The NFL’s global footprint continues to grow — and this season, we’re in for a treat. For the first time, seven international games will be played across five countries, including Ireland, England, Germany, Spain, and Brazil.
From young quarterbacks trying to prove themselves to Super Bowl contenders going head-to-head, the stage is set for another exciting international slate. Here’s how all seven games stack up, ranked from the least to most entertaining.
7. Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns
📍 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
The Browns might have made some splashy offseason moves, but this game looks like a mismatch.
The Vikings, coming off a strong season and already acclimated to London (they play there the week before), have continuity and star power on their side. The Browns, on the other hand, are still in quarterback limbo.
They’ve added Dylan Gabriel, a 24-year-old rookie with an okay college career, and Shedeur Sanders, who’s got all the hype but plays for a team with a poor track record of developing young QBs.
Unless Sanders goes full superstar, expect the Vikings to dominate. It could either be a blowout or a sluggish, low-scoring grind if both teams’ offenses fail to click.
6. Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
📍 Croke Park, Dublin
From Tottenham to Croke Park, the Vikings feature again — this time against a very different opponent.
Both teams are likely to be breaking in rookie quarterbacks: JJ McCarthy (Michigan) for Minnesota and Will Howard (Ohio State) for the Steelers — a college rivalry now on an international stage.
Despite their strong 14-3 season, the Vikings lost Sam Darnold to free agency, and McCarthy will only have a few starts under his belt by the time this game rolls around. The Steelers, meanwhile, lost both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and their offense could be one of the least exciting in the league this year.
If the game stays close, it’ll be thanks to Pittsburgh’s elite defense. This could either be a one-sided Vikings win or a scrappy, low-scoring affair that sees the Steelers grind out a W.
5. Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts
📍 Wembley Stadium, London
Two unpredictable teams. Two unstable quarterback rooms. And a whole lot of questions.
The Falcons are turning to second-year QB Michael Penix Jr., who sat most of his rookie year behind Kirk Cousins (who, frankly, underperformed). Penix is older than most second-year players and brings both poise and uncertainty to the offense. He’ll have Bijan Robinson and Drake London as weapons, giving him a chance to shine.
The Colts are still undecided between Anthony Richardson — who has star potential but a questionable passion for the game — and Daniel Jones, who’s been consistently underwhelming. If Richardson can’t find his drive, Jones may get the nod by default.
This could end up being one of the most entertaining games of the series — if both QBs click, we might get a high-scoring shootout. If not, it could be another forgettable clash between two middle-of-the-pack squads.
4. Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets
📍 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
This is the wildcard of the bunch — two teams with young QBs, uncertain ceilings, and plenty to prove.
The Broncos shocked everyone last year by sneaking into the playoffs, led by rookie Bo Nix. With a few games under his belt by the time this London matchup rolls around, this could be his moment to prove last season wasn’t a fluke.
The Jets, meanwhile, were a mess. They’re hoping Justin Fields can change that. Fields will be aiming to silence critics who question his ability to throw the ball, especially with Garrett Wilson as his top target.
This could be a tough, defense-heavy matchup. Don’t expect fireworks — but do expect intensity. Think: 20–17 final score, with one big defensive play making the difference.
3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
📍 Wembley Stadium, London
The Jags are London’s adopted team, and they’ll bring the crowd with them.
The Rams, led by veteran Matthew Stafford, will be trying to stay in playoff contention. While they parted ways with Cooper Kupp, they still have Puka Nacua and plenty of firepower. Stafford’s experience will give LA the edge in a high-pressure international environment.
The Jaguars, on the other hand, are a riddle. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t quite lived up to the generational hype, but the addition of two-way phenom Travis Hunter could be a game-changer on both sides of the ball.
This could easily be a breakout moment for the Jags — or a clinical dismantling by a well-coached, disciplined Rams team. Either way, it’s a Top 3 must-watch.
2. Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins
📍 Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
The NFL’s first game in Spain is already set to be a spectacle.
A fully healthy Dolphins team is lethal. With Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle in full swing, this offense is nearly impossible to stop. Last season’s injury woes derailed their campaign, but the hunger to bounce back will be real.
The Commanders, surprisingly strong last year, are riding high off Jayden Daniels’ Rookie of the Year campaign. With a growing fanbase and momentum on their side, they won’t go down quietly.
If both teams are clicking, this could be a track meet — multiple touchdowns every quarter, back-and-forth drives, and highlight-reel plays. Or, if injuries pile up again for Miami, it could turn into a surprise blowout by Washington.
Either way, Madrid’s going to be rocking.
1. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
📍 Corinthians Arena, São Paulo
The game of the year? Possibly.
This marks the NFL’s first ever game in Brazil, and they couldn’t have picked a better matchup. The Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl loss, will be out for blood. Patrick Mahomes wants to remind everyone that he’s still the best in the world. Travis Kelce will be eager to prove he’s far from done. The defense? Still elite.
The Chargers, now led by Jim Harbaugh, are looking to take that next step. Justin Herbert needs to prove he’s not just talented, but capable of winning big games. A win here would do wonders for his legacy — and for Harbaugh, who’s out to show leaving Michigan was worth it.
This game will be fast, fierce, and competitive from the first snap. The crowd in São Paulo will bring the energy. Don’t expect a blowout — this one is going the distance.
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s international games are no longer just novelty acts — they’re marquee events with real playoff implications, breakout performances, and passionate fan bases around the world.
Whether you’re watching from the stands in São Paulo or streaming from your sofa in London, this year’s slate of games offers a little something for everyone. From high-stakes matchups to breakout QBs, this is international football at its finest.
