Seven months of waiting and we're nearly there. The NFL kicks off in two days time with a mouth watering tie between the Kansas City Chiefs and, the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots! I for one am rather excited!
We will not have a Sunday without football until 11th February 2018, a week after Super Bowl 52 in Minnesota. We once again get to enjoy the thrills, spills, and the sheer drama has because synonymous with the NFL.
If you're new to American Football, I really encourage you get involved! The rules can be a little confusing at first (there are still some that I need to get my head around), but once you have committed yourself to it, it is so hard to turn it away. Think about the first time you watched your favourite show. You can't remember a time before it, can you? All you think about? Can't wait for the next season? Yep. That's the NFL.
If you are new, there are a great couple of videos at the end to explain American Football and how the NFL works.
If you are new, there are a great couple of videos at the end to explain American Football and how the NFL works.
There is so much to look forward to this season, but I'm going to break it down to just a few things and hopefully it will get some avid fans excited and some new ones involved.
1. The Patriots Encore
The New England Patriots. The most successful team over the past 15 years of the NFL. The NFL is created to stop domination by one team; a sort of once you've reached the top of the mountain, you're pushed to the bottom kind of system. However, the Patriots, under the leadership of Bill Belichick and the G.O.A.T quarterback, Tom Brady, have broken the system.
Last time out they recorded the most historic Super Bowl win of all time, coming back from 28-3 down to beat the Atlanta Faclons in over time. A remarkable feat that only the Patriots could surely have pulled off. The big question is if they can repeat their success this season? They've added a lot of strength to their squad with Cooks from New Orleans and Dwayne Allen from the Colts, but they have also lost their number one wide receiver, Julian Edelman, who pulled off a wonder catch in the Super Bowl, for the season with an ACL tear.
They're easily the number one team in the NFL at the moment, the question will be if anyone can catch them on a bad day when it counts.
2. The Falcons Rebound
As mentioned above, the Falcons were the team on the end of the Patriots final quarter turnaround. On the brink of success and a first Super Bowl title in the franchises history, how will the Atlanta Falcons recover? Last season saw the Carolina Panthers, who were humbled by a retiring Peyton Manning's Broncos' in Super Bowl 50, struggle for any form, with quarterback, Cam Newton, going from an MVP season to a non-existent one. Will the Falcons go the same way, or will being able to retain key players give them the chance to go for it again?
3. The Returnees
We have the joys of 'Beast Mode' coming back to the NFL in 2017. Marshawn Lynch had retired with the Seahawks, causing him to miss last season. But now he is back with the Oakland Raiders and, if his off-season training videos are anything to go by, he is going to be hitting the ground in true 'Beast Mode' fashion! I'm a little skeptical on how he will be on his return. A whole season out not playing can sometimes affect a player, but we will all look forward to seeing his shenanigans both on and off the field.
There are some brilliant injury returns to come this season too! Texans defensive end JJ Watt and Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski will be back to show everyone what they missed last season, as well as quarterback pair Carr and Mariota, who both suffered broken legs towards the end of last season, will be back to show they can push for the play-offs again and may be even go further than they did last time.
4. Celebrate in Style
There was a lot of criticism towards NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell (what's new?), last season as to the celebration of touchdowns. Many players received what people believed to be harsh penalties for their celebrations. Well, the NFL has relaxed it's stance on celebrations, allowing players to have "more fun after they make big players". So get ready for some very extravagant celebrations this season!
5. London International Series
We are graced with four (YES FOUR) London games this year! We have the pleasure of Saints vs. Dolphins and Ravens vs. Jaguars at Wembley, whilst Cardinals vs. Rams and Vikings vs. Browns will entertain crowds at Twickenham, the home of rugby. I have the joy of attending Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns, and you'll be sure as hell I'll be doing a blog about it! This is another great chance for new comers to the NFL to experience the thrills it brings on our own turf.
6. Our U.K. NFL Reps
The more the NFL is growing on this side of the Atlantic, the more we are being represented in the sport Stateside. Jay Ajayi is probably the UK's best talent at the moment. The Dolphins running back, who will be returning to London for the International Series, really stepped up another level last season and is tipped by many to only build on his success from last year. But also keep an eye out for Jack Crawford and Alex Gray who both join the Atlanta Falcons this season, as well as Efe Obada who has linked up with the Dallas Cowboys.
7. Aaron Rodgers
It's quite hard for me to write a list like this and not include Aaron Rodgers in there. Over the last three years, Rodgers has pulled off three incredible Hail Mary attempts (most players are lucky to have one), and if it wasn't for a poor start to the campaign, could have been last seasons MVP. Green Bay have a knack of being a bit inconsistent over the last couple of years, but an inform Aaron Rodgers could take him to another MVP award and the Packers to the Super Bowl.
8. Prescott/Elliott Combo
The big talking point of last season, apart from THAT comeback, was the emergence of Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. Elliott was tipped for great things prior to the season starting, but Prescott only got his chance when an injury-prone Tony Romo, now taking up broadcasting this year, once again fell injured and Dak was shoved into the limelight. Not for a long time has a rookie quarterback taken the league by storm like Prescott did, and the same can be said about Elliott at running back. It will be very interesting to see if both can replicate the success of last season, even if we will have to wait until Week 8 for Ezekiel Elliott following his 6 match ban.
