Wagner. Despite being 10 years ago, there are still a few players from this draft playing in the league.

  6. 1998 NFL Draft

    The 1998 draft produced two future Hall of Famers in Peyton Manning and Randy Moss. Other notable players in this draft include Charles Woodson, Fred Taylor, and Hines Ward. This was more of the ‘grit-iron’ generation of tough as nails players.

  7. 2017 NFL Draft

    The 2017 draft produced many impact players, including the first overall pick, Myles Garrett. Other notable players in this draft include Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara. This Draft is also known as the ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda,’, as many pundits and fans lament of what could have been had players signed elsewhere.

  8. 2001 NFL Draft

    The 2001 draft produced many Pro Bowl players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Steve Hutchinson, and Richard Seymour. Other notable players in this draft include Michael Vick, Drew Brees, and Reggie Wayne. This could have been known as the HOF class, as many of the players in this group were record-setters.

  9. 2004 NFL Draft

    The 2004 draft produced three future Hall of Famers in Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. Other notable players in this draft include Larry Fitzgerald, Vince Wilfork, and Jared Allen. 2004 brought us a whack load of great QBs, which beckons when another draft like this could happen?

  10. 1999 NFL Draft

    The 1999 draft produced five future Hall of Famers, including Edgerrin James, Champ Bailey, and Torry Holt. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Williams, Donovan McNabb, and Jevon Kearse.

The NFL draft is a significant event in the April calendar of football, and it has produced many great players over the years. The drafts listed above were some of the best of the past 30 years, producing numerous stars and legends of the game. As football fans, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the NFL draft and the next generation of players who will make their mark on the league.

Who will be the star of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft?

 

London Franchise

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Will the NFL be looking to add a London franchise? What’s involved in making a team work over here?

The National Football League (NFL) is a massive American sports league with a global reach, and there has been much speculation about the possibility of a franchise in London. While this idea may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London.

NFL Europe

One of the primary reasons is the failure of NFL Europe, a developmental league that operated from 1991 to 2007. Despite the NFL’s efforts to promote American football in Europe, the league was never able to gain the same level of popularity as it did in the United States. The lack of success of NFL Europe suggests that there may not be enough interest in American football in London to support a full-fledged franchise.

Playoffs

Another reason why a London-based NFL franchise may not work is the unpredictability of wild card game hosting. The NFL currently holds a series of wild card games at various locations throughout the United States. While these games are hugely popular and attract large crowds, it is uncertain whether London would be a suitable location for such events. The logistical challenges of transporting players, equipment, and staff across the Atlantic would be significant, and there is no guarantee that London would be able to provide a suitable venue for these games.

Differences

Another obstacle that the NFL would face in London is the UK tax laws. The NFL would have to pay taxes on all of its earnings in the UK, which could significantly reduce the profitability of a London-based franchise. The NFL would also have to navigate the complexities of UK tax law, which can be challenging for businesses not familiar with the system.

There are also several cultural differences between the US and the UK that could make it difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London. American football is a relatively niche sport in the UK, and there is already a well-established football (soccer) culture in the country. The NFL would have to compete with this established culture to attract fans and sponsors.

Time Zones

Furthermore, the differences in time zones between the US and the UK could also pose a problem. Many NFL games are played on Sundays, which would mean that games in London would be taking place in the early afternoon in the US. This could be problematic for American fans who are used to watching games in the evening.

Costs

In addition to these challenges, the NFL would also have to contend with the cost of operating a franchise in London. The cost of living in London is much higher than in many US cities, and the cost of renting or buying a stadium in the city could be prohibitively expensive. The NFL would also have to cover the cost of transporting players and staff to and from London for games and other events.

Recruitment

Finally, there is the issue of player recruitment. American football is a sport that is primarily played in the United States, and the vast majority of NFL players are American. If the NFL were to establish a franchise in London, it would need to recruit players from the UK and Europe. While there are talented players in these regions, the level of competition is not as high as it is in the US. This could make it difficult for a London-based franchise to compete with established NFL teams.

