NFL in London

National Football League in London

Jets Falcons London

Week 5 Tips

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The NFL is finally in London, with the Falcons and Jets throwing down at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Who will win the big game? What are the inside tips for week 5 bets? What should you do after the London game?

We got it all in our Week 5 Tips! Take some of Wade & Ryan’s betting advice, then meet us on Sunday at the Sports Bar Old Street!

NY Jets (1-3) vs Falcons (1-3) -3  +46

US fans might bemoan the level of the teams playing at Tottenham on Sunday, but UK fans are just happy to have a live game to watch again.

Technically the Falcons are the ‘home team’ in this one, as they look to right the ship and get out of the losing doldrums.
It’s been a rough season thus far for Atlanta, as injuries and O line have made Matty Ice quite luke warm in the 2021 season.

For the Jets, this was supposed to be a rebirth year with Wilson and Saleh.
Sadly, the Jets look like the same old Jets, as they haven’t really found what makes the team unique, instead waiting to see if Zach is going to develop in time.

Ryan is big on the Jets in this one, as he vowed to never back the Falcons ever again after they let him down again in week 4.
He thinks that they will grind out a victory and thwart the home town birds.

Wade likes the veterans on the Falcons to deliver a victory on Sunday. Matt Ryan should have some time to deliver the ball against a stiffening Jets D.
The game will likely start slow, and end on a zip, with the Falcons causing to an easy victory.

Ryan-Jets 24 Falcons 23
Wade-Falcons 24 Jets 20

-4 Titans (2-2) vs Jaguars (0-4)  +48.5

Urban Meyer is a dead man walking. With 4 bad losses in a row, and a grinding session with a college girl on the internet, the fat lady must be warming up her pipes in Jacksonville.

This must be a do or die game for Urban, as an 0-5 start with Trevor Lawrence at the helm is truly unacceptable given the resources allocated to this rebirth.

The Titans too are in difficult situation given their slow start. Key wide receivers are down, the O line is a mess, and Tannehill looks like he is tumbling from his 2020 numbers.

Ryan likes the Titans to turn this one around, pegging the Jags in a blowout.

Wade too thinks that the Titans and the legs of Derek Henry will gash the Jaguars all day long.
He also predicts that Urban Meyer will be fired Monday, and won’t make the trip to London.

Ryan-Titans 33 Jags 21
Wade-Titans 31 Jags 20

-3 Packers (3-1) vs Bengals (3-1)  +49.5

Aaron Rodgers is coming down from a flirty filled victory over the Steelers last week, as he showboated for his potential new coach Mike Tomlin in an easy victory.

The Packers are 3-1, but with injuries to Alexander last week, plus a weak secondary, make them a bit more accessible to teams that can chuck the ball.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals are off to a wicked start. Cincy has added more protection to Burrow, allowing him to find his speedy receivers down field, as well as open up more holes for their running game.

Ryan thinks that A-A-Ron will come into the cat house and kick the litter all over the floor en route to tight victory over the Bengals. He thinks Rodgers and Adams will have a big game.

Wade likes the hometown Bengals for an upset here. With Tee Higgins returning, the Bengals have enough tools to keep tossing it to the backfield to give the cheese heads trouble.

Ryan-Packers 30 Bengals 23
Wade-Bengals 30 Packers 28

Sunday Night

Looking to party Sunday after the London games?

Sports Bar Old Street is open until 4am. The tables are now sold out, but there will be plenty of standing room and counter space to watch the game on 50+ TVs.

Sports Bar Clapham is open until 1am, and has a great selection of games, beers and food. There are a few tables available, but book now!

The Princess Alexandra is a pub that’s a quick bus ride to the stadium, and open until 1am Monday.
It’s in Crouch End, which is also an easy place to park, and hop on transit.

See you Sunday and enjoy the game!

 

 

Week 4 Review

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What an exciting week in the NFL, made even better for UK fans as we host a London game for week 5.

Wade and Ryan are here to look back on the week that was in the NFL for week 4, in a fun and peppy podcast called the Week 4 Review.

Ryan went a respectable 7-9 in his week 4 picks, while Wade busted out an impressive 12-4 record to scoop a few pools over the weekend.

Among some of the trends and issues that the guys talk about in this one.

London Game

It’s the Falcons versus the Jets (wee!) at Tottenham in the first of the NFL games in London.

While it’s a truly beautiful stadium, the area around White Hart Lane leaves much to be desired. There’s really not much of a reason to leave anyway, with all of the bars and restaurants you can find within the stadium walls.

