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AFC North Peek

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The season is nearly upon us, as Ryan and Wade throw up a little podcast with an AFC North Peek.
Who will top this tough division?

Wade & Ryan also look at all the top NFL news going on in the league, and in your fantasy circles.

If you want to hear the full podcast, just have a listen here:

Some of the things that the guys hit on in this episode includes:

Preseason Koolaid

The NFL preseason games are finally here, and people are losing their minds!
Folks in the UK are struggling with their Gamepass/ DAZN woes, those in the US are watching stadium blackout, and every other fan is screaming ‘what about my fantasy team?!!?’
Worst of all are those ardent fans who watch one preseason games of 3 stringers, and suddenly proclaim that they’re team is now going to ‘win it all.’
‘Bro, it was Jordan Love against some bums. Most of them will be gone in 3 weeks.’
Doesn’t matter to this who believe, which is why this the best time of the year to snag them into a big season bet.
You think the Cowboys are going to win it all? How much?
After all, the best part about the preseason is being able to circle back months later to remind a friend about their August proclamation.
That’s a good Tik Tok.

Running Drama

Suddenly it sucks to be a running back in the NFL.

Gone are the highlight thrills of being an AP, or the shirt-term forgets about how dominating Dalvin Cook and Derick Henry could be.
The RBs of 2023 are all looking at league minimum contracts on teams that have spent all of their cash, and are just hoping that they can get a committee of bodies to throw on the pile.
Sound more like the Wagner unit?

Hamlin Hits It

Bills defensive player Damar Hamlin was finally back on the field and tossing hits, since his near fatal cardiac arrest in January.
Hamlin was admittedly nervous when he took to the field, with a bodily reminder that a tough hit can even stop your heart.
Fans will be anxiously watching all season as players on the cusp of re-injury put themselves back on the line again.
Let’s hope we never have to see what happened to Damar on the field again.

Pederson Problems

The Jacksonville Jaguars were all smiles when head coach Doug Pederson was able to use nepotism to bring his boy Josh onto the team earlier this year.
Although Josh had spent most of his career playing tight end, he was slotted to the enviable role of long snapper for the Jags preseason game last week.
All did not go well for young Pederson who overshot his mark, and send the ball flying away.
Is this an allegory for Pederson’s NFL career?
Perhaps. Odds are that Josh will be cut by the end of preseason.

AFC North Peek

Ryan and Wade also make their predictions for the standings in the highly touted AFC North.
The Bengals will be looking to go that step further this year, but don’t count out the feisty Ravens with Lamar, and the confident Browns with Deshaun back at the helm.
Ryan has the division going as such:
1. Ravens 2. Steelers 3. Bengals 4. Browns
He’s big on Lamar and Baltimore winning the whole thing, with the Steelers also making a run for a playoff spot.
Wade sees the AFC North looking like:
1. Bengals 2. Ravens 3. Browns 4. Steelers
Joe Burrow can’t be counted out in a year where they really need to get to the show, but the Steelers are not going to be as good as everyone predicts.
Which order do you have them in? Let us know!

Toughest in the NFL

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Which current and former players are considered the ‘Toughest in the NFL’?

We asked AI of course, because computers love American football! (at least our chat AI does).

So when we asked a few programs to tell us who indeed made the coveted Top 10 list, we were surprised to see Kobe Bryant and Cal Ripken on that chart. Hmmm, curious.

One player that was consistently left off the list, was former Cardinals hero Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire. After mentioning to the arty-intelligence that it was surprising he was off the list, they all corrected it.

Anyway, here’s what AI has to say about it

Title: The Unyielding Titans: Top 10 Toughest Men to Have Played in the NFL

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) is synonymous with grit, determination, and athleticism. Throughout its storied history, the league has seen an array of remarkable players who embody the essence of toughness. From bone-crushing tackles to awe-inspiring comebacks, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we explore the top 10 toughest men to have ever graced the NFL, showcasing their unwavering resilience and dedication to the game.

  1. Dick Butkus

Regarded as one of the most fearsome linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus’ ferocious hits and relentless pursuit of opponents made him a true force on the field. Playing primarily for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s, Butkus’ tenacity and leadership set the standard for modern linebackers.

  1. Jack Lambert

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense owed much of its success to linebacker Jack Lambert. His missing front teeth became emblematic of his hard-nosed playing style. Lambert’s fierce competitiveness and ability to dominate the field through pain and injury solidified his legacy as one of the toughest players ever.

