The Bum's 2016 NFL Sept. Best Bets, Opinions, Trends, News !

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Gridiron Angles - Week 4
October 1, 2016


NFL PLAY ON ATS TREND:

-- The Seahawks are 14-0 ATS since Oct 18, 2012 after throwing for at least 250 yards in a win last game.

NFL PLAY AGAINST TREND:

-- The Lions are 0-10 ATS since Oct 01, 2006 and on the road after scoring at least 24 points in the loss last game.

TOP NFL PLAYER TREND:

-- The Bears are 0-7 ATS since Oct 06, 2013 as a home dog when Alshon Jeffery had at least five receptions last game.

NFL O/U OVER TREND:

-- The Raiders are 13-0-1 OU since Oct 03, 2010 as a dog after covering on the road last game.

NFL O/U UNDER TREND:

-- The Chargers are 0-10 OU since Jan 17, 2010 at home after having less than 28 minutes time of possession last game.

NFL BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Cowboys are 14-0 OU off a win and facing a team that allowed 400-plus yards of offense in their last game.

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SuperContest Picks - Week 4
October 1, 2016

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 1,854 entries, which is an all-time record.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Week 4

1) N.Y. Jets +2.5 (661)
2) Denver -3 (592)
3) Carolina -3 (541)
4) New England -5.5 (502)
5) San Francisco +2.5 (560)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 4 MATCHUPS & ODDS
Away Team Selections Home Team Selections
Miami (+7.5) 98 Cincinnati (-7.5) 98
Indianapolis (-2.5) 215 Jacksonville (+2.5) 289
Cleveland (+7.5) 362 Washington (-7.5) 150
Buffalo (+5.5) 142 New England (-5.5) 502
Seattle (-2.5) 140 N.Y. Jets (+2.5) 661
Carolina (-3) 541 Atlanta (+3) 230
Detroit (-3) 434 Chicago (+3) 204
Tennessee (+5) 246 Houston (-5) 279
Oakland (+3.5) 440 Baltimore (-3.5) 274
Denver (-3) 592 Tampa Bay (+3.) 396
Dallas (-2.5) 277 San Francisco (+2.5) 460
New Orleans (-4) 209 San Diego (+4) 191
Los Angeles (+8) 155 Arizona (-8) 292
Kansas City (+5.5) 270 Pittsburgh (-5.5) 381
N.Y. Giants (+4.5) 353 Minnesota (-4.5) 372

WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS
Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage
1 3-2 3-2 60%
2 0-5 3-7 30%
3 0-5 3-12 20%

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SNF - Chiefs at Steelers
October 1, 2016

After two sluggish performances to start the season the Chiefs played to their expected abilities last week against the Jets in a 24-3 win. Sunday night we'll get to witness who the real Chiefs are as they visit Heinz Field for match against the Steelers who are listed a 5-point favorites with a total set at 47.

Pittsburgh comes with a 2016 story completely opposite of the Chiefs. After winning and covering its their first two games, the were buried 34-3 last week at Philadelphia as 3.5-point road favorites. No TD's for Ben Roethlisberger and one interception. The Steelers offense, considered by many to be the best in the NFL, only gained 251 yards with the running game only producing 29 yards.

The Steelers rush attack should get a boost Sunday as Le'Veon Bell returns from a three game suspension. Las Vegas oddsmaker Kenny White says Bell is worth a half-point to the number.

So what's it going to be Sunday night? Will the Chiefs go on a run similar to last season when they figured things out after a 1-5 start to win their final 10 regular season games? Will the Steelers bounce back at home and completely forget about last weeks disaster? Or did the Eagles lay down a blue print for all other teams to follow on how to slow the Steelers offense?

LINE MOVEMENT

The Westgate SuperBook opened Pittsburgh 5.5-point favorites on last Sunday night and Monday morning they pushed the number to -6. However, on Tuesday there was some respected money taking +6, and then Wednesday they found takers at the dead number of +5.5 and then on Thursday morning, they moved to -4.5. The total has dropped from 47.5 to 47.

TURNOVERS IMPORTANT?

