The official NFL Thread (6 Viewers)

[CCFC88]

I know there are a handful of avid followers on here, this isnt another "who watches NFL in the UK" thread, we have enough of those and no doubt when the Wembley games kick off again and they are shown on BBC later in the year there will be another.

Here is a place to discuss the upcoming season, schedules released last week and draft kicking off on Thursaday, Football Season is fast approaching!

As a relatively new Redskins fan, having only picked up on the sport 2/3 years ago, I go into this coming draft with a sense of optimism that Ive not had before, coming off the back of a relatively successful and Griffin-free season culminating in a wildcard defeat I have great optimism that we can build on the upturn we saw last season and top the 9-7 season.

Ive not been around the sport long enough to get excited by a free agent signing yet, but in Josh norman I have that excitement. I think we have some big players that can turn in a big year in Jordan Reed, Matt Jones, deSean Jackson, Kerrigan and of course a lot relies on Kirk.

I see Patriots being strong as usual and the Jets to improve again, Jags seem to be doing the right things roster-wise and its about time the colts turned in a strong season.

Views on your team and the league as a whole?

 

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[Otis]

I know there are a handful of avid followers on here, this isnt another "who watches NFL in the UK" thread, we have enough of those and no doubt when the Wembley games kick off again and they are shown on BBC later in the year there will be another.

Here is a place to discuss the upcoming season, schedules released last week and draft kicking off on Thursaday, Football Season is fast approaching!

As a relatively new Redskins fan, having only picked up on the sport 2/3 years ago, I go into this coming draft with a sense of optimism that Ive not had before, coming off the back of a relatively successful and Griffin-free season culminating in a wildcard defeat I have great optimism that we can build on the upturn we saw last season and top the 9-7 season.

Ive not been around the sport long enough to get excited by a free agent signing yet, but in Josh norman I have that excitement. I think we have some big players that can turn in a big year in Jordan Reed, Matt Jones, deSean Jackson, Kerrigan and of course a lot relies on Kirk.

I see Patriots being strong as usual and the Jets to improve again, Jags seem to be doing the right things roster-wise and its about time the colts turned in a strong season.

Views on your team and the league as a whole?

I have reservations about Cousins. He is steady, but not spectacular. Think you always know what you are going to get from him and the best QB's out there are always capable of doing something out of the ordinary.

Matt Jones I have high hopes for after his rookie year and after the Gronk, I think Jordan Reed is the best tight end there is.

It was the secondary that let the Redskins down badly. Think we need a more potent pass rush and that will in turn then aid the secondary.

Alfred Morris had a quieter year last season, so hoping he will be back to his best.

Haven't seen the schedules yet for next season, so don't know how difficult their fixtures look.

You have to be wary of the NY Giants next year and Dallas too if they can get their act together.

Be happy if the Redskins can win the division again.

 

[Otis]

Just checked, first three games are Steelers, Cowboys and Giants.

Tough start.

 

[CCFC88]

I have reservations about Cousins. He is steady, but not spectacular. Think you always know what you are going to get from him and the best QB's out there are always capable of doing something out of the ordinary.

Matt Jones I have high hopes for after his rookie year and after the Gronk, I think Jordan Reed is the best tight end there is.

It was the secondary that let the Redskins down badly. Think we need a more potent pass rush and that will in turn then aid the secondary.

Alfred Morris had a quieter year last season, so hoping he will be back to his best.

Haven't seen the schedules yet for next season, so don't know how difficult their fixtures look.

You have to be wary of the NY Giants next year and Dallas too if they can get their act together.

Be happy if the Redskins can win the division again.

Morris has moved to the Cowboys so there is bigg pressure but also big opportunity for Matt Jones, I think morris' legs were on the way out at points last season, he certainly wasnt as impactful as he has been.

I am excited to see Norman vs OBJ twice next season, those two really dislike each other and have a score to settle.

