
Vikings to Make NFL History as London Series Begins
The NFL’s international roadshow is back in full swing, and this year it’s bigger than ever. Fresh off a groundbreaking weekend in Ireland, the league now heads across the Irish Sea for a record run of games in England. For the Minnesota Vikings, the spotlight burns a little brighter—they’re the first team in NFL history to play in two different foreign countries in the same season.
Last Sunday in Dublin, the Vikings narrowly fell short in a thriller against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, they’re preparing to face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the opening game of London’s three-week NFL festival. Alongside the hype of history being made, this game carries plenty of intrigue: star wideout Justin Jefferson going toe-to-toe with defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett, a battered Vikings offense trying to find rhythm, and a Browns quarterback room under intense scrutiny.
Vikings to Make NFL History in London

Shedeur Sanders talks to a team-mate on the sidelines during the Cleveland Browns’ defeat by the Cincinnati Bengals London
Minnesota’s short turnaround from Dublin to London is significant in more ways than one. The league’s decision to expand international fixtures into five countries this season—including Dublin, London, Munich, São Paulo, and Madrid—shows just how global the NFL has become. Seven games will be played overseas, three of them at Tottenham across consecutive Sundays.
For the Vikings, that means a unique milestone. They’re not just participants in the experiment—they’re trailblazers, the first to play in two different nations abroad within the same campaign. And for the fans in London, that adds an extra dose of history to an already marquee matchup.
The question, of course, is how they’ll respond. Minnesota reached the playoffs last season, but at 2-2 they’ve been inconsistent so far. With injuries decimating their offensive line, back-up quarterback Carson Wentz has been thrust into action for a third straight start in place of rookie starter JJ McCarthy. Against Garrett and one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in football, that’s a daunting task.
Browns Quarterback Drama and the Shadow of Sanders
Cleveland, meanwhile, arrive in London at 1-3, still trying to settle into the season under veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. His struggles in last week’s 34-10 loss at Detroit only intensified speculation about the Browns’ long-term plan under center.
That speculation only grows when you factor in the young names waiting in the wings. Rookie Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick, has already seen limited snaps. But it’s Shedeur Sanders—the fifth-round pick with a famous last name—who keeps generating headlines.
Originally tipped as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick, Sanders’ slide to the fifth round stunned analysts. Yet, the talent is undeniable, and his father—none other than Deion “Prime Time” Sanders—has been vocal about his son’s NFL future. Just last week, Shedeur told ESPN he believed he could outplay Cleveland’s current starter. A bold statement, but one that adds fire to the Browns’ quarterback debate.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has tried to play down the noise, stressing that the team’s issues go far beyond one position. Still, with London providing a massive stage, every snap Flacco takes will be scrutinized. Whether Sanders sees playing time or not, his shadow will loom large over Tottenham.
Broncos the Dark Horses in the London Mix

Bo Nix throws for a career-high 326 yards in Denver’s 28-3 win over Cincinnati
Week two of London’s slate brings another fascinating clash: the Denver Broncos against the struggling New York Jets. Denver are already being whispered about as potential Super Bowl dark horses, largely thanks to the rapid rise of quarterback Bo Nix.
Drafted sixth among quarterbacks last year, Nix wasted no time winning the starting role. His poise and decision-making have impressed head coach Sean Payton, and but for Jayden Daniels’ sensational season in Washington, Nix might have walked away with Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Now in year two, Nix is showing even more maturity. Monday’s 28-3 demolition of Cincinnati highlighted not just his arm talent, but Denver’s offensive balance—particularly the impact of new running back JK Dobbins. With Dobbins pounding the ground game and Nix spreading the ball, the Broncos look like a complete unit.
On defense, cornerback Patrick Surtain II continues to set the standard. Last season’s Defensive Player of the Year has become the backbone of Denver’s secondary, a key reason why the Broncos are suddenly seen as contenders.
The Jets, in contrast, are searching for answers. A winless start to the year has piled pressure on their new regime, despite the athletic promise of quarterback Justin Fields. London might offer a reset button—history has shown that teams can find momentum overseas—but against this Denver squad, it will be a tall order.
How Travis Hunter Could Become the NFL’s Next Superstar
The final London fixture, played under the famous Wembley arch, is shaping up to be a blockbuster. On October 19, two 3-1 teams meet: the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For the Rams, veteran quarterback Matt Stafford is proving he still has plenty left in the tank. Only Dak Prescott has thrown for more yards this season, while wideout Puka Nacua continues his breakout as the league’s leading receiver. Add in new signing Davante Adams, and Los Angeles suddenly boast one of the most dangerous aerial attacks in football.
But the spotlight might belong to Jacksonville’s rookie sensation, Travis Hunter. Drafted second overall after the Jaguars traded up, Hunter is one of the most intriguing players to enter the NFL in decades. A genuine two-way talent, he lines up both as a wide receiver and cornerback—echoing the legacy of his former college coach, Deion Sanders.
So far, Hunter has been used more on offense, recording 13 catches for 118 yards. But everyone knows a breakout is coming, and Wembley could be the perfect stage. With over 80,000 fans expected, Hunter has the chance to announce himself as not just a promising rookie, but as a potential superstar capable of reshaping the way modern football is played.
London Series Marks a New Era for the NFL
As the NFL returns to London, it’s clear this isn’t just an exhibition anymore—it’s a central part of the league’s global vision. For the Vikings, Browns, Broncos, Jets, Rams, and Jaguars, the games matter deeply for their playoff pushes. For fans in the UK, it’s a chance to witness history, from Minnesota’s milestone to Hunter’s emergence.
The beauty of the London series lies in its mix of spectacle and significance. These aren’t just sideshows—they’re games that will help decide playoff races, shape rookie narratives, and maybe even influence a Super Bowl contender’s path.
So when the Vikings take the field at Tottenham this Sunday, they’ll be doing more than chasing a win. They’ll be making history. And for a growing army of NFL fans in the UK and beyond, that’s exactly why the league keeps coming back.
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