The NFL Store in the stadium will be happy to take your money in exchange for the jerseys of your NFL dreams.
Don’t worry about bringing a bag for all that swag, they will have legit ones available you can carry into the stadium.

Visitors to London are in for a treat, just don’t wander around too much to lose that lustre.

Also, Ted Lasso isn’t a real person, so stop asking us.

Petrol Crisis

Britain is still missing fuel, causing line ups, punch ups and neighbourhood headaches.

If you’re planning on driving to the game, be aware that fuel might be non existent, and parking could provide an added nightmare to your journey.

The Overground rolls into White Hart Lane every 15 minutes, which will give you plenty of time to plan your stadium day.

Winners

Among some of the winning teams that Wade and Ryan gush about in this episode includes:

Chiefs

Finally a win, but at what cost? Kansas City is struggling this year as they slump further down the division walls. Can they maintain this momentum to thwart the Bills in week 5?

Cowboys

If you smell something creeping up in your garden check that it might be ‘dem boyz. Dallas has put together a winning team, let’s see how long that they can stay healthy.

Cardinals

The best team in the NFL? They have certainly shown why that they might be considered. Of course it’s only week 4, so let’s hold our horses.

Losers

Lions

Detroit could be the worst team in all of football, with no direction fo where they are going. The Lions have had their mane and tail chopped, it’s hard to see where they find the motivation.

Texans

Stop, just stop. That’s all their defence has left to say.

Titans

Insults meet injuries as this team can no longer rely on Henry for the winning scores. Tannehill is struggling behind a weak line and their D can barely contain themselves.

Week 5 Parties

Don’t forget we’re throwing big parties this weekend at the Sports Bar and Grill Clapham, Old Street and the Princess Alexandra.

Clapham will be showing the Fury vs Wilder fight Sat night, while Old Street will be open until 4am with NFL action wall to wall.

Welcome to London!

 

 

London To Do (Oct 8-10)

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The wait is over NFL fans, the game officially returns to London this week, and we are giddy as all heck about it. 

We’re excited about the October NFL game between the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons at Tottenham stadium, so we compiled a fun list of London To Do (Oct 8-10).
A few of our choice pieces of advice to make your weekend in London that much better.

With COVID in the rearview mirror, we can finally get back to cramming in close proximity to each other, screaming at the top of our lungs and drunkenly befriending strangers wearing the same jersey as you.
Isn’t it glorious?!?

If you’re going to the big game, watching at home, or hitting all the venues we are supporting on Sunday, we have tricks and treats a plenty this weekend to keep you entertained every night and day.

Petrol and Blockages

For anyone planning on driving to London, or around it, you should be aware of a petrol crisis going on in London at the moment.
Most stations in north London are still out/short of fuel and prone to getting massive lineups and becoming quite chaotic.

As a result areas around the stadium might become a bit more tedious to get around, or even park around, as people queue to fill up their tanks and streets. 

This has also had a knock on effect to food as well, with many supermarkets bereft of goods on the shelves thanks to supply line issues. Best to eat in advance than rely on a Tesco. 

London might start to resemble Moscow in the 80s’, but at least we have NFL on this Sunday!

Uber

London lost half of our Uber drivers during lockdown, leaving the city a little scarce when it comes to getting a taxi out. 

As a result, prices have almost doubled within the past year, and trying to get a late night ride from some locations can take hours. 

If you’re planning on blasting out of the stadium in an Uber to central London be ware that prices might be loopy, and given that it will only be 6:30pm, you still have loads of time to get the tube and train out of there. 

Thursday

Thursday was traditionally a big drinking night in London, but with the many changes of COVID, now every night is a drinking night. 

Many people partying in London on a Thursday night are quick to make it back before the trains and tubes shut, so be aware if these times, as the joint really empties out quickly, leaving you to pony up for a big taxi ride. 

Downstairs at the Kingshead Comedy

One of the oldest running comedy nights in the WORLD, this new act night is one of the hottest tickets in town, with big telly stars popping in to do guest sets.
Located in leafy Crouch End, this comedy club hosts shows all weekend.

http://www.downstairsatthekingshead.com/

Thursday Night Football

Unfortunately London is NOT a late night city, so the game will not be shown in public as everything will be closed. 

If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s a good chance that they might put in on for you at the bar or lobby, but with a 1:20am kickoff, you might want to wait until the morning.

Watch it on Sky Sports or NFL Gamepass.

Carnaby Street

Just off of Oxford Circus, this bustling side street boasts bars, restaurants, shops a plenty and potentially some NFL action.
Not to far from the bright lights of Regent Street, Carnaby street is a great place to wander around people watching and to do a spot of shopping. 

