NFL Goes Global: Winners and Losers of the 2025 International Schedule

The National Football League (NFL) is expanding its global footprint in 2025 with an ambitious international schedule featuring games in five different countries outside the United States. This marks a historic moment for the league, showcasing its commitment to reaching fans worldwide. The confirmed locations include Brazil, England, Germany, Ireland, and Spain, with Ireland and Spain hosting their first-ever regular-season NFL games.

With the announcement of six of the seven international matchups, USA TODAY Sports has analyzed the schedule to determine the winners and losers of this global expansion.

Winners

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars are practically considered a home team in London at this point. Their consistent presence in London over the past 12 seasons has allowed them to cultivate a loyal fan base in England. The Jaguars face the Los Angeles Rams. While the Rams present a formidable opponent, the Jaguars’ familiarity with the London environment gives them a distinct advantage. The Rams will have to adjust to an eight-hour time difference, potentially impacting their performance.

New York Jets: Like the Jaguars, the Jets have recent experience playing in London, having played there last season. Their opponent, the Denver Broncos, haven’t played overseas since 2022. The Broncos also have new leadership. Sean Payton wasn’t their head coach. Bo Nix wasn’t their quarterback in 2022. The Jets could have the upper hand due to their recent experience.

Dublin and Madrid Fans: The NFL is bringing exciting matchups to Dublin and Madrid for the first time. The Dublin game features a clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams made the playoffs last season. The Madrid game showcases the Washington Commanders against the Miami Dolphins. The game features the speed of the Dolphins with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and DeVon Achane against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Losers

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings face the most challenging international schedule. They are the first team to play consecutive international games in different countries. The Vikings will play the Steelers in Dublin followed by the Browns in London. This unusual schedule forces the Vikings to play three consecutive games in three different countries. The team is already undergoing changes with a new quarterback. The daunting travel schedule could hinder the team’s development.

Los Angeles Rams: Playing the Jaguars in London puts the Rams at a disadvantage. The team will struggle with the time change. The eight-hour time difference between Los Angeles and England could impact their performance.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns face a disadvantage in their London matchup against the Vikings. The Vikings will already be acclimatized to the time difference. The Browns have to adjust mid-week, which puts them at a disadvantage.

The Matchups in Detail

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Rams (London): The Jaguars’ established fan base in London will provide a home-field advantage. The Rams, on the other hand, will need to quickly adjust to the time difference. The Jaguars have recent overseas experience. The Rams also have uncertainty at the quarterback position.

New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos (London): The Jets’ recent experience in London gives them an edge. The Broncos are under new leadership and will need to adapt to the international setting. The Jets’ defense could pose challenges for the Broncos’ new quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings (Dublin): This game promises to be a defensive battle. Both teams have strong defenses on paper. The Steelers have a more experienced quarterback in Russell Wilson, while the Vikings will be starting rookie J.J. McCarthy.

Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins (Madrid): This matchup features an explosive offense. The Commanders feature quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Dolphins have the speed of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and DeVon Achane.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns (London): The Vikings are playing their second consecutive game outside the United States. The Browns will be making their adjustment mid-week, which could put them at a disadvantage. The Vikings have experience adapting to the time difference.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Rumored, Brazil): This matchup has the potential to be a high-profile game. The Chargers and Chiefs have one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL. This game could create a buzz in Brazil.

Overall Impact

The 2025 NFL international schedule demonstrates the league’s commitment to global expansion. The games in Ireland and Spain will introduce NFL to new fan bases. The Jaguars and Jets are capitalizing on their international experience. The Vikings face challenges with a difficult travel schedule. The international schedule offers new opportunities and challenges for NFL teams. It gives fans from around the world the opportunity to see the best players.