  1. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his unmatched speed and aggression. A cornerstone of the New York Giants’ defense, Taylor’s ability to disrupt plays and intimidate opponents earned him multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and a lasting reputation as a defensive powerhouse.

  1. Brett Favre

A symbol of perseverance, Brett Favre’s record-setting career as a quarterback spanned an astonishing 20 seasons. Favre’s durability and willingness to play through injuries showcased his ironclad commitment to the game. His streak of consecutive starts is a testament to his remarkable toughness.

  1. Steve McNair

Known for his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback, Steve McNair’s resilience was truly inspiring. McNair’s ability to perform at a high level despite a litany of injuries earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His dedication and willingness to give his all made him a true warrior on the field.

  1. Ronnie Lott

Safety Ronnie Lott’s defining moment came in the 1985 playoffs when he opted to have a portion of his finger amputated in order to play. This unwavering commitment to the game perfectly encapsulates Lott’s toughness. His hard-hitting style and fearless demeanor made him a legend in the NFL.

  1. Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, exemplified passion and intensity. His pre-game speeches are legendary, motivating his team to perform at their best. Lewis’ ability to play through pain and inspire his teammates showcased his unmatched resolve and determination.

  1. Chuck Bednarik

As the last of the “60-minute men,” Chuck Bednarik’s ability to excel as both a linebacker and center during the game’s early days demonstrated his incredible endurance. His bone-rattling hit on Frank Gifford in 1960 remains a defining moment in NFL history, underlining his unyielding toughness.

  1. Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s remarkable blend of power, speed, and durability made him one of the greatest running backs of all time. Despite a relatively short career, Brown’s ability to take on defenders head-on and consistently produce on the field solidified his reputation as an unrelenting force.

  1. Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman’s story is one of the most inspiring tales of sacrifice and courage in NFL history. After the tragic events of 9/11, Tillman left behind his lucrative NFL career to join the United States Army. His decision to forgo personal gain and put his life on the line showcases an unparalleled level of toughness that goes beyond the football field.

Conclusion

The NFL has seen its fair share of remarkable athletes who have redefined the concept of toughness. From bone-crunching tackles to inspiring comebacks, these players have shown an unyielding commitment to the game. Through their unwavering determination, they’ve left an indelible mark on the league and continue to inspire aspiring players to push their limits and embrace the true essence of toughness. Pat Tillman’s inclusion in this list stands as a reminder that toughness extends beyond physical prowess, embodying the courage to make sacrifices for a greater purpose.

What do you think?
In our opinion, AI is no immediate direct threat when it fails to add Tillman, or even the crazy Lyle Alzado to the list.

AFC East Peek

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August is in the air folks, as we excitedly present to you the AFC East Peek podcast to celebrate!

Wade and Ryan are ready for the season to begin, and have even taken the time to do some research for this episode (kidding!)

So make sure that you find a comfy chair, a beverage, and take a sip at the latest episode right here:

Among some of the things that the guys talk about in this episode includes:

Bunged Bengals

Poor Joe Burrow is injured again, and this time the prognosis is to finally take some much needed time off. But a calf injury is a whole new kind of horse, as these often recur due to how deep they can go.
Joe has been told by coaches and a very vocal Jamar Chase that it’s time to take a breather until he is fully healed.
With the Bengals due to play the Ravens and Browns within the first two weeks of the season, things could get tricky as they will need JB to be back in time so as not to drop two in the division.
All eyes on Cincy this year, as they have the Chiefs directly in their sights.

Trading Places

The often overlooked, and never really producing in terms of fantasy, N’Keal Harry is off from Boston, and on his way to Minnesota.
Despite making much hype when he was drafted, Harry has struggled in New England, and the only threat he displays is to fantasy owners who make the mistake of trying to play him.
Kareem Hunt is rumoured to be making a trip to New Orleans, as the Saints look to fill the three week hole left by Alvin Kamara for his Vegas fight.
Hunt would definitely add a new level of excitement to the Derek Carr offense.

