NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL podcast

Week 1 Picks

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That unexplainable feeling of excitement rushing through your veins right now is football, because the NFL is back baby! Let’s start this season right with our Week 1 Picks for the 2024 season.

To hear all of the picks, and to listen to all the reasoning from Ryan and Wade, just click on this link here for all the glory of the full episode.

Of course, if you’re far too lazy to listen to 45 minutes of punditry, we can also give you some of the boys top tips for the week, so that you can just roll into your betting app, and drop some jingles.
It is week 1, which means predictions don’t usually mean squat, but if you make them with attitude, they seem to have a bit more mustard.

Week 1 Picks

So let’s take a look at some of the top tips for Sunday and Monday, after the Chiefs and Eagles have already secured their W’s for the weekend.

Ryan

It’s all about the Bills again for Ryan this year, as his Canadian-ness propels him to root for a border city team. Will the Bills be able to make the playoffs this year after another season of disappointment?
Ryan’s first big upset is the Jacksonville Jags over the Dolphins in the battle of Florida. With the Fins losing loads of D this year, he likes Trevor and the Jags to cause a little upset in the sun on Sunday. Despite Miami being favoured by 3, he likes Jacksonville to win by 2.
Chugging on with his upset train, Ryan has the Panthers getting their first W of the year with a win over division rivals New Orleans. Despite a sucky season in 2023, Ryan likes Bryce Young and the team to move the chains against a limp Saints squad.
His last upset of the 1pm games sees the feisty Colts getting a victory at home over the visiting Texans. Overlooking the heroics of CJ Stroud last year, Ryan likes the horses to apply the pressure and era out a win.

Wade

Wade also has a series of upsets on tap for his Week 1 Picks, and some of them might surprise you.
Wade has the G-Men winning at home over the Vikings, as he likes Daniel Jones and the home squad over a Sam Darnold led team which has way to many question marks on it. It’ll be tight, but he thinks the Giants will prevail.
Much to Ryan’s dismay, Wade is also taking the Cardinals for an upset against the Bills at home. Buffalo has a notoriously slow start, so he likes Arizona to start the season with a fierce and fast start against the Bills.
Another upset that he is eyeing up is the 4pm contest between the Raiders and Chargers in LA. With Justin Herbert suffering a foot injury at the start of the season, things suddenly look questionable for the Chargers with such a nagging problem. Antonio Pierce likes to start with lots of energy, something that Las Vegas will be opening a can of.

DraftKings

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NFL Viewing Parties

Does your bar or pub show the NFL in the UK? Are you looking to promote your venue to attract more NFL fans? Just reach out to us, and we can help put some bums in your seats, so that you can be an exclusive NFL in London approved venue.

We can help you promote the events, add NFL trivia or comedy, as well as help you create some authentic North American menu options.

Just reach out, and we can help!

London To Do 2024

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With 3 London games on their way for 2024, many of you visiting the capital might be looking for some things to do when you’re here. Luckily, we have complied a list of some fun neighbourhoods, museums, walks and fun facts to make your stay here that much more British in our London To Do 2024. 

London is a city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modern-day excitement, making it a fantastic destination for any NFL fan visiting the UK. While London may not have traditional NFL tailgates or dedicated sports bars like in the U.S., it offers a wide array of experiences to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant neighbourhoods, and fascinating stories. Here’s a guide for NFL fans looking to make the most of their visit to London.

Hoods to Explore

London is a mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character, history, and charm. While the NFL games might be up north at Wembley and Tottenham, there is still plenty to see in the city.
For NFL fans looking to explore beyond the stadiums, these neighbourhoods provide a perfect mix of culture, food, and history:

Greenwich: A must-visit for any history buff, Greenwich is famous for its maritime heritage and scenic views. Start at the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian Line, marking the division between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. NFL fans who love navigation, exploration, and historical tales will appreciate the National Maritime Museum and the restored Cutty Sark, a 19th-century clipper ship. The area’s charming streets and markets also offer great spots for leisurely walks and discovering unique souvenirs.