Niketown is around the corner if you want to pick up some NFL gear while you’re here. 

https://www.carnaby.co.uk/

Friday

If you’re just getting into town, welcome to London! The weekend officially begins!

Louche

This hip and trendy Soho bar is opening for the first night at its swank Greek street location.
If you’re looking to class up the evening a bit with some cocktails in a wicked new location, get in touch with Louche to book a table now to kick off your Friday. 

https://louchesoho.com/

The Brig

Billed as London’s ‘smallest bar’, this cool location near Bow is a fun night of drinking and intimacy while you get to learn more about London.
Book the space now, and get your own bartender and all of your drinks.
Pack the Tylenol for the next day on this one.
https://merchanthouse.bar/rooms/the-brig/

BackYard Comedy Club

East is the beast when it comes to live entertainment in the capital.
Head to the hip Bethnal Green hood for a weekend of great comedy shows at the Backyard Comedy club.  You never know who might pop on stage!
Booking ahead is recommended as tickets sell out quickly. 

Saturday

Premier League

If you’re looking to catch some ‘soccer’ while you’re in the UK, make sure you pop in to one of the many Saturday sessions at the pubs.
Both the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street, and Clapham will have games on all day, so just book yourself in for an afternoon of fun.

Joshua vs Wilder

Boxing fans will be gushing over this one, as the best of the UK faces the best of America.

The fight won’t start until at least 3am GMT, so not many places will be showing it without a cost. 

The Sports Bar & Grill Clapham will be showing the bout, so make sure that you book in early to guarantee yourself a seat.
https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

Bond

Super spy James Bond is back this week, and what better way to get those British feels than watching 007 chase down the bad guys.
Can you even use the phrase ‘bad guy’ anymore or is that too offensive?

Go nuts for the movie, put on some tuxedos and infuse with gin.
Find that here.
https://www.the-distillery.london/products/the-distillery-presents

Balls Balls Balls 

When was the last time you got drunk in a ball pit?
Never?
Well head down to Ballie Ballerson’s, the first cocktail joint where you can feel like a kid again by getting stuck in a ball pit. 

Definitely a memorable experience, book your friends in now to get your balls on!
https://shoreditch.ballieballerson.com/

Sunday

It’s gameday!
Remember that the game kicks off at 2:30pm GMT (9:30am EST), so don’t get too wasted on Saturday.

Sunday’s are notoriously slow in the UK for travel (replacement buses everywhere), so give yourself a bit more time to get around. 

Double check your route using CityMapper so that you know exactly what your options are for getting to and from the game. 

PreGame

Looking to soak up the beer in advance by filling up?
Head to the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, Clapham or the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End for breakfast, or beers prior to kick off. 

All 3 pubs will be showing the NFL game between the Jets and Falcons, which also be broadcast on BBC. 

The Princess Alexandra is a direct bus ride to the stadium, and there is plenty of parking in Crouch End around Priory Park if you’re looking for a direct route/ option to the game. 

Gametime

New York Jets face the Atlanta Falcons at Tottenham Stadium at 2:30pm GMT, so give yourself a bit of time to get to the stadium and go through the security protocols. 

Check ahead with the stadium to make sure that you don’t bring TOO MUCH.

The forecast for Sunday October 10th is partly sunny with a high of 19c (68f). 

After Parties

London is NOT a late night city, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to avoid going from closed door to closed door in shady parts of London you don’t know. 

Sports Bar Clapham

South London will be full tilt with action, as the SB&G Clapham will host south London’s most epic after party. 

With ALL of the NFL games on plus Redzone, the bar will be open late to make sure that you and yours can watch all of the NFL games. 

Loads of TVs, cold beer and hot wings will make this your best Sunday Funday option south of the Thames. 

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

Sports Bar Old Street

The OG of sports bars, this Old Street location will be open until 4am Monday, so that you can get your NFL on for the big game. 

With over 50+ TVs and room for 300 people, this bar will get packed quickly, so make sure you book ahead first. 

We will be accepting people on the door, although there will be a cover charge and seating isn’t guaranteed.
The pub has a late license until 4am, so you can stay for as long as your coherent, and be back in bed late if you want to avoid the rush. 

Book here now!

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet/party-booking

Princess Alexandra

Jump on the W3 bus near the pub, and you’re dropped off directly in front of White Hart Lane. 

An easy 15 minute journey will see you avoiding the direct traffic and at the stadium every 10 minutes. 