You can't adjust ratings too much on turnovers, but when a pattern starts it's hard to ignore. The Steelers have a -1 turnover ratio and the Chiefs are +5. Of course, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a lot to do with that disparity at Kansas City last week with his offense giving away 8 balls, but still, the number resonates. The Chiefs were doing something right, and this is supposed to be a possible AFC representative to make a Super Bowl visit. Whatever happened the previous week last shouldn't weigh too much into a wagering decision, but the Steelers looked awful last week. By the way, the Eagles 3-0 start has been aided by a +6 turnover margin, which is second behind the Vikings (+8).

PROPER RATINGS?

I haven't lowered the Steelers in their rating this season despite last weeks result, but the Chiefs were lowered a half-point after their come-from-behind win against the Chargers in Week 1. It really was a good finish, but they were lousy in the first-half. KC's rating has remained intact the last two weeks, even though the Chiefs looked really good last week against a quality team in the Jets. My line says the Chiefs shouldn't be getting +5 or more, and that's with including Le'Veon Bell to Pittsburgh's equation.

TRENDS

-- Kansas City is 5-2 ATS in last seven road games.
-- Kansas City has failed to cover its last four following an ATS win.
-- Kansas City has gone Under total in five of last seven games.

-- Pittsburgh is 7-2 ATS in last nine games following a loss.
-- Pittsburgh has gone Under in six of its past seven games.

RECENT MEETINGS

The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings, and the Chiefs have covered four of the past five. The last four meetings have stayed Under, including last October when the Chiefs won 23-13 as 3.5-point home favorites. Bell rushed for 121 yards and Antonio Brown caught eight passes for 124 yards, but Landry Jones was starting QB with Roethlisberger injured. The Big Ben effect was huge as Pittsburgh converted only 2 of 10 third downs.

DIVISION ODDS

The Chiefs came into the season 8/5 to win the AFC East as the second choice behind Denver at 3-to-2. The gap has widened with Denver looking so spectacular with its 3-0 start. They are now 4/5 and the Chiefs are 9/4. The Raiders are 9/2 and the Chargers are 12/1.

Pittsburgh has gone from EVEN to 5/7 after three weeks of play. Baltimore is 9/4, Cincinnati is 7/2 and Cleveland is 300/1.

SUPER BOWL ODDS

Because of the Patriots (7/2) winning without Tom Brady and Denver (12/1) doing well, their Super Bowl odds dropping has changed the complexion of the rest of the AFC. Pittsburgh has gone from 8/1 up to 10/1 and Chiefs from 20/1 to 25/1.

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Betting the fave has been the play in NFL London games

The Jacksonville Jaguars play in London for the fourth consecutive year. They are 1-2 SU/ATS in the previous three games.

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars will square off at Wembley Stadium in Week 4 as the NFL's International Series contines with its first of three games in London, England this season and with the line currently Bills -2.5, bettors should make note as the fave has covered the spread in nine of the last 12 games in jolly ol' England.

This season marks the tenth consecutive that the NFL will hold a game in London, England and is the fourth consecutive year the Jags have hopped across the pond. The New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams play at the first game at Twickenham Stadium in Week 7, while Washington will face the Cincinnati Bengals back at Wembley in Week 8.

There are a couple of trends through the first 14 games in London to bear in mind if you're going to make a wager on the Colts-Jags game this weekend.

The favorite covered the spread in two of the three games in England last season and, as previously mentioned, is 9-3 ATS (75 percent) in the last 12 games. Faves are 9-5 ATS all-time in 14 games played in England.

Last season, the Jags beat the Bills 34-31, covering as 4.5-point pups, while the New York Jets topped the Miami Dolphins 27-14 as 2.5-point faves and the Kansas City Chiefs thumped the Detroit Lions 45-10 as 3-point faves.

If you're looking at totals, the over/under count is 8-6 (57.1 percent) in the 14 games and the over has cashed in five of the past seven games across the Atlantic.

The total in this weekend's matchup opened is currently 49.

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Essential Week 4 betting tidbits and odds for NFL Sunday

The Cardinals are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the division rival Rams.

Week 4 of the NFL season is upon us and with so many games on the slate it can be hard to handicap them all. But fear not NFL bettors, we have you covered with our quick hitting breakdown of every game on the schedule.

