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Although we are in the off-season there’s no excuse for slacking!
We’re hosting taster sessions for all of you wishing to have a try at the game on every Sunday in November. Doesn’t matter if you are youth (13-17), junior (16-19) or adult senior or flag (18+) please come along to any or all of them and run through drills and practices with our coaches. It’s all free of charge and suitable for anyone interested in the game. Look at the events or ‘Contact Us’ for more details.
In the fifth and final part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents we concentrate on the Birmingham Bulls…
The Birmingham Bulls were founded in 1983 and played their first competitive games a year later.
They won their first Conference in 1985 after going 12-0 in the AFL Midlands Division, and in 1986 won their first of four National Championships (1988, 1991, 1995).
The Bulls have made the play-offs 21 out of 31 times in their history – although only once since 2006 – and have been BritBowl runners up five times (1989, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2000).
Last season they went 4-6 in Southern Football Conference 1 which included two defeats against the Eagles.
Sun 26th April vs Ouse Valley Eagles LOST 21-14
Sun 3rd May @ Cambridgeshire Cats WON 34-12
Sun 10th May vs Hertfordshire Cheetahs WON 17-9
Sun 17th May @ Farnham Knights WON 28-26
Sun 31st May vs Colchester Gladiators LOST 9-7
Sun 14th June vs Solent Thrashers LOST 10-7
Sun 28th June @ East Kent Mavericks LOST 14-0
Sun 19th July @ Hertfordshire Cheetahs LOST 28-8
Sun 26th July @ Ouse Valley Eagles LOST 23-18
Sun August 9th vs Cambridgeshire Cats WON 50-0
The Bulls club colours are black, white and red. They wear white helmets with black face cages, black jerseys and white pants.
Sunday 5th June, Birmingham Bulls @ Ouse Valley Eagles
Sunday 31st July, Ouse Valley Eagles @ Birmingham Bulls
The Bulls play their home games at Erin Go Bragh, Holly Lane, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9LH.
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In the fourth part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents we concentrate on the Peterborough Saxons…
Originally founded as the East Midlands Saxons in 2001 as a way to allow a youth team to continue playing , the team played their first games in Boston, Lincolnshire in the Division 2 North of the BAFL in 2002.
They moved to Spalding in 2003 to expand their catchment area, and picked up their first win on the opening day of the season against the Manchester Titans and eventually finished the campaign with a record of three wins, six defeats and a tie.
After going 0-9 in 2004 the team moved to Peterborough in 2005 and joined the realigned Division Two East but were unable to improve on their best record of three wins until the 2007 season, where seven wins were enough for a first visit to the play-offs which ended in a 14-8 defeat against the Dundee Hurricanes.
The club were renamed the Peterborough Saxons in 2008, and ended in another visit to the play-offs following a successful season which included wins over the Milton Keynes Pathfinders and Bedfordshire Blue Raiders.
They were promoted to Division 1 ahead of the 2009 campaign but found the jump in competition difficult to adjust to, and after losing a number of players, coaches and back office staff withdrew from the league early in the 2011 campaign.
A new committee and coaching staff were formed before the team returned to competition in 2012, and after going unbeaten through the regular season and play-offs lost a thrilling BritBowl final in overtime to the Sheffield Predators.
The Saxons were promoted to the Premiership South for 2013 and posted a record of 2-8 thanks to victories over South Wales Warriors and Ipswich Cardinals.
Head Coach Will White left to join the newly-formed Eagles ahead of 2014 and was replaced by Gary Van Zandt. The Saxons would go 6-4 in the National Division Central and lay the groundwork for what would result in a very successful 2015 for the club.
Following another league reshuffle the Saxons got off to a flyer in the re-shaped third tier of British football in 2015, starting 4-0 following victories over the Humber Warhawks, Lincolnshire Bombers and Leicester Falcons, but lost to the impressive Sandwell Steelers.
In fact the Steelers would be the only team to beat them during the regular season as the Saxons marched on to the Division Two final.
