NFL in London

National Football League in London

tom brady

Bears in London

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The NFL tickled us with a treat this week, as Chicago took advantage of the new international marketing areas to host the Bears in London on Sunday.

What a fun night of action, and thanks for hosting us!

Home Marketing

With the NFL going fully international this year, the league announced last year that they would allow certain teams to market directly to global fans.

The United Kingdom had six teams granted rights to perform this, with the Jaguars, Vikings, Dolphins, Jets, 49ers and Bears getting the royal treatment here.

This was the Bears first attempt at hosting one of these parties, and they did a lot of things right.

Flat Iron Party

The Bears opted to host the party in London’s Flat Iron area, just round the corner from London Bridge station.

While the area was popular when the NFL was in town, it did seem like a rather odd location given how quickly the area empties on a Sunday, as well as being hosted underneath the train tracks.

The hype was obvious at entry, as cheery marketing folk handed out raffle tickets, and encouraged fans to participate in some of the many trivia and cheer games they had prepared.
Some of the games were funny, some cheesy, and there were times fans just wanted the game back on as they battled the Lions, but the good nature of the event and £7 pints had Bears fans rollicking.

Bringing in the Bears hype man to host the event did bring a deep dish authenticity to the event, and he was genuinely surprised at just how damn knowledgeable UK Bears fans are at trivia.
The only wrong answers seemed to be displayed in the Bears game play.

The Game

Heading into the game, the Bears were a three point favourite over a Lions team bolstered by a win over the Packers last weekend.

The awkward tension was palatable in the room, as the Lions erased the Bears lead, despite the gutsy and emotional play of Justin Fields.

Despite the loss, UK Bears fans were playful to the few Lions fans who snuck in, possibly bouyed by beers, Bears and Bears swag.

Speaking of swag, while it looked like they brought plenty, it didn’t seem like it reached many of the fans, as Bears loyals were seen packing branded, paper drinks coasters into their pockets for a little bit of take home legacy.

Or maybe people just didn’t want to be reminded of a one point loss.

Bear Down Future

Scrolling the Bears forums, the main complaints from fans around the event stemmed from it being last minutes, and in London, alienating many UK Bears fans who either can’t travel on Sunday nights, or can’t afford London prices.

Rumours from the Bears marketing staff on hand is that there could be more of these viewing events across the UK in the coming months.

Make sure to watch this space, and we will let you know where and when you can Beardown this NFL season.

All in all, it was a fun night of football, and a good sign of things to come.

 

Week 7 Tips

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It was another dump-pump-chump week in the NFL for week 6, as topsy turvy met the upside down world in the results, that’s why it’s called ‘Any Given Sunday’.

Wade and Ryan both took some chin-hits in their picks, but as Taylor says, ‘shake it off’, and they will , as they offer their Week 7 Tips.

To make sure that you hear all of our picks, check out our podcast this week, which you can also find on Spotify and iTunes.

Here are some of the top games that Wade & Ryan have lined up for Week 7.

Lions (1-4) vs -7 Cowboys (4-2) +49

Dak is back, whiggyity wack!
After injuring himself earlier in this season with a nasty wrist hamper, Dak has rushed himself through the pain to get himself back for Week 7. But is it too soon?
The Cowboys have survived on the back of their tough D, and ginger-ninja skills of Cooper Rush.
Four wins are great to have going into Week 7, but can they stave off a feisty Detroit team whose own D has led to multiple collapses?
The Lions have a Hard Knock hangover to start this season. After feasting on the hype, fans are now starting to see that a team with a couple wins last year isn’t going to suddenly go from grower to show-er.
Detroit has a few players back from injury, but their hapless D was still 9 players down heading into practice midweek.
Ryan likes Dak & Dem Boyz to feast on Dan Campbell’s ravaged corpse, easily covering the spread.
Wade is betting on the Lions, deducing that the return of Amon and the fast scoring Goff will come to play and get that second W.
Ryan-Cowboys 30 Lions 20
Wade-Lions 31 Cowboys 27

Giants (5-1) vs Jaguars -3 (2-4) +42.5

So the Giants have 5 wins, but the 2 win Jaguars are favoured at home?
What the hey heck is this malarky?
Perhaps Vegas believes that Daniel Jones and company might be a bit less of a squad than their record belies?
The Giants thundered the Pack-fanatics in London during a game that signalled the potential demise of the Green Bay decade long domination in the NFC.
Add to this wins over the Ravens and now people really believe that this team can be more than Saquon.
Apparently the bookies didn’t get the message, who pip Trevor Lawrence and the Jags as a better option.
The Jags were great in their first two games, then they kind of imploded.
Bolstered by two solid running backs, pretty okay receivers and D that blipped the Bills last season, and you wonder where the return is?
Can they string a bunch of wins together, or are they doomed to be tainted by the AFC dumpster fire.
Ryan is a Giant fan of New York, and sees the G-Men ripping a sixth win out of the beating heart of south Florida sun.
Wade likes the Jags, and sees Etienne getting the runs all over the Giants D.