Notting Hill: Known for its pastel-coloured houses and the world-famous Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill is a lively neighbourhood with a mix of boutiques, antique shops, and cafes. NFL fans can enjoy a stroll through the market, where you’ll find everything from vintage clothes to rare books and collectibles. The neighbourhood’s quaint charm, combined with a vibrant atmosphere, makes it perfect for a laid-back day of exploring.

Southbank and Bankside: A walk along the Southbank is a fantastic way to experience London’s riverside culture. Start at the London Eye for a panoramic view of the city, then continue along the Thames Path towards the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, and Borough Market. NFL fans interested in arts and history will find the Tate Modern’s contemporary art collection and the Globe Theatre’s nod to London’s literary heritage particularly engaging. In previous years, the NFLUK has hosted activities in Southbank as well. 

Islington: Just north of central London, Islington is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its independent boutiques, diverse dining scene, and cultural venues. Visit Camden Passage, an area famous for its antique shops and quaint cafes. The Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club, is nearby for fans interested in exploring the stadium of one of England’s most storied soccer clubs.

Museum Tours 

For NFL fans who appreciate history, culture, and art, London’s museums offer a treasure trove of knowledge and experiences:

The British Museum: This iconic museum is home to over eight million artifacts that span the history of human civilisation. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies. NFL fans interested in epic tales, ancient sports, and the power dynamics of empires will find the British Museum an enthralling place to spend a day.

The Natural History Museum: Located in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in London. NFL fans who love science, dinosaurs, and the natural world can explore its vast collection, including the famous Hintze Hall with its giant blue whale skeleton. The museum offers interactive exhibits and is a hit with visitors of all ages.

The Imperial War Museum: This museum offers a comprehensive look at conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth from World War I to the present day. NFL fans with an interest in strategy, leadership, and history will appreciate the personal stories, artifacts, and immersive exhibits that bring history to life.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance. NFL fans interested in design, fashion, and cultural history will enjoy the museum’s extensive collections, which range from Renaissance sculptures to modern-day photography.

Walking Times

London is a city where history is around every corner. It’s amazing how much you can soak up just by ambling down some of London’s streets.
Here are some must-visit landmarks for NFL fans who want to delve deeper into the city’s past:

The Tower of London: A visit to the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. This historic fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. NFL fans interested in stories of intrigue, rebellion, and power will find the tales of the Tower’s famous prisoners and the Crown Jewels captivating. Don’t forget to meet the famous Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) and learn about their role in guarding the Tower.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: The iconic clock tower, often referred to as Big Ben (though technically it’s the bell inside), and the Houses of Parliament are symbols of British democracy. NFL fans can take a guided tour to learn about the UK’s political history, witness debates, and explore the building’s stunning architecture.

The Churchill War Rooms: A hidden gem beneath the streets of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms offer a unique insight into Britain’s wartime leadership. NFL fans with an interest in military strategy and history will appreciate exploring the underground bunkers where Winston Churchill and his team made critical decisions during World War II.

St. Paul’s Cathedral: An architectural marvel designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous landmarks. NFL fans can climb up to the Whispering Gallery or the Golden Gallery for stunning views of the city. The cathedral’s rich history and grandeur offer a peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience.

Fun Historical Facts for NFL Fans

London is full of intriguing historical stories that connect, even loosely, to American culture and sports. So if you’re looking to impress some of your friends while your out and about in the city, try some of these on:

The Great Fire of London and The Monument: In 1666, a devastating fire swept through London, destroying much of the city. Today, you can climb *The Monument* to the Great Fire of London, built in the late 17th century to commemorate the event. NFL fans interested in resilience, rebuilding, and architectural history will enjoy the climb and the panoramic views at the top.

The Crystal Palace and Early American Football: The original Crystal Palace, which was destroyed by fire in 1936, hosted some of the earliest American football games in London in the early 20th century. These games were a novelty at the time and laid some of the groundwork for the sport’s growing popularity in the UK.

London’s Old Roman Wall: While NFL fans are used to stadiums surrounded by modern infrastructure, London offers a unique chance to explore remnants of its Roman past. Part of London’s Roman Wall still stands today near the Museum of London. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient history and shows how London evolved from a Roman outpost to a modern metropolis.

