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Sports Holidays

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December is here, which means you wasted another year without realising it.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone here.

As you look for things to do to entertain yourselves during the month of December, why not pop down to either the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street or Clapham to settle in for your Sports Holidays?

The announcement of Omicron has spread quickly around the globe, as men-children around the world held out hopes that someone Omicron was a Transformer here to save us.

Doom and gloom can take a vacation this holiday season, so make sure that you book a table so that you can settle in for a dark month of sport.

NFL Sundays

Sunday Fundays at the Sports B&G got even better, with a wicked lineup of NFL games every Sunday.

The calendar Gods are rewarding NFL fans this season with not only games on Christmas, but on Boxing Day as well.

NFL Sundays fall on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th of December, giving fans four full Sundays of NFL, plus a wicked week 17 line-up on January 2nd.
(still technically the holidays!)

The best way to enjoy the games is to make a booking, and let the lovely team know which games you are looking for!

Boxing Day

Boxing Day hold particular sporting significance in the UK, dating back hundreds of years.

Ever since a little underdog named Jimmy ‘Jesus’ the Saviour fought Kris Kringle on the snowy mounds on Mistletoe Lane, Boxing Day has been synonymous with action.

The Premier League might rule the roost on Boxing Day, but once those games are over, the NFL takes over in epic fashion.
The Sports Bar will be very BUSY on Boxing Day, so please make a booking so that we can get your table sorted before the NFL kicks off.

NCAA Football

Both Clapham and Old Street will endeavour to show as much college football as they can, but they are limited by what is shown on the UK sports networks.

Luckily, BT Sport ESPN have upped their game as of late, adding more college games to the fold every weekend.

If the college games air on a UK sports network, they will be happy to throw the games on for you.

Be sure to check the TV schedules for all the days that you’re looking for.

Get in touch with the team if you would like to book a big group in.

Playoffs

The Sports Bar and Grill(s) will be working to show as many NFL playoff games as possible.

With the time changes and schedule upheavals, we will keep you in the loop as to all of the updates and games as we know them.

Make sure you keep us in mind for the SuperBowl as well!

Reservations

Book your tables here for

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

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

June Memes

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This is when the boredom and frustration of the NFL season sets in…hurry up and wait.

With the OTAs kicking off, and the drama around the league, sometimes it’s good to just appreciate an NFL laugh.
Which is why we give you some June Memes.

Memes never existed during our parents NFL years.
Sure, there might be a cheeky cartoon in Playboy one month, but never were we treated to technological and art editing moments that the memes of today bring us.

Of course there are some current memes that are killing it right now, so the ones to watch out for are….

Tom Brady Memes

TB12 has just learned how to use the graphics and social posts on his phone. Look out. Brady had some fun this week trashing his old pal Aaron Rodgers and his golfing partner Bryson DeChambeau.
Knowing how much golfer Brooks Koepka got pissed off at Bryson a few weeks ago, Tommy Boy took to his phone to show that he too can have some fun.
Brady having fun?
Look out league.

The rest of the best are below.
Obviously no one is as good as TB12 in creating memes, which means the rest of us should just quit.
Unless we can train Michael Jordan to create memes…then we have a chance.

Free Agent Fiesta

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Dak signs a massive Dallas contract, Tom Brady rejigs his contract to give more money to the team, and Drew Brees finally retires.
The 2021 NFL season is about to begin, so it’s time for a Free Agents Fiesta podcast!

This week, Wade & Ryan look at some of the top news in the league, as well as offering some insight into where they think some of the biggest players in the league might end up.
So many players available, and so many teams with gaping holes in their teams.

Just think, a year ago we had NO IDEA that Tom Brady would sign with the Bucs, bring in Gronk, then march his way to winning a Super Bowl. But then here we are.
What are some of the other big signings this offseason that could resonate to the start of the new NFL season?
Let’s have a look, shall we?

Cam Newton

After a tough season with the Patriots, Cam is back! And Boston is feeling it!
Cam Newton finished last year ranked 22nd amongst active quarterbacks, and only had 8 passing touchdowns.
Without the Pats, Cam would be looking for backup work this season, as his inaugural start with New England was less than stellar.
Luckily for him, Bill Belichick is cashing in his faith chips with Cam, and will most likely reward him with…a backup role.
The Patriots will be looking to either draft or trade for a QB this season, and having the 3rd highest amount of Cap Space would hurt either.
Ready to ride the pines Cam?