Ryan-Giants 23 Jaguars 20
Wade-Jaguars 26 Giants 20

Colts (3-2-1) vs -2.5 Titans (3-2)

It’s the rematch from Week 4 that no one asked for! But that’s what you get in the AFC South.
Matty Ice looked like he was still frozen at the start of the season, as Indianapolis played their first few games like they were still in preseason.
Now the Colts are starting to win, and Matt Ryan is second in the league in overall passing yards.
Taylor and Hines are probables, as the Colts are able to get a few healthy bodies back to avenge their October 2 loss.
Tennessee is a mess, with Henry well below his perceived yards, and Tannehill lacking any real targets.
The Titans have 3 wins though, which in AFC South terms is akin to having a full set of teeth on the bayou.
Speaking of byes, the Titans are fresh off of one, although some players consider an early bye a future curse of health.
Ryan likes the Titans at home, and sees Henry having a good rushing day to secure the W.
Wade thinks that the thaw is over, and Matt Ryan and the healthy Colts are about to start an AFC push, which aside from the Bills, is a mess.
Ryan-Titans 27 Colts 23
Wade-Colts 24 Titans 20
That’s it for our Week 7 Tips, If you want to hear more of our picks, just listen to podcast and get all the feels.

DraftKings League

We have our own NFL in London DraftKings League! Why not play along in our contests and you can play for FREE or win big.
Here’s the link to join us here!

What the Week?

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Even the most ardent NFL supporter will tell you that this is ‘one heck of a year’ in terms of playability, and Week 6 sure showed us why.

Somehow the New York teams are all killing it, while perennial favourites are struggling to get out of the first weeks’ mud.
And that’s not even mentioning the injuries!

Let’s take a look at some of the cray-cray storylines as we look at What the Week?

Tommy Boy

TB12 is sure trailing a bucket of drama as he heads into this season, with divorce, depleted squads and AB all piling on to make Tommy’s woes even bigger.

Despite losing one of their Watt’s, the Steelers D gave Tom Brady all kinds of headaches in Pittsburgh, and showed Tommy yelling it up on the sidelines at his teammates.

No one should lose to the tandem Mitch Trubisky & Kenny Pickett, but the Bucs took one on the chin from an AFC chump.

The Bucs are going to need to start stringing something together soon if they want to have any hope of pipping the Atlanta Falcons (whelp) to secure the NFC South title.

A Week 7 match-up between the Panthers should get them right, although Tommy sure would have liked to have snagged Robbie Anderson before he left for the Cards.

New York!

The Jets, Bills and Giants all have winning records…and get this…the Jets just walloped the Green Bay Packers.
What kind of bizarre multiverse is this?

The Jets are 4-2, the Bills are 5-1, and the Giants are also 5-1 in a patchwork that no one would thought we would see in decades, but here we are.

The Giants seem like that they are going to be ‘found out’ every week, yet Daboll and the boys keep finding new ways to beat tough opponents. And get this, they still do it with Daniel Jones and few receivers to speak of.

The New York Jets laid a beating on the Green Bay Packers in week 6, making the O-line of the Pack seem more like swiss cheese, than the fine cheddar it use to be.

The Bills are the one team that might bring some worry. Although they were feted to have top honours to take the title this season, there have been signs of weakness that this ride might get bumpy.

Pack Hack

If you were to tell Green Bay fans that they would be sitting at 3-3 after week 6 at the start of the season, they would have been severely ‘cheesed off’.
Surely their beloved Aaron Rodgers would never let the team sink that low…maybe Matt LaFleur…just not A-A-Ron!

The Packers have had a rough start to the season, with their 3 wins not coming easy, and their 3 losses coming effortlessly.

With no O-Line, and a scant supply of receivers, Rodgers like Brady is kind of wishing that this ends up another Covid year.

Green Bay has upcoming matches between the Bills, Eagles, Cowboys, Lions and Titans…with a few L’s anticipated in these tough contests.

Rhule the World

The Panthers took a massive squat on the state of South Carolina this season, by bring in Baker Mayfield and keeping the unpopular Matt Rhule.

After going a pathetic 1-4, the Panthers let go of Rhule, allowing him to collect $800k+ per week to sit on his butt, and field offers from college football teams.

Carolina is in trouble, and will need to unload C Mc if they can find anyone willing to swallow such a massive load.

Salmonella Russ

Russ has been cooking this season, unfortunately all the dishes keep coming out raw, and with no taste, or texture.

