NFL in London

National Football League in London

london NFL games

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. 

Santa’s Slay

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What a wild wicked week in the NFL as COVID, injuries, winter and Christmas all had a kick at the league.

Could things get worse for week 16? Who knows?
Hold my beer, as Wade & Ryan break down their week 16 picks in this Santa’s Slay podcast.

If you’ve made it thus far in your fantasy season, congrats!
If you’re already out of your league, no worries…you have another 10 months until the season kicks off again.

Among some of the games Wade & Ryan look at in this podcast, includes:

Browns (7-7) vs -8 Packers (11-3) +44.5

Cleveland steams into week 16 with loads of of issues and plenty of room to screw up.
Baker’s play has been as bad as his acting, with the Browns struggling to make anything happen in another dismal year.

Aaron Rodgers is on his farewell toe tour, watching his MVP chances slip away the more airtime that he gives to Pat Mcafee.
Despite all of this, Rodgers keeps the Packers in the hunt, only to eventually tank in the NFC championship.

A-Aron should continue his winning ways here, as the Browns have been a stinky butthole all season.

Ryan and Wade both think that 8 points is a bit of stretch given that the Browns have quite a few players returning form injury.

Ryan-Packers 26 Browns 23
Wade- Packers 28 Browns 24

-3 LA Rams (10-4) vs Vikings (7-7) +49.5

The Rams continue to trudge towards the playoffs, losing players to COVID and injury along the way. Stafford is trying to carry the team on his bad back, but it’s the defence that has been providing the glue in the tight games.

The Vikings are pains in the butts for many teams. Despite not being good enough to go all the way, they are good enough to play havoc with some of the better teams in the league.
They have enough talent to rip seams in the fabric of better teams, and ruin their chances of spotless playoff play.

Wade is big on the Vikes on this one, as they always play games close, and add a bit of flavour to the proceedings.
Ryan agrees with Wade’s passionate prediction, making both guys big on Minnesota on Sunday.

Wade- Vikings 30 Rams 28
Ryan- Vikings 30 Rams 27

Bills (8-6) vs Patriots -2.5 (9-5) +43.5

Weather this game will be close or not, should be down to the wind, after the last contest was a freeze out.

Mac Jones was perfect in his 3 passes, as Bill Belichick continues to lead penalty free football into the post season. The Patriots will be lucky to face the same Buffalo team, who started to adapt to Bellicose Bill in the second half.

Buffalo needs this win like a wing needs sauce. Dry rubbing their skin into the playoffs isn’t a good idea, as they continue to slide down the ranks of playoff potential.

Ryan is big on Buffalo this weekend, and has all the faith in Josh Allen to thwart the pugnacious Pats in a tight Sunday.
Wade agrees, and thinks this the chance for Buffalo to right the ship into the clear harbour.

Ryan-Bills 24 Patriots 20
Wade- Bills 21 Patriots 18

Sports Bar & Grill

Ditch your family this weekend and join us at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street and Clapham to watch all the games.

While the pubs will be closed on Christmas Day, they will be open bright and early Boxing Day for you to get your butts into seats.

Soccer will be on during the day, giving way to the glorious NFL games kicking off at 1pm.

Book your seats in here!

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

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

 

 

Sweet Week 16

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We’re hitting that time of the Christmas holidays where we start to lose track of days. 

Has Santa come yet? Was I good? Is COVID still a thing? Is it too early to drink? Is it too early to be drunk?
So many questions, and not enough answers.
Luckily, we are headed into a Sweet Week 16 of games.

Week 15 came in like unwanted holiday in-laws, making a big production and staying way longer than anticipated.
‘Get the heck out 15, I’ve got playoffs and Fantasy Pool playoffs on tap.
Stop bothering us with your nonsense.’

That nonsense is once again COVID, which crashed through the NFL party table like a member of the Bills Mafia, and looks ready to make another run at the table.
Go home COVID, you’re drunk!

Week 15 taught us a lot of other things like…

-Tom Brady acts like a little bitch when you shut him out

-Jared Goff can still ball…it just takes 15 weeks to warm up.

-The Packers look to chump out of the NFC race despite leading it

-The Bears still suck

-The Bills are contenders…just not winners.

Luckily, we have some great games on tap for Week 16 in the NFL.
Among some of the more exciting things we are looking forward to for these matches is:

Boxing Day

Boxing Day in Britain is a historic occasion of sport, ever since Kris Kringle knocked out Neville Chamberlain in the 30s’. 

Brits get up early to shake off that Crimbo hangover, and heading down to the pub for an afternoon of sport. 

Luckily this year, the NFL is also rocking loads of Boxing Day games.
If you’re joining us at the Sports Bar & Grill Clapham or Old Street, make sure you book a table now so that you can watch the games on your own screen!

TNF

Thursday Night Football is a tough one for us Brits, as the games don’t kick off until 1:20am, with a slumbering finish of around 4am.
It’s the holidays and you have our COVID pass to stay at home, and watch this great TNF match on week 16. 

