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National Football League in London

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TNF Week 6

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Thursday Night Football is back, after Covid scheduling put it on the back burner last week. Looking at the match-up between the Giants & Eagles, you would hope thatchy would put it back on that burner and let both teams go up in flames.

The NFC East is 2020 personified. We started out with hope in the division, only to watch it continually disappoint as it drags itself towards a fetid gutter. It must be how the rest of the Trumps feel about Tiffany.

TNF tonight features two teams who would be better off speeding this game up so we only see 7 minutes of highlights. The Eagles host the Giants, whose combined record is still worse than the Miami Dolphins.
The Giants were able to get their first win of the season off the lowly Washington team, while the Eagles have shot themselves in the foot so much this season, you wonder if they will run out of bullets or toes first.

The Eagles will be missing their main man Myles Sanders, as well as the only guy that can catch-Zach Ertz. DeSean Jackson should return to help out Fulgham, provided Carson Wentz can actually hit them with a pass. Injuries are the star for the Eagles this season, although it looks doubtful they will be able to trade them this season.

The Giants suck. Their O-line is as about as suspect as getting medical advice off of Facebook, and Daniel Jones looks terrified every time the pass rush is in his face. You wonder if Saquon saw this and started the season with ‘screw this, I’m outta here.’

In this battle of dumpsters, I’m taking the Eagles, as they are little less maggoty than the Giants. Both are trash, but Philly is a little less so.

I will not be staying up to watch this 1:20am game, instead I will give this game the attention it deserves. Watching it on the toilet Friday morning as I scroll between the game and Bumble.

Prediction:

Eagles 24 Giants 18 

Kevin Cadle

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It’s been 3 years since we lost ‘Ma Man’ Kevin Cadle, and the UK sports broadcasting scene still has a gaping hole in talent from his passing. We really miss you dude.

I first saw Kev hosting sports on Sky, and I thought ‘wow, this guy is actually really good.’
Having moved to London from North America, I was struck at generally how bereft the UK scene was for quality sportscasters. Flipping through Channel 5, BBC and Sky Sports the presenters not only seemed like that they had no experience or personality or presence, but they also seemed to be responsible for their own wardrobe.
One pundit on C5 was so bad, my friends and I would tune in just to watch the train wreck unfold. He was a pretty obese guy with a penchant for wearing tight purple sweaters, we nicknamed ‘Grimace’.
Kevin Cadle stood head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. Literally.
Kevin was always well dressed, dapper, and could helm a show as a proper presenter.

The more I got to know Kev, the more I was drawn into his aura. He epitomised cool, and his relaxed demeanour on screen was just as chill when you were having a drink with him.
This made him a ‘star’ in the UK, as fans genuinely gravitated towards him, because he was the man who helped them not only learn about North American sports, but love them.

One would think that this ‘fame’ would feed his ego as it did to several Sky Sports presenters, but it did quite the opposite. It made him appreciate the love from the UK, and he would spend hours talking to everyone who approached them, giving them his full attention and flashing that wonderful smile that charmed us all.
His laugh was something that could rip across a room, and as a comedian it gave me great pleasure in unleashing it in public. When he laughed, people looked (and usually laughed as well).

Few Sky Sports viewers knew just how famous Kevin Cadle was. Not only was he the most successful UK basketball coach in the history of the sport here, he is also recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for his time coaching the Kingston Kings in the late 80s, early 90s.
Basketball might have been his jam, but he certainly knew how to butter up every other sport with a thoughtful and balanced voice of a true journalist.

Like many UK sports fans I was shocked when his role on Sky Sports was continually relegated. From watching him as the main host to being shuttered to the sidelines, or even worse reporting from empty bars under the auspices that he was the man on the street.
Several times Kevin would text me asking if I could send some fans down to the bar in focus that week as it was ‘dead-ass’. Of course I did, as I couldn’t stand the thought of such a respectable man being disrespected.
I wasn’t alone in this feeling, as all you had to do was pop onto social media to see a flurry of hashtags wondering where Kevin was.

When Kev was eventually replaced by different flavours willing to trek out to Osterley, fans across the UK felt like a family member was missing from the dinner table.
I pushed the Hippodrome to bring him down for appearances during Sunday nights, convincing them that his presence would spur on the fans that came down to watch the games.
Boy was I right!
Upon entering the theatre in the casino, all eyes turned to the big man, as did the whispers. Then the chants came ‘Kev! Kev! Kev’, he waved to the fans and happily acknowledged the genuine love in the room.
Not only that Kevin took a picture with everyone who asked. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
He would sit and talk with fans for hours about everything and anything.
Occasionally he would look up to the scores, but never took his focus off the most important person in the room, the person talking with him.

