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Ryan’s Midseason Awards

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Ryan Cull is a comedian, writer, husband & Buffalo Bills fan.
All of these things are hard to be
Here are his nominations for the half-way awards.
An awards season for being almost there.

NFL in London Mid Season Awards

MVP – Christian McCaffrey

No one has dominated the NFL and fantasy like Christian McCaffrey. When you see him line up against you during a matchup you might as well go to IKEA because there’s no point watching football this week. With over 800 yards, 10 TD’s and 40 rec he’s on his way to a LaDanian Tomlinson type season. There hasn’t been a white running back producing like this since John Riggins. If he can do it then maybe one day, a white guy can win the 100m in the Olympics.

LVP – Baker Mayfield

The one good thing about living in the UK is that I wasn’t forced to sit through Baker Mayfield commercials all off-season. They are just as awful as the Go Compere Guy I bet. Freddie Kitchens aside, Baker has been a turnover machine, quick tempered with the media, and not getting the ball to Odell. And we all know that a productive Odell is a happy Odell. If Baker doesn’t pick it up in the second half there’s going to be more drama in Cleveland then a Logan Roy Family Thanksgiving.

Rookie of the Year – Josh Jacobs

Member the Daniel Jones hype! I member! That was a fun time, when he was the second coming of Brady and the sure fire ROY. Now having regressed almost weekly, he has opened the door for the most consistent rookie Josh Jacobs. Now 7th in the NFL in rushing with 6 TDS, Josh Jacobs makes Jon Gruden look like a genius, and he needs it after the Clelin Ferrell pick which is looking like a disaster. Jacobs has kept the Raiders relevant in a season where everyone expected them to fall on their face. After the AB debacle and keeping the Raiders at 4-4, maybe Gruden hasn’t lost it!

Fantasy Player of the Year – Lamar Jackson

We will witness another shift in fantasy football next year and it will involve whether you draft Lamar Jackson number 1 overall. It’s now an official debate. A QB who can also run for 1,000 yards is like having a RB who throws 20 TDs. (Now that’s the future of the NFL!) Either way, we should all enjoy Lamar while we can because that reckless playing has never worked long term. But then again, we say Brady can’t keep doing it and look at him! Look at your master and bow down to him!……shit, sorry that was weird. The computer started typing on its own. Let’s move on.

Other Awards

Best Moustache (Or known as the Canadian Mullet) – Gardner Minshew

First Coach Fired Award – Dan Quinn – sorry Mr. Clean, it’s time to get your stain off the Falcons

Biggest Disappointment – The AFC – Get it together guys, it’s embarrassing out there. You are like the East in the NBA. Unwatchable.

Take on Ryan in the $100,000 DraftKings contest.

https://www.draftkings.co.uk/gateway?s=516093044

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Redzone

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What goes on with Scott Hanson?
How is he able to be so zippy fresh each week as he presents NFL Redzone?

Well we pull back the green screen and give you a backstage pass to everyone’s favourite Sunday program.
NFL Films has produced a video that shows exactly what happens every Sunday with Scott Hanson and the Redzone crew.

Did you know that he has NEVER taken a bathroom break on air so far?
What a feat for a champ of a host.

The great thing about Scott is that not only is he amazing at what he does, but he genuinely has a great time doing it.
Who else would be able to do this job?

NFL Redzone first launched in 2009, which means we are now celebrating the 10th anniversary of Scott and co.
Way to go Redzone!
Keep up the good work!

Tegridy

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Sometimes you just need a little Tegridy right Baker?
Maybe if Baker showed a bit more Tegridy, and spent less time shaving-he would be in a better position than he is.

Tegridy is about doing the simple things right.
Doing the work, putting in the effort, getting it done, and smoking a big old bowl of Buddha.
Maybe if Baker played blazed every game, he might not be so frazzled.

And if the NFL doesn’t work out for Baker, he can look at some other options-like Mike Tyson did.
Go out to Nevada, set up a big old cannabis farm, and get into ‘weed-tourism.’
He already looks like Randy Marsh-no time for half measures.

When will the NFL finally allow players to have THc in their systems?
Well, that’s going to take some Tegridy too.

 

Fun in London

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Welcome to London, one of the most amazing cities in the world.
Hope you have some fun stuff planned, but if not-we can help you out.
Sports, culture, iconic spots, food, booze-we got you covered.
You’re here for the Texans vs Jaguars? Or just to feel the NFL vibe of the city?
Here are a few things to help you get your weekend sorted and have some fun.