Sun 5th April vs Humber Warhawks WON 54-0
Sun 12th April @ Humber Warhawks WON 73-0
Sun 26th April @ Lincolnshire Bombers WON 21-13
Sun 10th May vs Leicester Falcons WON 30-3
Sun 7th June @ Sandwell Steelers LOST 41-14
Sun 21st June vs Leeds Bobcats WON 40-13
Sun 28th June @ Leeds Bobcats WON 28-16
Sun 5th July @ Leicester Falcons LOST 26-13
Sun 19th July @ Lincolnshire Bombers WON 48-10
Sun August 9th vs Sandwell Steelers LOST 28-24
They travelled to Scotland in the quarter-final of the play-offs who they beat 28-26, and after seeing off Manchester Titans 28-14 in the semi-final met their old nemesis the Steelers in the Division Two final.
The Steelers came out winners again, and both teams were promoted to Division One for the 2016 season.
The Saxons club colours are blue, white and black. They wear blue helmets with white face cages, blue jerseys and black pants.
Sunday 8th May, Ouse Valley Eagles @ Peterborough Saxons
Sunday 3rd July, Peterborough Saxons @ Ouse Valley Eagles
The Saxons play their home games at Thorney Rugby Club, Ron Jacobs Field, Peterborough PE6 0PB.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
In the third part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents, we concentrate on the Nottingham Caesars…
The Caesars were formed in 1984 originally as a Junior Club alongside the Nottingham Hoods. The Hoods ceased to exist in 1994 which helped the Caesars, who subsequently posted a 10-0 record in 1995.
In 1997 they made it to the Britbowl final before losing out to Redbridge Fire. 26-7.
They were promoted to the BAFL Division 1 South West Conference following a successful 2008 9-0-1 BAFL 2 Central campaign that culminated in a semi-final defeat to the Tamworth Phoenix, but struggled in 2009 and 2010 posting records of 2-8 and 1-9-1.
A league restructure ahead of the 2011 season saw the Caesars in the BAFANL 1 Central Conference where they finished a respectable 6-4, and after another league restructure and a 7-3 season in the BAFANL 1 Northern Conference 2012, were promoted to the Premier Division.
The team struggled at the higher level and ended the 2013 season 1-9, and the following year ended 1-8.
Following yet another league restructure the Caesars found themselves in BAFANL 1 Northern Conference last season, where they posted a much-improved record of 4-5-1.
Sun April 19th @ Chester Romans WIN 28-25
Sun April 26th @ Merseyside Nighthawks LOST 46-6
Sun May 10th @ Gateshead Senators LOST 21-9
Sun May 17th @ Shropshire Revolution WON 27-13
Sun May 31st vs Merseyside Nighthawks LOST 27-6
Sun Jun 7th vs Shropshire Revolution WON 47-9
Sun Jun 14th vs Chester Romans WIN 22-12
Sun Jun 28th vs Edinburgh Wolves LOST 36-0
Sun July 19th vs Doncaster Mustangs LOST 26-20
Sun Aug 8th @ Clyde Valley Blackhawks TIE 12-12
The Caesars’ club colours are dark red and yellow. They wear black helmets with black face cages, dark red jerseys and yellow pants.
Sunday 24th April, Nottingham Caesars @ Ouse Valley Eagles
Sunday 12th June, Ouse Valley Eagles @ Nottingham Caesars
The Caesars play their home games at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village on Wigman Road, Nottingham NG8 4PB.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
In the second part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents, we concentrate on the Doncaster Mustangs…
The Mustangs were formed in 2002 by Mark Blyth, Doug McLean and James Berry, who had grown tired of driving to Mereyside to coach and play for the Nighthawks each weekend.
In the team’s second year they won the BAFL Division 2 title following an undefeated season which culminated in a 32-13 win over the chiltern (now Hertfordshire) Cheetahs at the Don Valley Stadium in the bowl game.
The team made it back to the play-offs in 2005, and in 2007 moved to the newly-opened Keepmoat Stadium.
After three seasons in the Premier Division North between 2012 and 2014 where the they posted successive records of 6-3-1, 6-4 and 0-9, the Mustangs were relegated to the restructured Northern Football Conference 1.
Last season the Mustangs went 4-6 to finish eighth in NFC 1, which included a strong finish to the campaign that saw them win their last three games.
Sun April 12th @ Edinburgh Wolves LOST 27-15
Sun April 26th vs Gateshead Senators LOST 27-14
Sun May 10th vs Clyde Valley Blackhawks LOST 17-8
Sun May 24th @ Gateshead Senators WON 18-12
Sun May 31st @ Clyde Valley Blackhawks LOST 26-0
Sun June 14th vs Edinburgh Wolves LOST 49-0
Sun June 28th @ Merseyside Nighthawks LOST 1-0 (Walkover)
Sun July 5th vs Shropshire Revolution WON 28-0
Sun July 19th @ Nottingham Caesars WON 26-20
Sun August 9th vs Chester Romans WON 22-17
The Mustangs’ club colours are green and gold. They wear gold helmets with black face cages, green jerseys and gold pants.