Cowboys as we saw last year are so overly dependant on Romo, will he play 10+ games, im not so sure. Sam Bradford has today asked to trade away from the Eagles, I think they will really struggle this year, NYG are the big threat and I see the division being between Skins and Eagles. In OBJ and Victor Cruz Eli has a couple of huge weapons, I expect the majority of there games to be high scoring as they never seem to have a consistent defense.

 

[Otis]

Morris has moved to the Cowboys so there is bigg pressure but also big opportunity for Matt Jones, I think morris' legs were on the way out at points last season, he certainly wasnt as impactful as he has been.

I am excited to see Norman vs OBJ twice next season, those two really dislike each other and have a score to settle.

Cowboys as we saw last year are so overly dependant on Romo, will he play 10+ games, im not so sure. Sam Bradford has today asked to trade away from the Eagles, I think they will really struggle this year, NYG are the big threat and I see the division being between Skins and Eagles. In OBJ and Victor Cruz Eli has a couple of huge weapons, I expect the majority of there games to be high scoring as they never seem to have a consistent defense.

Has he?

I didn't know that. Shocked to be honest, because Alfred Morris has been a great RB for the Redskins. He did only have an average season last time out though.

Surprised at losing him to a division rival.

 

[Otis]

Josh Norman though is a coup.

Think the Skins will need another RB won't they? They have Matt Jones and then Pierre Thomas, but he is very much a veteran. How else they got? Young is a fullback rather than running back.

 

[Otis]

Oh, what do I know!! Both Thomas and Young are free agents.

Need to have a good look at this year's roster.

 

[ajsccfc]

Seahawks resigning Brandon Browner is nice from an LOB chant perspective, but he was dogshit for the entire year last year. He said he played the season with an injury, so I hope that's the actual reason. Bit wary.

 

[chiefdave]

Not watched for years. Don't have Sky so probably won't be watching this year either!

Was reading about the chap who got suspended and fined for deflating the ball. Said that he had renegotiated his contract since being fined so that the period where he is being fined his wages his salary goes right down and then he gets the extra back further down the line. What a joke!

 

[CCFC88]

Not watched for years. Don't have Sky so probably won't be watching this year either!

Was reading about the chap who got suspended and fined for deflating the ball. Said that he had renegotiated his contract since being fined so that the period where he is being fined his wages his salary goes right down and then he gets the extra back further down the line. What a joke!

America, ladies and gents

 

[CCFC88]

Oh, what do I know!! Both Thomas and Young are free agents.

Need to have a good look at this year's roster.

And now we take a WR 1st round in the draft, Cousins is going to have a lot of weapons Reed, Jackson, Garcon, Doctson, Crowder looks like they are going out to entertain.

 

[Otis]

And now we take a WR 1st round in the draft, Cousins is going to have a lot of weapons Reed, Jackson, Garcon, Doctson, Crowder looks like they are going out to entertain.

Crowder looked very promising last year.

 

[Otis]

Need to strengthen the defence next.

 

[CCFC88]

Currently trying to get tickets for the Seahawks opener against Miami at Centurylink as we are holidaying there when its on, ticket prices are through the roof though!

 

[CCFC88]

Need to strengthen the defence next.

Junior Galette out for the year again, I'm not sure who's defence worried me more, the Redskins or City's!

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

Currently trying to get tickets for the Seahawks opener against Miami at Centurylink as we are holidaying there when its on, ticket prices are through the roof though!

im a phins supporter im gonna get tickets for bills and phins game dec 24th i live in toronto

 

[Terry Gibson's perm]

Currently trying to get tickets for the Seahawks opener against Miami at Centurylink as we are holidaying there when its on, ticket prices are through the roof though!

Excellent place to holiday I have been three times, make sure you do the Boeing tour.

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

anyone see vikings indoor stadium sweet jesus its nice, cant wait see rams stadium finished make wasps one look like a sunday league ground ha!

 

[CCFC88]

anyone see vikings indoor stadium sweet jesus its nice, cant wait see rams stadium finished make wasps one look like a sunday league ground ha!

