The NFL Thread (with added College Football)

[ADVILLAFAN]

 A bit like here really, I would probably have a soft spot for a UK based NFL team, but would still support the Chicago Bears more.

[OCD]

Given that there seems to be plans for a London franchise, it is an interesting observation that people who follow NFL usually already have a team. Could be difficult to build up the home support.

[UK Redsox]

Given that there seems to be plans for a London franchise, it is an interesting observation that people who follow NFL usually already have a team. Could be difficult to build up the home support.

That's why an expansion team would be better for London. People could continue to follow their existing team and add on the new franchise.

[Somniloquism]

It might have been the same other years but there seemed to be a lot of fans  from the rest of Europe at Wembley for the Jags- Miners match. I expect the London Franchise will get large crowds the first year or two as people watch their own teams play, but then it will settle down to maybe 20-30k a game.

[UK Redsox]

I see that the Lions v Falcons game at Wembley next season is a 1:30 kick off UK time.

This is another advantage to the NFL of having a team in London; it creates an extra live TV slot for a game.

[usav]

It might have been the same other years but there seemed to be a lot of fans  from the rest of Europe at Wembley for the Jags- Miners match. I expect the London Franchise will get large crowds the first year or two as people watch their own teams play, but then it will settle down to maybe 20-30k a game.

20-30k a game?  That won't be allowed to happen.   The franchise will be pulled before you can blink, if that's the case.

[ADVILLAFAN]

I'm thinking the play-off teams could be as follows:-

NFC   AFC
Seahawks   Patriots
Panthers   Broncos
Cowboys   Colts
Lions   Bengals
Saints   Chiefs
49ers   Ravens

Going for Cowboys over Eagles as they seem to have an easier schedule. Loads of teams could get the last AFC wildcard spot, I think the Jets should be doing a lot better than they are with their team. I've plumped for the Ravens in the end though. the Dolphins and Titans both have a chance too. Can't see the Steelers getting in.

[usav]

I think the Steelers had to beat the Ravens to get that last spot.  Now, they would need to win out, which apart from Green Bay away, is not inconceivable.

[Jon Crofts]

I hadn't realised Super Bowl 2014 is in New Jersey in February, probably explains why the hotel I stay in for work in Teaneck NJ want $1400 for the Sunday night and then back to the normal corporate rate of $175 a night for the Monday onwards. 

[usav]

I hadn't realised Super Bowl 2014 is in New Jersey in February, probably explains why the hotel I stay in for work in Teaneck NJ want $1400 for the Sunday night and then back to the normal corporate rate of $175 a night for the Monday onwards.

Yep.   One of the few times it will be cheaper to stay in a 5 star in central park.

[Jon Crofts]

Thanks for the idea usav, The Ritz Carlton, Battery Park is indeed cheaper for Sunday and they have rooms available and we run a shuttle bus from lower Manhattan to Englewood so Ritz Carlton it is.  Wonder if I can get a ticket ha ha.

[UK Redsox]

The Lions @ Eagles game on at the moment is a classic example of the NFL not calling off a game for any weather other than lightening.

[UK Redsox]

The 4th quarter of the Vikes@ Ravens game was incredible

[OCD]

Packers finally won. Typical that I turned off at half time - we were dreadful in the second quarter.

[Toronto Villa]

The 4th quarter of the Vikes@ Ravens game was incredible

The last two minutes was mental