NFL in London

National Football League in London

Minnesota Vikings

Picks Six-Wildcard Weekend

by

Welcome back to another edition of The Picks Six-Wildcard Weekend-the first postseason edition!! It’s SUPER WildCard Weekend, which means we’ve got back to back triple headers this weekend. 6 games, 2 days, a PLETHORA of storylines… What does that recipe equal? Chaos. And chaos… is a ladder. 

The playoff picture was murky up until the last minute, when Doug Pederson and the Eagles left all people with a logical brain (or a bet on the Eagles to win… like me) DISGUSTED with their Sunday Night Antics. I don’t want to go on about it, but it was absolutely shameful and I feel really sorry for the New York Giants coaches and players who gave it everything to win their game, believing they had a chance to make the playoffs. They did not. The Eagles coaches had zero intention of ever winning that game. It’s shameful. Jalen Hurts deserves better. Anyway… If we get half of THAT controversy this weekend, we’re in for a treat. 

Game Picks (Regular Season Record: 95-45)

Saturday 

Colts @ Bills 

Josh Allen and his offense are steamrolling their way into the Playoffs. A comfortable cut above the rest of the AFC East, they dispatched the FitzMagic-less Dolphins last weekend – resting their starters for the second half – and are sauntering into their first home playoff game in a loooooong time with confidence sky high. The Stefon Diggs trade is one of the best pieces of business done in this league in a while, and what the Bills lack in an explosive running back they make up for in their mobile maverick quarterback. On the other side of the ball… one of my least favourite teams in the league this year. I’m sorry, but I’m not really sorry. I’ve never had much love for Phil Rivers – trash talking aside – and their intensely boring mix of stout defense and 3.5 yards per carry run game is one of my least favourite mixtures in the NFL. The Colts have been inconsistent with their ability to score points offensively, and that’s not a good thing against a Bills defense that started slow but has picked up steam in the last month. As much as I believe in this Bills team, this pick is also personal preference influenced. #BillsMafia: enjoy your home game. You’ll have another one next weekend.

Pick: BILLS

Rams @ Seahawks

If the opportunity to see Jalen Ramsey vs DK Metcalf again wasn’t enough, the subscript to this game is just so tasty. Will Aaron Donald regret saying “that’s exactly what we wanted” when he was told the Rams were travelling to Seattle after their victory over Arizona last weekend? Will Pete Carroll let Russ continue to cook!? Will Jared Goff play? Could John Wolford pull off a miracle two weeks in a row? It’s all set to be WILD. And yet, for me, the most important player on the field on Saturday I haven’t even mentioned yet. I still cannot fathom why Seattle refuses to FEED Chris Carson the ball. He’s so explosive. Seattle’s offensive line can create holes for him and he has the ability to make the most of them. IF – and it’s a big if considering the Rams’ defensive line – Seattle can establish the run and control the game at their own pace, I think the Seahawks have everything they need to dispatch LA back to their home and move on to the Divisional weekend. With the question marks over Jared Goff’s thumb remaining, I can’t in good conscience pick the Rams this weekend. There are more ways Seattle can win. Even if they don’t do as I’ve advised (lean on Chris Carson), they can still win this game if MVP-level Russell Wilson shows up, which is always possible. The Rams HAVE to have their defense play to the best of their ability, and hope Kupp and Woods can make enough plays to get them some points. I’m choosing to ride with the path with the most options. 

Pick: SEAHAWKS

Buccaneers @ Washington

I’m going to keep this one short. I’ve never been a Tom Brady fan. I’m still not. I hate the New England Patriots… and yet… NEVER in my life would I be stupid enough to say “Tom Brady I’m coming,” a whole week before I had to face TB12 in the playoffs. If you think Tom didn’t see Chase Young’s sentiment… and hasn’t been religiously watching game film… think again. I have been loud and proud all season about how this Washington team are frauds and I believe they will be exposed as such this weekend, as they would and SHOULD have been last weekend, had Jalen Hurts been allowed to finish the job. Tom Brady is going to annihilate Washington. *Insert joke about a “Brady happy to see a leaky defense in Washington for the second time this week” here.* Don’t think I’ve forgotten who you campaigned for, Tom. Abhorrent. Enjoy this weekend before Aaron Rodgers shuts you down next Sunday.