Chiefs

Kansas City has been struggling with cap space all year, and it all had to come to a close when the Chiefs released Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher.
Fisher famously ruined himself prior to the Superbowl, so it’s not a massive loss for the team.
The Chiefs will need to find some guys to block for Mahomes lest he go the way of Joe Burrow this season.
The road ahead gets a lot tougher when you’re pinching pennies.

Bear Necessities

What a pickle the Bears find themselves in. With two less than average QBs on the roster, an expensive defence, and a wicked wide receiver who doesn’t want a tag. What’s a team to do?
Knowing the Bears, they will probably mess it up-giving away too much for too little, and getting nothing in return.
Chicago will need to be patient in the post season, let every other team scramble for what they think are the best/last players, then move in for an inexpensive & smart move.
Stop bum rushing the plays, and let them come to you.

Cap Space

Covid totally crushed the cap space for this season, so teams are going to have to get innovative if they want to stretch their dollars.
Jacksonville once again is Mr. Moneybags, with a luscious $73.6 million to spend on fancy pants players.
Interesting the next two teams on the list the NY Jets and New England Patriots. With both teams boasting just under $70 million in space, they should be able to target some of the top talent to broaden their squads.
But does anyone want to come to New England anymore?

London NFL Games

The good news is that the UK should have crossed the threshold of vaccinations by the end of the summer, allowing life to get back to normal. Hooray!
The bad news is that we won’t be able to let anyone in for a year or so.
While the world battles covid, new variants, and the logistics of vaccination passports, the real question is ‘will anyone be able to enter the UK’?
Sadly thus far it looks like the answer is ‘computer says no.’
Jaguars coach Urban Meyer is confident that they will play at least 1 regular season game here this year.
Hopefully we will all know more soon.

Have a listen to the latest podcast. Then rinse, repeat and listen again.

Picks Six-AFC & NFC

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THE PICKS SIX – CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

Well, here we are. After a week of uncertainty, following an exciting divisional weekend, it looks like all things are set, and Championship Sunday is set to go off with only one big name injury – but thank god it’s not Patrick Mahomes… it’s a bit hard to create six categories of picks and tips with only two games to choose from, so let’s just have a look at both Championship games and then just a few tips as to what I think might happen on Sunday. It’s time for the Picks Six for the AFC and NFC championships.

Buccaneers vs Packers

The two best quarterbacks of the past decade? One storied franchise, and one loaded upstart? The Frozen Tundra? This has ALL the ingredients to be an absolute barnburner of a game. I’m so excited for this one. Hearing Aaron Rodgers jokingly suggest he was looking forward to seeing “Tom playing safety against me” this week shows how nonsensical the “Rodgers vs Brady” take on this game really is. They’re never going to be going one on one… and yet this game STILL feels like a duel between the two quarterbacks. The defenses – especially Tampa Bay’s – will play a huge role in the outcome of this, but the ball will still touch the hands of two of the greatest to ever do this on almost every play. 

Tampa Bay rode their luck slightly last week, as Brady definitely started off shaky and grew into the contest. I’m not sure they can afford a slow start this week. Green Bay’s 1st half offensive production has been incredible and has allowed them to play from a lead most of this season. Antonio Brown is definitely a big miss for Tampa Bay, but he barely played last Sunday either and the Buccaneers defense still stepped up big time to knock out the New Orleans Saints. Devin White? Unbelievable. Insane. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will carry the load down the field. Can “Playoff Lenny” Fournette continue to find the endzone with regularity? Maybe. Green Bay’s defense has improved vastly the last six to eight weeks, and have filled the holes that were being run through with ease earlier this season. And when they have the ball? Rodgers to Davante Adams is of course the main threat, but Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard, and even Marquez Valdes-Scantling are further threats down the field. Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon and even Jamaal Williams could ALL end up as starting running backs in the NFL, maybe as early as next season. These are two absolutely stacked teams, and it’s absolutely no surprise to see them vying for a place in SuperBowl LV.

Speaking of which… There’s never been a “home team” in a SuperBowl, and I don’t think that streak is getting broken this year. What Brady and the Bucs have achieved in their first year together is very impressive, but I just don’t see how they’re beating this Packers team, with THAT quarterback playing this well. I love my man Stephen A. Smith, and I have to agree with him – Aaron Rodgers is a bad bad bad man. Sorry not sorry TB12, I’m riding with A-A-Rod. The Pack will go back to the biggest game of the season, with hope of bringing another championship back to TitleTown.

