The NFL’s international series has started with contrasting spectacles, as the second game in Rio de Janeiro set a viewership record that Sunday’s London clash between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders is unlikely to match. The Ravens edged the Cowboys in a dramatic finish in Brazil, drawing more than 30 million viewers and becoming the most-watched NFL international game ever on CBS, according to the network’s official report. That game followed a subdued opener in Melbourne where the 49ers routed the Rams.
The Colts-Commanders game at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faces a tougher road. Ticket sales lagged behind expectations, prompting the NFL to reduce prices ahead of the Sunday kickoff. Both teams entered the 2026 season slowly, and Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels is listed as questionable with an elbow injury. The matchup lacks the broader appeal of the earlier international games, which featured higher stakes and star power.
With the 49ers-Rams and Ravens-Cowboys games completed, the NFL has seven more international contests scheduled: six in Europe and one in Mexico. Among those upcoming games, the Week 11 showdown between the Vikings and 49ers in Mexico City draws the most attention. Both teams are undefeated at 3-0 and are considered early playoff contenders. The clash features Kyle Shanahan’s offense against Brian Flores’ defense, which has previously stifled San Francisco’s attack. Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ quarterback, is emerging as an MVP candidate, having taken no sacks in three games while averaging 9.5 yards per pass play.
The Week 5 London game between the Eagles and Jaguars also promises excitement. Jacksonville, coming off a strong 2025 season, has kept up with a 2-1 start. Their coach Liam Coen has built an efficient offense, while their defense has made key plays. Philadelphia’s early form has been uneven, with two close wins and a heavy loss to the Bears raising questions about their consistency. The game will feature dual-threat quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts, plus coaches Coen and Nick Sirianni, both known for offensive strategies. The two franchises last met in London in 2018, drawing a record crowd of 85,870 at Wembley Stadium.
Another London game in Week 6 between the Texans and Jaguars presents a different scenario. Houston is 0-3 so far, but last season they overcame a poor start to reach the playoffs. The Jaguars’ 2-1 record puts them ahead in the AFC South. The game will be played at Wembley but considered a home game for Jacksonville. If the Texans continue to struggle, this match could lose some of its appeal, but there is hope they improve before the trip overseas.
In Munich during Week 10, the Patriots will face the Lions. Both teams have shown inconsistencies early in the season. New Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has faced criticism, and the Lions have allowed 24 or more points in every game. Still, both sides have manageable schedules leading up to the matchup, and key players such as A.J. Brown for New England and Brian Branch for Detroit might return from injury. This game is officially a Lions home fixture, with German fans familiar with Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the Patriots have also played in Germany before and are part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area efforts there.
The Colts-Commanders game in London remains the immediate focus but comes amid uncertainty. The NFL’s international push has gained traction, especially with the record-breaking Brazilian game, yet not every matchup captures the same enthusiasm. The series continues with a mix of established stars and developing teams, each game adding its own story to the expanding global reach of American football.
According to Yahoo Sports.