Pick: BUCCANEERS

Sunday

Ravens @ Titans

This game is the biggest revenge game I’ve seen for a while. The last two times these two teams have faced off, the Titans have run the ball down Baltimore’s throat and sent them packing empty handed. Mike Vrabel and John Harbaugh almost came to blows pre-game before the regular season matchup that went back and forth before Derrick Henry walked it off in OT. The biggest criticism of Lamar Jackson is his record in the playoffs. I think that’s unfair; his incredible regular season record contains some losses as well. It’s just bad luck. Lamar will shine in the playoffs eventually, I’m just not convinced it’ll be this weekend… Yeah, the Titans defense is questionable at best… but if you have Derrick Henry running like he is, and Ryan Tannehill throwing to AJ Brown like he is, you have to feel good about your ability to put up points. I think this game is the biggest toss up of the weekend. This could go in so many directions, but I think it’ll be tight and probably come down to a late game drive one way or the other. The Ravens offense has woken up of late, with Hollywood Brown finding the endzone with consistency and JK Dobbins looking like one of the steals of last year’s draft. All that said… I think I’m sticking with Tennessee. This game is must-see however, whichever way it ends.

Pick: TITANS

Bears @ Saints

I can’t trust Mitch Trubisky to beat this Saints defense. I just can’t. David Montgomery has found a groove and the smartest thing the Bears could do on Sunday afternoon would be to lean heavily on their run game and try and get it going early. Brees is surely still some way short of 100%, but with their running backs on track to be back this week, the Bears linebackers are going to have to try and deal with “Mr 6” Alvin Kamara. The Bears defense could keep this close, but I think the Saints have enough weapons to pull away late. I can’t see the Bears offense having enough firepower to win this game. It’s gotta be NOLA.

Pick: SAINTS

Browns @ Steelers

The Cleveland Browns HAVE NOT won a single game in Pittsburgh in 17 years. S-E-V-E-N-T-E-E-N YEARS. Big Ben has NEVER lost at home to the Browns. Kevin Stefanski – likely Coach of the Year – is unable to coach due to COVID protocols. Alex Van Pelt is the play caller, for the first time in his NFL career. The Browns are the perennial losers and underdogs of the AFC North. The Steelers are the Championship pedigree empire. EVERYTHING about this game says “Thanks for coming, Cleveland, but the road ends here.” AND YET – that’s exactly why I think the Browns will win this game. Sometimes “it’s just meant to be” is the truth. Baker Mayfield has led the Browns to the promised land of the playoffs. I think the boost that gives this franchise, and the motivation of having their coaches out, and you’re playing your biggest rivals, and your rivals have been insulting you all week (JuJu said “the Browns are the Browns,” to suggest there was nothing different about their current crop of talent)… I am all in on the Browns bandwagon. Chubb, Hunt, Landry, Higgins, Hooper… TO THE MOON. Shake and Baker. Dawg Pound – you’re getting a win.

Pick: BROWNS

Parlay 

Using the above picks, this is my parlay for the weekend:

Titans -6.5

Seahawks -3.0

Buccaneers -6.5

Titans +3.5

Saints -9.5

Browns to win.

Depending on your bookmaker, £10 on this parlay pays around £620.

We’ll reunite here next week as we welcome the de facto 1 and 1A in the MVP race into the dance. Enter stage right: Mahomes and Rodgers. And here… we… go… Anyway, I hope you’re all staying safe and sane in the midst of this insane start to 2021. Fingers cross we can relax and enjoy a good time on this SUPER WILDCARD weekend. As ever, I’m @CallumJDSquires on Twitter and Instagram. Come say hey. Have a good one everyone.

Callum Squires is an ardent Dolphins fan, and a good friend of NFL in London. 

London Throwback

by

With the 2020 NFL season almost done and dusted, we thought we would hit you with a bit of nostalgia, as we give you a London Throwback video.

The year was 2018. Trump was still president, the youth were still glued to their phones, Corona was still a watered down Mexican beer, and we could watch the NFL in public.
Oh what a time to be alive!

This game would be later known as the ‘Minneapolis Miracle’, for an incredible game which saw the Minnesota Vikings come back after being down to the New Orleans Saints.
Those of us gathered in a former London casino in the wee hours of a cold January night were in for a treat of a game.
Who could forget the heroics of a certain Case Keenum  who took over from Sam Bradford & Teddy Bridgewater to mount a comeback against the plucky play of Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.