Once Kevin was eventually led out to pasture by Sky, I made it my mission to get him back on the telly.
Not only was Kev a British sporting icon, but sports fans really missed him on their screens.
UK television commissioners were less enthused however, citing a lack of ‘passion for American sports’ Kevin’s age, and alternatively suggesting younger, female presenters whose only media experience came from reality TV.
Undeterred, I continued pitching the show until we got some solid interest to develop a program in September 2017.
Sadly Kevin Cadle passed on October 16, 2017.

In November 2017 we hosted ‘Kev-Giving’ at the casino, honouring Kevin and giving thanks to him for all that he gave to us as British sports fans.
His family said a few words, some fans shed tears, and the casino raised money for his family in this time of need.

It’s been three years since his passing, and every year as the NFL season starts I think about him and what life would like here if we still had him in our lives.
He brought smiles to all UK sports fans, and enriched our viewing experiences with class, dignity and a huge beaming smile.

I miss my friend, and I’m angry with the way he was treated by the British entertainment industry.
But I also know that Kevin wouldn’t want me to be angry, he would want us all to remember the joy he brought us every time the camera light flicked on.
He will always be ‘Ma Man’, and we will always be his.

‘Never accept good over best’-Kevin Michael Cadle

-Wade McElwain is a comedian, TV producer and host of NFL in London live. 

 

The Picks Six

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Yo! Welcome to the first edition of The Picks Six. This is a new concept, so bare with me whilst I figure it out. But each week I’m gonna give 6 types of picks or tips for the upcoming slate of games. Each category is a little different; some are sure fire “this is definitely going to happen,” and some are long shots “this is a bit of a dream but it’s plausible at least.” Like for example last week. I thought the Dolphins had a great shot at upsetting the 49ers. And they did. Wish I’d started this column last week now… We’ll keep track of how I do in each category so you can know which ones to trust and which ones to laugh at. 

Anyway… for us Brits, this week’s Sky Sports Slate of games is absolutely electric. Steelers vs Browns, Buccaneers vs Packers, Rams vs 49ers (ehhhh okay not great), Bills vs Chiefs AND Cardinals vs Cowboys? 4 out of 5 are legitimately must see. But if I can avoid watching Jimmy G I will absolutely do so, so let’s just pretend that game isn’t happening for the rest of this article? Cool! Let’s get stuck into my picks. 

1) The 1st and Goal from the One 

This is my lock of the week. A sure fire winner surely. 

I’m very tempted to pick the Panthers to beat the (extremely fraudulent, sorry not sorry Wade) 4-1 Bears, but I’m not quite as confident in that as a couple other options this weekend. It’s two AFC East teams, and I just cannot see any way they lose this weekend. I’m talking about the Patriots and the Dolphins. New England have seemingly survived Cam’s corona scare… and he’s back this week to face the fairly unfortunate Broncos, who have been decimated by injuries and then this week had the story of Melvin Gordon getting a DUI. It’s not been great for Denver, and I don’t think their luck changes on Sunday. Belichick can see a glimmer of light at the top of the AFC East after the Bills lost on Tuesday night. I’m taking the Patriots to win in comfortable fashion. BUT – as a bonus for the first week of this column, I’m also taking the Dolphins, who face the newly LeVeon Bell-less Jets. Adam Gase man… where do you even start? Probably best to make this quick. Brian Flores has the Dolphins playing great football and winning games. The Jets are absolutely horrific. I feel (for once) very confident that my Fins get their 3rd win of the season on Sunday.

2) The 45yd Field Goal (around even odds)

This is my mid-range, toss up of the week. 

So my pick is going to Green to beat Tampa in the matchup I’ve dubbed “battle of the bays.” I’m sure that’s copyrighted by someone else but hey, it sounds good. Tommy B has been up and down since relocating to Florida, and AA Rod is in the middle of his “how dare you not rank me in the top 10 of the NFL 100” revenge tour. It’s hard for me to understand why the Packers are ONLY favoured by a solitary point here coming off a Bye last week. I know the Buccaneers defense is tasty, but Aaron Jones and the (hopefully) returning healthy Davante Adams are too electrifying to stop, and they’ll both benefit from having the other in the lineup. Let’s go for Green Bay -1.0.

3). The Hail Mary (4/1 or longer)

This is my shot from half field. Unlikely, but you never know. 