Market Days

London’s markets offer an authentic taste of local life, providing NFL fans with a great way to experience the city:

Borough Market: One of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets, Borough Market is perfect for food lovers. NFL fans can enjoy diverse culinary delights, from traditional British pies to international dishes like paella and Thai street food. It’s a great spot to grab a bite and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Greenwich Market: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, this market is known for its handmade crafts, antiques, and street food. It’s a smaller, more intimate experience compared to other markets, perfect for NFL fans looking to pick up unique gifts or enjoy some artisanal treats.

Columbia Road Flower Market: Held every Sunday, this market is a vibrant display of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies. NFL fans who appreciate local culture and charming streets will love wandering through this colourful market in East London.

Park Life

There’s nothing better than a good old park to soak up the sun, and draw out the hangover.
For a relaxing day away from the bustling streets, London’s parks offer NFL fans a serene escape:

Hyde Park: One of London’s largest and most famous parks, Hyde Park is perfect for a stroll, a boat ride on the Serpentine Lake, or simply lounging on the grass. NFL fans can enjoy the mix of natural beauty and historic monuments, such as the *Serpentine Gallery* and the *Diana Memorial Fountain*.

Richmond Park: A bit further from the city centre, Richmond Park is known for its wild deer and expansive green spaces. It’s an excellent spot for NFL fans who enjoy nature and want to experience the quieter side of London.

Hampstead Heath: Located in North London, Hampstead Heath offers stunning views of the city from Parliament Hill. It’s a great place for a hike, a picnic, or just soaking in the natural beauty and enjoying a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try to take a dip in one of the ponds.

That gives you a bit of a list from our London To Do 2024, hopefully there are a few things here to tickle your fancy. Feel free to reach out for any questions.

London offers NFL fans an incredible mix of history, culture, and unique experiences, even if it doesn’t have the traditional NFL scene like in the U.S. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Greenwich, delving into the world-class exhibits at the British Museum, or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London’s markets, there’s something for every fan to enjoy. Bring your adventurous spirit, discover London’s rich heritage, and enjoy everything this diverse city has to offer! Oh yeah, and enjoy the NFL!

NFC Predictions

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With the season less than a week away, the boys have made their NFC Predictions for 2024, and there are quite a few surprises here!

It’s time for another podcast, as Ryan and Wade crank up the season ahead of a very exciting new season. Who will go to the big game? Who is taking their division? Which teams will be sucking donuts this season? The guys go through it all!

To listen to the whole podcast make sure that you click here for some goodness.

Here are a few thoughts from the podcast for all you Lazy Lester’s who don’t like holding out for all the goods.

NFC Predictions

NFC East

This division could either be a stellar battle, or a sad layout of bad coaching and even worse play. The Eagles were a shell of their former selves, the Cowboys are still awaiting contracts to be finalised, the WFT will be ‘re-building’, and the Giants? Who knows?
Ryan has the Eagles taking the division with 11 wins, taking the lead over them ‘Boyz who he is predicting to have a spectacular fall. (as in from grace). Washington will limp out with 8 wins, and he sees the Giants struggling to get 5 wins.
Wade also has the Eagles taking top spot, but thinks that they can get to 12 wins with some coaching changes. Let’s see what the loss of Kelce means to Hurts’ mobility. He also has the Cowboys in second, but sees them winning 10 games at least. Both Wade and Ryan see the Redskins going 8-9, with injury concerns if they run the heck out of their rookie QB. Wade has the Giants only claiming 3 wins this season, in a very frustrating affair.

NFC North

All hail the north! The icy tundra of football was won by the Lions last year, something they haven’t done in decades. Can they take the top spot over the Packers again this season, with the Bears loading up on talent? Oh yeah, and Minnesota.
Ryan is going ‘all-in’ on the Pack to take the north, even being so bold as to think they will go 12-5 on the back of Jordan Love. He sees the Lions sinking to second place, with the Bears getting 9 wins to take third place. He also thinks the Vikings will be lucky to get their 6 wins.
Wade might be a Bears fan, but he still thinks that Detroit is top lock to take this division. His Bears will come in at second place with 10 wins, and the Packers just behind with 9. Love struggled at the start of the season, and there is no reason to think that he is just going to ball out this year, just ’cause. The Vikings take home last spot, just like Ryan.

