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Week 1 Review

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Well that was a bit of a surprise wasn’t it?
Week 1 came in like a rainbow, and left like a sloppy wet storm as the 2022 NFL season is officially under way.

If you’ve just awoken from a coma, or have been inconsolable over the death of Queen Elizabeth, we’re here to give you a recap, in our Week 1 Review.

Bills Hype

At the start of the season, everyone was talking Josh Allen and the Bills, and how they were primed for a SuperBowl run this year.
Well after their dismantling of the LA Rams on TNF, it certainly looks like the Bills are ready to shuffle off to the post season.
Sure, there were loads of mistakes in the game, but by the second quarter we saw a Buffalo squad that moved the ball wherever Josh wanted it to be, not to mention stifling Matt Stafford and a Rams team who looked like they didn’t even know who they were playing.
Get yourself to Witness Protection-because the Bills Mafia are looking for victims.

NFC North

Bears win, and Aaron Rodgers gets choked out by the Vikes. Yes, you heard that correctly.
Rodgers looked incredibly pissed in a big L to the division challenging Vikings.
Flipping channels to watch Davante Adams snagging oodles of Carr’s balls, while Rodgers limp balls found no hands.
While it’s too early to ‘count out’ any team-it certainly seems that the Packers need some sort of Viagra to get the blood pumping.

The Bears were able to smother Trey Lance on a wet Sunday, but it was the Bears D who was the real star here-making it tough for the 49ers move the ball.

Detroit lost in a nail biter against a tough Philly squad-causing Dan Campbell to double his caffeine intake.

Minnesota is looking good.

What the Mahomes

Who said Patrick Mahomes was too old, past his prime and would never be back to the big game? (no one hopefully).
We did say that Jackson Mahomes needs to STFU and get his grown ass a job…

Patty Mahomes was incredible on Sunday night, ripping the Cardinals a new one with 5 TDs and 360 yards passing. Sure, the Cardinals are dealing with loads of injuries already, but it’s clear that ‘Tyreek Who?’, isn’t an issue any more.

Now if only Jackson and JuJu could make a super Tik Tok that destroyed them both…

Dak It

Just when you were getting ready to roast the Cowboys for another feckless season, Dan goes out and hurts his hand again.

Dem Boyz took a hefty beating from TB12 and the Bucs on SNF-not as much as Dak’s hand, but a beating nonetheless.

Many Vegas bookies have already written Dallas off as a playoff team.

Back to the back up QB once again.

Kicking It

What the heck was with the kickers in week 1?

The Steelers-Bengals game was painful to watch, as each kicker took the worst of the early games, and dragged it into the second set of games to torture us all.

After that many misses, surely they could just bring a fan in and try to give it a go?

Koo was on fire…the east of you…practice!

Justin Jefferson

If we ever run out of solutions for the energy crisis, we should just hire Justin Jefferson to ‘light it up’ for us every week.

The much vaunted Packers D was no match for Jefferson, who was so open-he was offering free shopping carts to anyone who wanted a ride.

Jefferson proved he is well worth the fantasy splurge after humbling Green Bay.

Imagine what he’ll do against a really BAD defence?

Patriotical

Could the New England Patriots be the worst team in the AFC East this year? Sure looks like it after getting dick-punched by the Dolphins on Sunday.

Sure, it was a sweltering day in south Florida, but Billy B and the boys went down there early to prepare for the game.

Eesh. Mac Jones took a few tough hits, but even tougher on the Pats is that it looks like scoring is going to be REALLY hard for them this year.

Oh well…off to Week 2.

Who do you like?

 

 

Week 1 Picks

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After a long, long wait-the NFL is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited!

COVID is long gone, the ballsy hot days of summer are a mere scar from the sunburns, and everything is coming up pumpkin spice.
It’s NFL time!

Wade and Ryan are back at it, making their predictions in our Week 1 Picks podcast.

Make sure you listen to it over, and over to get all the nuggets of information distilled by the boys.

Among some of the things and games the boys talk about in this podcast includes:

Eagles (-5) vs Lions +48.5

Has everyone had a big gulpy slurp of Dan Campbell juice from Hard Knocks? Be careful, it’s full of caffeine!

HBO and the smooth voice of Liev Schreiber once again lulled us into believing that slick editing and inspirational music would help make a 3 win team better.
Only the season will tell.

What was telling was how the Eagles were able to make the playoffs in a ‘re-building’ year. Jalen Hurts and the Philly running game were able to put together a respectable season last year, and they only look to get better with some key additions to make for a deeper push this year.

Detroit has been Hard Knocking it, but they still have Jared Goff and a QB bench that even the Steelers could look down on.
Great running game, improved D, but you still gotta score.