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (+3, 50.5)

* Turnovers are the clear concern for Carolina, as Cam Newton has thrown as many interceptions - five - as touchdown passes. The Panthers still are moving the ball on the ground, even with Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne filling in for Jonathan Stewart (hamstring), and facing a porous Atlanta secondary could help Newton and the passing game get going. The defense has been solid, ranking third in the league in total defense, but too often has been put in difficult situations due to turnovers.

* Atlanta’s offense is firing on all cylinders, as Ryan has passed for 970 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception while Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are a formidable backfield duo. Freeman had a career-high 207 yards from scrimmage last week (152 rushing, 55 receiving) and Coleman punched in three touchdowns. There is plenty of cause for concern on the other side of the ball, though, as the Falcons rank 30th in total defense.

LINE HISTORY: The Falcons opened this NFC South showdown as 3.5-point home pups, but have been bet to +3. The total opened at an even 50 and has been bet up to 50.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.
* Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings.
* Under is 6-1 in Falcons last seven home games.

Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Ravens (-4, 46)

* Derek Carr had a field day against the Ravens last year, throwing for a career-high 351 yards and three touchdowns. Oakland's high-powered offense is ranked second in the league as it is averaging 436 yards and 26.7 points per contest. Oakland could be without Nate Allen for the matchup as the safety did not participate in Thursday's practice after being limited the previous day due to a quadriceps injury.

* The Ravens have had few problems with the Raiders, winning six of the eight overall meetings and four straight before dropping a 37-33 decision at Oakland last September. Baltimore will have another weapon to help contain Oakland quarterback Derek Carr as Pro Bowl linebacker Elvis Dumervil will make his season debut after missing the team's first three games due to a setback with his surgically repaired foot.

LINE HISTORY: The Ravens opened this game as 3.5-point home faves and have been bet up to -4. The total opened at 46.5 and has been bet down to 46. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Ravens are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Raiders last four versus AFC opponents.
* Under is 5-1 in Ravens last six home games.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (+3, 48)

* Matthew Stafford threw for 703 yards and seven touchdowns in last year's sweep of the Bears and has formed a post-Calvin Johnson connection this season with Marvin Jones, who has an NFL-best 408 yards receiving. Stafford went for 385 yards and three scores and Jones reeled in six receptions for a career-high 205 yards and two TDs in the Lions' 34-27 setback at division-rival Green Bay on Sunday.

* Chicago is expected to turn to Brian Hoyer for the second straight outing with Jay Cutler nursing a sprained right thumb. Hoyer completed 30 of 49 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' 31-17 setback at Dallas on Sunday. Rookie Jordan Howard will try to ignite Chicago's 30th-ranked rushing attack and could find room to roam versus a Detroit squad surrendering a league-high 5.1 yards per carry this season and 199 yards on the ground last week.

LINE HISTORY: The Bears opened this games as 3-point road dogs and the line has yet to move off that number. Meanwhile, the has seen plenty of action. Oddsmakers opened the number at 46 and has since been bet up two points to the current number of 48. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Lions are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 versus NFC North opponents.
* Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Over is 5-0 in Bears last five games following a SU loss.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Chicago.

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (-4.5, 40.5)

* Tennessee’s offense has moved the ball well on the ground, but the passing game has left much to be desired. Mariota has as many interceptions – four – as touchdown passes and hasn’t provided enough balance to complement DeMarco Murray, who has accounted for three touchdowns (one rushing, two receiving). An improved defense has kept the Titans in games, holding all three opponents under 250 passing yards, but the club has forced just two turnovers and had some trouble stopping the run.

* The Texans will be without star defensive end J.J. Watt, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday after aggravating the back injury that required surgery over the summer. Quarterback Brock Osweiler isn’t putting up big numbers in his first season in Houston, throwing four interceptions and just three touchdown passes despite a dangerous receiving corps. The offense should be fine, though, if Osweiler can limit his mistakes, as Lamar Miller leads a strong rushing attack that has moved the ball well but has not yet found the end zone.