Sunday 17th April, Ouse Valley Eagles @ Doncaster Mustangs
Sunday 17th July, Doncaster Mustangs @ Ouse Valley Eagles
The Mustangs play their home games at the Keepmoat Stadium complex on the Athletics Arena, Stadium Way, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 5JW.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
In the first part of our series taking a closer look at 2016’s MFC1 (Midland Football Conference 1) opponents we concentrate on last season’s SFC2 South Champions, the Sandwell Steelers…
The Sandwell Steelers were formed in 2013, and in their first associate game against Shropshire Revolution were defeated 42-12.
They entered the BAFA National League Central in 2014, where they would meet the Leicester Falcons, Lincolnshire Bombers, Oxford Saints and Peterborough Saxons and Shropshire Revolution,
They picked up their first competitive victory by beating the Bombers 19-14 and finished the season with a 2-8 record, but after a strong recruitment drive 2015 would be a breakout year for the team from the Midlands in the newly-aligned BAFANL NFC South 2.
The Steelers went unbeaten on their way to the Division 2 title which included play-off victories over Leicester Falcons, Newcastle Vikings and Peterborough Saxons, and head into the 2016 with momentum well and truly on their side.
Sat April 4th vs Leeds Bobcats WON 44-0
Sun April 26th @ Leeds Bobcats WON 56-6
Sun May 3rd @ Leicester Falcons WON 22-16
Sun May 10th vs Lincolnshire Bombers WON 25-17
Sun May 24th @ Humber Warhawks WON 70-0
Sun 7th June Peterborough Saxons WON 41-14
Sun June 28th @ Lincolnshire Bombers WON 39-13
Sat July 18th vs Humber Warhawks WON 61-0
Sat July 25th vs Leicester Falcons WON 24-20
Sun August 9th @ Peterborough Saxons WON 28-24
They faced divisional rival Leicester Falcons in the quarter-final of the play-offs who they beat 21-6, and after seeing off Newcastle Vikings in the semi-final beat the Saxons in the Division Two final to clinch promotion.
The Steelers club colours are steel, black and yellow. They wear black helmets with yellow face cages, and all steel-grey uniforms.
Sunday 10th April, Ouse Valley Eagles @ Sandwell Steelers
Sunday 22nd May, Sandwell Steelers @ Ouse Valley Eagles
The Steelers home stadium and training base is Tipton Sports Academy, Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 0BS.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
Yesterday we caught up with Chris Parr, Danny Cousins, Ross Hubbard and Gareth Pullen to hear their thoughts on being voted team captains for the 2016 season. Here’s what they had to say…
Cornerback Chris Parr was named the Eagles MVP in 2014, and is a former Milton Keynes Pathfinders Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year.
He was also a member of the Great Britain Lions squad in 2013, and was University of Northampton Sportsperson of the Year in the same year:
The Club has had a really good winter both on and off the field and it has been fantastic to be involved.
Being named a captain for the Eagles is an honour and alongside the other captains I look forward to leading us in 2016.
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins is a second-year player with the Eagles having joined the club ahead of last season, and was named 2015 Rookie of the Year:
I’m very proud to be named as a captain for the Eagles this season, particuarly as it was voted on by my team mates, which makes the honour even greater.
Former Loughborough Aces and Tamworth Phoenix wide receiver Ross Hubbard is another second-year player with the Eagles, having joined the club in 2015:
It’s always special and bigger when it comes from your team mates.
I’m looking forward to being one of the leaders of such a dedicated group of guys.
Linebacker Gareth “Tish” Pullen is a returning captain, having previously captained the team in 2014 and 2015.
He was named the Eagles’ Defensive MVP in 2015, Player’s Player of the Year in 2014, and is a former Bedfordshire Blue Raiders MVP, Player’s Player and Defensive MVP:
To be voted captain is a true honour, especially being put forward by my peers, those I respect really means the world to me.
As we gain momentum towards our 2016 campaign it is a truly exciting time to be an Eagle.