DAZN Drama

Streaming giant DAZN have finally taken over the mantle of Gamepass stewardship this year, and judging by the feedback we have received, it isn’t going well thus far for some.
Several years ago, we were remonstrated by the NFLUK for being too harsh on Gamepass, when it continually crashed every week, costing us thousands.
It’s a whole new company though, as Italian stumps Deltatre no longer hold the rights, with a US sports company running it now. Touchdown!
While most complaints centre on billing and communication, no one really has an issue with streaming quality or resolution. Which is really good, because that’s what we all want!
It’s still early days, but given the track record of DAZN, it seems likely that Gamepass will be fine once the season kicks off.
Given the communication we have experienced with DAZN as well, they seem to be on top of things, and ready to kickoff the season.
If we’re wrong, let us know.

AFC Sneak Peek

Ryan and Wade also include a little preview in this episode, giving their prediction of how they think that they AFC will end up in the standings.
Bills fan Ryan unsurprisingly has Buffalo to top the division, which he has done for the past decade or so. Luckily, the Patriots aren’t as dominant as they once were, and both guys have the Pats to finish in the basement of the division.
But what about the NY Jets? Won’t Aaron Rodgers save us all from football boredom?
Will Tua crack his noggin again and send him on a Humpty Dumpty trip to the offseason?
Just have a listen to the podcast, and you can hear it all!
We will have more divisional preview podcasts coming up in the next episodes.
Watch this space for more!

NFL Top 100

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It’s the offseason still, which means fans are obsessing over data as their Fantasy Draft looms, and with the NFL Top 100 list being released by the NFL Network this week, fans and players are up in a tizzy.

This annual list compiled by the NFL is always good for motivating players, as professional athletes are fuelled by ego, so telling someone that they are ranked ’89th’ when they feel like they should be ‘#1’ is quite common.

We’re not going to look at the whole list in this post, instead focusing on the Top 10 players provided by the NFL

We’ll look at the top 10 ranked players by the NFL Network for the 2023 season, and decide if we agree or disagree, and slot in the person we think should be there. Sound good?

NFL Top 10

1. Patrick Mahomes-AGREE

Patrick Mahomes is our top player for 2023, after another commanding performance and Super Bowl in 2022. Mahomes is the best playmaker in the league, whether it’s consistently finding Travis Kelce ANYWHERE on the field, to his amazing baseball and side throws. In 2022 the NFL world claimed that Joe Burrow was going to win it all, but then came Mahomes and set the records straight.

2. Josh Allen-DISAGREE

Josh Allen is a great QB, but if 2022 was any indication, there is still a lot to be done in Buffalo. Allen has a tendency to force the ball down the field on long attempts, which made the Bills either playing catch-up, of Josh getting picked. With all the drama going on in Buffalo, and changes to the AFC East, maybe the Bills time has passed.

Our #2-Joe Burrow

3. Joe Burrow-DISAGREE

We had Joe Burrow in second place to Mahomes, after two solid years of playoff contention. Burrow has had to contend with depleted O-lines, injuries to his wide-receivers, and to himself, but still this LSU boy continues to deliver competitive performances. The Bengals have made the changes to support Burrow this season, and the only way is up!

Our #3-Tyreek Hill

4. Nick Bosa-DISAGREE

Nick Bosa is a beast, and has an amazing impact on pushing the 49ers D into the directions that they need to go. But number 4 ranked player in the NFL? One could argue that TJ Watt (when healthy) has more of a dramatic effect on D in changing game tempo.
Bosa is good, but maybe not that good.

Our #4 Travis Kelce

5. Myles Garrett-DISAGREE

Garret is a monster in the trenches, and can single-handedly change a game, combined with the whole Browns D, but number 5 is pretty high for a guy who has had some up and down seasons.
This good be a pivotal year for Myles, especially if Deshaun finally comes into gear.

Our #5-Justin Jefferson

6. Travis Kelce-DISAGREE

When you look at the TE stats, and how much of an impact player Kelce is, it is truly amazing. Probably the best TE to play the game, Kelce continues to deliver across the middle of the field, shaking of tiny defenders with ease.
The tandem of Mahomes-Kelce is the most consistent point-scoring machine in the NFL.
Hard to see if slowing down in 2023.

Our #6-Josh Allen

7. Justin Jefferson-DISAGREE

JJ is the top wide receiver in the NFL right now, and is top of the list in most fantasy drafts for 2023. It’s a shame that he has Kirk Cousins as a QB, but the Vikings still look like top candidates for the NFC North title. Jefferson is a beast, that’s why we had him earlier up at #5.