The Titans host the fast moving San Francisco 49ers, who have been chunking up wins a plenty over the past few weeks, positioning them to be 3.5 point faves for the game. 

The Derek Henry-less Titans are going that he makes a return, and allows them to continuing to punish other teams with the run, given that their wide receiver corps has been blown out by injuries. 

Christmas Games

The Green Bay Packers host a dilapidated Cleveland Browns team on Christmas Day for a 9:30pm GMT game. 

The Packers opened the line as 8 point favourites, which seems fair given that the Browns were missing most of their defence in a Monday Night loss to the Raiders. 

Aaron Rodgers will be sure to point out his turf toe en route to tossing 4 TDS and taking advantage of another team ripped apart during this season 

Another great Christmas game sees the Colts visiting the Arizona Cardinals, who have a home favourite line of 1.5 points.
Kyler and the boys took a beating at the hands last week of the lowly Dee-Troy-it Lions.
The Lions. 

Indianapolis rolled over the Patriots in Week 15, and it seems likely that Jonathan Taylor will have another big Christmas Day of Ho Ho Ho’ing. 

NFL Boxing Day

Loads of great games on tap for Week 16 Boxing Day games.
Put on your jammie pants, crack some morning beers, or join us in London! 

Some of the key game we are looking at includes: 

Lions vs Cardinals

The Lions are high on pride after an upset win over the top seeded Cardinals in Week 15. They look to take a bite out of Atlanta Falcons who are favoured at home in this contest by 4. 

Is Jared Goff enough? The way his team is playing…yes!

Ravens vs Bengals

The battle of the AFC North reaches its pinnacle on Sunday, as the Bengals host the Ravens in an early afternoon game.
The Ravens enter Week 16 as 2.5-point underdogs with the moneyline currently listed at about +120. Odds from https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/

This will be a massive game with big implications, and both teams will need to play off their heads to grab the division lead. 

A healthy Lamar Jackson can change a game with his feet, and how about the hot slinging JT Huntley?
This game will be epic!

Bills vs Patriots

Belichick will be channeling the dark force, as he hopes to snag a divisional win against the struggling Buffalo Bills. 

Buffalo fans will be nervously watching this one, and sending as much bad karma Boston’s way all day. 

The Patriots opened the line as 2.5 point favourites at home. 

Steelers vs Chiefs

The battle for the AFC isn’t as illustrious as it once was, as Pittsburgh slumps away from the post season with a limp Big Ben. 

Patrick Mahomes isn’t as flash as he was in previous years, but is till hoping he can make some home magic despite losing Travis Kielce in this contest. 

Sports Bar Action

If you’re looking to watch these week 16 games, feel free to join us at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street and Clapham Junction. 

It will be a busy weekend of sport ahead, so make sure that you book your table, so that you can watch the games on your own TV. 

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

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

Stay safe, stay sane, and bless the NFL!

Nov News-1

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November is here in the NFL, which means injuries, struggles and of course the big Thanksgiving games at the end of the month.

If you’re an NFL fan in the UK, November brings not only the end of the London games, but also the start of fireworks season.
Anyone with a dog knows what ghoulish hell Fireworks Night can be as a dog owner.

Of course the NFL keeps chugging along with incredible story lines, which we will touch on here in our Nov News 1.

Rugg Pulling

Henry Ruggs has had his NFL career and life of freedom curtailed this week, after killing someone while drunk driving.

Ruggs had left a Las Vegas TopGolf in the wee hours of the morning to hop in his flashy Corvette while intoxicated only to crash into another vehicle, killing one of the occupants.

This is just sad all around not only for the families who lost, but also for the promising career of a young man.

The Las Vegas Raiders were quick to release Ruggs, who will most likely never play in the NFL ever again now that he is facing two felony charges for the accident.

It doesn’t get any easier for this Vegas team.

https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/32538903/las-vegas-raiders-release-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-fatal-crash

Miller Time

The LA Rams just got a whole heck of a lot better after signing veteran Von Miller to their D.

Miller is a short-sighted beast on D, whose ageing presence will add much to the LA dynamic and pass rush ability.

Rumour has it that Miller wanted out of the Broncos because may of his team members had refused to contribute towards an annual Halloween party.

Miller has allegedly decided to host the party to help motivate the team after a series of losses, then became angry once his teammates refused to contribute financially.

What a petty way to lose an integral part of the team!

At least Von Miller will be able to party his way into the playoffs, something the Broncos won’t see for years.

Jets Down

Mike White the hero of the Jets?

It seems that way after the nobody White was able to lead his J-E-T-S to a crazy upset victory over the Bengals on Sunday.

Zach Wilson is failing to impress, as the Jets continue to suck on the tailpipe of the NFL for another season.

How about this bettor who thought Mike White would lead the league in Week 8?

Nice bet!

OBJ Sr

Odell Beckham Jr’s daddy is mad at Baker, and drama ensues.

