Photo by Aron Van de Pol
The NFL has returned to London, bringing top-tier American football action to a passionate UK audience.
Over the years, these games have become more than just an annual spectacle—they’ve become a key part of the NFL calendar.
British fans have embraced the sport’s fast-paced, physical nature of the sport, filling iconic venues like Wembley and the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to witness the drama unfold on the field.
London games showcase the intensity and strategy that make American football unique, allowing fans to experience the excitement of the NFL up close and strengthen the sport’s growing presence in the UK.
So far this season, the NFL’s London games have not disappointed. One of the standout matches saw the Chicago Bears comfortably beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Caleb Williams threw four touchdowns as the Bears improved to 4-2, with their third straight win. For the Jaguars, who now sit at 1-5, it was another bitter defeat as they prepare for their next game against the New England Patriots at Wembley.
NFL London games often occur midseason, offering teams a chance to build momentum before the playoffs.
At the time of writing, week eight is approaching, and teams like the Chicago Bears are positioning themselves for a playoff push. The NFL’s international expansion continues with games in cities like São Paulo, but London remains the flagship destination for showcasing American football on a global stage.
Over the years, London has been home to some of the most unforgettable NFL moments. Here, we look at some of the most iconic matchups that have thrilled UK fans and solidified the NFL’s international ambitions.
NFL London’s first game: New York Giants vs Miami Dolphins (2007)
In October 2007, Wembley Stadium welcomed 81,000 fans for the first-ever NFL International Series game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins.
The Giants triumphed 13-10 in a hard-fought battle. Not only was this game historic for being the NFL’s debut in the UK, but it also laid the groundwork for the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning campaign later that season.
This clash marked the beginning of what would become a long-running tradition of NFL games in London.
New Orleans Saints 37-32 San Diego Chargers (2008)
Just over a year later, the NFL returned to town for a game in London, which remains one of the most exciting.
In 2008, two elite quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, put on a masterclass, combining for 680 passing yards and six touchdowns. – the Saints holding off a late Chargers surge to win 37-32 at Wembley.
The Lions’ comeback against the Falcons (2014)
Six years later, the Detroit Lions pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in NFL London history, shocking the American Football betting to a captivated crowd.
Trailing 21-0 at halftime to the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions looked out of the contest. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford led a remarkable second-half revival, throwing two touchdowns.
A late Matt Prater field goal completed the turnaround, giving Detroit a dramatic 22-21 victory in the final moments. It was a stunning comeback that electrified the London crowd and kept the Lions’ playoff hopes alive.
The Raiders vs Bears Showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (2019)
The state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted its first NFL game in 2019 – overseeing a thrilling encounter between the Chicago Bears and the Oakland Raiders.
The Bears recently traded for Raiders star Khalil Mack, whose presence added extra drama to the game.
After a strong third quarter from Chicago, where they turned three possessions into points, the Raiders responded. Running back Josh Jacobs scored a late touchdown, and a final interception by Gareon Conley sealed a 24-21 victory for Oakland.
