The NFL season is in full swing and we’re all set for the biggest few weeks in the American football calendar – if you live in London, that is! The NFL London Games are back, with three matches across consecutive weekends to look forward to at Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
All teams across the divisions have played at least two matches and following the conclusion of NFL London, we’ll have a much clearer idea of who might be in contention to contest the Super Bowl in February.
The season so far
After winning the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs have started strongly, winning two of their opening three matches. They’ve won seven consecutive AFC West titles and they’re among the favourites to go all the way again this time.
One of their wins came against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who play twice at NFL London. They’ve suffered two defeats so far despite being the pre-season favourites to top the AFC South.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the campaign as outsiders to win the NFC South division as they adjust to life without the retired Tom Brady. They don’t seem to be missing the legendary quarterback too much, winning both of their games so far, although narrowly, with Baker Mayfield impressing since replacing Brady.
It’s not been plain sailing for the Cincinnati Bengals so far. They were well backed to do well this season but they’ve lost both of their matches. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphin and San Francisco 49ers are having fun, with both sides enjoying a 100% start to the season.
The Dolphins broke their franchise record on Monday as they achieved just the fourth ever 70-point game, destroying the Denver Broncos 70-20 thanks to a stunning performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
NFL London Games
The NFL returns to London this weekend with the first of three mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to during October. With American football rarely played on this side of the Atlantic, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sport in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages.
Ahead of the action, we’ve taken a closer look at the teams that will be strutting their stuff in the capital in the coming weeks.
Jacksonville Jaguars v Atlanta Falcons – Sunday 1st October, Wembley Stadium
The Jacksonville Jaguars are regulars in London, having appeared at every NFL London series since 2013. Their appearances have seen them develop a following on this side of the pond and their UK-based fans will be hoping they can turn their fortunes around.
Doug Pederson’s side were the favourites to top the AFC South ahead of the season but they’ve had a slow start, winning just one of their opening three games. They face the Atlanta Falcons who have won twice so far, despite being in a tough division alongside the New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons have played in London twice before, losing to the Detroit Lions in 2014 before beating the New York Jets on their return two years ago.
Buffalo Bills v Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday 8th October, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Jaguars, who are one of just four franchises to have never played in the Super Bowl, come up against the Buffalo Bills in their second NFL London contest. It’s a rematch of their 2015 meeting in London, which the Jaguars edged 34-31.
The Bills are the favourites to top a competitive AFC East this season ahead of the Jets, the imperious Dolphins and the New England Patriots. They got off to a rocky start but have bounced back in their last two games to thrash the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders.
They face the Dolphins in a tricky tie this weekend before meeting the Jaguars at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tennessee Titans v Baltimore Ravens – Sunday 15th October, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The final match of the 2023 NFL London Games sees the Tennessee Titans go toe-to-to with the Baltimore Ravens. The Titans are in AFC South alongside the Jaguars and after losing two games so far, they’ll be hoping their luck will change in London.
They’ve added DeAndre Hopkins to their roster this season and they’ll be looking for him to make a difference after they were humbled 27-3 by the Cleveland Browns at the weekend.
The Ravens have started strongly with two wins so far and they have quarterback Lamar Jackson to thank. The 26-year-old missed much of last season with a knee injury and despite fears he may leave, he put pen to paper on a bumper new contract earlier this year.
Jackson helped the Ravens to wins in their opening two games but they’re looking to bounce back after coming up short against the Indianapolis Colts at the weekend.