It looks like a giant greenhouse! A very nice greenhouse though.

 

[CCFC88]

Excellent place to holiday I have been three times, make sure you do the Boeing tour.

Can't wait, we are only there for a couple of days as part of a 3 week whistle-stop tour of the west coast but will be cramming as much in as possible!

 

[Terry Gibson's perm]

Can't wait, we are only there for a couple of days as part of a 3 week whistle-stop tour of the west coast but will be cramming as much in as possible!

When I win the lottery it's where I will live and the even better news is wife wants to live in San Fran or stop here so perfect.

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

so who we thinking going to win it? i just hope my dolphins can actually make play offs this year be like ccfc ha

 

[CCFC88]

You have to expect the Panthers to go well again, Seattle will be there or thereabouts with their defence and Brady will have something to prove after his 4 game ban so Id put the Patriots in the conversation!

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

anyone watch any friendly's glad we won against the giants didnt get see any games tho.

 

[CCFC88]

I haven't watched any yet, I don't think any have been shown on sky, just the odd highlights/talking points on social media.

We have our fantasy draft on Friday evening, I have no idea where to start!

 

[scubasteve]

I have watched a couple of preseason games on game pass, in condensed mode. They can be abit of a waste of time games to be honest starters only really play the 1st quarter. But it's good to see late round/under drafted players getting a chance to get on the roster.
Also hard knocks has just started which is good.

 

[mark82]

I haven't watched any yet, I don't think any have been shown on sky, just the odd highlights/talking points on social media.

We have our fantasy draft on Friday evening, I have no idea where to start!

Thefanpub.com is a good community for anyone into NFL (particularly fantasy, plenty to give advice on there).

http://forum.thefanpub.com/

The forum can look a little quiet at times but this is because most activity takes place on a live chat app called Discord. There's a link on the site to join in but I'll paste it below. Anyone welcome.

https://discord.gg/EhXSZte

Friendly bunch on there who will welcome anyone. There are normally a number of meet ups through the season too, mostly in London but one is being planned in Leamington for the Thanksgiving games. I've just attended a live fantasy draft at a pub in Northampton which was great fun. There are even a couple of guys on there that have started their own NFL Fantasy Football podcast.

 

[mark82]

I have watched a couple of preseason games on game pass, in condensed mode. They can be abit of a waste of time games to be honest starters only really play the 1st quarter. But it's good to see late round/under drafted players getting a chance to get on the roster.
Also hard knocks has just started which is good.

For anyone with Amazon Prime (or other less legal sources), All or Nothing is worth a watch. Follows the Cardinals through last season.

 

[CCFC88]

For anyone with Amazon Prime (or other less legal sources), All or Nothing is worth a watch. Follows the Cardinals through last season.

I've been reading about a program on Netflix, "Last Chance U", has been touted as one of the best sporting documentaries ever made!

 

[CCFC88]

6 days till the season begins, looking at my Pre-season divisional bets
4/9 AFC East - Patriots - Should be 2-2 when Brady comes back from his suspension, I think the ban will make he and Belichick more zoned in than ever this year
13/8 AFC North - Bengals - Toss up with Steelers
5/2 AFC South - Texans - Think the Colts will struggle, Luck's got his payday now, Houston strong defence just crying out for a bit more on offence. Jags to improve again
7/4 AFC West - Kansas City - Improving year on year, Broncos to struggle on offence again, will be difficult to replicate the defensive season they had last year.
3/1 NFC East - Redskins - My team, with Romo injured again Dallas will be relying even more on a rookie RB who does look very good, Eli and OBJ could easily fire the Giants to the title division title, looking forward to a couple of tasty OBJ v Norman matchups this year!
2/7 NFC North - Packers - even more nailed on now following Teddy Bridgewaters injury news
2/5 NFC South - Panthers - Should replicate last years form and will certainly be in the SB conversation barring any massive injuries.
8/11 NFC West - Seattle - Cant see them dropping a game at home, should pick up enough on the road to take the division although the Cardinals will be strong again

My fiver pays £2,269!