The AFC North is fast confirming itself to be – alongside the NFC West – the best division in Football. The Ravens, Steelers AND (surprisingly) Browns are all proving themselves to be playoff calibration teams, with potential SuperBowl aspirations. Big Ben’s comeback player of the year campaign is off to a flyer, and rookie WR Chase Claypool set the Fantasy Football world on fire last week with 45 points in his 4TD demolition of the Eagles. Cleveland faced their toughest defense (since the Ravens in week 1) and dismantled the Colts with relative ease. Baker looked good, Kareem Hunt is running like he did in Kansas City, and OBJ has maybe got his mojo back. I’m so excited for this matchup. BUT I think this really means a lot to the Browns. They’re used to getting eviscerated by Pittsburgh and, after the “contentious” ending to last season’s second matchup (you know, the one with the attempted murder??), I think Myles Garrett will be out for… errr… sacks!? Cleveland are the underdogs but if they can get the run game going they can limit the Steelers’ time of possession. Ben will always air it out to try and catch up but I think the Browns have enough to not only upset the Steelers but win by a wider margin than expected.

We’re gonna go Cleveland Browns to win by 7-12 points. 

4) The Over

I like points. Sue me. Give me 45-44 over 17-14 every day. I’m a Big XII guy. Points points points. Throw the ball. So, I’m using this section to look at the points totals and pick an over that I like. 

Cardinals @ Cowboys – Over 55.0

Yeah, it’s a high line, but this has “shootout” written all over it. I love the Cardinals. I absolutely love them. They’re so exciting. Kyler is a speed demon. Hopkins is – for me – the best receiver in the league. Their run game has struggled but we all know Kenyan Drake could just turn it on one week and blow people away again. And then you’ve got Dallas. Firstly, get well soon Dak. Secondly, Andy Dalton is… not Dak Prescott, but has a better set of weapons in Dallas than he EVER had in Cincinnati. Lamb, Cooper & Gallup can cause Patrick Peterson and the Cardinals DBs a lot of issues, creating space for Zeke between the tackles, especially now Chandler Jones is done for the year. But Kyler and Hopkins will feast on a suspect Cowboys secondary that made the Giants look like an offensive powerhouse at times last week. I’m excited to see these two offenses beat up on the defenses on Monday Night. 

5) The Parlay

A little 5 team accumulator for the people. 

Titans -3.5 (how are Tennessee, who are 4-0, only -3.5 against a 1-4 Houston team?!)

Dolphins -10.0 (yeah, it’s A LOT of points for the Dolphins and Fitzmagic to cover… BUT… I mean… have you SEEN the Jets?)

Patriots -9.5 (Cam’s back, and the Broncos are broken. Even if Drew Lock plays, the New England defense is nasty enough to give him nightmares)

Browns +3.5 (I think they win outright, but the FG + a half point here makes this feel like a safe bet)

Lions -3.0 (Golladay back, Sacksonville ain’t what it used to be, Lions managed to beat the Cardinals – a GOOD team – earlier this year. I trust Stafford to win this game)

£10 on this pays about £260 depending on your Bookmaker.

6) The Full English

This is just gonna be my straight up, nice and simple, prediction for who wins every single game each week. We’ll keep a rolling total and win % for me and hopefully it’ll be a number significantly higher than 50…

ATL vs MIN – Atlanta

BAL vs PHI – Ravens

CHI vs CAR – Panthers

CIN vs IND – Colts

CLE vs PIT – Browns

DEN vs NE – Patriots

DET vs JAX – Lions

HOU vs TEN – Titans

WAS vs NYG – Giants

NYJ vs MIA – Dolphins

GB vs TB – Packers

LAR vs SF – Rams

KC vs BUF – Chiefs

ARI vs DAL – Cardinals

And that’s it! Can’t wait to get absolutely none of these right this week. Hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts. Fingers crossed you come back next week. I’m @callumjdsquires on Twitter and Instagram if you wanna chat further. Have a good one!

All Lines and Totals accurate as of Friday 16th October at 15:00. 

Callum Squires is a London based writer, Dolphins fan and regular contributor to NFL in London. 

Breaking! NFC East Sold

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This just in, the NFC East has been sold to the XFL for a McRib sandwich and a picture of Archie Manning in a speedo inside sources confirm.
The sale represents part of the XFL’s rebuilding plans to recycle some of the garbage from the NFL and repurpose it into something more useful.

According to XFL’s new owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ ‘Mr Instagram’ ‘All Killer-No Filler’ Johnson, the purchase is part of a new global plan to take the worst things on the planet, and turn them into the best.
He plans on dissembling the NFC East and breaking into smaller, more digestible parts, for easier consumption.
Whatever is left of this will me made into a birthday gift for Kevin Hart.