In conclusion, while the idea of a London-based NFL franchise may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in the city. The failure of NFL Europe, the unpredictability of wild card game hosting, UK tax laws, cultural differences, time zone differences, operating costs, and player recruitment are all significant obstacles that the NFL would have to overcome. While it is not impossible for the NFL to establish a franchise in London, it would require a significant investment of time, money, and effort, and there is no guarantee of success. Ultimately, the NFL will need to carefully consider these challenges before making a decision about whether to pursue a team in the United Kingdom as it looks to expand its foothold on the game worldwide. 

This was a guest article from one of our partners

Conference Picks

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And then there were four teams left, as the 49ers, Eagles, Bengals and Chiefs make up the ingredients for our Conference Picks.

Wade and Ryan use this podcast to look back at the Divisional Championship games, as Ryan fully believes his life ‘can start now’ that the Bills have been eliminated from contention.

The guys look at the two games scheduled for Sunday night, and make their very own Conference Picks so that you don’t have to.

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Here is the link for this week.

49ers (13-4) vs -2.5 Eagles (14-3) +46.5

Have you got the Purdy’s yet? Does your live feel a bit Purdier? Well, everyone and their grandma is all over Brock Purdy after slinging together seven wins in as many weeks.
It’s not like Purdy is jumping behind the wheels of the Jets however, as this San Fran squad is set for the Super Bowl based on how crazy strong that front D is.
Christian McCaffery has been a beast on form, hitting a touchdown in each of his last games, and along with a group of speedy receivers it begs the question who can stop this group?
Meet the Philadelphia Eagles, who are still technically on a ‘rebuilding’ year, but have dismantled some of the best teams in the league.
Jalen Hurts has come into form, and led a squad of talented receivers and a trio of running backs who can hit you from every angle.
Don’t forget their defence, who shook Daniel Jones for five sacks last week, and are up their with the 49ers as the top two in the league.
Ryan is all Eagles in this one, as he doesn’t believe that Purdy will grow under the Philly home crowd.
Mistakes will be made, and the wide receivers of the Eagles should be able to outmatch the 49er corners.
Wade is also all over Philly and thinks that these guys are just getting started in a phenomenal season.
Jalen will have a massive day with his legs, as the Niners D will find themselves chasing him.
Purdy will probably get rocked by that D, shaking his new confidence.
Ryan- Eagles 24 49ers-20
Wade-Eagles 26 49ers 18

-1 Bengals (12-4) vs Chiefs (14-3)  +47.5

Oh how the Bengals have been bolstering after their demonstrative beat down of the Bills last Sunday.
From humble to Burrowheads and dismals of Damar Hamlin, Cincy has gone from sweet to sour on the socials.
That hasn’t stopped the line from moving in the direction of Cincinnati, as the vast improvement with every game has made them a favourite to cover 13 of their games this season.
Oh, and let’s not forget the 3-0 record against the Chiefs-which the Bengals players continue to remind them of before the big game.
Trash talk never back fires.
‘High ankle sprain’ is an often Googled term of late, as Patrick Mahomes took a massive twist on Sunday giving the Jaguars a chance to cover.
Patty M did eventually return after some ‘doctoring’ and his progress has been followed as closely as Tom and Gisele’s personal life, but all on both counts seems fine at this point.
Everyone has been writing of Kansas City all year, but here they are again, playing in their fifth consecutive AFC Championship.
These two teams match up well, but it could be the snow and wind that blows in the Chiefs favour at home.
Ryan is Chief-leaver, or Belief-Chiefer, he thinks that the Chiefs will win.
The trash talk that the Bengals have been scatting around the social jungle is enough to make a Native American mad, and throw a tomahawk chop in response.
He likes the Chiefs to win at home, and put themselves back in the Super Bowl once more.
Wade is giving Burrowhead, wait, what? He likes the Bengals.
With Burrow and the boyz firing on all striped cylinders, they have the plan to beat the Chiefs, and that plan is Lou Anarumo. Lou adjusts his second half with the precision of seasoned drag performer, and delivers the goods with a bit of oomph.
Ryan- Chiefs 27- Bengals 24
Wade- Bengals 24 Chiefs 17
Who you got?
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Playoffs and London Games

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And then there were 8 teams left as we head into the divisional round, as we look at our Playoffs and London Games and all the news ahead.

