NFL 2017 International Series

Kirill | 2017-07-04 |

Each year since 2007, the NFL has hosted regular season games outside of the US in a series that is known as the NFL International Series. The first match was held at Wembley Stadium in London on October 28, 2007. Since then, the NFL made it a tradition, as such events attract a lot of non-American viewers, thus raising the sport’s popularity outside the USA borders.

This year the NFL 2017 International Series will include 5 games, four of which held in London and one in Mexico City.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Baltimore Ravens are facing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. The game will be played on September 24.

The “Purple Birds” had many injuries last year, when heading into Season 2016 and during the regular games, their performance was below expected. Now they are healthy for 2017, they’ve made significant changes to their lineup for the past few seasons, and they are the clear favorites in this match.

The Jags, on the other hand, drafted one of the best rookie running backs, Leonard Fournette, and he’s got all eyes on him. Fournette was a college superstar and we are excited to see his NFL debut. The Jaguars are not the strongest NFL team according to their recent results, but their record in London is 2-2.

New Orleans Saints vs. Miami Dolphins

The New Orleans Saints will play against the Miami Dolphins in London as part of the NFL International Series in 2017. The game is scheduled for October 1, 2017. Miami has played in London three times – against the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants.

The Dolphins are a team on fire, having won most of their recent games of the NFL 2016 Season. The running back Jay Ajayi will probably be the key figure in their offense once again.

It will be the New Orleans Saints’ first visit to the city of London since a 2008 win over the San Diego Chargers. The Saints traded WR Brandin Cooks to the Patriots and this move could be a negative issue. On the other hand, they still have one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league -Drew Brees- who has thrown for more than 66,000 yards since the beginning of his career in 2001.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Arizona Cardinals will play against the Los Angeles Rams in London’s Twickenham Stadium as part of the NFL International Series this year on October 22, 2017. This is not the first time the Cardinals have visited England, as they played a pre-season game at Wembley Stadium against the Vikings.

Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer and his top wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, would most likely play their last match on European soil. When we add up their experience and the presence of players such as RB David Johnson and LB Chandler Jones, the Cardinals have high chances of winning this NFL 2017 International game.

Bookmakers seem to underestimate the LA Rams, having analyzed their recent statistics. In fact, with the huge roster upgrades the Cleveland Browns have made during the offseason and the reforms happening to the 49ers, the Rams are among the candidates for the NFL 2017 Season’s last place. Last time the Cardinals and the Rams met was in January and the result was a devastating 44-06.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns

The Minnesota Vikings are facing the Cleveland Browns in Twickenham Stadium in London on October 29. Both teams have a previous record in London, as part of the exhibition series called NFL American Bowl. The Vikings faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the year 1983 and the Cleveland Browns played against Philadelphia Eagles in 1989.

This game could be either very interesting, or absolutely boring. Both teams have changed a lot since last season. The Browns are making huge progress roster-wise while the Vikings have given up a lot of power, losing players like Adrian Peterson.

The Best NFL 2017 International Matchup: New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders will return to Estadio Azteca of Mexico City for the NFL 2017 International Series. They will play against the Super Bowl LII favorites, the New England Patriots, on November 19. This is definitely the most interesting match from this year’s NFL International Series.

The huge fanbase in Mexico would be the 12th player for the Raiders. They had an outstanding season last year, being among the top teams of the AFC West. But the loss of QB Derek Carr stopped their march to the Super Bowl.

Carr had his leg broken in the end of Season 2016. He is expected to return in time for the regular season games of 2017 and once again be a key figure for his team’s “raids”.

The New England Patriots are a team that doesn’t need much introduction. This is arguably the most popular franchise in the world. Led by the superstar quarterback Tom Brady and the genius head coach Bill Belichik, the Patriots will be looking to win their sixth overall and second-in-a-row Vince Lombardi trophy.

Whether you are a hardcore fan of a certain NFL player or team, an NFL fantasy gamer, NFL betting enthusiast, or a regular sports lover, the NFL 2017 International Series could give you the adrenaline rush and football experience you need.