The NFL has been hosting regular season games in London since 2007 as part of an effort to increase the league’s international presence and popularity. For the 2023 season, there will be a total of 5 games played in London. The participating teams are:
Game 1
The first London game will feature the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants playing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 8th.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 8-9 |
| New York Giants | 9-7-1 |
This matchup will pit Aaron Rodgers and the Packers against Saquon Barkley and the Giants. Both teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing seasons in 2022 and hope to get off to a fast start in London.
Game 2
On October 22nd, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the Denver Broncos and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 5-12 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 9-8 |
The Broncos are led by new quarterback Russell Wilson and will be looking to improve after finishing last in the AFC West last season. The Jaguars are an up-and-coming team led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Game 3
On October 29th, Wembley Stadium will host the first of two London games for the season. The matchup will feature the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 9-8 |
| Detroit Lions | 3-13-1 |
The Dolphins will bring their high-powered offense led by receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle across the pond. The Lions are looking to take a step forward under second-year coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff.
Game 4
On November 5th, Wembley Stadium will host the second London game of the season, featuring the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Commanders.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Tennessee Titans | 7-10 |
| Washington Commanders | 8-8-1 |
Derrick Henry and the Titans will look to get back to their winning ways after missing the playoffs last season. The Commanders, led by new quarterback Carson Wentz, are seeking their first winning season since 2016.
Game 5
The final London game will take place on November 19th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 13-4 |
| New Orleans Saints | 7-10 |
The Vikings are coming off an excellent 2022 season led by wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook. The Saints are entering a new era after the retirement of longtime quarterback Drew Brees and hope new quarterback Jameis Winston can lead them back to contention.
Why London?
The NFL has prioritized growing the game globally, and the London series is a major part of that initiative. London offers the league a massive media market, an iconic stadium setting, and enthusiastic overseas fans. While time zone logistics can be difficult, teams appreciate the chance to bond overseas and promote the sport. The league remains committed to the UK market and will likely maintain a London presence for the foreseeable future.
Benefits of London Games
- Grow NFL fanbase in UK/Europe
- Provide UK fans chance to see live regular season game
- Increase NFL brand visibility and revenues overseas
- Unique experience and team bonding opportunity for players
- Showcase iconic venues like Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur
Challenges of London Games
- Long travel and time zone changes for teams
- Loss of home game for participating teams
- Less comfortable gameday environment vs. home stadium
- Weather and field conditions not optimized for NFL play
- Shorter week of preparation after returning home
The Future of London NFL Games
The NFL remains committed to playing multiple games per season in London. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was specifically designed to accommodate NFL games and offers an improved experience over Wembley. The new stadium deal runs through 2028 and the league has expressed interest in extending London games past 2030.
There is also speculation that London could eventually host a full-time NFL franchise. The city certainly has the population, corporate sponsorship, and fan interest to potentially support a team. Scheduling would be a major hurdle, but a London franchise remains the NFL’s most viable overseas market long-term. Though logistically complex, the league will likely continue pushing to expand its London presence over the next decade.
Conclusion
The 2023 London series will feature 5 exciting matchups between high-profile NFL teams. The Packers, Giants, Broncos, Jaguars, Dolphins, Lions, Titans, Commanders, Vikings and Saints will all make the transatlantic trip. The London games offer tremendous growth opportunities for the NFL as it tries to broaden its global fanbase and revenues. While scheduling logistics remain challenging, the league remains committed to its presence in London for the foreseeable future, with an eye on potentially adding a permanent franchise.