It’s been a wild and upheaving few weeks in the NFL, and we’re now building up to the final four, as the league gets bumpy in the Divisional Round.

Playoffs

The 49ers were first through the gate, with a solid thumping of the Seahawks in a dismal day for Geno. Brock was Purdy indeed, relying on a solid San Fran team to push them through to a next round match-up with the Cowboys

For anyone who has ever blown a Charger, you know how much that really sucks. Well imagine blowing 27 Chargers all at once (not PornHub dirty minds).
San Diego Angeles got rocked by Trevor and the Jags who took the Staley out of the situation for a sweet win, and a next round date with the Chiefs.

Buffalo survived a tight contest against Miami, eeking out a last minute win to seal their move to the next round. The Bills didn’t look great, but they got it done and now face a fierce Bengals squad.

Daniel Jones and the Giants have had a Cinderella story to get them this far, with big ole Dabol and his winning smile cheering on the G Men to victory.
Minnesota went out like a turd that didn’t even a double flush, although Kirk Cousins chains hung a little lower after another disappointing run.

Joe Burrow and the Boys faced a tough Ravens D in the Wildcard Weekend, and were able to stomp out JT Huntley, and a Ravens squad that sorely lacked Lamar and many other options.
Cincy is started to chili cook in the AFC again, and they have to face Bills squad they were smacking around until the Hamlin incident.
A great game lies ahead.

TB12 was actually TB14 on Sunday, as Dak and ‘dem Boyz were able to rout the Bucs on their home pirate ship.
Dallas actually looked good, which was quite impressive after some recent hiccups.
The Bucs looked flat, with everyone playing like it was their last game of the season, and not in an inspired way.
How far can Dallas go now?

London Games

Good news NFL in London fans, the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars will all host London contests in 2023.

The Bills and Titans will both host home games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Northeast London, while the Jags will make it a Wembley affair in Northwest London.

Germany gets two games in 2023, with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs all playing. Given how amazing the German fans were in 2022, it’s well deserved that they get to host two for the world.

No dates have yet been announced, nor has the opponents for these games been either, as the league typically reveals these in the early spring.
We of course will do our own due diligence to guess who those matches might be, and we’ll let you know that soon too.

Info from Tottenham Stadium is here.

https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2023/january/nfl-announces-designated-teams-for-2023-international-games/

Tom and Aaron

Now that Tommy and Aaron are out of the playoffs, the buzz and gossip is what is going to happen to these two in the offseason?
Will they stay in their respective teams? Move on to warmer playing fields? Retire? Host a dating show together where they both travel the world meeting gorgeous women?
All sound possible.

Tom Brady
As for Tommy Boy, the oddsmakers have his first possible destination is lovely Las Vegas at +350.
Carr is out, and Sin City might be TB12’s playpen if the price is right, and the Raiders have any money left.
Miami is the second choice at +450, which seems a bit given the fine the Dolphins were given for trying to mix themselves up a little Tommy Boy cocktail a few years ago. If Tua’s multiple concussions are a sign (and they should be), Miami might need a good QB for that flight of speedsters they have at receivers.
San Francisky is frisky in third at +500. Depending on what Purdy is able to accomplish for the Niners this year, they might be in need to bring in an old stud to mentor Trey Lance while he mends.
Staying in Tampa is a fifth option at +750. Hey, they won the Super Bowl a few years ago, so if the Glasers pony up some money to build the team he needs, who knows?
Last but not least is retirement at +600.
Actually last is the Jets at +900, but c’mon!