Ryan likes the Lions to lickety-split the Eagles. He thinks that the running game and speedy receivers will be too much for the Eagles.

Wade is big on Philly, and thinks that this game will show that Detroit is not the motor city that people are hyping it up to be this season.

Ryan- Lions 23 Eagles 20
Wade-Eagles 31 Lions 24

Browns vs Panthers (1.5) +42.5

These lines have shifted quicker than an earthquake at a California cocaine party.

It started with the Browns being favoured, moved to the Panthers, had no line, was even and last was at 1.5 points for the Browns.

All eyes on Baker, as Mayfield hosts his former team in an ego battle like no other.
Matt Rhule needs a win here-not only to keep his job safe, but to also not lose the fans to start the season.
Christian McC is back, and Robbie Anderson might have the playmaker he needs to gash the backfield with incredible plays.

The Browns have been rubbed down, iced, and given a little moisturiser to start their season, as all eyes and hands have been rubbing down Deshaun.
Facing the ire of their fans, and the league, the Browns have opted to let Brissett take the reigns of a very capable Cleveland team.

Ryan has Baker and the boys laying a little beating on Cleveland, with revenge hot on his mind for week 1.

Wade on the other hand thinks that the Browns and the pressure might be a bit much for Baker in week 1, with Chubb and Hunt doing most of the work for the Browns.
He also sees loads of turnovers in a sloppy game.

Ryan-Panthers 28-Browns 20
Wade-Browns 24 Panthers 20

Raiders vs Chargers (3.5) +52

Lock up your china mom, the boys are battling it out in the living room tonight!

The AFC West battle starts out in fine form, as the LA Chargers and their fanless stadium host the under the influence Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s Carr vs Herbert in a showdown, throw down!

Vegas has blown many wads over the past few years, having many of their draft picks burn up quickly in the desert sun.
Through attrition the Raiders have found their squad, adding in Devante Adams as well as some O line pieces to give Derek a wee bit more time.
Don’t forget about Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs as well.

The LA Chargers were a thrill to watch last year, as Justin Herbert challenged Joe Burrow for newbie QB you wish was on your fantasy.
LA added Mack to the D, as well as giving Herbert some supporting tools for a longer distance drive into the playoffs this year.

Ryan likes the Chargers to win, but doesn’t think that Vegas will be an easy opponent.
Too much talent on both sides to allow the Raiders to keep it close.

Wade also thinks that this AFC doozy will be close, with the Chargers having that extra spark for victory. There will be plenty of fantasy points in this one.

Ryan-Chargers 30 Raiders 27
Wade-Chargers 33 Raiders 30

Week 1

Let’s not forget that it’s week 1, so whatever you thought you knew is most likely wrong.

No one really knows what the heck is going on until week 5, so at least find solace in that if you suck a big stone in week 1.

 

 

AFC/NFC Preview

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Well NFL darlings, it’s that time of the year again, as that giddy feeling in your stomach turns into the excitement of another NFL season!

The preseason is done, London games set, initial rounds of injuries have skated across the league, and it’s time for some football!

To commemorate the start of the 2022 NFL season, once again Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull have taken the task at hand of trying to determine who will emerge as the top teams to face off in the 2023 SuperBowl.

Thus we present to you our AFC/NFC Preview Podcast!

As a Bears and Bills fan, they have a skewed barometer of how their teams will fare, but there’s no loyalty in making picks.

To make sure that you get the best out of both guys, we have recorded not ONE, but TWO podcasts on this-one for each division!

AFC

The Buffalo Bills are heavily favoured to take it all this year, but as any seasoned Western New York fan knows, the wing might be spicy, it doesn’t mean that it’s fully cooked inside. (aka-expect failure0

It’s the Bills to lose this season, but the AFC East has the much touted Dolphins and their diminutive QB looking to be the big man.
The Dolphins have all the tools, but will those tools fit into the new machine?
Billy B will be looking to pull off some sleight of hand, convincing many preseason pundits that the Pats don’t have it together-they will.
The Jets…two words…Joe Flacco.
They’s be better off with Edie Falco.

The AFC North has all the drama for your mama this year, as Deshaun Watson immediately makes the Browns the least favourite team of any female fan of the NFL.
Cincy is fresh off a Superbowl appearance, but as history tells us-that isn’t always a good thing.
Lamar has a lot to prove this season, let’s just hope he doesn’t get hurt before he gets paid.
Pittsburgh has Trubisky. ‘Nuff said.

The West is Best in the AFC in terms of team calibre, but which of these rats can chew off the others faces to pip the top.
Patrick Mahomes is a safe bet to put on a show, as the Chiefs shrug off some dead weight to make another run at the title.
Hot on their heels will be the strong arm of Justin Herbert and a rejuvenated Chargers D. Is this his Joe Burrow year?
Vegas went all in on Carr, giving him the pieces he needs to make a buffet to feed the city their dreams.
Denver has Russ-but can he ever cook again?