9. Fantasy Football
Right. This is quite specific. But you need to try it! In my opinion, NFL Fantasy Football is far, far better than it's English counterpart. You will have to join a league, and you draft your own players that no one else can have. If you are new to NFL, it is a quick and easy way to get into it and work out which matches to watch. Now, it's weird that I am excited for this as I finished dead last in my league last season, but you get such a thrill every week! It really is worth giving it a go.
10. The NFL Show
This is mainly for people reading this in the UK, but the BBC's NFL Show is absolutely perfect for UK audiences, as well as being the bets way to catch-up on the week's events. It's informative, entertaining and I can't wait for each episode every week! Former NFL players Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell give great analysis each week, and make it understandable for a British audience that may or may not be fully understanding of the NFL's rules and game plays. Those two, along with the show's host Mark Chapman, make this one of the most entertaining sports shows on TV at the moment.
You can watch the first episode of this season by clicking here.
I could go on and on about what there is to look forward to this season, but I think it's time I stop talking, and we let the players do their thing. Friday at 1.30am to all begins.
NFL 2017 Predictions
Now, prepare for these to be very wrong by the time the 4th of February arrives, but here are my predictions for how the 2017 NFL season will unfold.
You can read my other blogs at ScriptEye and I Can't Write Words here.
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They're easily the number one team in the NFL at the moment, the question will be if anyone can catch them on a bad day when it counts.
2. The Falcons Rebound
3. The Returnees
There are some brilliant injury returns to come this season too! Texans defensive end JJ Watt and Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski will be back to show everyone what they missed last season, as well as quarterback pair Carr and Mariota, who both suffered broken legs towards the end of last season, will be back to show they can push for the play-offs again and may be even go further than they did last time.
4. Celebrate in Style
5. London International Series
6. Our U.K. NFL RepsThe more the NFL is growing on this side of the Atlantic, the more we are being represented in the sport Stateside. Jay Ajayi is probably the UK's best talent at the moment. The Dolphins running back, who will be returning to London for the International Series, really stepped up another level last season and is tipped by many to only build on his success from last year. But also keep an eye out for Jack Crawford and Alex Gray who both join the Atlanta Falcons this season, as well as Efe Obada who has linked up with the Dallas Cowboys.
7. Aaron Rodgers
8. Prescott/Elliott ComboThe big talking point of last season, apart from THAT comeback, was the emergence of Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. Elliott was tipped for great things prior to the season starting, but Prescott only got his chance when an injury-prone Tony Romo, now taking up broadcasting this year, once again fell injured and Dak was shoved into the limelight. Not for a long time has a rookie quarterback taken the league by storm like Prescott did, and the same can be said about Elliott at running back. It will be very interesting to see if both can replicate the success of last season, even if we will have to wait until Week 8 for Ezekiel Elliott following his 6 match ban.
9. Fantasy Football
10. The NFL Show
This is mainly for people reading this in the UK, but the BBC's NFL Show is absolutely perfect for UK audiences, as well as being the bets way to catch-up on the week's events. It's informative, entertaining and I can't wait for each episode every week! Former NFL players Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell give great analysis each week, and make it understandable for a British audience that may or may not be fully understanding of the NFL's rules and game plays. Those two, along with the show's host Mark Chapman, make this one of the most entertaining sports shows on TV at the moment.You can watch the first episode of this season by clicking here.
I could go on and on about what there is to look forward to this season, but I think it's time I stop talking, and we let the players do their thing. Friday at 1.30am to all begins.
NFL 2017 Predictions
Now, prepare for these to be very wrong by the time the 4th of February arrives, but here are my predictions for how the 2017 NFL season will unfold.
AFC Regular Season
| # | AFC North | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Steelers | 13-3 | 4-2 |
| 6 | Ravens | 11-5 | 5-1 |
| 9 | Bengals | 9-7 | 3-3 |
| 12 | Browns | 4-12 | 0-6 |
| # | AFC South | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Titans | 11-5 | 5-1 |
| 10 | Texans | 9-7 | 5-1 |
| 13 | Colts | 4-12 | 2-4 |
| 15 | Jaguars | 3-13 | 0-6 |
| # | AFC East | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Patriots | 13-3 | 5-1 |
| 8 | Dolphins | 10-6 | 5-1 |
| 14* | Bills | 3-13 | 2-4 |
| 16 | Jets | 0-16 | 0-6 |
| # | AFC West | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chiefs | 13-3 | 5-1 |
| 5 | Raiders | 13-3 | 4-2 |
| 7 | Broncos | 11-5 | 3-3 |
| 11 | Chargers | 5-11 | 0-6 |
 |
| Play-Offs |
NFC Regular Season
| # | NFC North | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Packers | 11-5 | 4-2 |
| 8 | Vikings | 8-8 | 4-2 |
| 11 | Lions | 7-9 | 4-2 |
| 15 | Bears | 2-14 | 0-6 |
| # | NFC South | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Buccaneers | 11-5 | 4-2 |
| 7 | Falcons | 9-7 | 4-2 |
| 9 | Panthers | 8-8 | 3-3 |
| 10 | Saints | 7-9 | 1-5 |
| # | NFC East | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Giants | 12-4 | 3-3 |
| 5 | Cowboys | 10-6 | 4-2 |
| 12 | Redskins | 6-10 | 3-3 |
| 13 | Eagles | 5-11 | 2-4 |
| # | NFC West | WLT | Div |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seahawks | 13-3 | 5-1 |
| 6 | Cardinals | 10-6 | 5-1 |
| 14 | 49ers | 4-12 | 2-4 |
| 16 | Rams | 1-15 | 0-6 |
You can read my other blogs at ScriptEye and I Can't Write Words here.
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