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron is a bit of oddball, because his journey could be sent on a tangent if he goes on a bad trip during the offseason.
A sea of supple influencers awaits A-A-Ron, so he knows who might appear on his feed and take him off a  road that doesn’t involve the NFL.
Oddsballs have Rodgers first choice being back in Green Bay at +200.
The 49ers are next on this Cali boy’s destination, with him pipping Tom with +450.
Las Vegas is also in the cards for AR, as the house has him coming in at +575.
Retirement looms even closer for Rodgers, who might want to gameshow his way to the bonus round of life, and end it all. His NFL career, not his life.
Ending his life would be signing with the Jets at +1200, or the Colts at +1500.
Might as well put a bell on his neck and give him a goat for company as you put them out to pasture.

As for us, we think Brady goes to the 49ers, and Rodgers goes to Vegas.
The goat and the old horse still got a little bit of kicking left to do.

That’s it for our Playoffs and London Games, make sure you like and follow!

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Week 18 Picks

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It’s was a dramatic and scary end to week 17, as we roll into a whole new NFL with our Week 18 Picks.

The NFL fans, and fantasy managers were sent into a tizzy with the news of the serious cardiac condition of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin.

First and foremost is the focus that Damar recovers, and gets better-and all signs are starting to point that way. He’s a 24 year old on a $160k/ year salary, so let’s also hope that some of that GoFundMe can be directed towards his recovery.

The NFL took a shocking loss like week like Putin in Ukraine, as it became quickly evident they didn’t have a plan. NFL players have died on the field before, it’s surprising that the league wasn’t able to act quicker and respond stronger when it happened. Maybe they had already gone home for this late game?

The Bills and Bengals are also short a game heading into the playoffs. The maths don’t always add up when you have two teams looking for top seeding, and it also isn’t fair to other teams unless the game is ruled a tie.

Fantasy managers are also in a tizzy, as even our own league has a player with Josh Allen as a deciding factor. How do you rule on a replay, score averages over the season, a fantasy playoff when the final two have their own bias towards the finish.

Ugh, so much to discuss, hear Wade and Ryan’s take on it in the podcast.

Week 18 Picks

Here are Wade and Ryan’s Week 18 Picks for your fantasy, betting and life decisions.
Use them to make a better you. Catch all the picks in the podcast above.

-9 Chiefs (13-3) vs Raiders (6-10)

Kansas City can’t get no respect despite have a 13 and 3 record, but they do once again in the spread this week with a 9 point boom over the Raiders.
The Chiefs haven’t been exactly dominant this season, and their defence gives question as to whether a score heavy team like an ignited Raiders might do to them.

More women would watch the show if Hard Knocks would have featured the Raiders this year, because oh the drama! The ghost of Gruden haunts the halls of Vegas, as Carr’s departure has suddenly led to a last minute gusto of Jared Stitham.
‘Stitty’ gets the gritty this week, as the Raiders have opted to start a bunch of young guns and looking to play a little street ball at home.

Ryan likes the Chiefs to win, but doesn’t buy 9 points for a Chiefs team that might coast once they have the lead.

Wade likes street ball here, as the Raiders might show some moxy and game some late game garbage points to make this a closer game.

Ryan-Chiefs 30 Raiders 26
Wade-Chiefs 31 Raiders 26

Patriots (8-8) vs -7 Bills (12-3) +43.5

Billy B and the boys are primed for a playoff spot, they could just use a win here, a Dolphins, Titans, Steelers, loss…blah blah. A Win over the Bills is the only way that the Patriots can feel safer, but no one feels safe in Buffalo, especially when there is a history of dildos hitting the field.

The Bills will be playing with emotion on Sunday, how much how affect how they play.
With Damar Hamlin in hospital, the Bills might be so pumped at home that they eviscerate the poor Pats by the half.
They also could be so overcome with emotion that they overcompensate and under deliver.
But the Bills are at home, tables will be smashed in the parking lot, dildos will be thrown at the Patriots bench, and the most generous fan base in the NFL, will rock the shit out of that joint.
Damar Hamlin will be proud.

Ryan-Bills 27 Patriots 17
Wade-Bills 33-Patriots 20

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