To get out of the stadium, just grab another W3 bus just across the road, and you’re back at the pub in time for the 6pm kickoffs. 

https://princessalexandran8.co.uk/

Areas to Explore

Shoreditch

Not too far from Old Street, the area of Shoreditch is an up and coming feast for the sense.
Dishoom dishes up some of the greatest Indian food you will ever have, while the Boxpark is a fun place to grab a drink and check out the hipsters. 

Smithfield Market is a must go on the weekend, so make sure you go on an empty stomach to savour all of the stalls and their selection of global treats. 

Islington

North London truly is the coolest part of the city, and you’ll see why when you wander around the streets from Angel to Highbury and Islington, with all of the madness in between.
Wander the endless streets of bars, shops, theatres and look-in laneways that make up this trendy neighbourhood. 

Bars like the American themed Slim Jim’s are cool to listen to some rock and roll and a whisky, while Angel Comedy will keep you laughing all weekend long. 

Clapham Junction

The leafy greens of Clapham make this hood a worthwhile place to visit when you find yourself in south London. 

Served by both Clapham Common & Junction rail & tube lines, this area of the city is easy to get to and fun to explore in sun and rain. 

The high street has oodles of bars and pubs to pop into while you doddle along the green and beyond as well as a trendy group of locals who are friendly and fun to encounter. 

Avoid walking the green late at night and alone though, but that should be ‘common’ sense.
Get it? 

Ares to Avoid

Leicester Square

Once the playground of tourists and locals alike, Leicester Square has sadly gone downhill in the past few years. 

Now the abode of hustlers, gimmicks and grifters, the square is a place where you’re more likely to lose your wallet than gain anything other than a hatred for humanity. 

Daytime you’re fine, but it gets very busy with gawkers.
Late nights are not recommended as the side streets are the domain of gangs who would love to have your possessions. 

Knightsbridge

The hotels of Knightsbridge have been hit by the ‘VID, and it shows in the dead streets of Chelsea. Once the streets were alive with shops, pubs and fine car racing, but the knock down of effect of lockdown has taken a toll on this once lively area.
Weekends are particularly sad here, but help out any local business you can…if you can find them. 

Tottenham

10 years ago, venturing outside to the side streets of Wembley would be lunacy.
Today the stadium is safely surrounded by a skyline of condos, busy franchises, and a bustling new community. 

Tottenham is Wembley 10 years ago.
The area is still very rough on the surrounding streets, and gentrification has yet to take hold , allowing Tottenham to maintain a tough, local vibe.
White Hart Lane is a notoriously rough area, and even less desirable at night. 

Get to the game and get out while the sun is still out, the Spurs vampires await. 

That’s it for this write up of what to do in London, have fun, enjoy the game and stay safe. 

See you Sunday at one of our NFL in London events! 

North London NFL

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October is here, which means that the NFL games at Tottenham are only days away!

For many of you who have never been to London, or to a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, we have a few tips, tricks and hints to help you plan your trip as we look at North London NFL.

Tottenham

Unlike Wembley which is located in Northwest London, Tottenham is in northeast London, and not a very quick trip if you get the stadiums  confused.

The area of Tottenham itself is pegged as ‘up and coming’ which roughly translates as ‘don’t go there at night.’

There isn’t much built up around the stadium, so if you are looking to hang around the area, or God forbid book a hotel in the are, we would say ‘NO!’. It’s not worth it.
The stadium is gorgeous and has all the food and drink you need within its dome.

Getting there is pretty straight forward, as it is served by the London overground, the tube and numerous buses. ‘White Hart Lane’ is a stop on the overground from Liverpool street, Hackney, as well as Seven Sisters Tube station. It gets pretty busy on game day, so it’s always good to have options.

Petrol Crisis

If you’re not living in Britain, you may not know that we have a petrol (gas) crisis on right now. Stations are rammed, neighbourhoods are frayed, and horn honking rules the day and night.

Driving and parking in the area isn’t advised as a result, not to mention the new construction problems, road works, and Sunday crowds which can put the kibosh on local driving.

London petrol stations are out of fuel, and those that do have it are lined up and prone to acts of idiocy and violence from pump hunters.

As a result, the price of Ubers has sky rocketed, with fares from Tottenham to central London rising over 2500% during the Anthony Joshua fight.
(taxis were going as high as £900 for a 20 minute ride).

Uber will be pricey and we’re low on drivers, tube & train stations will be packed, so look at buses and neighbourhood parking as a quick way out.

However you plan on getting around, the tube is probably your best option.

The Stadium

You will need to follow all the rules for the stadium under this new normal.

Visitors will need to be double vaxxed, show proof of this, and may be asked to leave if they fail to provide this.

For all the rules and regulations, make sure you check out here.