The first game of the season takes place on Sunday 10th April (1.30pm) when the Eagles travel to face the Sandwell Steelers. The first home game of the year is against the Nottingham Caesars two weeks later, kicking off at midday.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, squad details and events with out new mobile app for iOS and Android:
In our most recent Head to Head of the season Defensive Back Chris Parr took on Media Manager Michael Dilley. Here’s how they got on…
Vikings 20 Cardinals 23
PARR: The ViQueens need AD (All Day) to produce, and Bridgewater could have another tough day as the Arizona D will keep him in check. Arizona are a very good football team this year. I really dislike Minnesota. Arizona win.
RESULT: Win! 1-0.
DILLEY: The Vikings are having a much better year than most people expected but I can’t see any way they beat the impressive Cards in their own back yard. Arizona win.
RESULT: Win! 1-0.
Seahawks 35 Ravens 6
PARR: Seattle seem to be rolling offensively. Baltimore don’t have the weapons to trouble the Seahawks D. The bandwagon fans fully return after leaving earlier in the year. Seattle win.
RESULT: Win! 2-0.
DILLEY: Seattle aren’t a patch on the team we’ve seen over the last couple of years, but neither are the Ravens. Seahawks win this one.
RESULT: Win! 2-0.
Falcons 0 Panthers 38
PARR: Potential for an upset but not thinking the Atlanta D can contain this year’s MVP. Ryan will throw a couple of costly picks forcing it into Julio. Luke Kuechly is a very good football player. Carolina win.
RESULT: Win! 3-0.
DILLEY: Divisional games are almost always close but Atlanta have been all over the place and the Panthers and Cam Newton have been incredible. Panthers win to keep the ’72 Dolphins sweating for at least another week.
RESULT: Win! 3-0.
Redskins 24 Bears 21
PARR: Washington win.
RESULT: Win! 4-0.
DILLEY: The Bears are awful but still have the same record as the NFC East-topping Deadskins. Washington have been really bad on the road, so I’m going with Chicago. Bears win.
RESULT: Lose! 3-1.
Steelers 33 Bengals 20
PARR: Expect this to be a really good game. Steelers close the gap a top the AFC North. Steelers win.
RESULT: Win! 5-0.
DILLEY: Game of the week? I’d really *like* Cincy to win so even though I’ve got a feeling the Steelers will pinch it I’m going with them. Bengals win.
RESULT: Lose! 3-2.
49ers 10 Browns 24
PARR: I honestly don’t think anyone is going to watch this game, unless for some reason you like Manziel or you started watching football in the 80s and picked the 49ers. 49ers win.
RESULT: Lose! 5-1.
DILLEY: If we work on the basis that a game between two bad teams make a great game then this will be an absolute classic. With that in mind, the 49ers win 62-61.
RESULT: Lose! 3-3.
Colts 16 Jaguars 51
PARR: Frank Gore continues to let me down in Fantasy Football. One week I play him and get three points. Gets dropped, ten points. He is starting this week. Jacksonville win.
RESULT: Win! 6-1.
DILLEY: You know it’s a funny old world when you back the Jags to beat the Colts, but here I am doing exactly that. Blake Bortles has fired my Fantasy team into the play-offs, and he might do the same thing with the London Jaguars. Jacksonville win.
RESULT: Win! 4-3.
Chargers 3 Chiefs 10
PARR: Melvin Gordon will be a really good back for SD long term. Rivers throws the ball horribly and for a catholic man has a real potty mouth. Kansas to keep the run going. Kansas win.
RESULT: Win! 7-1.
DILLEY: Kansas win. Not even close.
RESULT: Win! 5-3.
Titans 8 Jets 30
PARR: The best rookie QB continues to pull up trees with zero weapons around him. He has done it his whole career, I mean look at Oregon, what a player. Doesn’t steal crab legs. Jets win.
RESULT: Win! 8-1.
DILLEY: I kind of like the Jets. That’s it. Jets win.
RESULT: Win! 6-3.
Bills 20 Eagles 23
PARR: Much thought has gone into this. Rubbish game, Philly win.
RESULT: Win! 9-1.
DILLEY: As a Cowboys fan I did *not* enjoy watching the Pats/Eagles game last week, but if history has told us anything it’s that the Eagles always find a way to blow it once people actually start believing in them – so the Bills win.
RESULT: Lose! 6-4.
Lions 14 Rams 21
PARR: Stafford is starting in Fantasy Football for me this week, so inevitably he will throw a few interceptions. The much improved Lions D will hold. Lions win.