Baker and the Browns have been more like Turd Ferguson’s this year than anything else, as Mayfield struggles every week to check the ball down field.

Beckham Sr finally had enough this week, throwing blades that Baker was ruining his sons career.

Beckham’s career has been ‘ok’, although you still get the feeling he is living off of that one amazing catch a decade ago.

OBJ probably has another good couple years to go, just not with the Browns.

Aaron Wick

Ego puffing Aaron Rodgers continues to let everyone know it’s ‘his year’, and to ‘look at me’, despite not having held a trophy in over a decade.

Rodgers revealed this week that the reason he had been growing his hair long for the past 7 months, was for his Halloween costume!

The guy can’t commit to his team or a fiancee, but he he has the dedication to prepare his fancy dress outfit way ahead of other priorities.

Class act all the way! 

DeSean Nothing

Veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson had enough with the winning ways of the LA Rams, and wanted out.

With all the passes going the way of Kupp and Woods, Jackson decided he would test his market strength by demanding a trade away from the Super Bowl contender Rams.

It didn’t work out so well for DeSean, as no team has come to his rescue, and it looks like he will sit out the rest of the season.

If you’re going to call someone’s bluff, make sure you have a good hand.

Week 9 London

Join us this week for some of the great games at our partner venues across the city.

Sports Bar and Grill Old Street is open until 12:30am, while the Sports Bar and Grill Clapham is open until 11pm.

See you Sunday!

 

Week 8 Preview

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We’re almost halfway through the 2021 season! Where did it all go?

Ryan is back from Canada, as the guys look ahead to their Week 8 Preview podcast.

The London games might be over, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still put on great events every Sunday!
Join us at either the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, or Clapham so that you can watch all the games on their own TV.
Make sure you book a table now!

Among some of the other things that Wade and Ryan talk about in this episode of the podcast.

Fall Back

The clocks wind back at 2am on Oct 31st, allowing British fans more of an NFL witching hour.

NFL games in the UK will start at 5pm and 8:20pm for Week 8, so make sure that you kick out any relatives, and turn off any soccer that might get in your way.

The Sunday Night Game airs at a respectable 12:30 am Monday morning, which means you can still catch the game and get a good nights rest.

Work from home! You have our permission.

Watt-Age

The broken toy that is JJ Watt finally collapsed into a heap after another season of crippling injuries.

This isn’t the first time that Watt had to limp away from an NFL season due to injury, but with the amount of problems that JJ has been piling on his body, the finish line for his career must surely be in site.

Deshaun Watson

Watson looks like he might be cleared to be traded, but what doe that really mean in NFL terms?

While Deshaun has yet to be formerly charged (with anything), civil and criminal lawsuits are widely different in terms of the way that they are handled.

The NFL could clear him to play, then suddenly decide he needs to sit out 8 games for effrontery to the league.

Whatever the situation ends up being, the biggest loser here is Tua.

Here are some of the games that Wade and Ryan chat about in this episode of the podcast.

Eagles (2-5) -3 vs Lions (0-7)  +48.5

Dan Campbell might be the best 0-7 coach in the NFL right now, but that’s not much of a distinction given how bad Jared Goff and the Lions are playing right now.
The only thing that Detroit has going for it is the running game, but how can that last when it faces the pressure every week.

Jalen Hurts is an unappreciated QB as well, putting up big fantasy numbers every week despite the Eagles not being able to stay competitive. They have been close in good games, and beaten in bad ones. Philly does seem to be figuring it out however, with the team staying competitive in most matches.

Ryan thinks that Dan Campbell and the Lions will get their first win of the season here but stuffing out the Phily squad. He likes Goff and the boys to thwart the birds in their pursuit of a win in Michigan.

Wade likes Jalen and the guys to get it down in Motown. The Lions lost an emotional game against Matt Stafford last week, despite throwing every trick play they could at them.

Ryan-Lions 24 Eagles 17
Wade- Eagles 30 Lions 23

Steelers (3-3) vs Browns (4-3)  -3.5  +42.5

Bloated Big Ben is slowly easing his way out of what looks to be his final season.
There’s no more zip on that ball, and his O line is barely able to protect him and the running game on each drive.

Cleveland has been stuck in quicksand this season, slowly realising that Baker might not be the best chef in the kitchen to move this team forward. The Browns D and O line carries more of load than the rest of the team.

Ryan is betting on Big Ben and the running game to stick it to the flopping Browns, riding their bye week to a big W against a division rival.

Wade thinks that the Browns still have too much talent on D to rattle Ben and that shaky O line.
Chubb is back, and that’s all they’ll need to stick it to the Steelers.

Ryan- Steelers 24 Browns 20
Wade- Browns 26 Steelers 18

That’s it for some of our picks for Week 8, make sure you listen to the whole podcast to get all of our tips and predictions.

Sports Bar Old Street and Clapham are the place to be this Sunday for all the NFL games.
Make sure you book a table now to avoid disappointment!

See you Sunday!