NFL in London

National Football League in London

Houston Texans

Week 4 Picks

by

Welcome to London NFL fans, as we discuss the Falcons Jaguars game in our Week 4 Picks podcast.

Wade and Ryan are excited to see the first NFL game of the European leg, and as the Ryder Cup has show us so far that Europe has its own winning ways.

A train and tube strike is threatening to chunk away a good selection of fans for this game sadly, so hopefully many of these late tickets will get scooped up.
All in all, it looks to be another consistent NFL London game, with low scoring and wide jersey dispersion.
The amazing UK fans more than make up for it all, and it will truly be a fun experience.

If you want to listen to the guys go off on their podcast, all you have to do is click this link here.

Among some of the games the guys look at in this episode includes:

Falcons (2-1) vs -3 Jaguars (1-2)  +43

It’s the first of the 2023 London NFL games as the Atlanta Falcons visit the home town Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley stadium.
Despite the fact that London has no signs that the NFL is in town, apparently this game is still going ahead.
Atlanta has looked limp in their run only offence, with Desmond Ridder either not living up to his potential, or not having as much as everyone thought.
Jacksonville has a had a struggling start to the season, no thanks to their offensive line which has seen Trevor Lawrence harassed more than he’s ever been.
Ryan thinks that this game will be another London stinker, with low points and even lower intensity.
Wade is also calling for a terribly low scoring game, as teams historically take time to adjust to being in the GMT.
Ryan-Jaguars 24 Falcons 17
Wade-Jaguars 18 Falcons 14

Dolphins (3-0) vs -2.5 Bills (2-1)  +53.5

Miami shocked the shakes out of the league last week by pounding the poor Broncos with 70 points, as they continue to load up on points. But they still haven’t face a really tough D up to this point.
Buffalo are favoured by 2.5 points against Miami? Many fans think this is an insult, given the Bills struggling in their first 2 games.
Ryan is big on his Bills, and likes the boys in Western New York to choke out the Dolphins with their fast front D.
Wade agrees with Ryan, and thinks that Miami will get a touch welcome from the Bills, who will finally give Tua that threat to his MMA training.
Ryan-Bills 31 Dolphins 27
Wade-Bills 30 Dolphins 26

Rams (1-2) vs -1 Colts (2-1)  +46.5

Los Angeles Rams took a tough loss to the Bengals in week 3, losing a few more defensive players in the process. Matt Stafford is playing with renewed confidence, thanks to some speedy new receivers who have stepped up.
The Colts are 2-1 with our Jonathan Taylor, and Matt Ryan. The last name isn’t as surprising, but the play of Anthony Richardson is. Back from injury, Richardson could thrive in fantasy points against an LA  team playing with only 4 days rest.
Ryan likes the Rams to take out the Colts here, with Matt Stafford finding some holes in this Indianapolis home team.
Wade likes Richardson to use his legs and find Pittman for a few scores, as he likes the Colts to dominate the poor, tired Rams.
Ryan-Rams 21 Colts 20
Wade-Colts 23 Rams 18
Among some of the other top picks that the guys look at in these Week 4 Picks include:

Ryan

  • Tampa Bay covers against the Saints
  • Bengals beat the Titans who cover
  • Seahawks beat the Giants

Wade

  • Texans upset the Steelers
  • Bears beat the Broncos
  • Patriots cover close against the Cowboys

That’s it for our Week 4 Picks podcast, make sure that you listen to the whole thing and share it with your friends.

To everyone attending the London game at Wembley stadium this Sunday, have fun! It looks like it will be a sunny day despite the slowdown in traffic.

 

Toughest in the NFL

by

Which current and former players are considered the ‘Toughest in the NFL’?

We asked AI of course, because computers love American football! (at least our chat AI does).

So when we asked a few programs to tell us who indeed made the coveted Top 10 list, we were surprised to see Kobe Bryant and Cal Ripken on that chart. Hmmm, curious.

One player that was consistently left off the list, was former Cardinals hero Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire. After mentioning to the arty-intelligence that it was surprising he was off the list, they all corrected it.

Anyway, here’s what AI has to say about it

Title: The Unyielding Titans: Top 10 Toughest Men to Have Played in the NFL

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) is synonymous with grit, determination, and athleticism. Throughout its storied history, the league has seen an array of remarkable players who embody the essence of toughness. From bone-crushing tackles to awe-inspiring comebacks, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we explore the top 10 toughest men to have ever graced the NFL, showcasing their unwavering resilience and dedication to the game.

  1. Dick Butkus

Regarded as one of the most fearsome linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus’ ferocious hits and relentless pursuit of opponents made him a true force on the field. Playing primarily for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s, Butkus’ tenacity and leadership set the standard for modern linebackers.

  1. Jack Lambert

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense owed much of its success to linebacker Jack Lambert. His missing front teeth became emblematic of his hard-nosed playing style. Lambert’s fierce competitiveness and ability to dominate the field through pain and injury solidified his legacy as one of the toughest players ever.

  1. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his unmatched speed and aggression. A cornerstone of the New York Giants’ defense, Taylor’s ability to disrupt plays and intimidate opponents earned him multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and a lasting reputation as a defensive powerhouse.

  1. Brett Favre

A symbol of perseverance, Brett Favre’s record-setting career as a quarterback spanned an astonishing 20 seasons. Favre’s durability and willingness to play through injuries showcased his ironclad commitment to the game. His streak of consecutive starts is a testament to his remarkable toughness.