RESULT: Lose! 9-2.
DILLEY: Two more teams with bad records. The Rams have lost five on the bounce heading into this game and the L-I-O-N-S will make it six. Detroit win.
RESULT: Lose! 6-5.
Saints 24 Buccaneers 17
PARR: Jaboowins is a talented chap. Sean Payton held me as a baby. Tampa Bay win.
RESULT: Lose! 9-3.
DILLEY: The Saints have lost four in a row, who knew? The Bucs look like they might actually be getting their shizzle together, so I’m going to go with them at home. Bucs win.
RESULT: Lose! 6-6.
Raiders 15 Broncos 12
PARR: Oakland are much improved but see the Broncos letting Osweiler take charge a bit more. Manning starts looking for a TV job. Broncos win.
RESULT: Lose! 9-4.
DILLEY: We keep talking about how Oakland are getting better, and they are, but they’re still only 5-7 and then lose to the Broncos. Denver win.
RESULT: Lose! 6-7.
Cowboys 7 Packers 28
PARR: Green Bay win.
RESULT: Win! 10-4.
DILLEY: Oh my beloved Cowboys, how do I count the ways (that you find to lose games)? There’s no pretending this season hasn’t been an absolute disaster for us, and most UK-based Cowboys fans are now torn between wanting to see the team make a real push for play-offs (seriously, how in the blue hell is that still possible?) and wanting to see us match the Rams and come to Twickenham next year. In any event, we’ll probably push Green Bay hard, our offense won’t get anything going, the Packers will win and we’ll get approximately 4,582 references to “the catch”.
RESULT: Win! 7-7.
Patriots 27 Texans 6
PARR: I like Houston, I like Cushing, I enjoyed Hard Knocks. New England to stop the slide and Tom Brady gets them back on track. New England win.
RESULT: Win! 11-4.
DILLEY: Everyone loves JJ Watt, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing him squash Brady like a bug, but it seems nuts that the Pats have lost two in a row and I just cannot see them losing a third. Patriots win.
RESULT: Win! 8-7.
Giants 31 Dolphins 24
PARR: I don’t like the Giants and a good buddy of mine plays for Miami. Giants win.
RESULT: Win! 12-4.
DILLEY: I genuinely think the result of this depends on what happens with the other NFC East teams this weekend, given that every time a team has a chance to stake a claim for first place they blow it. If any of the other teams win the Giants will win, but as I think they won’t – Dolphins win.
RESULT: Lose! 8-8.
Standings
As a result of this week’s scores – where Parr hit the joint-highest score of the season so far – the Players have pulled further ahead against the Coaches and Staff, and now lead 115-74 to 104-87. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.
Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.
Previous Results
Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 8-8 vs Gameday Manager Paul Smyth 8-8
Wide Receiver Ross Hubbard 10-6 vs Head Coach Will White 9-7
You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.
If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?
To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.
The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.
This week we have Defensive Back Chris Parr taking on Media Manager Michael Dilley. The players have pulled out a big lead with a score of 103-72 to 96-79, but let’s see what the weekend has in store…
Vikings @ Cardinals (TNF)
PARR: The ViQueens need AD (All Day) to produce, and Bridgewater could have another tough day as the Arizona D will keep him in check. Arizona are a very good football team this year. I really dislike Minnesota. Arizona win.
DILLEY: The Vikings are having a much better year than most people expected but I can’t see any way they beat the impressive Cards in their own back yard. Arizona win.
Seahawks @ Ravens
PARR: Seattle seem to be rolling offensively. Baltimore don’t have the weapons to trouble the Seahawks D. The bandwagon fans fully return after leaving earlier in the year. Seattle win.
DILLEY: Seattle aren’t a patch on the team we’ve seen over the last couple of years, but neither are the Ravens. Seahawks win this one.
Falcons @ Panthers
PARR: Potential for an upset but not thinking the Atlanta D can contain this year’s MVP. Ryan will throw a couple of costly picks forcing it into Julio. Luke Kuechly is a very good football player. Carolina win.
DILLEY: Divisional games are almost always close but Atlanta have been all over the place and the Panthers and Cam Newton have been incredible. Panthers win to keep the ’72 Dolphins sweating for at least another week.
Redskins @ Bears
PARR: Washington win.