The last play brought with it a ‘Buffalo Right-Seven Heaven’ which saw Case toss the ball to a leaping Stefon Diggs who would go on to score.
Marcus Williams would go on to be a 2018 meme for his missed tackle, and last efforts that saw the Vikings move on.

Where were you for the Minneapolis Miracle? Did you join us at the casino to watch the game? Who was the guy at the end screaming at Saints fans? Did you happen to say hi to Cecil?

The NFL is better when we can all watch it with you! We look forward to that potential in 2021.

Stay safe, sane and have a happy new year everyone!

Week 16 Memes

by

Eesh, what a week it was in the NFL. To honour some of the odd games we experienced, we have collected and collated the best Week 16 Memes out there.
For those of you who were eliminated from your fantasy pool-we feel you.
If your team is struggling for that last playoff spot, we here you.
If you are a Jets fan complaining how you lost Trevor Lawrence, screw you.
Stop being a baby.

Week 14 Draftkings

by

Get your fantasy on! As we take a look at some of the great value picks to grab in our Week 14 Draftkings tips.
For many fantasy fans, your season long pool will be heading to the playoffs as the 2020 NFL is inching behind us.
How did you do? Anyone go undefeated this year?

We here at NFL in London are already making plans for a bigger fantasy offering for 2021, luckily we have been contacted by a few parties to make this do-able for 2021.
Watch this space.

Here are some of the top picks to consider for your week 14 DraftKings fantasy NFL lineup. Please join our Draftkings League so that you can play along with us every week.

QBs

Justin Herbert $6800

Fresh off of having his face stuffed by Bill Belichick and the Patriots, Herbert and the boys will be looking for revenge on Sunday after that egg that they laid. Luckily for Justin, he’ll be facing a Falcons squad that not only knows how to squander points, but also leads. Atlanta won’d have the men to cover all of those speedsters and stop the run, so this one could be a beauty upset.

Aaron Rodgers $7500

Rodgers is having an incredible year, and this week his team takes on the points-gushing Detroit Lions. Rodgers and Adams will light it up intros game, while Aaron Jones takes it to the house a few times. He might be a bit pricey, but you know he will put up the points.

RBs

Jonathan Taylor $5800

Taylor has been having a great rookie season, except when the Colts decide to run Hines right into the scrum. Taylor has an easy match against a Raiders squad who allowed over 200 rushing yards last week to a nobody. Taylor should feast on Las Vegas.

JD McKissic $4900

With Antonio Gibson out for Sunday, that leaves the rough and tough McKissic as the number one RB. This veteran should have no problem following his stout O-line for big gains against the 49ers. He’s a steal for under $5k.

WRs

Mike Williams $4700

Not the top guy on the team, but still pulls in loads of catches with an FPPG of 10.9, which is pretty good for under $5k. Herbert will be playing pissed, and tossing the ball around to everyone. Williams should be able to grab 50+ yards in this one.

Devante Adams $9300

Hey big spender! Looking to grab the priciest player in week 14? Look no further than Aaron Rodgers favourite toy. At $9300 he could break your bank if you want a fully balanced team, but if he scores 40+ points, it doesn’t really matter does it?

TEs

Rob Gronkowski $4800

Gronk has steadily becoming TB12s favourite 3rd down target. Gronk runs the Redzone slant that they used in New England constantly, so it’s not hard to see them connecting a few times in this game. With Tampa coming off of a bye week, they should be ready to score mega points.

Logan Thomas $3300

Another Washington player? This kid has speed, big hands, and a good blocking body, so it’s hard not to choose him for under $3500. Alex Smith will not be going deep on the 49ers squad, so look to Thomas for short yard gains.

DEF

Giants $2600

The New York Giants defence has been playing some dang good football lately. Smelling a chance at the playoffs, the Giants D will be harassing Kyler Murray constantly, something that he hates. If the Giants follow the roadmap to beating the Cardinals as set out in previous weeks, we could see Arizona losing yet another game.

NFL in London League

Want to play DraftKings with us every week? Just join our DraftKings League, and you too could play along with us every week.
Just click here and you can play for FREE or in PAID contests every week.
We also play more than NFL once the season is done.
https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

Good luck this week!