  1. Steve McNair

Known for his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback, Steve McNair’s resilience was truly inspiring. McNair’s ability to perform at a high level despite a litany of injuries earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His dedication and willingness to give his all made him a true warrior on the field.

  1. Ronnie Lott

Safety Ronnie Lott’s defining moment came in the 1985 playoffs when he opted to have a portion of his finger amputated in order to play. This unwavering commitment to the game perfectly encapsulates Lott’s toughness. His hard-hitting style and fearless demeanor made him a legend in the NFL.

  1. Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, exemplified passion and intensity. His pre-game speeches are legendary, motivating his team to perform at their best. Lewis’ ability to play through pain and inspire his teammates showcased his unmatched resolve and determination.

  1. Chuck Bednarik

As the last of the “60-minute men,” Chuck Bednarik’s ability to excel as both a linebacker and center during the game’s early days demonstrated his incredible endurance. His bone-rattling hit on Frank Gifford in 1960 remains a defining moment in NFL history, underlining his unyielding toughness.

  1. Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s remarkable blend of power, speed, and durability made him one of the greatest running backs of all time. Despite a relatively short career, Brown’s ability to take on defenders head-on and consistently produce on the field solidified his reputation as an unrelenting force.

  1. Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman’s story is one of the most inspiring tales of sacrifice and courage in NFL history. After the tragic events of 9/11, Tillman left behind his lucrative NFL career to join the United States Army. His decision to forgo personal gain and put his life on the line showcases an unparalleled level of toughness that goes beyond the football field.

Conclusion

The NFL has seen its fair share of remarkable athletes who have redefined the concept of toughness. From bone-crunching tackles to inspiring comebacks, these players have shown an unyielding commitment to the game. Through their unwavering determination, they’ve left an indelible mark on the league and continue to inspire aspiring players to push their limits and embrace the true essence of toughness. Pat Tillman’s inclusion in this list stands as a reminder that toughness extends beyond physical prowess, embodying the courage to make sacrifices for a greater purpose.

What do you think?
In our opinion, AI is no immediate direct threat when it fails to add Tillman, or even the crazy Lyle Alzado to the list.

Draft Eve

by

Are your NFL stockings hung by the fireplace with care, in hopes that Draft Eve will bring your team the talent to spare?

Welcome to the giddiness of the 2023 NFL Draft, as we bust your ear drums open with some banter of how we see the first bit of the draft going, and all the saucy news that will make up the hot gossip of trades around the week.
Buckle up!

Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull dust off their other life, and hop back into the NFL saddle as the cobwebs are off to start 2023!

If you would like to listen to the full Draft Eve podcast, you can click here for the Soundcloud, or find us on iTunes and Spotify as well.

Aaron ‘Jet’ Rodgers

Well it’s official kids, Aaron Rodgers is finally following in the footsteps of Brett Favre and moving off to the Big Apple.
The deal is finally done in a swap of rounders and Woody goes ‘all in’ on hoping that the guru veteran take them to the playoff land.
For both teams it’s a chance to finally move on to the season with the Draft now a focus on how they are going to surround them.
Giving Rodgers a solid o-line and a big old tight end might be some of the keys that he needs.
Rodgers will once again be wearing his Golden Bear 8, perhaps trying to channel his inner youth in a cleanse to start over.
8 could also be the number of interceptions he throws in a game given his predecessors.
Given the move to a 17 week season, the alignment means that an NFC North and NFC battle zone could see a 25% chance of the Packers playing the Jets again this year. The Jets won in 2022, maybe they could do it again.

Tom Brady

Nothing. Who cares. Made you look.

Draft Drama

We all know that the draft brings with it the joy of seeing your team jiggle it up to prime for a new run, but it’s also that dirty drama drama that accompanies it.
What’s the deal with Derek Henry? Is Dalvin Cook going anywhere? Has everyone forgot about Lamar? Lamar is missing y’all!
With a bucket load of free agent talent out there, and not a lot of cash to back it up, could there be some people that have to suck it up for cheap?
Welcome to 2023.

Draft Picks

In some ways it feels like kind of a ‘meh’ draft, because there isn’t really anyone with ‘pizza-azzle’ to ignite a flurry of excitement.
That being said, in an injury prone league of increased play time, the more bodies the better.
Big, young, fat men with questionable diets lead the focus, as DE, OT, C’s and BLT’s are the hunger of many a GM.
Any why not? After seeing so many QB’s get smashed by inept lines of fourth stringers, and the knowledge that just one of these kids could change the whole dynamic of a line.
QBs will sill be the focus though, but the cost of living crisis has also made some cuts to the height of the top talent.
Woe is the short man in this new game, where the Tua’s and Kyler’s college shuffle didn’t translate to a league where smackdown and field vision are more prevalent.

International Games

Okay folks, the big news is only weeks away. Word is that we will get the announcement of the full NFL in London games on May 4th, 2023!  That’s right, cancel your plans that day, as we your world is about to change.
We will not only know who plays the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars, but also the dates.
We will NOT know anything about that though for a while. Please watch the NFLUK website for that, as they will have all the legit news.
Please make sure that you don’t buy any tickets online before the official news, as they are deffo a big scam.
Check out out socials. You have our permission. You can also touch them if you want.
It’s been a long offseason.

Top 10 NFL Drafts of the Past 30 Years

by

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?

 

Week 18 Picks

by

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

Make sure you listen to the full podcast for all of the goodness, and make sure that you like us on social media!