DILLEY: The Bears are awful but still have the same record as the NFC East-topping Deadskins. Washington have been really bad on the road, so I’m going with Chicago. Bears win.
Steelers @ Bengals
PARR: Expect this to be a really good game. Steelers close the gap a top the AFC North. Steelers win.
DILLEY: Game of the week? I’d really *like* Cincy to win so even though I’ve got a feeling the Steelers will pinch it I’m going with them. Bengals win.
49ers @ Browns
PARR: I honestly don’t think anyone is going to watch this game, unless for some reason you like Manziel or you started watching football in the 80s and picked the 49ers. 49ers win.
DILLEY: If we work on the basis that a game between two bad teams make a great game then this will be an absolute classic. With that in mind, the 49ers win 62-61.
Colts @ Jaguars
PARR: Frank Gore continues to let me down in Fantasy Football. One week I play him and get three points. Gets dropped, ten points. He is starting this week. Jacksonville win.
DILLEY: You know it’s a funny old world when you back the Jags to beat the Colts, but here I am doing exactly that. Blake Bortles has fired my Fantasy team into the play-offs, and he might do the same thing with the London Jaguars. Jacksonville win.
Chargers @ Chiefs
PARR: Melvin Gordon will be a really good back for SD long term. Rivers throws the ball horribly and for a catholic man has a real potty mouth. Kansas to keep the run going. Kansas win.
DILLEY: Kansas win. Not even close.
Titans @ Jets
PARR: The best rookie QB continues to pull up trees with zero weapons around him. He has done it his whole career, I mean look at Oregon, what a player. Doesn’t steal crab legs. Jets win.
DILLEY: I kind of like the Jets. That’s it. Jets win.
Bills @ Eagles
PARR: Much thought has gone into this. Rubbish game, Philly win.
DILLEY: As a Cowboys fan I did *not* enjoy watching the Pats/Eagles game last week, but if history has told us anything it’s that the Eagles always find a way to blow it once people actually start believing in them – so the Bills win.
Lions @ Rams
PARR: Stafford is starting in Fantasy Football for me this week, so inevitably he will throw a few interceptions. The much improved Lions D will hold. Lions win.
DILLEY: Two more teams with bad records. The Rams have lost five on the bounce heading into this game and the L-I-O-N-S will make it six. Detroit win.
Saints @ Buccaneers
PARR: Jaboowins is a talented chap. Sean Payton held me as a baby. Tampa Bay win.
DILLEY: The Saints have lost four in a row, who knew? The Bucs look like they might actually be getting their shizzle together, so I’m going to go with them at home. Bucs win.
Raiders @ Broncos
PARR: Oakland are much improved but see the Broncos letting Osweiler take charge a bit more. Manning starts looking for a TV job. Broncos win.
DILLEY: We keep talking about how Oakland are getting better, and they are, but they’re still only 5-7 and then lose to the Broncos. Denver win.
Cowboys @ Packers
PARR: Green Bay win.
DILLEY: Oh my beloved Cowboys, how do I count the ways (that you find to lose games)? There’s no pretending this season hasn’t been an absolute disaster for us, and most UK-based Cowboys fans are now torn between wanting to see the team make a real push for play-offs (seriously, how in the blue hell is that still possible?) and wanting to see us match the Rams and come to Twickenham next year. In any event, we’ll probably push Green Bay hard, our offense won’t get anything going, the Packers will win and we’ll get approximately 4,582 references to “the catch”.
Patriots @ Texans (SNF)
PARR: I like Houston, I like Cushing, I enjoyed Hard Knocks. New England to stop the slide and Tom Brady gets them back on track. New England win.
DILLEY: Everyone loves JJ Watt, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing him squash Brady like a bug, but it seems nuts that the Pats have lost two in a row and I just cannot see them losing a third. Patriots win.
Giants @ Dolphins (MNF)
PARR: I don’t like the Giants and a good buddy of mine plays for Miami. Giants win.
DILLEY: I genuinely think the result of this depends on what happens with the other NFC East teams this weekend, given that every time a team has a chance to stake a claim for first place they blow it. If any of the other teams win the Giants will win, but as I think they won’t – Dolphins win.