Callum’s Week 14

by

We’ve finally made it!! No more bye weeks!! Hallelujah. We’re really into the home straight of the season now, as the playoff picture gets ever clearer… except in the NFC East perhaps. The Rams strengthened their hold on the NFC West last night, and in doing so may have ended the dream for the Cam Newton-led Patriots team. It looks like Bill Belichick will be missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and the first time they won’t have a 10 win season since 2002. You really have to feel sorry for them right? (Spoiler – No, you really really don’t)… Anyway, after the Steelers’ inexplicable defeat to Washington (I still hate them) last week, the #1 seeds in both conferences are still in play, and only really the Packers, Saints and Chiefs appear to have their divisions all wrapped up. So much could change this week, and we’ve got a couple of GREAT PrimeTime games that we’ll discuss later. Here we go!

1st and Goal from the 1yd Line

This is my nailed on – has to happen – pick of the week. 

Last week, I wrote this about the Las Vegas Raiders: “What do you want when you’ve had a horrible loss the previous week? To face the New York Jets this week. That’s the right answer.” 

Now ADMITTEDLY it was a lot closer than it should have been, and were it not for Gregg Williams being either desperate to get fired or desperate to secure Trevor Lawrence for the Jets, the Raiders should have lost. However, now that the Jets have failed to successfully use their “almost win a game card,” you have to believe they’ll be fully committed to the tank.

So THIS WEEK we have to ride with Seattle. The Giants shut them down for some reason, and long gone are the “Russ for MVP” takes that everyone – myself included – were peddling in early October. However, I think they get back on the right track this week. Jamal Adams is going to be out for blood, and I think all things considered we get a pretty pissed off Seahawks team coming out here. Chris Carson running angry, DK Metcalf catching angry, Pete Carroll coaching angry… I see no chance the Seahawks don’t retaliate fiercely this week. And the Jets won’t mind a bit.

Seahawks to win.

45yd Field Goal

So the Seahawks just decided to forget how to play offense against the Giants last week sadly… this week, we’ve got a double, two slight underdogs, built around one team I believe in, and one team I’m just not buying.

Browns +2.0 & Raiders +3.0

Cleveland – in my opinion – are for real. No OBJ and still putting up 38 points in the first half against the Titans. Baker looked GREAT last weekend and their defense largely held Derrick Henry in check. If you can stop the run, you can have success against the Ravens. The Cowboys couldn’t do it… but the Browns can. Myles Garrett is ready for battle. Lamar is not the same Lamar as last season. I think Cleveland wins this game outright to solidify it’s playoff status, but I’ll gladly take the +2.0 for some safety and leeway. 

Equally, Indianapolis – in my opinion – are not for real. I think their defense is very very good, but Phil Rivers and the offense cannot be trusted. They should have lost to the Texans last week. I think Carr, Waller and the speed merchants on the outside for Vegas can cause them problems down the field. I like Vegas +3.0 for sure. I think the Colts fall behind the Titans in the race for the AFC South again, as the Raiders keep their playoff hopes alive with a win here. 

TD Treble

We went 2-1 last week, with Gesicki and Carson getting their scores but sadly TJ Hockenson failing to find the EndZone… This week we’re leaning on one breakout star, and two established Vets.

CeeDee Lamb – Dallas’ star rookie had a quieter game last week, but has developed a nice connection with QB Andy Dalton. I think the Bengals will zone in on Amari Cooper, leaving CeeDee plenty of space to work. He could repeat that incredible catch he had against the Vikings a few weeks back. CeeDee is going to be a big player in this league for years and years to come.

DeAndre Hopkins – I’m backing the Cardinals to get back on track this weekend, so I have to back their star receiver to find the EndZone again too. DHop has been stifled a bit as Kyler has struggled over the past few weeks, but not this week. The Giants don’t have anyone who can cover Nuk. Hopkins to score.

Michael Thomas – Thomas’ injury ravaged season is finally starting to get going. Thomas has built a decent repertoire with Taysom Hill in his first few starts with the Saints. He’s so good at getting open, he has to have a good chance of scoring, even when he’ll likely draw shadow coverage from Darius Slay. 

£10 on this treble pays about £160 depending on your bookmaker. At this price, I think this treble is well worth it.

If you don’t like the above options, I think Derrick Henry & Aaron Jones are equally good options, but with considerably shorter odds.