Matty Ice is in the AFC, as he hope to run off of Taylor’s legs and take this AFC South division with ease.
Tannehill has lost loads of weapons this season, with the Titans trying to make a run, without all the tools they had before.
Houston-we have a problem. Davis Mills is fine, but you can’t build a team around him.
Jacksonville has to do something this year now that Urban Meyer is back working as a manager at Hot Topic. It’s all on you Trevor!

NFC

The NFC claimed the SuperBowl title last year, with the LA Rams and the noodle-elbow of Matt Stafford winning it all after a woeful time in Detroit.

It’s hard to repeat as champs, so they’ll need all the Cialis in their wallets if they want to stay hard this year.
The NFC West is a feast of talent, so the Rams will need to stifle the tough D and running game of the 49ers if they want to move ahead. This is your chance Trey!
Kyler asked to ‘show me the money’, now he needs to show he can score. Boom or bust year for him.
Seattle is famed for being a depressive place that led to grunge and copious coffee drinking. Put another pot on.

NFC East is the least in terms of being impressive, but that doesn’t mean that they haven’t gotten better.
Hurts and the Eagles were able to make the playoffs during a rebuild year-and that running game should move them to the playoffs again this year.
The Devil and Daniel Jones have one last chance in the Big Apple before the angels of Harlem chase their asses out of town.
‘Dem Boyz are looking more like the Proud Boyz, as many people are turning on them, as wondering who the hell they are.
Washington sucks so bad, they should change the name again.

The NFC Dirty South has TB12 and his mama drama. Will that stop the Bucs from returning to the big game and send Tommy Boy to retirement?
Jameis is ready to rock the Saints and their top tier D into the playoffs-they have enough talent to do it, but do they have enough discipline?
Baker has to cook something up in Carolina this year, before he finds himself carrying Pat McAfee’s golf bags.
Atlanta is a great TV show starring Donald Driver.

Aaron Rodgers has taken a full dose of himself, and he is ready to lead the Packers to another early round playoff exit. Is his team ready to this to the NFC North?
The Vikings have an amazing team on paper, but paper doesn’t play every week.
Hard Knocks fans have swallowed the Dan Campbell pill, and have them beasting the league this year. Do we all remember the Lions of last year? Good.
The Bears are slated to be the worst team in the league this year. They will definitely have the worst O line…and draft picks!

Wade & Ryan will be back with their Week 1 predictions, as well as more NFL in London fun.

 

Due Date

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Deshaun gets his back to work date, TB12 takes time off work, and our man Ryan is having another baby!
All this and more in our Due Date podcast.

 Goes to 11

So the NFL has finally finagled the Deshaun Watson situation, and the ruling is…11 games!

How weird that his first game back is facing his old team the Texans? You sure know how to write a script NFL!

Despite howls of ‘Boos’ and ‘Boo-Urns’, Watson has been rather oblivious to the whole shit-suation surrounding him.

With the league finally nailing down a return to work date, we can all get back to what’s most important in this league…making fun of the Cowboys.

TB Time

TB12 checked into training camp, then promptly checked out having declared a need for personal time.

This sent internet sleuths into a tizzy, who quickly claimed that the reason Tommy Boy was taking time off, was to appear on FOX’s ‘The Masked Singer.’

Like the Korean dish kimchi, ‘The Masked Singer’ has invaded our shores with ear-shredding celebrities surprising C-list celebs with their singing skills (or lack thereof.)

If Brady did sign up for this show, it would surely signal his shark-jump of cool, going from the goofy drunk guy who tossed the Lombardi into the drink, into…Rudi Guliani.

Hopefully this is all a horrible nightmare, like Marvels ‘Eternals.’

AB Me Me

Have you forgotten about Antonio Brown yet? Well, you should.

AB is desperately trying to get anyone to listen to him, as he makes his case for the Dallas Cowboys to take a chance on him.

Despite signs of dementia and poor decision making in the past, owner Jerry Jones was quick to poo-poo any chance of AB becoming one of ‘Dem Boyz’.

Maybe AB could appear on ‘The Masked Singer”? Oh, that’s right, he already did in 2019 when he skipped Steelers practices.

Catfish

Who wants catfish for dinner?

Certainly not Manti Te’o, who is the subject of a new Netflix documentary about the nut-bar situation he was placed in when catfished during his college career.

At the time, Manti became fodder for the late night talk shows, who were quick to trash this kid who got suckered in by a catfisher, instead blaming Te’o for ‘making her up.’