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-london-games-gameday-guide

Close to

If you’re looking to be close to the stadium and not miss out on some London vibes, may we suggest the following areas to consider to stay and hang out.

Old Street-Close to Hackney, central London and the WHL (White Hart Lane), this area is always happening, and safe at night.

Finsbury Park-Located on most major travel lines, and very close to the stadium. Loads of students in this area make it a fun party place to go.

Wood Green-A diamond in the rough, this area has loads of new hotels and is only a 15 minute walk to the stadium.

Crouch End-A lovely village near Tottenham, this is close to the tubes and has excellent parking to reach the stadium. Not as busy, but a trendy, celebrity filled hood.

The Princess Alexandra

If you’re looking for a place to party before the game, and head to afterwards, consider the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End for your NFL Sunday Funday.

https://princessalexandran8.co.uk/

10 minutes from Finsbury Park station, this lovely local pub is a scant 15 minute bus ride directly to the stadium via the W3 bus.

The pub will be open early so that you can get your pregame burger and beers in, before grabbing the bus directly to the stadium.

After the game, hop back on the bus and your straight to the pub before many of your mates even make it through the queue at the White Hart Lane train station.

Best of all, the pub is open LATE on London game days, so that you can get stuck in to watch the NFL all night on their many TVs.

If you have any other questions about the NFL game at Tottenham, where to stay, or what other things you might need to know about the games, just get in touch!

Stay safe and see you Sunday at the Sports Bar & Grill Clapham, or Old Street.

 

 

2021 Season Schedule

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The official NFL 2021 season Schedule is out, and boy did we guess wrong!
The NFL tickled us with surprise for this year, and what a pleasant surprise it is.

Wade & Ryan talk all about it in our 2021 Season Schedule Podcast.

Using the clues and hints dropped by the NFL, NFLUK and other rambling journos-we had anticipated a late October matchup with the Falcons and AFC opponent.
With the addition of the Jags to the mix, we then thought an NFC opponent would be plucked from the schedule to fill the role.
Given that the NFLUK likes to schedule games on consecutive weekends, we thus concluded the Patriots and Cardinals would be the visiting team at the end of October.
Nope and nope.

So, now we know the following NFL games

Sunday October 10, 2021-2:30pm GMT

NY Jets vs Atlanta Falcons

Sunday October 17th, 2021-2:30pm GMT

Miami Dolphins vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Some great games that we are highly looking forward to.

Among some of the other things the guys discuss in this episode includes.

London Games

When do tickets go on sale? How much are they? Do I need a vaccine?
We don’t know anything about this yet, but will let you know when we do.
Things are looking good Covid-wise for the 2021 London games, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The NFL must be dealing with a logistical nightmare of moving parts, and a myriad of questions.
With a new variant, travel opening up, and vaccination target rates being reached, we are hopeful that everything will go off swimmingly.
Let’s just get through the summer.

Week 1 Games

What are the top games everyone is looking forward to on week 1?
Browns vs Chiefs? Dolphins vs Patriots? Bears vs Rams?
There are loads of tough contests out there to kick off the season, and no one likes to do it with a W.
The ‘odds’ are out for week 1 games, and Ryan wants to make some bets!

Falc-Off

Julio Jones doesn’t seem happy. He’s left off the Atlanta 2021 hype package, and he’s getting less love each year.
Will the Falcons double down on Pitts, or try to make everyone happy?
Falcons need a winning season for any sense of pride.

Sad Pack

Aaron Rodgers wants to break up with Green Bay because they aren’t nice to him. We don’t know what he wants exactly, but he is totally putting the big ‘D’ in the drama here.
After some great NFC dominance the future of the Packers playoff runs could be in jeopardy. (get it?)
Fortunately the Packers brought in the double B in Blake Bortles, who has been spending his free time listening to his name on ‘The Good Place’ reruns.
Green Bay has buckets of talent and primed to actually contend for the title if they are able to make a few deft moves, as well as prime up the locker room motivation.
Thus far, they seem like a family on edge.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) ORG XMIT: WIMG111

Timma!

Tim Tebow is back, and he’s ready to convert! To tight end.
The NFL free agency world went loopy this week at the announcement that Tim Tebow would be returning to the NFL.
Why not Kaep? Why this washed up white boy?
Have some ‘faith’ in Urban Meyer.
Tebow took the 90th and final roster spot to return to a state where he is held as a football ‘God.’
Tebow might jump on a few surprise snaps, but will find himself riding the pines most of this season.
Considering the jump in lumber prices, he might have the most expensive seat in the house.

Have a laugh and a listen to the podcast.
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Football is coming back! Are you ready?