Rugby World Cup

It’s England vs South Africa-not since the Boer War have we seen such animosity on the rugby pitch.
England knocked off the Kiwis with a solid D that would make the Patriots proud.
South Africa got rid of the pugnacious Welsh team, but England has a solid squad, and the Brexit papers to justify the immigrant core who fill out the team.
Head to a local pub-not a chain. Go out of the way. Meet locals.
It will be a fun game.
England SHOULD win..but if they don’t-look at the score, smile and walk away.

Clocks Up!

And there goes your sleep advantage! The clocks change back in North America as we begrudge ‘lazy farmers’ and their work-ethic traditions. Make sure you know the Texans vs Jags game starts at 2:30pm.

Football

Saturday is football (soccer) so dive in, cheer & do don’t talk politics or teams.
Just don’t. You will look stupid & Brits love taking the piss.
You can try to snag London tickets, but the best is to cosy up to a pub and meet some new folks.
Venture away from central London and hit the local pubs-you meet the coolest people there.
Arsenal are at home, which makes north London a nut punch, & West Ham & Watford play later, so maybe try to get a ticket?
Loads of punters will be WASTED if England win, and wasted & angry if they don’t.
Prepare accordingly.

NCAA Football

So you’re here in LAWN-DAWN and you want to watch college ball? Be patient. It only airs on 2 cable channels here so the pickings is slim.
You can either head to Belushi’s London Bridge (packed) or Bodean’s (closes early).
If you want the BEST way to watch college football, find a friend who has the nicest hotel and convince the staff to open their 24hr bar & put it on BT Sport ESPN.
You will get the games, and if they have more than 1 Sky Box-you will get 2.
You can also find most games on Reddit, just search in.
London bars will not play it, not care if you are missing it.

Fireworks

Hope you don’t have a dog/ war veteran/ recent immigrant from a war-torn country with you, because this weekend gets loud. Rolling up to Guy Fawkes Day, things get pretty boomy in the sky.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night

If you do want to check out some festivities, head north to Ally Pally. You may not get into the Palace fireworks, but pubs in Crouch End, Highgate & Muswell Hill will give you full vantage.

Fireworks lead up to the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day on Nov 5th. Weekends are ripe with blast shows, so make sure you check them out-unless you hate crowds and loud noises.
Then just stay in.

Diwali

It’s the Hindu festival of light, and wow do they light up London. Many of the activities take place around Trafalgar Square, but you can find events & celebrations around the city. Find out why Indian food is the national dish of Britain-it’s AMAZING!
Most of the celebrations are near Trafalgar Square, but it will be hot all around the city. It is one of those places you have to search out, but it’s well worth it.
Try to get in at Dishoom as well. One of the best Indian places in London. You will see massive queues, but once you eat it, you will see why.
www.diwaliinlondon.com

Camden Market/Zoo

Camden Market is crazy on the weekend, & so is the London Zoo. But there is a way to do both in one day without hassle. Want to know how? Book a barge from the locks, prebook a London Zoo ticket and you can explore the market, and get a quick, backway to the zoo.
It’s totally cool.
Camden is a fun daytime place to hang, although it is crazy busy-so venture afoot from the market.
Gets a bit dodgy by the canal at nights-so watch your head.
Ask a pretty face where the party is, and you are guaranteed for a fun night. Head past the stables for late nights. If you’re looking for NFL or sports-no dice.
We aren’t going to give you links.
They don’t pay us, & you’re big enough to Google.

Saturday Night

So you’re heading out, and ready to party in London?
There are loads of areas to go, but surprisingly the best places are around your hotel.
Don’t chase late night venues with clues given by cab drivers-go where the action is, and in many cases it’s close to you.
London loves to drink & do drugs-so be prepared.
Where you go will determine your night.
Buckle in. We will give you a brief allotment of choices based on your being.

Upper Street

One of the coolest walks in London. Between Angel & Highbury & Islington station, there are loads of bars and fun here. The best place for a Sat night out. If you’re looking for the most solid place for food, drinks & fun-just head here.
Just up from the station and moving towards Highbury & Islington is Upper Street, one of the coolest bar strips in London. Amazing venues, cool people, and a fun London vibe.
Angel is your BEST place to have fun on a Saturday night, as well as find late night Sunday fun.
Walk the length of Upper street & you are bound to hit a few bars that pop all night.
Best of all, it’s ‘local’ so it’s not as touristy and dickish.
Late night transport, drunky food & more.