NFC South

Eesh, the South has been a nasty place for the past few years, with everyone struggle to line up some W’s. Cousins is in ATL now, and with all that talent in place, it’s hard to not see why he won’t come out on top. Baker led the Bucs to a big playoff win last season, and all the weight is on him to shine now that he’s being paid. The Saints hate their QB, as do the Panthers, which is never a good start.
Ryan is big on ATL to take it here, and sees them hitting 11 wins to boot. The rest of the division is due a losing record according to him, with Tampa, New Orleans and Carolina going down in that order.
Wade too likes ATL to win this won with 10 wins, although he sees the Bucs close behind with 9. New also has New Orleans and the Panthers following, but with the cats able to muster 5 wins this year off of some running.

NFC West

The West is best for the past few years, as the 49ers have taken top spot since the Rams won the Super Bowl. Stafford and the boys had a good season last year, so maybe McVay has some things cooking for ’24? Arizona and Seattle are beyond rebuilding, so things need to happen for them this year.
Ryan has the Niners taking top spot, but likes the Seahawks to sneak in just behind with a 10 win season.  He thinks the Rams gave away too much D, and will struggle to contain some of the other high scoring teams. He has the Cards last with an 8 win season.
Wade also has the Niners getting 11 W’s, with the Rams just behind them with 10. He has a tie in 3rd and 4th place, with the Seahawks and Cardinals both getting 7 wins a piece.
That’s it for our NFC Predictions! How many do you think the guys got right?
Spoiler Alert! No one EVER thinks anyone picks the right standings, so go ahead and blast away.
Enjoy the 2024 NFL season everyone!

London Games 2024

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We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief as the NFL has finally released the upcoming schedule, allowing us to know who is playing in the London Games 2024. Once again it looks like the UK is in for another set of great games, Germany-not so much.

The 2024 has given us a whole new set of viewing parameters for the season, with the Chiefs playing on six different days of the week, the Jets feasting on primetime games, and the Panthers sucking on a big old bag of nothing. So much to think about, and the season hasn’t even started yet!

Let’s look at the London games we have lined up for October 2024.

Jets vs Vikings-Oct 6-Tottenham

Aaron Rodgers is coming to London folks-if he’s healthy, as the first game up is an AFC/ NFC contest.
Minnesota has moved up at QB, and with the talent they have at wide receivers , this could be a matchup between two winning teams.

Early October in London is usually sunny and sweet, so we should also benefit from some balmy temperatures, and great events hosted by the NFLUK.

As the first up of the trio, this one will certainly be of media interest, as Aaron Rodgers is a constant celebrity, and full of soundbites that should tickle the UK media.

Jaguars vs Bears-Oct 13-Tottenham

Bears fans all over Europe will be salivating over this one, as they finally get to see a potential franchise quarterback in the making. Chicago already has a home nation status for England, which means that the Bears will go full out to make sure that this game will go down in the history books.

Jacksonville went 2-0 in their 2023 London games, even busting down the Buffalo Bills in a dramatic game. Then their season went downhill, so it will be interesting to see if Trevor Lawrence will be able to rebound in 2024 as they look to play in London twice again.

Patriots vs Jaguars-Oct 20-Wembley

The Jags host a second game at home, as they take on New England in an AFC showdown. Ok, maybe not a showdown, as the Pats have been less than stellar without that TB12 magic.

The Patriots are committed to Drake Make, and with the recent social image of him looking like Tom Brady’s son, there is hope once again in the loins of Boston. They have a tough division though, so they might be walking into London with a few wins.

It might not be the most popular of the games, but with recent news of new international destinations, this could be the last time that London sees a 3 game set for a while.

Internationals

Other NFL global games to watch out for are the week 1 match between the Packers and Eagles in Brazil on September 6th. This will be a tough test for Jordan Love against an Eagles squad looking for some NFC respect, and they have been starting strong the past few seasons.

Germany gets a bit of coin flip from last year’s AFC behemoth, as they get saddled with a lowly game between the Giants and Panthers in Week 10 on November 10th. Again, it’s easy to make quick snides like this, but who knows what could happen this year with two QBs with massive chips on their shoulders.