As for the gap left by the sale of the NFC East, the NFL has announced it already has plans for the empty space as a result of the transaction.
NFL head honcho Roger Goodell confirmed that the league is already in discussion with the Harlem Globetrotters to be retrained as NFL players, despite them having an average age of 46 years old.
‘Retraining is the new training’ Goodell said in a press conference held from his guest bathroom on Saturday, ‘these guys are athletes and sports are for sport people who sport’ he added while delivering his statements while still on the toilet.
He apologised later for the setting of the press conference saying ‘Arby’s is still a no go for me, and when you add an edible you find in your glove compartment…well, you know what happens…am I right fellas’?

All NFC players left in the lurch by the sale have been offered Target gift cards, and dates with whatever Kardashian is single.

 

Draftkings Week 5

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Week 5 in the NFL is here, and what a sloppy mess of the schedule it is. Covid 19 is running rampant on the games, and we still don’t really know what games have officially been slated for Sunday. Hopefully all of this will be sorted soon.

Week 4 had some big scores and upsets in it, not to mention some HUGE value from some of the top players in DFS. Joe Mixon was a beast, running for 3 TDs and crushing everyone in fantasy who went against him. Dak Prescott was on the ball with 5 TDs, too bad he couldn’t turn it into a win. Odell Beckham and Amari Cooper were also beasts, cruising for loads of yards. The big man of the upset was the Packers TE Robert Tonyan who pulled in 3 TDs and was relatively cheap on Draftkings.
So who do I like in Week 5?

QBs

You’re always going to do ok taking QBs like Dak and Lamar, but it’s also about finding value in some of good DraftKings player combinations, and of course anyone playing the Giants or the Jets.

Kyler Murray $7200

Kyler has been up and down in recent weeks, having moments of brilliance followed by moments of true idiocy. Luckily Kyler is playing the Jets this week, so he will have time to redeem himself. The only thing that could work to his disadvantage is the field at Met Life stadium which at times looks to be in worse condition than the field in Batman-Dark Knight Rises which Bane blows up. Kyler likewise should blow up this field.

Teddy Bridgewater $5900

Teddy has been playing ok football since the loss of Christian McCaffery thanks to his D keeping him in the games. Atlanta is known to allow gaping holes in their secondary, which should give him time to link up with Robbie Anderson on some slant routes through the middle, not to mention the deep ball. Good value at $5900.

RB

Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6800

Clyde the Glide will be taking on a Las Vegas D which has allowed some of the biggest runs of any NFL team. Once the Chiefs get moving, there will be very little the Raiders will be able to do to slow him down. C E-H should be on point for 100 yards and at least 1 TD.

Le’Veon Bell $5100

Le’Veon who? This impact player has been absent this season as Adam Gase runs the Jets down to Tankville. While it’s up in the air if he will play at all, you can imagine that if he is, they will use him as much as possible given that the rest of the team is injured/ sucks. Keep an eye on the injury report on Sunday as you might have to swap him out, but deffo worth a punt.

James Conner $6900

Conner has been having an increasingly big season, as he improves week on week. Playing their state rival Philly should not only inspire him, but given the putrid state of the Eagles defence, he should have a big day. The Eagles will struggle to stop him all day.

WR

Christian Kirk $4700

Kirk & Kyler are facing the Jets on Sunday which means that there will be loads of points to go around. If the Jets try to thwart Hopkins in this match, then Kirk will get lots of looks. He’s a great value for $4700 as he has the wheels to get loads of yards after the catch. He will be a pain in New York’s butt all game.

Robbie Anderson $5900

The Panthers have had a surprisingly successful season without C McC, and the game on Sunday should be a big one as the Falcons struggle in freefall. Anderson has the speed and moves to confuse the Falcons D, so expect him to find some big holes and even bigger scores.

TE

Dalton Schultz $4800

Schultz has been a favourite of Dak since the start of the season. He is one of the go to guys when they try to mount their numerous comebacks. Dak will go to him often, so at $4800 he is a good choice for a solid TE.

Evan Engram $4600

On the other side of the field is Engram, who has been very useful to the Daniel Jones all season when he needs short yardage. This will be a slugfest between two sucky D’s, so either of these guys will do well for you.

DEF

Steelers $3800

The Steel curtain is hosting the Eagles this weekend, and the Watt boys are out for a rumble. Wentz and company are going to be on their back feet all day, so expect Pittsburgh to take him down and pick him off often.

DraftKings League

Want to play DraftKings for free, or even win cash? Then join our League ‘NFL in London’ and join a community of NFL fans in the UK who love fantasy football.
Link here:
https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

Good luck on Sunday!