The Overs

Over 49.5 – Falcons @ Chargers – This is THE ultimate Choke-Off. I don’t know what would be more perfect than this game ending in a tie. Who knows. All I do know is that neither of these defenses are good. Points everywhere, for everyone. The Chargers need to rediscover their mojo following the embarrassment against New England, and I expect them to do so. The Falcons won’t have Julio, but will have Gurley, who will lend some balance to their offense. They also have a kicker who can make any kick on the field. Younghoe Koo has to be the Falcons’ MVP this year. You see that video of him hitting a Field Goal whilst doing a backflip?! I like that. I also like points in this game.

Over 43.0 – Saints @ Eagles – This is a risky one, as the Saints D shut down our over bid against the Falcons last week, but Philly HAS to try and win this one to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs. It’s Jalen Hurts’ first start in the NFL… so it could be AWFUL. BUT he looked good in relief of Wentz last week, and NEARLY brought them back into the game against the Packers. I still see the Saints winning this game, but I think Hurts is good enough to get the Eagles 20+ points… that should be enough to hit the over in this game. 

The Parlay

Who felt like an idiot last Sunday after backing the Chargers? Yep, me. I did. Also, heartbreak for the Texans fumbling at the 1… madness. Let’s reload:

Cowboys -3.5 – No doubt in my mind about this one. Andy Dalton revenge game!!! Zeke looked a bit better against the Ravens on Monday… Cowboys NEED this (and a lot of other things to go their way… but… you never know). 

Texans -1.0 – They really should have beaten the Colts last week. The Colts are MUCH better than the Bears. Therefore, the Texans are a no-brainer pick. Bears are dead.

Panthers -3.0 – Looks like no McCaffrey for another week sadly – the world is just a better place with RUN CMC doing ridiculous things in the NFL – but I still like the Panthers here. Teddy Bridge loves to cover, and Mike Davis has been a good fill in for the aforementioned McCaffrey. Robby Anderson has had a fantastic season since reconnecting with his college coach Matt Rhule, but I have no belief in the Broncos. Drew Lock just isn’t the guy. Sure they played the Chiefs close, but did you EVER seriously think Mahomes wasn’t winning that game!? Panthers please.

Titans -7.0 – Derrick Henry is going to run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run run all over the Jaguars. Tractorcito Szn.

49ers -3.0 – Washington are NOT a good team. They’re not. I do not believe in them. Don’t get me wrong – I’m DELIGHTED that Alex Smith has found his way back and found some success. But every single bounce that could go their way DID go their way against the Steelers. The Niners D just got worked by Josh Allen and will be out for vengeance. 

£10 on this five-fold returns about £238 depending on your bookmaker.

The Full English (Season Record: 65-29)

9-6 last week; not the best, not the worst. Still keeping our winning record I’m getting progressively more and more proud of. 

Cardinals @ Giants – Cardinals 

Cowboys @ Bengals – Cowboys (It’s the Andy Dalton revenge game! If results go their way – like I think they will this weekend – then the Cowboys are somehow still alive…)

Broncos @ Panthers – Panthers

Texans @ Bears – Texans

Chiefs @ Dolphins – Chiefs (Maybe the most quietly interesting game of the weekend, as we might really learn if the Dolphins are at all for real. I think the Chiefs win, but I hope the Fins are able to keep it tight)

Vikings @ Buccaneers – Buccaneers

Titans @ Jaguars – Titans

Colts @ Raiders – Raiders (I don’t believe in the Colts. I’m sorry, I just don’t)

Jets @ Seahawks – Seahawks

Falcons @ Chargers – Chargers

Packers @ Lions – Packers (Rodgers wants that Bye. The Lions have no Golladay… think this is a straightforward Packers win)

Saints @ Eagles – Saints

Washington @ 49ers – 49ers

Steelers @ Bills – Bills (I think this is the day the Chiefs really start to sniff the #1 seed in the AFC, as Pittsburgh loses their second straight)

Ravens @ Browns – Browns

Week 15

Next week, we get the lesser spotted Saturday night NFL game! Fine, it IS the Bills at the Broncos, but it’s still the NFL on Saturday!! Furthermore, the Dolphins seek to confirm the end of the Patriots AFC East dominance, and – perhaps the best game of the entire regular season slate – as the Chiefs face the Saints. It should be electric. As always, I’m @CallumJDSquires on Instagram and Twitter. Come say hey. Have a great week. Stay safe and healthy. 

Callum Squires is a London based writer, Dolphins fan, and all around good guy.