Russ has almost single-handedly ruined prime time NFL this season, putting in performances that more likely gift him a ‘Razzie’, than any football award.

The Seahawks are happy-clapping this season, having the weight of Russ lifted off their shoulders, not to mention the nice pay chunk in their pockets.

Will Russ get any better? Is he injured? Did he also get injured on MNF?

It’s tough to be a Broncos fan!

London Game

We still have another NFL game in London, as the Broncos and Jaguars face off at Wembley on Oct 30th in what is being billed as ‘an AFC match-up’.

Given how Russ has been performing as of late, and the sudden scoring demise of Jacksonville, we might expect some baseball like scores in this one.

Vikings vs Saints-London

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It’s time for London to host its first NFL game of 2022, as the Minnesota Vikings visit the New Orleans at Tottenham stadium on October 2, 2022.

Have tickets and going to the game?
That’s great! It should be a fun an exciting rematch of the Minnesota miracle a few years ago.
The game kicks off at 2:30pm BST (9:30am), expected to finish around 6pm BST.

The Stadium

Tottenham Stadium is located in the north-east area of London, the official address is
782 High Rd, London N17 0BX
This is important info for any visitors to London, as postcodes are the easiest way to find something or someone (unless you have what 3 words).

The best way to get to the stadium will be via the Overground, the Tube, as well as national rail and buses.
There is NO TRANSIT STRIKE set for this weekend, (Giants vs Packers won’t be so lucky).

Tottenham Stadium is NOT a place where you can tailgate prior to the game, but there are local pubs on the high street that will be packed with fans.
Alternatively, go to an off license and snag some beers to walk around prior to entering the stadium.
It will be a cheaper buzz than the £7 pints you’ll pay inside.

Apps

If you’re coming to London, there are a few useful apps you might want to add to your device to make your trip to London easier.

CityMapper

A useful app to help you find out how to get from point A to point B.
For newbies to London, this is a very vital app to help you navigate the busy streets, as well as construction that might impede your journey.
https://citymapper.com/?lang=en

London Tube Map

There are many variations, just grab one of the freebies here to help you plan your London get a round.
In many areas of central London, you will be surprised how much quicker it is to walk, as distances can be deceiving when you’re underground.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tube-map-london-underground/id320969612

Bus Checker

Looking to grab a bus somewhere in the city? This handy app will let you know when the next one is coming, and how long you’ll have to wait-or how to find alternative routes.
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/uk-bus-checker/id899757264

Saturday

So you’re in London, and looking for something to do in the city?
Luckily London is a massive city, so we have a few tips and hints of what to do and where to go.

Football (Soccer)

The Premier League is back on Sat October 1st, after a wee break, and there are some great games to catch.

The north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham kicks off at 12:30pm, and will be one of the hottest games to watch that day.
Most pubs will be showing the game, and it will get you into the spirit for what will happen in north London the next day.

Other London games you might want to check out: Crystal Palace host Chelsea, West Ham host the Wolves, and an epic Man City vs Man U will kick off at 2pm.

Oktoberfest

Germany might be hosting an NFL this game, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t catch a bit of Bavaria in the UK.

Between the Bridges in Southbank will be hosting a massive Oktoberfest celebration, along with the musical hilarity of Massaoke.
Get your tickets for it here:
https://betweenthebridges.co.uk/oktoberfest/

Pergola Paddington will also host a massive Oktoberfest party in the west end of the city.
Ooom Pah Pah bands, sausages, lederhosen and plenty of cold beer to wash down your worries.
More info here:
https://wunderbar-oktoberfest.designmynight.com/

Taste of New Orleans

Looking to get in that Big Easy spirit for the big game?
Then you might want to check out this authentic New Orleans bar Sweetwater, located near Kings Cross station.
Great cocktails, reclaimed wood and low ceilings make you feel like your right back on the bayou.
Book a table here:
https://www.kingscross.co.uk/sweetwater

After the Game

Sundays are definitely not Fundays in London.
Despite the size of it, London is definitely NOT a 24 hour city, and Sundays bear the brunt of this.

While the NFL is big on the day, most pubs will not only refuse to show it, but will also close by 10pm.
Given you won’t get out of that stadium until 7pm, that could limit your after fun time.

If you’re looking to watch other NFL games after the Tottenham game, your best bet is to ask your hotel to put it on.
Downloading NFL Gamepass will also allow you to watch the games with your friends, and not have to worry about it getting turned off.

Where you might want to go after the game.

