NFL returns to London: Preview of three weeks of American football in Britain

Britons have flocked to the Capital to see the superstars in action, with the nation's largest stadiums selling out year after year.

Enthusiasts of the sport can soak up the atmosphere before Kickoff with "NFL Gameday Experience" and enjoy a variety of American-style food and drinks, music and entertainment, merchandise, and the McCoys Quarterback Toss.

While Britons won't be able to watch many of the most famous names, such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, both new talent and veterans from the past will be coming to put on a show.

Some of the biggest stars will be greeted with a sea of jerseys and costumes as London fans have made it a UK tradition for fans to represent their favourite teams in the stadium and fan park, offering a unique experience.

Three of the NFL's top 10, voted for by the players, will take to the field: Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

A familiar face, Trevor Lawrence, will return to the UK for the fifth time in his career.

London is also set to see rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel make his first NFL start after making two appearances off the bench this season.

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After 18 years and 39 games, the NFL fatigue has not set in for us UK fans, with London no longer just an "emerging" market, but a staple in the sporting calendar.

GB News's Paul Coyte said: "The NFL in London has been a huge success, and obviously, I’m not being biased when I say how brilliant it is at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"Custom-made NFL dressing rooms and a pitch kept rolled up under the huge south stand as the football pitch is moved away.

"It truly feels as if you are on the other side of the Atlantic throughout the experience.

"The thousands of US visitors buy into it, as do the NFL supporting Britons, many of the older ones who first saw the game when it debuted back in 1982 on Channel 4 with my old DJ pal Nicky Horne.

"There’s no shortage of great games this year, with two at Spurs and one at Wembley over the next three weekends."

Having attended games at Twickenham, Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the chance to watch American football live is an experience like no other, even for those new to the sport.

Last season, the contest between the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars was played in front of over 86,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, according to Statista.

The Vikings will make history this weekend by becoming the first NFL team to play in two foreign countries in the same season, as they head to their London showdown against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the US.

This game will also be the 40th regular-season game to be played in the capital, marking a milestone moment in the relationship between American Football and the UK.

Speaking on the first match-up, GB News's Aidan Magee said: "The NFL could hardly have chosen a worse game to showcase the sport to a London audience.

"Of course, it will be a sellout, but excitement will be at a premium."

In the regular season, seven overseas matches are played across five countries, including Dublin, Ireland; London, U.K.; Berlin, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and São Paulo, Brazil.

The NFL launched the International Series in 2007, when the New York Giants faced off against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Giants won 13-10 en route to the franchise's third Super Bowl title.

It has continued as part of the league's long-term commitment to global expansion, driving year-round engagement in international markets.

The NFL executive vice president, Peter O'Reilly, said: "The 2025 NFL season will see seven regular season games played outside of the US - the most ever regular season international games to date, including historic first games in iconic venues in Berlin, Dublin and Madrid.

"The 2025 International Games schedule showcases an exciting selection of matchups featuring major NFL stars, bringing our game directly to fans around the world, and underscores our collective commitment to global growth as we continue our journey to becoming a truly global sport."

The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have attracted a British fan base through a multi-year commitment to playing games in the UK, will also be on show for the 14th time this year.

It is fair to say that the mood among UK NFL fans still remains high, and with the Super Bowl still months away, all teams still have their eyes on the iconic Lombardi Trophy.

With anticipation building, the only question remaining is which of the six teams will put on the best show for us Britons?

Cleveland Browns @ Minnesota Vikings – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London - 14:30pm Sunday, October 5

Opening the London 2025 series, two of the NFL's top 10 players will be on show: Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

Garrett, a dominant edge rusher known for breaking NFL and franchise records, including being the first player in league history to have four consecutive seasons with 14 or more sacks, consistently ranks among the top defensive players in the NFL.

Jefferson is often touted as one of the best in the league, due to his exceptional talent, competitive nature, and consistent high-level production since his 2020 rookie season, which includes numerous receiving yards, Pro Bowl selections, and All-Pro honours.

For the Vikings, linebacker Jonathan Greenard, widely recognised as one of the best linebackers in the league, should also be on your radar, along with Super Bowl winner for the Eagles back in 2018, Carson Wentz, who is tipped to step in as the Vikings quarterback for a third straight game in the absence of 22-year-old JJ McCarthy, still nursing an ankle injury.

Cornerback Denzel Ward and tight end David Njoku are two players for the browns to keep an eye on.

Before flying to London, the Browns said rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will make his first NFL start this Sunday, replacing Joe Flacco, who has had a difficult campaign so far.

Minnesota reached last season's playoffs and comes into the match-up with a 2-2 record, while Cleveland is 1-3 after a heavy defeat at Detroit.

Both Aidan Magee and Paul Coyte back the Vikings to beat the browns on Sunday.

Aidan said: "Both teams are on their second choice quarterbacks, having failed to trouble the scoreboard for much of the season.

"The Vikings have had a week longer to get over the time difference following last Sunday’s defeat in Dublin. I pick them to edge a dour defensive affair."

Paul added: "The Minnesota Vikings became the first team to play in three countries in a season after being in Dublin last week, taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"They lost last week to the Steelers, and I think they’ll win in London against the Cleveland Browns."

Denver Broncos @ New York Jets – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London - 14:30pm Sunday, October 12

Another of the league's top 10, Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II, will then take central stage in the capital.

Being voted the league's Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time Pro Bowler, expect Surtain to break up any passes thrown his way.

On offence with Denver, Bo Nix, a second-year quarterback, has had his critics highlighting his poor start to the 2025 season, despite an impressive rookie season last year.

Nix set a franchise rookie record with 29 passing touchdowns last year, with coach Sean Payton publicly backing the youngster.

Travelling across the Atlantic, the Jets are looking to change their narrative as they are one of three teams yet to win a game.

The New York side has struggled in past seasons, but it does have a few prospects who could be vital in securing a much-needed win.

Sauce Gardner, considered one of the league's top cornerbacks, Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle, and quarterback back Justin Fields might just turn the Jets fortunes.

Denver comes into the game 2-2, while the struggling Jets are 0-4.

Paul predicted: "It’s the turn of the Broncos and Jets with one of the NFL’s top 10 players, Patrick Surtain II, in action (his dad played for Miami and Kansas), so I’ll pick the Denver Broncos."

Los Angeles Rams @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Wembley Stadium, London - 14:30pm Sunday, October 19

The 2022 Super Bowl winners, the Los Angeles Rams and London regulars, the Jacksonville Jaguars, are perhaps the most exciting teams for Britons to watch this year.

The Rams have retained many of their star players from their Super Bowl-winning campaign, including their quarterback.

LA's veteran quarterback Matt Stafford has thrown for the second-most passing yards this season (1,114), with weapons Davante Adams and Puka Nacua helping lead the offence.

Puka Nacua leads the NFL's receivers in yards, and Davante Adams has looked hot since joining from the Jets.

The Jacksonville Jaguars took Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the draft last year, who is known to play both offence and defence.

The NFL has not seen a genuine two-way player since the 1990s, but he has yet to have a breakout performance.

Jacksonville's stacked roster includes quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr., wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., defensive lineman Josh Allen, and linebackers Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd.

Both teams are 3-1, looking to add to their positive records and become one step closer to securing a playoff spot.

Speaking on the final game played in London, Paul said: "Sorry to be a cop out, but it’s too early for me to call that one! If you can’t be there, I’ll meet you at the tailgate party!"