Old Street

Roadtrip Bar & loads of places up Commercial st are open late. Meet some cool people-you might get an all-nighter.You are close to Shoreditch and all of the cool underground venues.
Walk around the side streets and pop into whatever venue peaks your interest. There are so many venues to explore.
Shoreditch high street also has some joints open until the wee hours.

 

Leicester Square

Leicester Square is London’s dumpster fire. While tourist marvel at the pigeons, & M&M store, a darker evil lurks. Pretty much, it’s where gangs and sex traffickers ply their trade and steal your stuff.
The casinos lack the class, size and fun of a US casino, & their sports offering is suspect.
You might lose your wallet/ phone/ identity.
Why bother?
Crobar is fun on a Saturday-that’s the only reason to be there. Bar Italia is also a peach for a 24 venue. Great if you lose your friends and need a place to meet up.
www.crobar.co.uk

Comedy

Want to see some great comedy? Head to Bethnal Green where the Backyard Comedy Club has great shows going on this week. The fabulous American comedian Russel Hicks is doing a set, plus the rest of the line-up is ace. London has more stand-up shows tan NY, LA, & TO combined-find out why comedy is ace here.
The Backyard is in hipster-villa Bethnal Green, so you will find plenty to do after.
backyardcomedyclub.co.uk

Here are some of our top safety tips for London this weekend:

  • The tube is always better-download a tube map.
  • Download Citymapper-it will make your journey easier
  • 90000 people leave Wembley-expect delays-police on horseback, and jammed trains
  • Book ahead-have Uber on your phone & know where you’re going after the game
  • Watch yourself at ATMs-Soho junkies will try to roll you
  • Stay local-if you’re in a cool hood-explore & meet the pub/ people/ vibe
  • London is NOT a 24 hr city-have a plan
  • NEVER get in an unlicensed taxi

Week 9 Picks

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Our man Wade McElwain continues his thunderous week of picks hitting a sweet 10-4 last week and punching his record for the past 6 weeks to 67-23!!!
Are you kidding me 67-23 in 6 weeks of NFL picks?
74% success rate!!
Why are you not following his advice to win big?

Wade breaks down his week 9 picks, with some keen attention to parlays that might be valuable.

Let’s take a look at the big game between the Texans & Jags.

-1.5 Texans (5-3) vs Jaguars (4-4) +47

The banged up Texans are favoured on a Jacksonville home field. While London home field might sound outrageous, the Jags have been coming here for years, and can settle in quickly.
Losing JJ Watt is going to hurt the Texans, who will struggle to contain Leonard Fournette, who looks to have a stellar game.
Deshaun Watson will find targets, but he will back-foot loads of passes due to the pass rush.
I like the Jags here to irk out a home win in the rain.
Jacksonville WIN.

Bears (3-4) vs -5 Eagles (4-4) +42.5

The Bears are hurting. The offensive line sucks, & Trubisky is (rightly) taking the blame for playing like a college QB. He should never have been signed, but here we are. Chase isn’t an option, so find a way to make this check look down the field, check his receivers, and improvise. Run dang it. If we break you, fine. Run the ball kid.
Eagles are running high and will taunt after knocking the Bears out of the playoffs last year.
Bears COVER

Redskins (1-7) vs -10 Bills (5-2) +37

The Bills are 10 point favourites? You kidding me? When have the Bills ever lived up to that hype? Sure, they should easily beat the Redskins, but not by 10.
Washington is starting to get some juice, and a trip up to stank-NY might be what they need to get McLaurin the ball a butt-load of times.
Washington can keep pace as long as Case can keep spreading the ball. The Bills D will force the ball, so they need to stay focused.
Redskins COVER

-1 (5-2) Colts vs Steelers (3-4) +43.5

The Colts struggled a win last week and their 5-2 record might be a bit deceiving. They had an early bye, but haven’t seemed to find that winning formula yet. Will they be able to put together a power team of scoring & solid D?
Not in this game.
Pittsburgh has been crap. It’s like a family going through a divorce, dad lost his job, and mom discovered meth.
But they’re at home, on the field that Heinz built. Beans baby.
Pittsburgh needs to hold onto the ball and move it around the field. Their D has been fast, just negate the run & TE.
Steelers COVER

We have a new functionality coming out with BetRegal, so we hope to be able to offer you bespoke betting options soon.
If you want all of my picks, listen to our podcast.
I break down all of the games and why certain teams will cover or win.
Bet smart, bet Wade-Smart.

Get in touch if you would like to write, or help out with social media!

Here’s the podcast.

Gut Rot

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Ryan Cull relates his DraftKings fantasy experience as a regular player.


