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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.

Chad & Brandon

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Chad Johnson and Brandon Marshall are some of the most chatty and captivating NFL players who switched to punditry, so we’re proud to share this video of Chad & Brandon.
While both of these two men are known for some of their heroics on the field,  what comes out of their mouthes has also made these guys interesting.
So when Chad and Brandon both come together for a chat, along with fellow former players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder for the ‘I Am Athlete’ YouTube series.

Have a listen to this, as these ‘older’ guys talk about the league today, as well as all of the social elements that new players have to deal with.

It’s no secret that Chad and Brandon are very smart cookies, and this comes through in the video, as the guys talk about some hilarious topics with great comedic timing.

This is the perfect video to get you though the cold of Covid. The guys explaining what ‘douching’ in will probably knock you off of you seat.

Truly hilarious.

Wade’s Week 8

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And just like that, we’re halfway through the 2020 NFL season, which has to be the oddest ones that I can remember. A deadly virus, crippling injuries, and some terribly crap-tastic coaching have all featured in an NFL season brought to you by Covid-19 .
Our thoughts go out to everyone in the sports and hospitality industries who are facing ruin thanks to this ‘new normal’. Hopefully we can all be out in a bar or pub soon, cheering on our favourite NFL teams.

To help all you NFL fans out I have another round of my top picks and upsets, in ‘Wade’s Week 8’, I outline the top value you can get from looking at the lines and over/unders for this week.
Over the past 5 weeks, my upset record is 17-2, so hopefully you have been making some cash off of my NFL insight.
Or maybe you’re just ignoring me and hoping I make you food, like my kid does.
Here are some of the top picks for Week 8.

Vikings (1-5) vs Packers (5-1)
Packers -7  +54.5

Aaron Rodgers and co. have been playing fantastic football all season. However like every team, the Packers are not immune to injury. This was evident when the Packers face the Bucs and lost Bahktiari early in the game. As soon as they did, the Bucs D swarmed all over them. Bahktari is questionable for Sunday, which should give the Vikings more opportunities.
The Vikings have only won 1 game, but have put up buckets of points in most games.
Justin Jefferson has been a speedy God send, and he should factor in on Sunday against a Packers team who is weak against speedy receivers.
This game means more to the Vikings than the Packers if they hope to stem the downfall of the team this season.
Vikings to cover.
Packers 31 Vikings 25

LA Rams (5-2) vs Dolphins (3-3)
Rams -3.5  +46

It’s Tua time, as Flores ditches the popular Fitzpatick to give the young rookie a chance. The Rams have started to find their momentum, as their D is making it very hard for opposing quarterbacks.
It’s always hard to prepare for a QB you have never seen, as there is no game tape or footage to help you figure out his weaknesses.
Miami has had a hot hand under Fitzy, with the team playing with joy, as they take over second place in the AFC East.
Make no mistake, these Dolphins are no joke, as proven by their beating of the 49ers a few weeks ago.
Dolphins are at home, and they will be playing for a win, and they’ll get it.
Dolphins win.
Miami 24 Rams 23

LA Chargers (2-4) vs Broncos (2-4)
Chargers -3  +44

Always bet on injuries. It’s a formula that I have used in my NFL betting career. And boy do the Chargers have a lot of injuries. Their whole O-line is pretty much pooched, leaving rookie Justin Herbert a target on every play.
Despite sucking this year, the Broncos have a fast & furious defence that choked Mahomes down for 3 sacks last week. And that was against a healthy Chiefs, imagine what they will do this week.
Originally, I was in favour of Herbert having a lovely game, but seeing how many lineman he is missing, I am opting for the Broncos in this divisional match. Heck they might even win outright.
Broncos cover
Chargers 26 Broncos 24

These are just the big upsets that I see for this week, as there are certain games that I really don’t want to touch. Call it Halloween superstition, but there are too many X Factors in some of these games.
Including:

Titans (-6) vs Bengals
The Bengals are hurting, but they can also strike back like a cobra. We have seen in past weeks hot to stop and hit the Titans, but the Bengals lack the equipment to pull this off. I can see the Bengals covering in this one.
Titans 30 Bengals 26

Steelers vs Ravens (-3.5)
The Ravens benefit from a bye week, which means that they should be fully prepped, especially after their recent slate of additions. The Steelers are the only team with a perfect record, which can be an addiction to chase. But they will be chasing the Ravens all day.
Ravens 31 Steelers 26

Overs

Overs have been huge this season, as the lack of fans seems to have had an impact on gameplay. There are a few games that I think could be perfect for overs this week, including:

  • Colts vs Lions +50
  • Vikings vs Packers +54.5
  • Raiders vs Browns +54

DraftKings

If you like Fantasy NFL, join our DraftKings League to have some fun, and win cash every week.
Our League is called NFL in London, and you can join it right here.

https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

NFL-PGA Sunday

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Holy crap! Live sports is back, & we can watch it live in the UK! Take a breath, what I’m about to tell you is awesome. Tom Brady & Tiger Woods vs Peyton Manning & Phil Mickelson in an 18 hole, 3 hour fiesta of golf & banter.

The Game

Even if you’re not a golf fan this game features two NFL legends who will be talking & competing for 3 hours of live golf fun.

Tee off is scheduled for 8pm GMT & should continue until 11pm. Sky sports will most likely air this, & other streaming apps will also air it. Alas Gamepass doesn’t have the rights.

The first 9 holes are a best 4 ball play, so our NFL stars will most likely be watching & contributing.

The next 9 holes will be a mixed bag of crazy golf type holes where they compete in challenges for charity.

The Teams

Golf legend Tiger Woods is teamed with NFL poster boy Tom Brady in a champion level team that makes you swoon just by saying their names together.

Their opponents are lefty legend Phil Mickelson with horse faced goof Peyton Manning, who both boast accuracy in their respective statistics.

Pey-Mann are favoured over TB Tiger 12 in this contest, as Brady is the most inferior golfer in this match. Vegas has this as an easy win.