LINE HISTORY: The Texans opened this game as 6.5-point home favorites, but ever since the news of Watt's injury came out bettors have been fading Houston, moving the line to Texans -4.5. The total opened at 40.5 and hasn't moved off that number. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Titans are 3-21-3 ATS in their last 27 versus AFC South opponents.
* Texans are 5-0 ATS in their last five versus AFC South opponents.
* Under is 6-0 in Texans last six home games.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Houston.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-7, 43)

* Although Rex Ryan said a reason for firing Roman was his inability to get the team's top playmakers more involved, the absence of star wideout Sammy Watkins forced Buffalo to rely on a ground game that produced 208 yards rushing versus Arizona. LeSean McCoy nearly matched his total from the first two weeks combined by rushing for 110 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and he rushed for more than 80 yards in both matchups against New England last season. Watkins did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and is not expected to do so on Friday so McCoy could be in line for another heavy workload.

* It's unclear if Jimmy Garoppolo or rookie Jacoby Brissett -- both dealing with injuries -- will be under center for New England and the decision is expected to be made after pre-game warmups. Both Garoppolo (shoulder) and Brissett were limited in Thursday's practice, and the prognosis of the offense was further muddled by the limited status of star tight end Rob Gronkowski (hamstring). Running back LeGarrette Blount, who leads the NFL with 298 yards rushing and has scored four touchdowns, was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month on Thursday.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers don't really care who starts under center for the Patriots, opening them as 7.5-point home favorites in this AFC matchup. Since then, the line has seen some Bills action, sitting currently at New England -7. The total opened at 42.5 and has been bet up to 43. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Road team is 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Bills are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
* Under is 4-0 in Bills last four games following a SU win.
* Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets (+2, 40)

* The Seattle Seahawks expect to have quarterback Russell Wilson in the lineup Sunday, despite battling an ankle injury and an MCL sprain suffered in last week's win over San Francisco, but he vows to be under center despite reports that said he'd miss up to three weeks with the latest injury. The Seahawks got a big boost last week with the re-emergence of tight end Jimmy Graham, who snared six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers and looks to be all the way back from his surgery on a torn patellar tendon.

* Last week quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a career-high six interceptions and lost two fumbles. It doesn't look to get any easier for Gang Green's offense against the Seahawks, who rank first in the league in total defense and second in scoring defense, allowing just 12.3 points a game. Fitzpatrick's top targets are both battling injuries as Eric Decker, who leads the team with 194 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns, is expected to seek an MRI exam on his shoulder and Brandon Marshall has been slowed with a knee sprain.

LINE HISTORY: The Jets opened this game as 2.5-point home pups and there has been action on both sides since. The Jets moved down to +1 earlier in the week, but have moved back to the current number of +2. The total opened at a low 41.5 and bettors still like the Under, moving the number to an even 40. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Seahawks are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a SU win.
* Jets are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games versus a team with a winning record.
* Under is 5-0 in Seahawks last five games following a ATS win.
* Over is 6-0 in Jets last six games following a straight up loss.

Cleveland Browns at Washington (-7.5, 46.5)

* While exciting and versatile wide receiver Terrelle Pryor said that the Browns were going "to win out" the rest of the season, the problems remain for Cleveland, which will start rookie Cody Kessler for the second straight game with Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown both sidelined. Kessler, out of USC, finished 21-for-33 for 244 yards with no interceptions in an encouraging debut, but Cleveland may be without running back Isaiah Crowell, who ranks second in the NFL is rushing with 274 yards and a robust 6.1 yards per carry.

* Attempting to defend its NFC East title, Washington started the year 0-2 with losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas before notching its unlikely comeback against the Giants. They may be short-handed it their quest to make it two straight as wide receivers DeSean Jackson (ankle, knee) and Josh Doctson (achilles) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's game and they lost two starting offensive linemen against New York.

LINE HISTORY: Washington opened this game as heavy 10-point home chalk, but bettors are actually backing the Browns here moving the line all the way to Cleveland +7.5. The total opened at 45.5 and has been bet up to 46.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last five games in October.
* Washington is 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 6-1 in Browns last seven road games.
* Over is 8-0 in Redskins last eight games overall.

Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3, 43)

* Trevor Siemian acquitted himself well in his first road start, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 312 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 29-17 victory at Cincinnati. The Florida native is beginning to develop chemistry with Emmanuel Sanders, who collected nine catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns versus the Bengals. Von Miller leads the league with five sacks this season and had a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the teams' last meeting -- Denver's 31-23 win on Dec. 2, 2012.

* Jameis Winston passed for a career-high 405 yards with three touchdowns in a 37-32 setback to Los Angeles last Sunday. Charles Sims had 124 yards from scrimmage and a rushing touchdown versus Los Angeles and should receive another sizable workload with Doug Martin (hamstring) expected to miss his second straight game on Sunday. Cameron Brate also made the most of additional playing time on Sunday by reeling in a pair of touchdown passes after fellow tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins sat out following an arrest for DUI before being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets on Monday.

LINE HISTORY: The Broncos opened this game favored by a field goal on the road and the line hasn't moved off that number. The total opened at 44.5 and has been bet down to 43. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Broncos are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Buccaneers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 7-3 in Broncos last 10 road games versus a team with a losing home record.
* Over is 5-0 in Buccaneers last five games following a SU loss.

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals (-8, 43)

* After ranking last in total offense in 2015 and managing only three field goals through the first two games, Los Angeles snapped out of its doldrums in Tampa Bay. Running back Todd Gurley got in the end zone twice on a pair of 1-yard touchdowns, but he averaging only 2.9 yards per carry as defenses continue to stack the box and dare quarterback Case Keenum to beat them. Keenum threw for his first two scoring passes of the season and 190 yards against the Buccaneers, but he lacks a go-to wide receiver and is completing 53.8 percent of his passes with 559 yards overall through three games.

* Although Carson Palmer established career highs in touchdown passes (35), yards (4,671) and quarterback rating (104.6) last season, he has been picked off 12 times in his last seven games (playoffs included) since injuring a finger on his throwing hand in Week 15 last season. Running back David Johnson was one of the few constants on offense last week with 83 yards rushing and a pair of touchdown runs while speedster John Brown finally emerged with six receptions for 70 yards after catching one ball in each of the first two games.

LINE HISTORY: The Cardinals opened this NFC West showdown as big 8.5-point home chalk, but have since been bet down to Arizona -8. The total opened at 43.5 and has been bet down to 43. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Rams are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 6-0 in Rams last six versus NFC West opponents.
* Under is 6-0 in Cardinals last six home games.

New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers (-3.5, 53)

* Drew Brees returns to San Diego for the first time since leaving as a free agent in 2006 as he attempts to lead the New Orleans Saints to their first victory of the season Sunday against the Chargers. Age certainly is not slowing Brees down, as the veteran enters Week 4 leading the NFL in completions (93), passing yards (1,062) and touchdown tosses (eight). He has enjoyed facing AFC teams of late, throwing for at least 400 yard and three touchdowns in the last two encounters.

* Melvin Gordon, who enters Week 4 tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with four, accounted for all but two of San Diego's feeble rushing-yards total last week and hopes for better results against the Saints. Philip Rivers, who replaced Brees as the Chargers' quarterback, has recorded 695 passing yards and a 100.4 rating in two career starts against New Orleans.

LINE HISTORY: The Chargers opened this game favored by 4.5-points, but bettors are backing Brees in his homecoming, moving the line to San Diego -3.5. Oddsmakers are expecting a shootout here, pegging this game with the highest total of the week at 53.5. It has been bet down to 53. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Saints are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games versus a team with a losing record.
* Chargers are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a SU loss.
* Under is 4-0 in Saints last four road games.
* Under is 4-1 in Chargers last five home games.

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (+1, 44.5)

* Ezekiel Elliott, tied for second in the NFL with 274 yards, rolled up 140 in Dallas' 31-17 victory over Chicago last Sunday and looks to exploit similar gaping holes in the 49ers' 23rd-ranked rush defense (122.7 yards per game).Dez Bryant is nursing a hairline fracture in his right leg near the knee. Slot receiver Cole Beasley (team-leading 20 catches, 213 yards) and tight end Jason Witten will be tasked with opening up the defense to prevent San Francisco from stacking the box against Elliott.