Fabric

A late night dance party open until 4am.
If you want to party all night long to the cool kids to amazing music, this could be the pace for you.
https://www.fabriclondon.com/

The American Bar

Feeling swanky and looking for some delish cocktails?
Head to the American Bar at the Stafford Hotel in central London, where they serve Americana until midnight.
https://thestaffordlondon.com/american-bar/

Aspers Casino

Aspers Casino in Stratford is not only a quick journey from Tottenham Stadium, but also the best place to try to catch the NFL after the game.
Open 24hrs, this casino is close to major transit, as well as being right in one of the biggest malls in Europe.
https://www.aspersstratford.co.uk/

London has changed post-Covid, with some areas that use to be busy and safe, now eerily quiet and there’s a good chance you will be robbed.
Heading out to Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus or Soho after the game is a bad idea, as these areas are notoriously stabby late at nights.
Casinos in the area are very dodgy, and you will most likely lose something leaving there in the wee hours.

Transport shuts very early on Sundays, so make sure you plan ahead.

Enjoy the game y’all!

 

Week 2 Picks

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What a week that was in the NFL!

The Saints survive a sweaty one in Hot-lanta, The Fins toss around the Pats, Baker gets baked at home, and the Bears toss around the 49ers for fun.

If you thought Week 1 in the NFL was a tasty treat, wait til you see what the boys have cooked up for you in their Week 2 Picks!

Get all the info in lustrous form, by listening to our Week 2 Picks Podcast!

Among some of the games that the boys look at this week for your betting pleasure, includes:

Dolphins (1-0) vs Ravens (1-0) -3.5 +43.5

Miami and Tua made short work (get it?) of the Patriots last week, while Baltimore took out the Flacco trash quite easily in a beat down of the Jets.
Are the Ravens ready to roll over the fish on Sunday?
Lacking the sweaty balls heat of south Florida, the forecast for Sunday is a wet one, which could lead to more runs than passing.
Ryan likes Lamar and the boys to put Tua and co. on the shelf, as they chase win number two in week 2.
Wade thinks that the Dolphins will prove too much for Baltimore’s D, and that they will struggle to contain the slew of receivers ready to rock.
Ryan-Ravens 27 Dolphins 23
Wade-Dolphins 24 Ravens 21

Washington (1-0) vs Lions (0-1) -1.5 +45.5

Despite being fuelled by 300 litres of caffeine on Sunday, the Lions were unable to make it rain against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.
This week the get Carson Wentz and the Commies, as the Lions head home to the dome.
Can Detroit motor boat this lack lustre Washington squad?
Ryan thinks that is a sweet payback game for Dan Campbell, to trash Dan Snyders’ team. With such a loaded squad, how can the Lions lose?
Wade agrees that Washington got lucky with some of the Jag-off mistakes last Sunday, and that Detroit has the superior squad to get the W on Sunday.
He also predicts a bucketload of points to make your fantasy heave.
Ryan-Lions 27 Washington 21
Wade-Lions 33 Washington 30

Panthers (0-1) vs Giants (1-0) -2 +43.5

What the heck-a-money? The Giants are favoured in a game? Stop the presses.
Baker and the Panthers had a tough spot last week, facing his former team in his first game, that saw his old boys pretty much call every play he ran.
Things should be a bit easier this week, not having to face that Browns D again.
Wade is all over the Panthers this week, as the numbers in Week 1 don’t really bely the truth.
Look for Baker and Robbie A to light it up, with Christian grabbing at least 1 TD with this massive legs.
The Giants will not be able to compete.
Ryan agrees-and he thinks that New York being favoured with 1 win, is a sign of troubling times.
Some good fantasy value in this game as well.
Ryan-Panthers 20 Giants 17
Wade-Panthers 24 Giants 20

Falcons (0-1) vs LA Rams (0-1) -10.5 +43.5

The defending SuperBowl champs are crying in their rings, after taking a beating from the Buffalo Bills in week 1.
Limp, inept, and ineffective, and those are just the side effects of some of the American medication advertised!
Atlanta kept it close in a Mariota Moment game, which saw the eventually fall to Jameis and the sloppy D. This isn’t a sluggish Saints D that the Falcons are facing this week however, it’s a very angry, Super Bowl defending team.
Ryan likes the Rams to whoop the Falcons around on Sunday, with Allen Robinson finally paying off some fantasy points for some of his fans.
He doesn’t think that the Rams will be that dominant, and likes Mariota and Patterson to bring the points.
Wade too likes the Rams to win, and thinks that this 10 point spread is easy-peasy for a vengeful team.
LA lacked that killer spirit in week 1, and they will be uber focused this week against a sad sack bird team.
Yes, the Rams will win-and they won’t struggle
Ryan-Rams 30 Falcons 24
Wade-Rams 28 Falcons 10
That’s it for our Week 2 picks, let us know how you did.
Another great podcast up in a few days, enjoy week 2!