 

[scubasteve]

my predictions.
AFC EAST, Patriots, cant see past them even with brady suspened for the first few games
AFC NORTH, Bengals, and agree steelers to run them close
AFC WEST, Raiders, think this will be close they have improved massively Mack is a beast. carr and cooper on offence... chiefs missing Justin Houston for the season and peters being number 1 corner may expose him. in my opinion Denver will fall away massively, they don't have a QB, and lost a few players on defence.
AFC SOUTH, Jags, have a nice defence, will depend on bortles cutting his interceptions, I agree colts will struggle they don't have a O line to keep luck healthy, Texans undecided im not sold on osweiler but will probably run the jags close.
NFC WEST, Cardinals, but like you said Seattle and Arizona will be close.
NFC EAST, Giants, always a close division with all 4 teams but im not sure on cousins, don't think the redskins are either after not offering him a long term deal, romo going down takes out the cowboys, eagles are in transition after the chip Kelly mess.

 

[CCFC88]

Anyone going to Wembley this weekend? I have a 3 match ST thing, this is the game I'm not too bothered about, will be sat in my Redskins jersey but backing the Jags as I don't have much time for Luck/Colts.

Early season thoughts, Carolina/Cam were found out this weekend, Denvers defence seems to have picked up where it left off last year, Patriots could have a fresh Brady and Gronk starting their season at 4-0.

As for my Redskins, following a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Steelers in which J Norman allowed Antonio Brown and Ben R to pick on Breeland, 2 divisional games that could have gone either way I will take a 1-2 start which should become 2-2 on Sunday with a home game v Browns.

 

[Otis]

Anyone going to Wembley this weekend? I have a 3 match ST thing, this is the game I'm not too bothered about, will be sat in my Redskins jersey but backing the Jags as I don't have much time for Luck/Colts.

Early season thoughts, Carolina/Cam were found out this weekend, Denvers defence seems to have picked up where it left off last year, Patriots could have a fresh Brady and Gronk starting their season at 4-0.

As for my Redskins, following a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Steelers in which J Norman allowed Antonio Brown and Ben R to pick on Breeland, 2 divisional games that could have gone either way I will take a 1-2 start which should become 2-2 on Sunday with a home game v Browns.

Cousins went from zero to hero in a week.

He usually is quite a steady Eddie, so don't know why he had such a wobble. Back to normal against the Giants.

Really thought the Skins were going to be 0-3 cos the Giants were something like 21-9 up at one point.

Was impressed with Jamieson Crowder and in Jordan Reed they have the second best tight end in the NFL, after Gronk.

Should beat the Browns on Sunday and that will put them at 2 and 2 and back on track.

 

[ajsccfc]

Bit of a concern about Wilson suffering with the ankle and MCL, if he plays at the Jets hopefully he's protected enough so the next week's bye allows him to get back to 100%. Christine Michael finally arriving last week made Rawls' absence a little easier and CJ Spiller has been signed in the week to bolster the active backs. The Rams defeat was a turgid load of shit that I ridiculously paid £7 to watch on a Sky Sports pass, luckily I paid nowt for the Gamepass trial to see the 49ers get a beating. No TDs allowed yet.

 

[CCFC88]

Bit of a concern about Wilson suffering with the ankle and MCL, if he plays at the Jets hopefully he's protected enough so the next week's bye allows him to get back to 100%. Christine Michael finally arriving last week made Rawls' absence a little easier and CJ Spiller has been signed in the week to bolster the active backs. The Rams defeat was a turgid load of shit that I ridiculously paid £7 to watch on a Sky Sports pass, luckily I paid nowt for the Gamepass trial to see the 49ers get a beating. No TDs allowed yet.

I went to the Seahawks v Miami game, Miami D played well but it looked like the Seahawks offence finally clicked into gear against SF. No TDs allowed yet?