Nice to see that despite a country accusing him of lying, trashing his mental health, and not even investigating the truth at the time, Manti was able to come out with his sanity.

Injuries

It wouldn’t be the preseason without a slew of injuries to kick it all off, and the NFL preseason did not disappoint!

Zac Wilson broke a boner on his moms’ friend-is what the trash rags like the NY Post will have you believe.
Wilson will be out for 2-4 weeks after a bone bruise during PS-hopefully the press can be a bit more forgiving with this young man.

The Bucs lost a big chunk of their O-line after losing several key members to injury in training camp.

Browns centre Nick Harris tore his ACL, and will be out for the season.

This goes to show you why you NEVER run your fantasy draft until the season starts.

Favre KO

Anyone who has heard Brett Favre talk, knows that he has spent a career taking hits to the head.

It’s a bit of a surprise however when Brett revealed the extent of his head hits, reckoning that he has had ‘thousands’ of concussions throughout his playing daze.

From bight white lights, loss of sound and vision, to being front row at a Nickleback concert, these hits have made a mess out of Favre’s head.

You only have to watch highlight of Brett’s career to realise that he wasn’t exaggerating…much.

Fantasy

What kind of fantasy do you guys like to play?

Straight-up season? Daily? Pick’em pools?

Well, we’re going to offer you the chance to join in some of our pools for the 2022 season.

All will be revealed next week!

 

 

Half Bakered

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We’re into the first week of July, which means the preseason is only weeks away as we get set to kick of the 2022 NFL season.

With all the hoopla and huzzah, Wade and Ryan take some time in this podcast to look at some of the lingering NFL news prior to the start of the season, with this Half Bakered Podcast.

Here’s the link to get your weekend sorted.

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

Baker Boy

Baker Mayfield is officially a Carolina Panther. Or is he?
Further to a medical test, BM could be shooting his load down the coast this season to help the woeful Panthers move on from Darnold Time.

With all the drama coming out of Cleveland, it’s nice to see some sort of finality come to the situation for Mayfield, who has been trending dirty water in the wake of the Deshaun Watson trade.

Whether Watson plays this season is up to the football Gods (or Goodell)-but the way it’s looking, he’ll be riding the pine, while Baker has a chance to start and finish the season.

It could be the Jacoby Brissett show now in Cleveland, as Baker can finally go off to his own pizza oven and get baked.

Jimmy G

Now that Baker has finally found his new forever home, the lens of focus hits over to Jimmy Garoppolo and his perfect jaw.

With Baker shuffling off to Carolina, the only real places to fall for Jimmy G are the Seahawks, and the Seahawks.

Given the divisional double tap, it’s highly unlikely that San Fran would want to allow him to come back and torch them twice.

Jimmy might be best to wait until week 4, when many of the teams will have already lost their starting QB to injury  or jail.

That’s Jimmy’s perfect sweet spot-sliding into the DMs.

Nice Tat Bro

A few weeks have gone by without anyone mentioning Aaron Rodgers, so he did something about that…he got a tattoo!

True to Rodgers form, the tat is cryptic, mysterious, and way to expensive for regular chums like us to afford.

Aaron went all witchy with this one, incorporating lions, the all seeing eye, and only black and white bro.

If only the tattoo could run a 4 second 40, then it might have a chance to really impress the fans this season.

Bear Up and Down

The rumours are swirling that the Chicago Bears are teasing the city that they are indeed ready to pack up and move for 2026.

With a big ass facility in Arlington Heights, the Bears could benefit from creating a whole new world around the team, adding shopping, hotels, bars and a home for Aaron Rodgers to own the team.

The city of Chicago came back this week with a plan-put a dome on it!

Mayor Lori is proposing taking the NFL’s smallest stadium (61,500) and raise the roof, adding a dome and another 15000 seats.

Sure it would take away from being an outdoor stadium in one of the coldest NFL cities, and erase the gorgeous views of Lake Michigan…but Soldier Field!

The Bears have the city over a barrel right now…finally someone they can dominate!

Lion Bite

Who has the most expensive NFL offence heading into this season?
Nope-not them.
It’s the Detroit Lions. Wait, what?

Yep, the Detroit Lions have the highest pad roster this season, with a whopping $123m in salaries spread across the Goff.

Ranked by CBS sports as the ‘5th worst team in the NFL’, the Lions are ready to change their fate in 2023, by not becoming the worst team in the league (again).

No matter how much money they spend, they will never be the Jacksonville Jaguars.
And that’s a good thing.

London Games

We will be announcing some parties and social fun stuff planned for the next season in the next month.

If you’re a bar or pub in the UK looking to hist NFL parties and viewing events this season, make sure that you get in touch.