WEEK 8 – Go With Your Gut 2 – Gut Rot!

Do you ever have one of those days when you think to yourself “This is a bad day to be a sports fan?” It all started when Wales, once again, couldn’t get over the hump and lost to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals. After the final whistle blew, a chill came through my body, as if all my fantasy hopes and dreams for this week immediately left my body.

I did my usual prep work, checking websites and watching YouTube videos of DFS advice, felt good about some of the bargains I got and was ready to put the rugby behind me. Then came the most depressing six hours of my life. If I could describe it by the hour it would go like this

JACKSONVILLE, FL – JANUARY 07: Fans hold up a sign before the start of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on January 7, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Hour 1 – Jump out to a few early touchdowns, feeling good. And I still have Rodgers to go. And with the Patriots D is like playing with a second quarterback, it’s money in the bank!

Hour 2 – Slowly watching me fall out of contention. A few of the Double Ups are in play, already a million points behind the first algorithm because it somehow knew every player that would score a TD. I wonder if the winner is actually from the future. One week in the future (Stop playing fantasy and go kill baby Hitler!).

Hour 3 – Starting to realise that having to depend on 2 Running Backs over 30, Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy, is not a winning strategy. Each one of them hasn’t even hit their age in points.

Hour 4 – I call this second bottle of wine time! None of my hot picks that I read online about have panned out. All the smart decisions are turning out to be dumb. This is where the five stages of grief kick in. However you experience them much faster.

Hour 5 – You’ve now accepted defeat. Not only have all my fantasy games gone to hell, I’m reading on twitter about how shit the Buffalo Bills are again. This train is never late and it almost always arrives around week 8.

Hour 6 – Fantasy football is stupid. At least I have a baby scan tomorrow so finally some good news! Or will it be, after this run of bad luck I’m starting to worry the Dr. is going to tell me my child is a Patriots fan. Imagine that! Time for my last tube. It was an absolute ass kicking but that’s what fantasy is right, a few moments of joy followed by weeks and weeks of terrible decisions and never ending regret.

You’re gonna have these weeks a few times a year. The good news is, that it’s usually followed by a great, hard earned victory. It’s Gut Check time!

Week 8 Review

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What a week in the NFL.
As we reach the halfway point in the season, some trends are starting to emerge.
The Packers are starting to light up the NFC. The Bears are stinking up the NFC.
Injuries matter, but not as much as Tom Brady.

Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull go over all of the top games from week 8 in the NFL.
Wade went a solid 11-4 in his picks, while Ryan refuses to discuss his picks from the week.
How did you do in your picks?

It’s the final week of the NFL in London, are you going to the game?

Make sure you follow us and subscribe to our YouTube channel so that you don’t miss out on any of the action.

Join us Sunday at the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End.

Listen, subscribe and share.

Rodgers Lover

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This might be the last article I ever get to write for NFL in London because – WARNING – I’m going to say some nice things about Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. I assume many of you will know that Wade, the boss of this here domain, is a huge Chicago Bears fan. Therefore I am walking on eggshells at best by setting out my stall here and saying I’m going to be positive about the Cheeseheads from Wisconsin… but stick with me.

Sunday Night’s win over the Chiefs wasn’t perfect from the Packers’ perspective, but perhaps that’s what made it all the more impressive. The Chiefs often maligned defense was able to pressure and worry Rodgers, and the usually assured scrambler was hit and sacked at a significantly higher rate than the norm, suggesting the Packers’ O-Line protection needs a little bit of work done to it. But Rodgers was able to use his backfield weapons to great effect. Aaron Jones (I love you) & Jamaal Williams (I don’t love you, STOP taking fantasy points away from my Aaron) both found the endzone twice, and ensured that the team bereft of it’s one truly elite receiver – Davante Adams – still managed to score 31 points in one of the NFL’s most intimidating “home field advantage” stadiums. Jones, especially, is a true livewire, as exhibited on his two huge plays in Arrowhead. The pace he showed to break away from the Chiefs’ secondary will terrify most defenses around the league, and when you have Aaron Rodgers making INSANE plays – like the “heave and hope,” over the shoulder pass to Williams in the very back corner of the endzone – you always have more than a chance.

Rodgers has only one black mark on his surefire Hall of Fame resume. He’s only got one title. ONE. Playing for Titletown. The 2010 run to Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers was fairly magical, with the Packers winning 3 road games against the Eagles, the Falcons and the (sorry Wade) aforementioned Bears, en route to the Lombardi Trophy. But that’s been it. Not just one title. One Super Bowl APPEARANCE for Rodgers. Yep. It’s amazing. Admittedly, he’s not always had the best pieces around him, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but the closest he’s come to glory since 2010 is getting blown out in the NFC Championship game in 2016 by Atlanta. Yes, he’s a two-time League MVP, but only having one Super Bowl win, when you’re considered by SOME to be the greatest Quarterback of all time… It doesn’t quite feel right.