* San Francisco has seen its defense gouged for 83 points over its last two games following a suffocating 28-0 victory over Los Angeles in the season opener. Carlos Hyde rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a 37-18 setback to Seattle on Sunday and has an NFL high-tying four scores this season. Blaine Gabbert, who has completed only 55.2 percent of his passes this season, was just 14-of-25 for 119 yards and an interception versus the Seahawks.

LINE HISTORY: The Niners opened this game as 3-point home pups, but since then its been all San Fran money, moving the line to 49ers +1. The total opened at 46 and has been bet down to 44.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in October.
* 49ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 5-1 in Cowboys last six road games.
* Under is 7-0 in 49ers last seven home games versus a team with a winning road record.

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Kaepernick's social activism draws support, rebuke in London
October 2, 2016

LONDON (AP) Police officer Shaun Weay didn't think twice about wearing a 49ers T-shirt to Wembley Stadium on Sunday - even though San Francisco backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick has spoken out against police brutality by, among other actions, kneeling as the national anthem was played before games.

Weay, an officer in Yorkshire, acknowledged he couldn't support the views expressed by Kaepernick.

''He's a role model for people, certainly in the States, and obviously, doing that, it's just not positive,'' said Weay, who grew up watching the 49ers when Joe Montana and Steve Young led them to Super Bowls in the late 1980s and early 1990s. ''Stay out of it is the easiest thing to do. Keep your opinions. If you have your own opinion, that's fine, but keep it out of the public arena for everyone else to get involved.''

Weay made the roughly 200-mile trip from northern England with his daughter and her boyfriend, who wore Kaepernick's jersey, because Sunday was his day off.

''We're all people at the end of the day, and we've all got to keep people safe,'' Weay said. ''I may not agree with the way that (police in America have) dealt with things, but that was their call on the day. They made that decision. They're the ones that had that threat in front of them, and they dealt with it as they saw fit.''

Chris Stevens, from Lincolnshire, attended the game with several friends and also wore a Kaepernick jersey. He began paying attention to the NFL in 2012, when Kaepernick helped the 49ers get to the Super Bowl, and thus began to follow the team more closely.

''I would say I agree with him to a certain extent, that black lives matter, but I'm more of a stance that all lives matter,'' said Stevens, who equated Kaepernick's stance with that of Muhammad Ali in the 1960s. ''But, I do agree that it does seem to be an issue with Americans.''

Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie continued to show his support for the black community by kneeling and raising a fist during the singing of the national anthem. Cromartie, who began the gesture a week ago, stood up before ''God Save The Queen,'' the British national anthem, was sung.

Wearing Kaepernick's jersey wasn't particularly unique in London, where the NFL is in its 10th year hosting regular-season games. Fans have typically shown up to such games supporting a variety of teams - not just those playing in the game.

Yet not everyone was aware of Kaepernick's stance. Eight sections away, six friends traveled from Stuttgart, Germany. Two of whom, Manuel Goertner and Simon Goertner, wore Kaepernick jerseys.

When asked about the quarterback's activism, the two said they had no idea Kaepernick had been instrumental in raising awareness of social issues.

''They were the leading team, and that's why they started to support the 49ers, especially Kaepernick, with the new way he was playing quarterback with all the running,'' said Steff Dreher, a friend who served as an interpreter. ''It was resonant with all the guys.''

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

SEA at NYJ 01:00 PM

NYJ +1.0

U 40.0

CAR at ATL 01:00 PM

O 48.5

CLE at WAS 01:00 PM

CLE +7.5

OAK at BAL 01:00 PM

U 45.0

BUF at NE 01:00 PM

BUF +3.5

DET at CHI 01:00 PM

O 48.0

TEN at HOU 01:00 PM

TEN +3.5

DEN at TB 04:05 PM

TB +3.5

U 43.0

NO at SD 04:25 PM

O 54.0

LA at ARI 04:25 PM

ARI -10.0

U 43.5

DAL at SF 04:25 PM

SF +1.0

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SUNDAY NIGHT BEST BETS:

KC at PIT 08:30 PM

PIT -3.0

U 48.0