Bills vs Chiefs

Let me just say this… if you thought, for one second, that Patrick Mahomes wasn’t going to be playing in this game… you’re absolutely crazy. The face of the NFL? He would’ve needed a rather more significant injury than the reported “nerve in his neck” injury to stop Showtime from playing in his third straight AFC Championship game. It would have been somewhat of travesty in all honesty had this Chiefs team not been at full strength as they try to “run it back,” and defend their crown. But – even though he’s cleared concussion protocol – will Mahomes be 100%? He was already struggling with turf toe last weekend against the Browns. I have to assume that he’s going to be able to play through the pain barrier and lead his team into battle. His supporting cast as well all seem to by flying at the right time. It feels almost impossible for Travis Kelce to fail to have about 8 catches, around 100 yards, and a Touchdown every week. He’s just incredible. And when they needed him most, who made the play (with the help of Chad Henne) last weekend? Tyreek Hill. The run game is definitely somewhat lacking, but it wasn’t all the impressive with Damien Williams last season before his explosion in the playoffs. The Chiefs somehow took a SuperBowl winning team and somehow became even better. 

On the other side, I absolutely love this Bills team. What Sean McDermott has done in a relatively short space of time to turn this franchise from the Patriots’ whipping boy into the 2nd best team in the AFC is incredible. In a similar vein to Travis Kelce, it’s seemingly impossible for Stefon Diggs not to end each game having scored and earned triple digit receiving yards. The rapport he and his QB have has been a true gamechanger. Josh Allen has EARNED his right to be considered one of the four best QBs in the league; that’s what we’ve got on show this weekend. Brady vs Rodgers, Mahomes vs Allen. For me, they’ve been the four best pass throwers in the league this season, so it’s great to know that we’re going to get two of them in the SuperBowl two weeks from now. That said, I do think this will be the ceiling for Josh Allen and #BillsMafia. This Chiefs team is so impressive. I haven’t even mentioned the performance that Tyrann Mathieu turned in last weekend. He’ll need to be in that mood again this weekend to stop Buffalo from upsetting the odds and heading to Tampa with a chance. But as impressive as Buffalo have been, I just can’t go against Andy Reid and this offense. So, it might be the boring and obvious pick, but I’m taking the Chiefs here too. 

Cheeky Bets

Both Players to score a Touchdown Double:

Robert Tonyan & Rob Gronkowski both to score

Travis Kelce & Josh Allen both to score

£10 on this double pays about £340 depending on your bookmaker.

Parlay

Chiefs -2.5 & Over 54.5

Packers -2.5 & Over 52.0

£10 on this double pays about £120 depending on your bookmaker.

I’ve already apologised, so I won’t do it again, but I have to favour the two favourites AND both points totals going over. I think this will be a shootout sunday for the right to compete for the Lombardi trophy in 14 days. Thank you all, whether it was once, twice, or every week, for taking the time to read my thoughts. Hope it’s brought some enjoyment to this insane few months we’ve had. Stay safe, and come chat with me on Twitter or Instagram at @CallumJDSquires. Enjoy the games. Peace.

Callum Squires is a London based NFL writer, and former US college athlete. 

Conference Playoffs

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And then there were four. Only the Bills, Bucs, Chiefs, and Packers remain, so which one of them will be the next Super Bowl Champion? We will find out in this podcast edition of the NFL Conference Playoffs.

The Divisional Playoffs last weekend brought us some incredible highs, some lowly lows, and some oh so close matches that went down to the wire. Some of those things that Wade & Ryan talk about in this edition of the podcast includes:

Bills Running Game

The Bills don’t have one, but how much will that matter? Well, going deep into the playoffs-the more well rounded teams usually fare better. While questions emerge around how the Bills can expect to survive again against the Chiefs without a running game, the guys discuss another point. What if it’s there, but we just don’t see it.

Done Drew

Drew Brees is of the big broadcast booth in the sky next season by the look of it, and what a way to whimper out. Brees was picked and prodded by the stout Bucs D last weekend, and despite the cute send off by Tom Brady after the game, it wasn’t really the way a player wants to bow out of the NFL.

Clipped Ravens

The Ravens are good, but not great. They lack the finesse of a complete team, and that puts too much pressure on Lamar Jackson. The Bills choked out Baltimore and didn’t ask if they wanted a safety word. If Baltimore wants to make a deeper push next season, they are going to need to add a running game and a few key receivers.