Our #7-Nick Bosa

8-Micah Parsons-AGREE

Micah Parsons IS the Dallas D, becoming one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. While most people shudder at the thought of watching the Cowboys play, seeing Micah on the field is an absolute delight.
Dallas has a lot to do this season if they want to pip the mighty Eagles, but Parsons will be one of the keys to shut down D.

9-Aaron Donald-DISAGREE

Oh the poor Rams. They spent to buy a Super Bowl, and now they are stuck with some thing, and often injured talent. Donald is 32 years old and missed 5 games to injury in 2022, so it’s surprising that the NFL Network ranked him so highly on this list.

Our #9-Chris Jones

10-Trent Williams-DISAGREE

There is no denying that Trent Williams is the best left tackle in the league, and definitely belongs in the top 15, but top 10 might be a stretch. There are a lot of pieces to the San Francisco D, and Williams is deffo a big part of it.

Our #10-TJ Watt

That’s it for review of the NFL Top 100 put out by the NFL Network. Who do you think should be in the top 10?

 

 

Barrel Scraping

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July is the last month of ‘NO NFL’ until March 2024! All this and more silly news in our latest Barrel Scraping podcast from Wade and Ryan.

Slow News

It’s July, so we’re all hoping for any little nugget of NFL news, from trades, moves to arrests, and even more off-season arrests. More on that later.

We’re always trying to put together a little feast of a podcast for you every episode, and since this is episode 250 of our NFL in London podcast, we tried not to disappoint here.

Here’s a link to the podcast so that you can listen in yourselves.

Among some of the other news that the guys talk about in this podcast includes:

USFL Finale

Did anyone watch the thrilling finale of the USFL this year? Us neither.
But it did turn into a big thrill for the Birmingham Stallions, who notched up back-to-back championships in their trophy hoist.
Given the amount of teams in the USFL (8), it’s not that hard to repeat as you would think.
Congrats to QB Alex McGough, who will once again find himself in the gauntlet of NFL tryouts before returning to the USFL next season.

The Match

‘The Match’ is a US tv series in which pro athletes  & celebs battle each other in a novelty golf-off.
Usually it features some big veterans or top talkers, but this year we got Kelce, Mahomes, and a couple of NBA jerks.
Not as thrilling in this 12 hole round, but at least it featured some modicum of NFL, so always worth watching if not just for Patrick’s Kermit like peeping throughout.

Swimming with Chiefs

Brittney Mahomes was also in hot water this week, after she posted pictures of herself on Insta swimming with dolphins in the tropics.
Animal lovers know that captive dolphins are a touchy issue, especially for someone who needs to display a bit of social foresight.
Worst of all were the rumours that Jackson Mahomes sexually assaulted the dolphin later.

Super Soaker

The Super Bowl still has some lingering blame as to the field conditions, and the NFL is finally ready to pass judgment.
It was the Eagles fault, they should have changed shoes.
While we can all remember how wet and wild the conditions were, with the Philly D struggling to gain traction on the soggy turf. But should they have changed shoes?
It’s all he said, they said at this point.
You lost.

ESPN on Fire

Sorry, they have been firing. Loads of top talent at the House of Mouse are gone, which won’t mean much for UK NFL fans who rarely see these pundits. For US viewers it’s signs of the times that they are moving on from pricey veterans, and throwing cash at new talent, as well as Pat McAfee.
Maybe he can finally afford to buy a shirt.

Jonesy

Jerry Jones is also dipping his story into the media, after reportedly seeking upwards of $50 million for the rights to his video life story.
Word on the media streets is that Netflix has snapped it up, and will look to rebound from all the horrible woke shows they invested in, and get back to the most watched program on the planet.
Even if it is Jerry Jones.
Think how much the Tom Brady story would get.

Kap’r

Colin Kaepernick wants to let us all know that he is still ready to get that NFL call, at the ripe young age of 35. Despite not playing in a decade, and living more off the meme’s of life, Colin is ready to give it another shot.
How about we team him up with Antonio Brown and make a new reality series? ‘AB & KP on the Road’. We’d all watch it.
Good news for Colin ahead is that he will be the ‘face’ of a new 7 on 7  NFL game coming to most devices this fall. He can finally play again, if only in a Meta way.

London Games

We will have more news on our London game party tickets as well soon.
Watch this space.
We will also be looking for people to join a Fantasy League this year with us! Get in touch if you want to play.