Summary
| Match | Parr | Dilley |
|---|---|---|
| Vikings @ Cardinals (TNF) | Cardinals | Cardinals |
| Seahawks @ Ravens | Seahawks | Seahawks |
| Falcons @ Panthers | Panthers | Panthers |
| Redskins @ Bears | Redskins | Bears |
| Steelers @ Bengals | Steelers | Bengals |
| 49ers @ Browns | 49ers | 49ers |
| Colts @ Jaguars | Jaguars | Jaguars |
| Chargers @ Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs |
| Titans @ Jets | Jets | Jets |
| Bills @ Eagles | Eagles | Bills |
| Lions @ Rams | Lions | Lions |
| Saints @ Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Buccaneers |
| Raiders @ Broncos | Broncos | Broncos |
| Cowboys @ Packers | Packers | Packers |
| Patriots @ Texans (SNF) | Patriots | Patriots |
| Giants @ Dolphins (MNF) | Giants | Dolphins |
Previous Results
Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 8-8 vs Gameday Manager Paul Smyth 8-8
Wide Receiver Ross Hubbard 10-6 vs Head Coach Will White 9-7
You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.
In our most recent Head to Head of the season Wide Receiver Ross Hubbard took on Head Coach Will White. Here’s how they got on…
Packers 27 Lions 23
HUBBARD: A harder pick than this would have been pre-Thanksgiving. The Packers are on the slide and the Lions are looking for their fourth straight win. Can Rodgers break the slump and galvanize the Packers season on TNF? Going with the team on a streak (god I hope #81 is not injured), Lions to Win!
RESULT: Right up until the final seconds this looked an inspired choice, but then *that* play happened. 0-1.
WHITE: Pack over Lions by two scores, the Lions are struggling.
RESULT: It was the Pack that struggled for long periods, and in the end it took one of the most ridiculous plays in NFL history to take it, but a win’s a win and coach starts off 1-0.
Texans 21 Bills 30
HUBBARD: The Bills haven’t beaten the Texans since 2006 (thanks Google!) so JJ Watt and Co. to terrorize Tyrod Taylor and get their fifth win in a row. Texans to win!
RESULT: The Bills keep themselves in contention with their first win over Houston in nine years (thanks Ross!). 0-2.
WHITE: Texans over Bills. I’m not a Rex Ryan fan, he’s too damn cocky.
RESULT: You can never count Rex Ryan out, unless he’s playing the Patriots. Which he wasn’t. 1-1.
49ers 26 Bears 20
HUBBARD: The Bears have an awful home record this year. Fortunately they are playing the 49ers, who are even worse on the road. Bears to win!
RESULT: Oh Ross, this hasn’t started well for you has it? 0-3.
WHITE: Bears over 49ers, the Niners suck.
RESULT: The Niners do indeed suck, but they still managed to make Blaine Gabbert look like Joe Montana. 1-2.
Bengals 37 Browns 3
HUBBARD: The Browns lost as only the Browns can against the Ravens (though this was a bit close to home, where have I seen this before!). Austin Davis will not be anywhere near as good as last week, there’s a lot more pressure when starting. Bengals to win!
RESULT: The Bengals didn’t so much as win, they battered the terrible Browns. 1-3.
WHITE: Bengals over Browns with Cleveland having QB issues.
RESULT: It’s not only at QB that the Browns have issues. Still, It’d be unlike them to waste their early first round pick next year…2-2.
Ravens 13 Dolphins 15
HUBBARD: The Ravens are my team and it has been painful to watch them this year. They have found a way to lose their games, never pulling away when in the lead! Their luck changed against the Browns and are 5-0 against Miami since 2007. Ravens win!
RESULT: You have to admire him for sticking with his team even though they’re terrible this year, but it doesn’t serve him well here. 1-4.
WHITE: Dolphins over a banged-up Ravens team with too many injuries.
RESULT: Jackpot. 3-2.
Jets 23 Giants 20
HUBBARD: Apparently the Jets haven’t beaten the Giants in the regular season since 1993, who knew! Jets to win.
RESULT: The Jets win, and keep themselves in with a fighting chance of making the post-season. 2-4.
WHITE: Jets over the Giants as I dislike Manning and his Smurfs.
RESULT: You can’t argue with the reasoning. 4-2.
Cardinals 27 Rams 3
HUBBARD: Probably the easiest pick of the week. Cardinals to stack the box against Todd Gurley as he is the St Louis offense currently, and let #21 & #32 pick the recently-promoted Case Keenum all day long. Cardinals to win!
RESULT: Not much more to say is there? 3-4.
WHITE: Cardinals over the Rams – the Cards offense has too much for St Louis.