On the other hand, there’s another guy out there who is widely considered the GOAT, who seems to be blazing his annual trail straight back to the Super Bowl in his search for his SEVENTH Championship and the destruction of the planet as we know it. Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr & The New England Patriots. Brady’s run is almost the antithesis of Rodgers’. Brady has usually been supported by a solid team, whilst Rodgers has often had to make more than the sum of the parts around him. Brady can also be glad for the elite coaching staff he’s always had alongside him, and therefore the ability to be good enough in the regular season to almost guarantee home field advantage for his yearly hunt for gold. Since 2008, Brady has played in just THREE true road playoff games. Interestingly, he has a 1-2 record in those games, with the only win being that travesty against the Chiefs last year. And before I hear ONE COMPLAINT from Patriots’ fans, that pre-snap penalty saved you and was an absolute travesty. Ugh. So he’s actually beatable if you can drag him away from Foxborough. He’s just too good to let that happen often. Ugh again. Anyway, basically Brady hasn’t even had to be that good this year so far because the Patriots defense is absolutely mauling all teams unlucky enough to be put in front of them. Seriously, “lambs to the slaughter” comes to mind every time I watch a team try to score against them. But the point is, Brady is rolling towards another AFC Championship game, without really breaking much of a sweat.

But IF the Patriots make it to the big one again this year… could it be Rodgers waiting for him? The NFC is seemingly stacked with very viable teams, but Green Bay – who for once have a defense to support Rodgers – could be the one. We’ve only ever seen Rodgers vs Brady twice (1 win each for the record, don’t all great things come in threes?!), but wouldn’t it be poetic to see these two face off for the biggest prize in North America? There would be a LOT of conflicted people who wouldn’t know who to cheer for… but it might just end up being that way. What a spectacle it would be. Maybe Brady vs Rodgers on the biggest stage in American sports is what we truly deserve… Or worse… maybe it’s what we all secretly want.

Callum Squires
@callumjdsquires

Week 8 Vodcast

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It’s another big game in London, as the LA Rams look to feast upon the lowly Cincinnati Bengals.
Will they find another way to skin a cat?
Probably.

Wade McElwain & Ryan Cull break down the games in a lovely video of our podcast.

They chat about the London NFL games, the frustrations of Mitchell Trubisky, chicken wings, bbq, a new betting service called Bet Prophet, DraftKings, and much more.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet?
You should!

See you Sunday!

NCAA Saturday

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So you want to watch college football on Saturday, but where are you going to watch it?
In short-no where.
The UK isn’t big into college sports, and NCAA football would be the least likely thing on their agenda, but there are a few places that will show the games.
So we’re here to help.
There is a selection of games on BTSport/ ESPN- so if you are in a pub or hotel, you can always find the games on that channel (Sky 434).

Football

Football is Saturday in England, and you have zero chance of a pub turning on the game for ‘American Football.’
There is a 5:30 match between Burnley and Chelsea, so that is going to go on until 7:30.
You might be able to catch the 8:30 games at some places.

Princess Alexandra

Crouch End’s own sports bar will be showing college football as well as the ‘soccer.’
They will switch to both NCAA games after the conclusion of the Chelsea game.
Which match do you want to watch? Just talk to the bar & they can help you out.

https://princessalexandran8.co.uk

Bodean’s

This BBQ joint is usually packed at most of its Saturday locations. They will be showing football at most of the locations, but if you ask nicely-you might get them to switch it on.
Best chances for this would be the Soho, and Old Street locations.
You may not get sound on, so be prepared.
bodeansbbq.com

Belushi’s-London Bridge

This place traditionally shows NCAA football in a sporadic manner. Sometimes it’s on, sometimes not. They will generally book in large groups, so you might have trouble getting a table. It is always busy-so get there early if you want to get a table.
Not sure what games they will show.
www.belushis.com/bars/london/london-bridge

Hotel Bars

If you have a big group of people with you, and you’re staying in a hotel..try the bar!
Hotels love to take care of their guests, so they will go out of their way to accommodate.
As the concierge to set it up, and get them to switch to the BT Sport channels on Sky.
Good thing about hotels, is that their own bars will stay open late.
Enjoy the games!