Other news this week tips Ireland and Australia for other upcoming potential international destinations.
Tough luck for Canada, who probably ruined their chances by hosting atrocious games in the past, and will probably never see one again unless a billionaire is able to buy a team.

Podcast

Our new podcast is up! So why not have a great listen to the boys ramble on about all the latest NFL news, including the international games, summertime blues, and how Netflix is making out in the streaming.

Tom Brady Roast Review

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With the NFL season still months away, fans are Jonesing for anything football related to satiate the feels, so when Netflix released the Roast of Tom Brady on Sunday, fans were thrilled to get a bit of football to soothe those DTs.

So was it any good? Is it worth watching? Does TB12 cry? Let’s break some of it all down in our Tom Brady Roast Review.

Roasts

Anyone with a love of comedy will remember the notorious Friar’s Club Roasts that emerged out of a vaudeville era. As the Roasts grew in the 70s’, so was the appetite for celebrities to be roasted by famous comedians and other celebs to validate their ego in a slosh filled affair.

When comedian Jeffrey Ross pushed to reinvigorate the format in the early 2000s’, we were treated to some of the most outrageous and bawdy comedic lines in history. The Roasts of David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson had the likes of Greg Goraoldo, Lisa Lampanelli, and some of the harshest take downs in history.

Recently however, celebrities have been coy to attend given that any of their past deeds to could be brought up, and flashed in their face. To put it plainly, celebs today are too much of a pussy to take it.

Brady Steps Up

Is was good of Tom Brady to put himself up for this, even if it was probably his management to add a bit of humanity to him before his Fox gig.

Brady was a good sport about the various digs about his failed marriage, leaving a pregnant ex, and deflating balls. It seems that the only thing that really irked Tommy was when Jeff Ross made a masturbatory joke at the expense of Robert Kraft, which caused Tom to get out of his seat and remonstrate Ross with a quick ‘don’t do that shit again.’

Apparently there were boundaries.

The Niki Glaser Show

They might as well have given the whole roast to comedian Niki Glaser, who was most definitely the funniest person on the dais Sunday night. Anyone who says ‘women aren’t funny’ might want to see the master craft set that Niki blasted at Tom in a relentless fashion.

Cool, collected and with impeccable Swiss timing, Glaser was able to set the bar so high, that even Randy Moss seemed high when he followed her. Her shots at Gronk were so savage, it’s doubtful that he even got them.

Niki is one of the ‘old school’ roasters on the panel, and it was easy to see why she was the best, and so hard to follow.

Jew Bledsoe

Aside from the typical American race-bait jokes, it was interesting to see Drew Bledsoe toss a little antisemitism Julian Edleman’s way. Not only did Drew shade Edelman’s heritage, but also threw in a few ‘Jewy’ jokes about him haggling his own contract, and be able to switch from a nickel to a dime with added value.

Bledsoe extolled the virtues of winery and marriage, neither of which seemed to be in attendance that night as he was cast off to the side by himself.

Kim K

It wouldn’t be LA (or Englewood) without having a Kardashian at the Roast, as Kim represented her clan to a shower of boos from the home crowd.

Despite the assistance of numerous writers, Kardashian, like many non-comics struggled to get the belly laughs, and consistent ribbing.

Tom was able to lob a funny ‘Kanye’ fathering joke at Kim, which deflated any reason for her to be there.

Roasts are a good indicator of the ‘natural funny’ of a person, and Kim certainly doesn’t have it.

Where’s the Booze?

For a 3+ hour affair that is usually flushed with booze, most of the panel seemed to hold an empty glass for most of the evening.

Drew Bledsoe was wireless as he talked about being winless, Brady had 2 empty glasses on the go, and Kevin Hart seemed like he was smashed from the start, and got drunker and surlier as the night went on.

Although Bill Belichick was never shown drinking, he bounced around that microphone like he had a few. And when Brady hit him later with the dig about doing the dirty and getting caught on a Ring, well that was just hilarious.

All in all it was a fun roast, but  along roast. Netflix will be hoping to smash more of these sports events down our throats to atone for those years of ‘wokrness’, but it will be interesting to see if anyone will have the stones to be able to take a good bashing.

Good on Tom Brady for taking it.