RESULT: They sure did. 5-2.
Falcons 19 Buccaneers 23
HUBBARD: This is a big showdown in the NFC South. Atlanta had a player’s only team meeting this week and I have seen enough American Sports films to know that as a result of this they cannot lose…I never understand why teams don’t get together every week and talk about not losing. Buccaneers to win!
RESULT: Ross is back to .500, just like these two teams! 4-4.
WHITE: Falcons over the Bucs as they look to get back on track.
RESULT: Lose! 5-3.
Jaguars 39 Titans 42
HUBBARD: This was close when they last played and the Titans let a win slip out of their hands. Titans to win!
RESULT: It’s a well known fact (honest) that when two bad teams play together it always results in a classic, and this was no different. 5-4.
WHITE: Jags over the Titans in the battle of bad teams.
RESULT: He backed the wrong horse and we’re now tied at 5-4.
Chiefs 34 Raiders 20
HUBBARD: This is risky as OC/Chairman Neale is a Raiders fan (I think – he wears a cap all the time) but I can’t see them beating the Chiefs. Chiefs to win!
RESULT: Spot on, and Ross is on a roll. 6-4.
WHITE: Raiders over a banged-up Chiefs side.
RESULT: Will’s also on a roll, but he’s going backwards. 5-5.
Broncos 17 Chargers 3
HUBBARD: Brock Osweiler is 2-0 since replacing Peyton and has knocked off Brady’s unbeaten Patriots. Only sign of hope for the Chargers is Ware will probably miss this week’s game and there could be a come down after a big win over the Pats. Broncos to win!
RESULT: There’s no stopping him. 7-4.
WHITE: Broncos over the Chargers, the Broncos defense will be too much.
RESULT: Will’s staying in touch but the damage has already been done. 6-5.
Eagles 35 Patriots 28
HUBBARD: Tom Brady to avenge their loss against Denver by throwing 5 TDs and that’s without Gronk. The Eagles defence has been like a sieve the last few weeks and the Pats aren’t the team to be playing after they’ve lost with a bad defence. Patriots to Win!
RESULT: Nobody saw this coming, so we’ll allow Ross a slip. 7-5.
WHITE: Pats over the Eagles. Brady gets the boys back on track against a poor Philly team.
RESULT: Likewise. 6-6.
Panthers 41 Saints 38
HUBBARD: Now that TB12 is no longer undefeated does that make Cam the #1 MVP contender? The Panthers get more impressive every week and with Superman at QB and Clark Kent on defence (Luke Kuechly, look him up) at the moment they arguably have the best Offensive and Defensive player playing on the same team. Panthers to win!
RESULT: I was pretty sure the Panthers were done for in this one, but they keep the record going. 8-5.
WHITE: Panthers over the Saints as they continue their run towards an undefeated season.
RESULT: Yep. 7-6.
Seahawks 38 Vikings 7
HUBBARD: The Vikings are at home and atop the NFC North but with Seattle now 6-5 and on a real hot streak, I’m going to take a risk and go with Seattle to steal one on the road. Seahawks to win, narrowly!
RESULT: I don’t know what he was worried about! 9-5.
WHITE: Seahawks over the Vikes in a tight one fighting for a play-off spot.
RESULT: Well it sure as heck wasn’t tight, but 8-6.
Colts 10 Steelers 45
HUBBARD: The big question is whether Big Ben will play (he was fully participating in practice Thursday) as I think the Colts would win if Landry Jones plays most of this game. Steelers to win!
RESULT: Big Ben played alright, to the tune of 364 yards passing and 4 TDs. Ross moves to 10-5.
WHITE: Steelers win a tight one over a surging Colts team.
RESULT: Well that wasn’t tight either. 9-6.
Cowboys 19 Redskins 16
HUBBARD: No Romo no wins, simple as that really. QBs are important, who knew? Redskins to Win!
RESULT: It wasn’t a classic and Ross called it wrong, but he still wins this week and finishes 10-6.
WHITE: Redskins keep their winning streak going against a weak Cowboys team that has no Romo.
RESULT: Coach also calls it wrong and finishes. 9-7.
Standings
As a result of this week’s scores the Players have again extended their lead over the Coaches and Staff, and now lead 103-72 to 96-79. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.
Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.
Previous Results
Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 8-8 vs Gameday Manager Paul Smyth 8-8
You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.