Rodgers Rate

Aaron Rodgers is playing phenomenal football right now. Of course, he’s only won one post season game thus far, and that was against the depleted LA Rams, who had a hobbled Aaron Donald in that game. Aaron is playing knockout football, but is that only because he hasn’t been hit yet ?

Browntown

Cleveland is as Cleveland does. The Browns shot themselves in the foot numerous times last Sunday against a Chiefs team that was ready for a right hook. The Browns screwed up in the red zone several times, and Baker wasn’t able to get the passing game going with effectiveness. For about an hour, the world was rooting for the Browns, but it wasn’t enough.

Bucs D

Something is stirring in Florida, and it isn’t a radioactive gator (or is it?). Tampa’s D has been growing in confidence week on week, thanks to TB12 being able to score at will. The Bucs harassed Drew Brees on Sunday, and their numerous picks set the stage for Buc’s points. If a Super Bowl is won by the best D, is this their best chance?

Goff-Off

Jared Goff is going to struggle to be an LA resident. Given that everyone in California is moving to Texas, Goff might want to consider packing his bags. Sean McVay is obviously miffed at Goff’s inconsistent style of play, and he has regressed since their Super Bowl appearance. Look for him to use this offseason to ‘find himself’ or the door out.

Sunday Predictions

So who do Wade & Ryan see winning this Sunday? Well have a listen to the full podcast, and you can get all of the scores and reasoning. But for the sake of brevity and giving you some betting clues, here you go.

Bucs (11-5) vs Packers (13-3)
Packers -3.5  +52
20:05 GMT

The last time these two teams met, the Bucs D grabbed Aaron Rodgers by the moustache and rode that face down the field for 38-10 beating. After getting picked off twice, you could see the look in Rodgers eyes that said basically ‘screw this crap’, and he never mentally returned.
Rematches are a different beast, and we know from TB12 last week that vengeance has its own plan.
The weather looks to be Wisconsin comfortable on Sunday, which will benefit the Bucs.
Green Bay still has some issues on their O line, while the Bucs have had to shuffle a few players on their O line to give Tommy some breathing space.
Ryan is bullish on the Packers here, as it sets up his Super Bowl prediction. He thinks that the combo of Rodgers and Adams will find too many holes in that Bucs secondary and that Tommy’s heroics will fail at the last minute.
Wade on the other hand sees this Bucs momentum continuing on. Brady loves a challenge, and you can bet he will be a bigger locker room motivator than Rodgers. If Ronald Jones is fully healthy, the Packers will struggle to contain a dual attack, not to mention Rodgers being sacked several times.
Ryan- Packers 30 Bucs 27
Wade- Bucs 31 Packers 28

Bills (13-3) vs Chiefs (14-2)
Chiefs -3  +56
23:40 GMT

It’s the battle of the young’uns, as Josh Allen takes aim at Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
Mahomes looks to have cleared concussion protocol, and his foot injury is looking good as well. It’s difficult in the best of games to contain Mahomes, so the Bills have their hands full.
Despite their winning record, the Bills have had an underdog status propelling them into the playoffs. The press has pointed to their last 90s’ appearances, and how Josh Allen was busy winning ‘cutest baby titles’ the last time the Bills made the show.
The last time these two faced off the Bills showed Mahomes a cushion of respect, which led to them getting gashed for over 240 rushing yards in a loss. The Bills won’t make the same mistake twice.
Josh Allen has more tools and confidence since that loss, which was also impacted by Covid scheduling,
Both being Canadians who lived on the US border, Wade and Ryan are favouring the plucky Bills in this contest, although for different reasons.
A diehard Bills fan, Ryan would choose them even if they all tested positive for Covid. He has all the confidence that the Bills will make the Super Bowl after this one.
Wade likes the Bills because the ghost of his father Harvie is telling him to, and that’s good enough for him.
Ryan- Bills 30 Chiefs 28
Wade- Bills 28 Chiefs 26

Do you think that the guys got it right? Feel free to reach out to us across our website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and carrier pigeon. We have a Facebook group as well that has loads of great articles and funny memes.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NFLinLondon

At the end of the podcast, Wade pays tribute to his father Harvie McElwain who died on January 20, 2021. Harvie was a big impact on NFL in London, and this NFL loving father, grandfather and former referee’s presence will be felt here for a long time.
Safe travels Harv.

Enjoy Sunday, and please share this with all your NFL friends.